Divisions
Homeland Security
Community and Citizen Preparedness
Citizen Corps Program
Citizen Corps is FEMA’s grassroots strategy to bring together government and community leaders to involve citizens in all-hazards emergency preparedness and resilience. The goal is to have all citizens participate in making their communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for preventing and handling threats of terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds. The Citizen Corps Program benefits first responders by creating well trained, better informed, and better prepared citizens to take care of themselves and others during times of crisis - allowing first responders to address the most critical needs.
There are five different Citizen Corp Programs which include Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), USAonWatch-Neighborhood Watch, and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). Information about each program can be found by clicking on the link below.
Through Homeland Security Grant Program funds, the CAPCOG Region has funded a position to coordinate the Citizen Corps Programs located in the ten county Region as well as identify activities for citizen preparedness. Linda Haynie, City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, is the Regional Citizen Corps Coordinator and can be reached at (512) 974-0471 or Linda.Haynie@ci.austin.tx.us. If you are interested in learning more or becoming involved in a local program, please contact Linda or one of the Citizen Corps programs listed on the link below.
Citizen Preparedness
During a disaster, citizens must be prepared to survive on their own for at least three days. Be Ready for an emergency by making a disaster kit, creating a family plan, and staying informed. Information can be obtained from:
Upcoming Events
National Preparedness Month 2010
September is National Preparedness Month! This awareness month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. NPM is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.
For more information and to register to become a National Preparedness Month Coalition member please visit:
http://www.ready.gov/america/npm10/index.html
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management CERT Volunteer Training Fall 2010
This required core training covers the basics of the program, the hazards we face and your role as a CERT volunteer. For more information and a class schedule, please click on the following link:
http://www.austinhsem.com/clients/2333/334095.pdf
HSEM CERT class is full, but if you would like to be placed on a wait list, please contact Linda Haynie, Regional Citizen Corps Coordinator, at (512) 974-0471.
2nd Annual Public Safety Open House
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM)
Join us for a tour of the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center, see the 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch center and more!
For additional information and to download the flyer, please click on the following link:
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