The Sandusky County Citizens Corp is split into 6 teams. Amateur Radio Emergency Services Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Disaster Animal Response Team (DART), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Volunteer Reception Center (VRC), and Sandusky County Winter Drivers. ARES: The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consist of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications
and equipment for communications duty in public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) or any other local or national organization, other than possession of an Amateur Radio License, is a sincere desire to serve. Because ARES is an amateur service, only amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable, but not a requirement for membership. CERT: The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and in exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available for help. DART: The Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) is a team of volunteers ready to help rescue, house, and treat animals during disasters and other emergencies. Volunteers include Veterinarians, Veterinarian Technicians. Animal Control Officers, Animal Lovers, and others from a variety of professions and backgrounds. MRC: The Medical Reserves Corps is a community-civilian, volunteer program that engages volunteers to help strengthen local public health infrastructure, as well as respond to disasters across the state - or nation. Each MRC unit is organized and trained to address a wide range of challenges from public health education to disaster response. VRC: The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) is a location set following a disaster for citizens to go, register and get volunteer assignments. A Volunteer Reception Center offers the opportunity to assist in an organized manner with tasks to help restore communities to their pre-disaster conditions. By volunteering at a VRC you will be the link between the individuals that need help, and the people that want to help. Winter Drivers: The Sandusky County Winter Drivers is a group of citizens who are registered to operate vehicles on public roadways when the county is under a level 3 snow advisory. These citizens own vehicles equipped to operate in severe winter weather conditions.
