As the incident expands, it may be necessary to assign other personnel in each section to handle specific aspects of the response while maintaining an effective span of control.
Let’s look more closely at how the CERT framework expands and contracts.
Your CERT has been assigned to check in evacuees at the shelter set up at the high school. The Operations Sections has a team of 5 people performing that assignment. The TL receives notice that volunteers are needed to knock on doors to ensure an assigned area is evacuated. After a status report from the Operations Section Chief, the TL assigns two of the shelter volunteers and another two volunteers to create a second operations team. Thus, the CERT has expanded from one operational team to two. When the CERT is relieved from one of these assignments, the CERT will revert to one operations team.
CERT volunteers may be placed into a variety of assignments during an incident. Note: that volunteers will only be placed into situations that are suitable for their training and capabilities.
