Mission Statement:  The primary purpose of this organization is to provide and train its members to assist the citizens of Munds Park/Pinewood in the event of a disaster, and to assist the same community and the fire department in any emergency where our services are needed.  The secondary purpose of this organization is to work to help this community through non-emergency projects.

Website:  None

Information:          www.citizencorps.gov      www.coconino.az.gov/sheriff

Membership:  Open to all residents of Munds Park/Pinewood but members must complete a CERT training class of approximately 20 hours within one year of joining.

Funding:  Grants from the Pinewood Property Owners Association and voluntary donations when needed for supplies and projects.  CERT is a 501(C)3 organization and donations are tax deductible.

Meetings:  Monthly meetings and training are held on the 3rd Tuesday at 6:30pm, Pinewood Fire Station.

Contact:  Chairperson Jan Toth  (928) 286-9245 or (928) 607-2741.  Alternate contact is Chris Stoltze  (928) 853-1597.

Additional Information:  CERT is a part of the federal government's Citizen Corps program.  The goal of CERT is to have citizens participate in making their communities better prepared for dealing with different types of disasters.  People who go through CERT training have a better understanding of the potential threats to their home, workplace, and community and can take the right steps to lessen the effects of these hazards on themselves, their homes, or workplace.  In addition to helping individuals become better prepared in the event of a disaster, CERT members receive training on providing support to family, neighbors, or co-workers in the event of a large disaster which may temporarily overwhelm emergency responders.  CERT teams are usually sponsored by law enforcement or fire agencies.

The Coconino County Sheriff's Office partners with Emergency Management, Flagstaff Police Department, and area fire departments to sponsor CERT classes.  Training classes are usually done over a weekend or at night for eight classes for a total of 20 hours.  In the Flagstaff area, CERT alumni meet monthly for continuing education training and a potluck.

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.  CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference.  Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.