CERTified Safe: Empowering Community Associations with Dr. Jesse P. Spearo

Can ordinary citizens become heroes during a disaster? Discover how Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) help everyday people play essential roles in emergency situations. Join Take It To The Board host Donna DiMaggio Berger and guest Dr. Jesse P. Spearo, the Emergency Management Administrator for Miami-Dade County, as they share insights into how CERT volunteers provide critical support, from coordinating community events to distributing supplies during major incidents.

Donna and Dr. Spearo delve into the activation and organization of CERTs through Emergency Operations Centers, illustrating how trained volunteers are mobilized to support first responders and assist community residents until first responders can arrive on the scene. They discuss their crucial duties, including distributing food and water, conducting damage assessments, taking preliminary life safety measures with the injured and handling specific regional hazards like hurricanes, flooding, and heat emergencies. Listen to compelling stories of how CERTs have made significant impacts, including the success of Teen CERT initiatives and the integration of these programs into school curriculums.

In their conversation, they explore the structure and operations of CERT teams, highlighting the Incident Command System (ICS), leadership roles, and the importance of continuous training. They also touch on the legal protections and medical coverage provided to volunteers under the Good Samaritan Law. Wrapping up, Dr. Spearo shares his journey into emergency management and offers practical advice on supporting emergency efforts. Tune in to learn about future trends in the field and how you can get involved in making your community more resilient.

Conversation Highlights Include:

• Types of emergencies or disasters CERTs typically respond to
• Volunteer training and costs 
• Key roles within a CERT team
• How CERT members are deployed during an emergency
• Communication channels used by CERT members
• How CERTs integrate with professional emergency services
• CERT members and liability in Miami-Dade
• CERT equipment
• Steps for a condominium or HOA interested in setting up a CERT

Related Links:

• Podcast: Surviving the Storm: A Journey Through Hurricane Ian and Beyond with Joseph E. Adams, Becker & Poliakoff
• Podcast: Keeping Cool With Jane Gilbert, Chief Heat Officer, Miami-Dade County
• Resources: CERT Training Information