The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed
and implemented by the City of Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985.
They recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during
the early stages of a catastrophic disaster. Accordingly, LAFD decided
that some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would
improve the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other
assistance could arrive. The training program LAFD initiated proved to be so beneficial that
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) felt the concept and
the program should be made available to communities nationwide. The
goal of the training continues to be preparing people to help people.
Seeing the value of CERT, FEMA is committed to supporting the training
of local CERT teams across the nation. If available, emergency service personnel are the best trained and
equipped to handle emergencies and should be used. However, following
a catastrophic disaster, like the tornados this last May, the community
may be on its own for a period of time because of the size of the area
affected, lost communications, and impassable roads. CERT training is designed to prepare members of the community, their
families, and neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because
emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately,
members of the community can make a difference by using CERT training
to save lives and protect property, doing the greatest good for the
greatest number after a disaster. As of 1993, more than 8,000 people and 225 teams have been trained
in the United States. Here in Southwest Missouri, members of the Springfield
Fire Department, who are also CERT instructors, are held their first
CERT training class September 30th, October 1st, and October 2nd, 2003.
Fire Station Open House
October 4, 2008
Fire Prevention Week
October 5-11, 2008
For emergency services, dial 911
Emergency fire and rescue services are available to anyone in Springfield
and Greene County by calling 911.
This enhanced service provides the Springfield Fire Department
and other agencies with a computerized listing of the
name, location and address of the caller.
Defibrillators newest life-saving device
Defibrillators
are the latest piece of medical equipment added to emergency vehicles
in the Springfield Fire Department.
The devices are used by first responders to restore a heart beat in
victims who have experienced complete heart stoppage.
Prevention, education priorities for safer city
The best way to fight a fire is to prevent one from ever happening.
Fire prevention is an important part of the Springfield Fire Department,
including working with children.
The Fire Prevention Division
is available to work with any organization to promote fire safety.
The Springfield Fire Department is particularly committed to teach
fire safety to young children. Our effort to promote fire safety
is evidenced by the elementary school fire safety curriculum. This
program is expanding into additional schools each year. The Fire
Safety House provides fire education for young and old alike. Tours
and speakers are available.
Please call 864-1500 during business hours 8 am to 5 pm Monday -Friday
or leave a message at 864-1515.
No burning allowed in Springfield
Outdoor trash burning
is not permitted in Springfield, nor are most other kinds of burning.
Permits are available on a limited basis for certain kinds of burning.
Fireworks are prohibited in the City limits; permits are available
for organized displays.
Please call 864-1500 during business hours 8 am to 5 pm Monday -Friday
or leave a message at 864-1515. | 
