3. Operations Team

3.1. Description

The CERT Operations Lead is designated by the Incident Commander (IC) and is a General Staff position on the CERT IC’s team. Operations Lead is the focal point for tactical response to incident needs and plans.

3.2. Missions

  • Implement the IC’s directions, set up the ARK and CERT work area (see map), assist in making personnel assignments to the CERT ARK.

  • Assign people to needed tasks while keeping in mind that personal safety is the foremost responsibility that any CERT has.

3.3. Responsibilities

For more information about Operations and Recon procedures, see the LAH CERT Operations Procedures document

  • Operations Lead reports directly to the Incident Commander.

  • Operation Lead generates all assignments for the incident response in accordance with the objectives established by the ARK Incident Commander.

  • Assist in setting up the ARK and the key supporting staff operations roles required: Communications Team, Check-In Team, Scribe, Staging Team, Logistic Team, IT Team and Medical Team as soon as needed.

  • Set up ARK Organizational Chart; distribute copies of the org chart to your leadership team

  • Periodically review the Status Board.

  • Maintain security of the ARK operating area.

3.4. Location of Duties

CERT work area with-in yellow barricade tape.

3.5. Material Needed

This material is stored in the Incident Command Plastic Bin

  • Vest

  • Blank Org Chart

  • Clipboard

  • Folding table set up by front of ARK

  • (1) folding chair

  • Pens, pencils, sharpie, blue tape

Ask Planning Scribe for forms from the Printed Forms box:

  • CERT Roster

  • Critical Infrastructure List

  • Incident Report Form (LAH 102) (10)

  • Ops Assignment form (10)

  • Staging Assignment form (10)

Obtain an FRS radio from Communications.

3.6. Immediate Actions (within first hour):

  • Don the Operations Lead vest & review Operations Lead job description.

  • Assist in setting up the ARK and surrounding environment.

  • Verify the Communications Lead has phone service and can get text messages

  • Work with Recon to establish priorities and exceptions to the pre-planned survey tasks.

  • Work with Staging to properly allocate personnel to current needs.

3.7. Continuing Actions:

  • With Incident Commander and the Command staff, review the ARK Incident Map and the Incident Status Sheets that are maintained by the Scribe.

    • review incoming Incident Reports

    • Prioritize the incidents.

    • Assign tasks to teams (typically Recon) via the Ops Assignment form

    • Assign people from staging to a team via the Staging Assignment form

    • Act on requests from the Incident Commander.

  • Place CERT Banner on wooden fence, North side of ARK.

  • Periodically meet with the Incident Commander to assess, prioritize and plan a response for ongoing operations.

  • Meet with Incident Commander and other Command Staff members to plan for 24-hour operations team coverage by staffing appropriately and creating a staff shift schedule.

    • Post the schedule

    • Ensure retiring shift staff brief new on-duty staff prior to retiring

    • Make sure your staff gets breaks to decompress, etc.

  • Establish regular scheduled staff meeting for Operations personnel.

  • Coordinate with Logistics to ensure critical supplies are available as needed.

  • Organize Small animal rescue response if needed.

  • Do not talk to the press, or other casual or outside inquiry. Refer inquiries to the Town EOC.

  • During demobilization, replace vest, completed paperwork and supply items in Operations zip lock bag and turn it in to the Demobilization Team.