Submitted by: Sean Corcoran
Submitting Department: City Clerk
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
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FY22 Budget Initiative: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
FOR DISCUSSION:
I move that the Mayor and Council include $20,000 in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) budget to establish a Community Emergency Response Team.
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Summary Background:
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a team of volunteers who are organized and educated on disaster preparedness and trained in basic response skills. CERT teams, under the direction of local emergency responders, help provide critical support that can be relied upon during emergency situations. The CERT team augments a community’s capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. In addition to supporting first responders, CERT teams also help the community year-round by helping build emergency plans, conducting exercises with community partners and coordinating safety education. CERT teams can also support the City with food distribution programs and other community outreach needs.
Recommend an evaluation to determine the feasibility of establishing the Team as a Hyattsville program or in partnership with surrounding municipalities.
Next Steps:
Evaluate the requirements and establish program guidelines.
Fiscal Impact:
$20,000 in FY22 to establish and implement the program.
City Administrator Comments:
For discussion.
Community Engagement:
Upon program establishment, a communications strategy will be developed to recruit members and educate residents on the team and its functions.
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A