Gran Paradiso Community Emergency Response Team Plan
During an emergency, such as an impending hurricane, Gran Paradiso’s (GP) property management company goes through a lock-down procedure. When a Category 1 hurricane warning is issued (such as sustained winds of 74 mph or greater), or the Governor of Florida issues an evacuation order, all employees are sent home and remain home until the GP property management team provides the green light for employees to return. Even with the all clear to return to work, some employees may not be able to return due to the condition of their own property, neighborhood or impassable roads.
The purpose of the Gran Paradiso Community Emergency Response Team (GP-CERT) is to provide immediate damage assessment, light search and rescue, first aid procedures, and communication in the hours following a major disaster. The success of the GP-CERT program is solely contingent on GP residents’ willingness to volunteer to play a role within the plan. It is a “neighbor helping neighbor” approach when direct responders may be unavailable or otherwise deployed. The leading benefits of the GP-CERT program will be reliable communication of updated information and assistance for those in need.
The GP-CERT is staffed by community residents who have volunteered their time and services to help our community recover from a major storm event. Planning, direction, and control of GP-CERT is provided by a Command Team consisting of an Incident Commander, Communications Officer,, Logistics Officer, and multiple Zone Leaders.
Volunteer members are assigned to the various tasks such as search and rescue, first aid and communications, depending on their preferences, skills, and abilities. Volunteers do not need to be CERT basic trained and certified; although all members are encouraged to complete the 21-hour basic CERT training program at some time in the future. Any GP resident can be a volunteer member of the GP-CERT.
Our GP-CERT is affiliated with the City of North Port CERT, and through them, we are recognized and supported by the City of North Port police, fire, and emergency medical services. To access the complete GP-CERT plan select the download button below.
Developed May 2024