Campus Emergency Response Team

Program Overview

The Harvey Mudd College – Campus Emergency Response Team, HMC CERT, was developed out of a need to have a well-trained volunteer emergency work force to assist the college during a disaster or other emergency on campus. HMC CERT is modeled after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Team.

When emergencies happen HMC CERT members may be counted on to provide critical support to the HMC community and first responders such as the Incident Management Team and Campus Safety. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, needs may be greater than professional emergency services personnel can provide. In these instances, HMC CERT becomes a vital link in the emergency service chain.

After completing training, team members may assist with Damage Assessment, Light Search and Rescue, First Aid, or the Incident Management Team. These teams meet regularly to practice their skills and refresh their knowledge. Joining a team is not mandatory but will be greatly appreciated by all.

HMC CERT

Damage Assessment

These team members may be comprised of facilities & maintenance staff. Additional training for this team includes damage assessment, spill response, advanced PPE and safety, and other training specific to the duties. Team members meet regularly to discuss emergency procedures and review action plans with additional training conducted throughout the year. Team duties during an emergency may include:

  • Initial damage assessment of facilities and buildings
  • Turning on/off utilities
  • Repair and recovery of building heating an cooling systems
  • Spill response
  • Debris clean up

Light Search and Rescue

This team is comprised of trained volunteers who may search buildings and assist victims who are unable to evacuate on their own. Additional training these team members may include CPR/AED and first aid, damage assessment and light search and rescue skills. Duties of the SAR during an emergency may include:

  • Damage assessment
  • Building search
  • Victim assistance
  • First Responder Medical treatment

First Aid

The HMC First Aid Team may assist those in need of first aid  treatment during an emergency in the event local emergency personnel are delayed. Additional training for this team include CPR/AED and first aid, and other workshops and sessions appropriate for duties of this team. Duties of the First Aid team during an emergency may include:

  • Conduct and record initial first aid assessments
  • Administer first aid
  • Conduct rapid assessment (triage)
  • Set up and manage treatment area(s)
  • Maintain records of treatment

Incident Management Team

The Incident Management Team is the lead emergency response team for Harvey Mudd College. This team uses the Incident Command System and assigns Command and Section Leaders to lead the campus emergency response effort. These members work together to gather incident information, create emergency actions plans and respond to incidents. HMC CERT groups and members work under the direction of the IMT. Training for this group may include: Incident Command System (ICS) and the California Standardized Emergency Management System and National Incident Management System (SEMS/NIMS) courses, periodic exercises and other training as appropriate. Duties of IMT during an emergency may include:

  • Activation of the Emergency Operations Center
  • Notification and activation of response team members
  • Deployment of HMC CERT response teams and other response groups
  • Verification and release of incident information
  • Update HMC community regarding emergency or incident
  • Activation of Emergency Plans (e.g. Shelter-in-Place, Evacuate)
  • Coordination of additional resources needed for incident