A well functioning and prepared neighborhood CERT includes volunteers with a variety of skills and roles, drawn from across the entire Varsity Park neighborhood of some 600 families. Some people are trained according to a FEMA-devised curriculum in a local CERT academy, others have amateur radio licenses, first aid training, serve as block volunteers, use FRS/GMRS radios or help with outreach and communication.
We have organized our preparation and response in our neighborhood across 4 "quadrants" or "sectors": North East (NE), North West (NW), South East (SE) and South West (SW) as shown on the Varsity Park map. There are roughly 150 families across about 6 blocks in each quadrant. Our data base and email lists of 240 members includes about 100 people who previously suggested they could volunteer for some role.
We are looking to grow our cadre of CERT volunteers to increase our ability to respond effectively in time of need. As we emerge from the COVID "cocoon", we need to refresh and re-energize our community.
CERT trained volunteers - Have attended a local CERT academy, with 5 evening classes and an afternoon field day to practice skills such as CERT organization, damage assessment, fire suppression, search and rescue, communication, and first aid. As COVID is abating, CERT academies have resumed. The next MV CERT academy starts on September 21, 2023
Amateur Radio Operators - Work at the command post and communicate between our teams and the central Mountain View Emergency Operations Center (EOC). They have passed an appropriate level of radio operator certification.
Block Volunteers - One or two people on each block who know their neighbors, help with the distribution of information and communicate with VarsityParkCERT command post. See BlockVolunteers page for more details.
Radio Users - These people have FRS or GMRS radios, usually handheld walkie-talkies. As roving teams or block volunteers, they can communicate situation to the Command Post. They practice on the first Tuesday each month , on FRS channel 3. See RadioUsers page for more details.
Outreach - People who manage our website, create emails, distribute messages and flyers.
See the Committee page for details on the Board and Officers
Opportunities: Please contact VPC-officers for more information and to volunteer.