Preparing for Campus Emergencies
SDSU recently created its first campus emergency response team to respond in times of disasters or major incidents.
The Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a training program used by colleges and universities throughout the nation to prepare members of campus communities to respond during times of disaster or major incidents. San Diego State University recently created its first campus emergency response team and certified 19 members from the campus community through a training held Aug. 16-18.“The Campus Emergency Response Team gives SDSU additional critical resources in the event of a major incident impacting the campus.”
The training included 24 hours of disaster response training, covering a variety of topics including CERT organization, disaster medical response, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and triage and treatment of victims. CERT members were also trained on the emergency operations structure of the campus and where they fit into the overall campus emergency response plan. SDSU CERT members represent a wide variety of campus departments including the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, the SDSU Bookstore, Viejas Arena, Facilities Services and the Office of the Registrar.
"The Campus Emergency Response Team gives SDSU additional critical resources in the event of a major incident impacting the campus,” SDSU Director of Emergency Services Lamine Secka said. "We now have almost 20 additional responders that can help the campus respond and recover more quickly. Ultimately it's my hope that our response team grows to about 80 Aztecs who are interested and dedicated to helping SDSU through whatever incidents we may face."
SDSU CERT is comprised of volunteer safety coordinators who will be available to respond to campus emergencies as needed. They are included in the campus emergency operations plan and can be called out for incidents ranging from large, pre-planned events, to power outages, earthquakes and police incidents. CERT members will also soon be visible at campus events such as student move-in and Explore SDSU providing information about disaster preparedness.
This most recent training was conducted by current and retired firefighters from around San Diego County who have been involved in CERT training for years.
Future CERT trainings will be scheduled, and all members of the SDSU campus community are encouraged to apply and participate. For more information about CERT and upcoming trainings, contact Secka at [email protected] or 619-594-7903.
