Covenant of Courage CERT Program Policy Outline

🛡️ Covenant of Courage CERT Program Policy Outline

Version 1.0 – July 2025(Based on FEMA’s CERT Liability Guide and national best practices)

1️⃣ Program Purpose

The Covenant of Courage CERT Program exists to:

• Train and equip veterans, youth, and volunteers for emergency preparedness.

• Support local emergency responders during disasters through structured community service.

• Foster community resilience through education, leadership, and hazard mitigation.

2️⃣ CERT Volunteer Scope of Duties

CERT volunteers may assist with:

• Basic disaster response (fire suppression, light search & rescue, medical triage)

• Community outreach and preparedness events

• Emergency logistics (crowd/traffic control, supply distribution)

• Shelter operations and communications support

• Teen CERT mentorship and leadership training

Volunteers must always operate within the scope of their training.

3️⃣ Volunteer Status & Protections

✅ Covered Volunteers

• Must be registered with Covenant of Courage CERT

• Must complete CERT Basic Training or Teen CERT certification

• Must operate under direction of Covenant of Courage staff or local authorities

🚫 Not Covered

• Spontaneous/self-deployed volunteers not registered with the program

• Individuals operating outside their training or in violation of protocol

4️⃣ Legal Protections

• Good Samaritan Laws: Apply when volunteers act in good faith to provide emergency assistance.

• Volunteer Protection Act (1997): Applies to CERT volunteers acting under Covenant of Courage (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), offering civil liability immunity for actions within scope of duty.

• State and Local Tort Protections: Additional protections may apply based on California law and local emergency management partnerships.

⚠️ Note: These protections do not cover gross negligence, willful misconduct, or criminal behavior.

5️⃣ CERT Activation Protocol

• All CERT deployments must be authorized by Covenant of Courage or partnering emergency management agency.

• Volunteers report to the designated staging area with gear and documentation forms.

• No CERT volunteer may operate alone—team structure (minimum 2–3) is mandatory.

6️⃣ Safety, Documentation & ICS Compliance

• Follow Incident Command System (ICS) structure during deployment.

• All volunteers must complete incident forms, damage assessments, and status updates.

• Safety is the top priority—no volunteer shall undertake a task unless it is safe and within their training level.

7️⃣ Training & Records

• All volunteers must complete:

  • CERT Basic or Teen CERT training

  • Refresher training every 2 years

  • Optional advanced modules (HAM radio, shelter ops, first aid)

• Covenant of Courage maintains active training and deployment records to support liability protection and FEMA compliance.

8️⃣ Risk Management and Liability Waivers

• Volunteers must sign a CERT Participation & Liability Waiver before activation.

• A Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually.

• Covenant of Courage carries organizational insurance to protect staff and volunteers under authorized deployments.

9️⃣ Program Contacts

CERT Program Manager:📧 info@covenantofcourage.com📞 323-471-7279