CERT graduates of August 2005


What is a Citizen Corps?  
     Citizen Corps is a network of community volunteers who respond to emergencies to make our county safer and stronger.  As a component of the USA Freedom Corps established  by Congress, Citizen Corps creates opportunities for citizens to prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies in our neighborhoods.  The goal of Citizen Corps is to provide public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service.   Citizens who are better prepared to take care of themselves and others in times of crisis will enhance preparedness and response.

Local Citizen Corps Councils help coordinate Citizen Corps programs, develop community action plans,  assess possible threats and identify local resources.      
                                                                                                                   

Why was a Citizen Corps of Washington County formed?
Citizen Corps of Washington County involves citizen volunteers, their skills, help, offers of supplies and storage in response to emergencies and disaster.  YOU are invited to join Citizen Corps of Washington County by registering on this website.  As specific programs are offered, Citizen Corps members will be invited to participate in training, exercises and response planning. 

Citizen Corps of Washington County is sponsored and supported by VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)of Washington County.  VOAD is an affiliation of independent voluntary agencies and groups who provide preparedness, response and recovery support for emergencies and disaster.

                                                                                                                                                
What can I do as a Citizen Corps Volunteer?
As a volunteer, you can join organizations like Neighborhood Watch (NW), Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and at the regional level, Medical Reserve Corps  to build a safer community. 


CERT members receive fire extinguisher training from
 West Bend Fire Chief, Jim Vest at Station One in West Bend.

You can also join the Citizen Corps database to offer your talents and/or equipment that can be activated in the event of a disaster.  As a member of this database,  you may be called to action to help respond to local emergencies like tornados, chemical spills, floods, severe weather, crime, or even the rare event like an earthquake. 

Or, you could join together with nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, and The Salvation Army to be trained to specifically respond to their needs in the event of an emergency.  For example, you could become a trained D.A.T.  (Disaster Action Team) Member through the American Red Cross, or learn to work the canteen for the The Salvation Army to feed emergency crews and victims of disasters.

In an emergency, you may be called to action!  Citizen Corps of Washington County will offer continuing education opportunities to increase your skills and awareness of both natural and man-made (terrorism) threats.
    
How do I get involved?
 You can join Citizen Corps by filling out the application this web site (click below)! We welcome your interest and your help!  If you have questions please contact the Volunteer Center of Washington County at 262-338-8256.  If you have need for emergency services, please call the Office of Emergency Management at 262-335-4399.