Code of Conduct

I.  Code of Conduct

The Port Richmond CERT Team is one of the most active and respected CERT teams within the New York City CERT program.  This esteemed position has been achieved due to the dedication and commitment of our members, who continually strive to be a resource to the Staten Island communities.  Team leadership endeavors to maintain our reputation and provide opportunities to team members by:  securing funds for equipment and training, honoring your contributions through the Presidential Service Award Program, and grooming future leaders.

With great success, comes great responsibility.  In an effort to maintain the high standard of conduct expected during meetings and activations, the Port Richmond CERT will operate under a Code of Conduct and Attendance Policy.

You represent the team, to new members, to the public, and to those whom we render our services to.  It is important to portray a positive image.  As a volunteer with the Port Richmond CERT Team, you are expected to:

      Dial 911 for all emergencies, first.

      Conduct yourself with professionalism, dignity & pride, and act appropriately and responsibly at all times while assisting others.

      Treat fellow team members, visitors, other volunteer program participants, guests, and property with respect and courtesy.

      Be sensitive to the diversity of team members and those we assist.

      Direct anyone who is looking for official statements from Port Richmond CERT to the designated Public Affairs Officer.

      Conduct yourself in a manner that reflects a positive public image.

      Respect the privacy of persons served by the Port Richmond CERT and hold, in confidence, sensitive, private, and personal information.

      Promote and support additional local and effective liaisons for the team.

      Keep Port Richmond CERT leadership informed of any progress, concerns, and problems with associated tasks in which you have been assigned.

      Partake of no alcohol while on a shift and do not report for duty while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

      Any prescriptions or physical limitations must be communicated to the appropriate leaders of the Port Richmond CERT Team.  Your emotional, mental, and physical condition will impact the performance of the team.

      Show up on time and dressed appropriately for scheduled events.

      Avoid inappropriate conduct, both on and off duty that would jeopardize program effectiveness.

      Do not self-deploy:  contact your team leaders immediately when you come upon an incident.

      Inappropriate and/or irresponsible behavior by a CERT member may result in termination of this individual’s participation as a volunteer.  Such behavior includes but not limited to the following:

o        Offensive or profane language or gestures

o        Public criticism of a CERT team member and/or it’s leaders

o        Jeopardizing another team member’s safety.

Port Richmond CERT is committed to a policy of fair representation and will not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, disability, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, geography, or age. Port Richmond CERT will follow this policy in selection of volunteers. Volunteers are expected to adhere to these same standards in the course of their duties.

II.  ATTENDANCE POLICY

Meetings start promptly at 7:00 pm.  They are held the first, third, and fourth Thursday at the Community Board 2 Building at Seaview Hospital and Rehab Center, 460 Brielle Avenue.  The second Thursday of the month, meetings are held at the Staten Island Zoo, Broadway Entrance, Reptile Room.  Meetings usually last 2-3 hours depending on the subject matter.  Rescheduled meetings will be communicated via email or phone tree.

The New York City Office of Emergency Management expects a minimum attendance of 80%.  This percentage is based upon a monthly meeting.  You are joining a team that meets weekly.  Training is different from one week to the next, unless we are preparing for an event.  Port Richmond CERT understands that you are a volunteer.  It is our sincerest hope that you will attend the majority of our meetings.  We leave it to your discretion.  Understand, the more people involved, the more training gets absorbed by all, and the less time it takes when we run full scale drills, community outreach functions, or incident deployments as tasks are delegated equally.