The City of Rio Grande has been awarded a grant to establish a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  This program was created after the September 11 tragedies and is administered by the Texas Citizen Corps.

In the event of a catastrophe in Rio Grande City, community CERT volunteers are vital components of the City’s Emergency Management Plan (EMP).  Professional emergency responders may not be able to reach all areas of the City or all injured victims at once.  CERT volunteers will provide critical support to the City’s first responders, helping to protect the lives of the City’s residents.  Volunteers are trained through the CERT program how to provide this needed assistance without putting themselves in danger.  CERT Team Members can definitely make a positive difference in their community.

Periodically, the City of Rio Grande offers a series of courses to prepare CERT volunteers free of charge.  CERT allows you to serve Rio Grande City in a way that will not put you in danger but will help save others if a disaster should occur.  Topics usually include:

• Disaster Preparedness

• Fire Suppression

• Disaster Medical Operations

• Light Search and Rescue

• Team Organization and Disaster Psychology

• Terrorism and CERT

• Course Review and a Disaster Simulation

For more information on becoming a CERT member, please contact the Rio Grande City Fire Department at 956/487-5312.

Links

• American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Texas DPS:  Governor's Division of Emergency Management
• United Blood Services
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• WNG-601 (NOAA Weather Radio)

Contact

Rio Grande City CERT Program

910 E. Main Street

Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

Off:  956/487-5312

Fax:  956/488-1117

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