20 Questions
What should CERT volunteers do if they are unsure about the condition of a building?
Always use the more cautious assessment
What should CERT volunteers assume if they are unsure about whether damage to a building is moderate or heavy?
Heavy damage
What kind of damage includes superficial cracks or breaks in the wall surface and minor damage to the interior contents?
Light damage
What is a sign of moderate damage according to CERT guidelines?
Many visible cracks or breaks in the wall surfaces
What type of damage includes partial or total collapse, tilting, and obvious structural instability?
Heavy damage
What type of damage includes rising or moving water and gas leaks/hazardous materials inside?
Heavy damage
What should CERT volunteers do if they encounter a building with visible signs of damage and major damage to interior contents?
Assume heavy damage
What should CERT volunteers do if they encounter a building with decorative work damage or fallen and many visible cracks or breaks in the wall surfaces?
Assume moderate damage
What should CERT volunteers assume if they encounter a building with superficial damage and broken windows?
Light damage
What should rescuers do if a damaged building is 'groaning'?
Evacuate the area immediately
How can volunteers describe different locations within and around a structure?
Using the ABCD standard
What type of damage is probable for a wood frame single-family dwelling (home) due to an earthquake?
Masonry chimney collapse
Why is it important for CERT volunteers to consider what could happen in addition to what will probably happen?
To be prepared for unexpected events
What should CERT volunteers do to reduce risks associated with the probabilities they have identified?
Consider if a spotter is necessary to look for movement indicating possible collapse
What should CERT search and rescue teams prioritize?
Their own safety
What should volunteers do if they identify potentially life-threatening hazards?
Report the hazards and wait for instructions
How should CERT volunteers approach the search in a structure that appears to have minimal or moderate damage?
With caution, considering non-structural damage or instability
What should CERT volunteers do to assess the situation outside of the immediate area?
Look around and consider the weather, crowd size, and responder activity
Why should CERT volunteers play 'What if' after gathering information during the size-up?
To identify additional risks they may face
What is the purpose of applying 'Murphy's Law' to the situation?
To anticipate potential problems and prevent them
Test your knowledge of assessing and communicating damage in interior and exterior searches with this quiz. Learn about the CERT mission for different levels of damage and the general guidelines for assessing building conditions.
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