NEBRASKA CITIZEN CORPS
The Nebraska Citizen Corps engages local partners, first responders, emergency management personnel, public health departments and the general public to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds. Nebraska Citizen Corps consist of four main programs:
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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responder can rely on during disaster situations.
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Fire Corps
The Fire Corps program works to help fire/EMS departments enhance their services by engaging with community members to assist with non-emergency tasks. Whether they are conducting fire prevention and life safety education, installing smoke alarms, writing grants, managing a department's social media, or a myriad of other activities, community volunteers can make a real difference.
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Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The MRC program organizes and utilizes local volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and to support ongoing preparedness initiatives. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds who want to improve the health and safety of their communities.
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Neighborhood Watch
The Neighborhood Watch program encourage citizens to join in community crime prevention efforts. Citizens worked to make their own home less of an inviting target for burglars, and in conjunction with their neighbors and law enforcement work to reduce the likelihood of crime in their neighborhoods.
Each of these programs help first responder and emergency management departments increase their capacity allowing them to focus on more complex tasks during disaster events. Through education, training, and volunteer service, Citizen Corps strengthen the collaboration between government and community leaders and promotes the cultural of preparedness.
For more information, contact State Citizen Corps Coordinator Josh Yox josh.yox@nebraska.gov
