|
The City of Hamilton is dedicated to ensuring that our community is prepared for and has the ability to respond and recover from an emergency. That is why the City of Hamilton has asked St. John Ambulance to partner with us in CERV, as they have been a valued added service for over 90 years in Hamilton.
Then Mayor Robert Wade launched this program on May 9th 2003 and now the City of Hamilton Emergency Management Department and St. John Ambulance call upon the community to volunteer for this unique opportunity.
Pictured from left to right: Deputy Police Chief Tom Marlor, Chairperson of the Board of St. John Ambulance John Reid, then Mayor Robert Wade, Provincial Minister Responsible for Citizenship and Volunteers Carl Defaria and Former City of Hamilton Emergency Management Coordinator William (Bill) Pasel.
Made in Ontario
The Community Emergency Response Volunteers (CERV) Ontario program is a $1 million province-wide network of neighbourhood-based, multi-functional teams of volunteers trained in basic emergency management principles and skills.
Objectives
-
This volunteer program will reinforce the overall government direction to continually improve emergency management practices in the province and effectively and cost effectively help enhance emergency management at the grassroots level
-
The program is modeled after the Community Emergency Response Teams program operated by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
History
Although September 11 was a catalyst, the need for the CERV Ontario program has its roots in much earlier concerns about emergency preparedness and the need to provide basic training to anyone who may be faced with an emergency situation.
1985: Los Angeles sends representatives to see how Japan prepares residents to deal with the ongoing threat of earthquakes; and a major earthquake hits Mexico City. Among the thousands killed are more than 100 untrained volunteer rescue workers.
1998: ice storm hits Eastern Ontario. Ontario residents rally to help each other in times of crisis. Key concerns are raised regarding lack of training for volunteers and the challenge to best co-ordinate their efforts.
September 11, 2001: new threats inspire the general public to become more aware and better prepared to deal with emergency situations.
October 2001: the Ontario government announces $1 million in annual funding to establish volunteer community emergency response teams.
September 10, 2002: Community Emergency Response Volunteers Ontario (CERV) program is launched.
CERVOverview
Volunteer Information
A focus on retirees is a strong element of the CERV Ontario program:
-
firefighters and paramedics) will be targeted for recruitment to take leadership roles;
-
other retirees will also be targeted for recruitment, especially those with appropriate skills and experience;
-
different team roles would require different levels of fitness and knowledge, but there is a place for almost anyone on any team
“Whether you are a retired or not this program is open to everybody in the community.”
CERV Code of Conduct Form
Training
Training in all relevant skills will be provided.
Resource materials will be available on the ministry's Web site and local emergency management coordinators will help develop training and materials that address local hazards and risks.
Follow-up information sessions and exercises would be conducted to ensure that volunteers maintain interest and appropriate skill levels.
How to Volunteer
For more details see the CERV Hamilton Website at:
http://www.cervassociation.com/index-ours.htm |