CERT Kit

A stocked CERT kit is important to every volunteer in case they are activated. Volunteers receive a basic CERT kit upon completion of training.  Here are other items to place in your kit, or to take should you be activated.

• Cert Vest and Helmet
• CERT ID; CERT shirt, hat and other ID
• Cert forms/handbook – a waterproof one is the best option
• Headlamps for helmet
• A safety light for back of helmet (a bike light works great)
• Cell phone &/or pager with contact numbers
• Wear sturdy shoes and long pants- preferably ones that can withstand the debris
• Change of clothes and an extra pair of socks
• Water and personal snacks – a backpack hydration system is a great option.
• Money, including a small amount of change
• Mosquito repellent with DEET
• Sunscreen – preferably 30 SPF or greater
• Hand sanitizer
• Medicines prescribed to you:
• Diabetics: insulin and supplies, snacks, hard candies, etc. as you may be doing physical work beyond your everyday activities.
• Asthmatics: Bring your 'Rescue Inhaler/MDI'
• Allergies: There may be a lot of dust and debris, so if you have allergies, take your allergy medication before you head out.
• All other medical conditions: Please take your medicine before you leave home or bring it with you in its labeled container.
• Tylenol or Ibuprofen is also nice to have
• Map
• Pen, Markers & Paper- all-weather paper is nice to have
• Safety Glasses- have a back-up set if possible
• Work Gloves- 2 pairs preferred
• Leatherman tool – multipurpose tool with a knife, preferably one that has a knife you can operate one-handed
• Ear plugs (have extras whenever possible)
• Flashlights
• Lumbar crayon/SAR Marker
• Whistle with a d-ring or a hook to the vest
• Blanket(s)
• Plastic bags – for trash and biohazards
• Caution/hazards tape
• “On Duty” 4 in 1 gas and water shut-off, digger, and pry bar
• Rope
• Shovel- a fold-up or multi-purpose shovel is a better option
• Duct tape
• Waterproof matches
• Triage tags
• Basic first aid kit including: Tongue Depressors, band-aids, triangular bandages, gauze rolls and squares (both sterile and unsterile), mylar blanket, gloves, various rolls of tape, safety pins, personal protective equipment (PPE)

Recommended/Nice to have equipment

• A backup gear bag that is easy to carry essential equipment
• Rain gear
• Reflective traffic control gloves
• Emergency radio/ weather hazards radio- battery operated
• All Members Ham Radio
• Generator
• GPS
• Light sticks- various colors
• Shaker or windup flashlight and radio
• Iodine or alternative way to clean water
• Tarp(s)
• Cribbing
• 4 foot pinch Bars
• Bolt Cutters
• Team tool kit
• Hand or hack saw
• Chain Saws
• Saws all
• Pry bars (short &/or long)
• SAR full kits
• Advanced Medical Kits
• AED
• Evac Roll Stretchers
• Fire Extinguishers
• Carbon Monoxide Alarms
• Cots
• Coolers

Extra Medical Equipment (a basic kit is fine unless you have additional training)

• Band-Aids with cleaner for wounds and scrapes and a topical anti-bacterial cream
• Bandage scissors (trauma-shears)
• Gauze pads (4X4, 3X3, 2X2) sterile
• Splints-can be made from cardboard boxes
• Rolled gauze and bandages (sterile and non-sterile)
• Abdominal pads
• Rolls of ace bandages or athletic wraps
• Triangular brace bandages
• Gloves- latex and non-latex
• Alcohol wipes and hand wipes
• Various rolls of tape
• Thermal (mylar) blanket
• CPR masks
• Safety pins
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Hot & Cold packs