CERT Quarterly Newsletter

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Serve DC Headquarters

2235 Shannon Place SE

Suite 3040 Washington, DC 20020

(202) 727-7925 communityaffairs.dc.gov/servedc

Instagram: @ServeDC Twitter: @ServeDC

CERT Quarterly Newsletter


Budget

Want to share your priorities with Mayor Bowser as she prepares her FY24 budget? Join the Bowser Administration at this Saturday's Budget Engagement Forum! RSVP HERE


CERT

Resolve to be Ready

Resolve to be ready: 

Make an emergency plan: choose a safe place to meet, learn evacuation routes, and establish an out-of-town contact. 

Take a current photo of you and your pet together in case you get separated during a disaster. 

Get to know your neighbor and invite them to be a part of your emergency plan. 

Snap photos of important documents and save them in a secure place or online. 

Set up group text lists so you can communicate with friends and family during emergencies. 

Take a class in CPR and first aid. Take CERT! 

Sign up for alerts and warnings HERE. Download the FEMA app to get real-time alerts, safety tips, and locate open shelters. 


beReady

#BeInformed | #BeReady

Check for advisories, watches and warnings. A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet that will cause inconveniences and can be hazardous if you’re not cautious. A Winter Storm Watch is an alert to the possibility of a blizzard or snow, freezing rain, or sleet that could be heavy, and it’s issued 12 to 48 hours before a winter storm. When a Winter Storm Warning is issued, heavy snow, freezing rain, or sleet is expected soon or may be occurring already. These warnings usually come out 12 to 24 hours before the storm. Sign up for your community’s warning system to receive alerts and other information about emergencies in your area. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. 

Stock up before the storm. Have a supply of nonperishable food, medications and water so you don’t need to go out in a winter storm. Make sure you also have flashlights and extra batteries. If you lose power, only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home’s doors and windows. 

Stay safe when outdoors. If you need to go out, wear layers of warm clothing. Only drive if you need to. Keep your car’s gas tank full and keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a blanket. 


SNowTe

DC Volunteer Snow Program

Join our DC Volunteer Snow Team, and help your neighbors stay safe this winter. Mayor Bowser and Serve DC need your help clearing sidewalks and front walkways for our seniors and residents with access and functional needs during the winter weather.  

Volunteers will:  

  • Be deployed when there are 4 or more of inches snow, not ice 
  • Complete the volunteer service within 24 hours after the winter event has ended 
  • Clear a 35-inch pathway from door to sidewalk (including steps), an immediate sidewalk that spans the property, and entryway to street 
  • Volunteers should not 
  • Enter resident’s homes 
  • Solicit or accept money, tips, gifts, etc. 

CERT Basic Training: In one year over 70 people have taken CERT training here in the district. Are you next? Stay tuned for upcoming dates for 2023! 

Be Prepared: 5 Emergency Tool Must-Haves (Courtesy of the Prepper Journal) 

 There are dozens of other tools that could come in handy during an emergency, but here’s a list of the top 5 survival tools no prepper should be without.


Important Numbers to Remember

DC Police / Fire / Medical Emergency 

911 

DC Non-Emergency 

311 / 202-727-1000 / 202-737- 4404 

DC HSEMA (24 hour) 

202-727-6161 | TDD/TYY - 202-727-3323 

DC Animal Care and Control 

202-576-6664 

DC Mental Health Hotline 

800-793-4357 | TDD/TYY - 202-673-7500 

The American Red Cross 

202-782-6401 

National Poison Control Center 

800-222-1222 

National Suicide & Crisis Hotline 

800-273-8255 (TALK) or 988 

 Connect with Us: 

  • Use the hashtag #iCERTdc to promote your readiness in your community 
  • For the latest information on the District Government’s response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), visit coronavirus.dc.gov 
  • For more information on preparing for Extreme weather, visit Ready.dc.gov 
  • For more information on preparedness, visit ready.dc.gov. 
  • To learn more about CERT and questions regarding joining the CERT Team in your community, email us at DC.CERT@dc.gov for more information. 
  • For volunteer opportunities in the district, visit Serve DC volunteer portal.