1) Gather Facts-Time of event and day of the week, construction type/terrain, occupancy, weather, and hazards. 2) Assess and Communicate Damage-The CERT mission changes if the damage is light, moderate, or heavy 3) Consider Probabilities-How stable is the situation? What else could go wrong? What does it mean for the search and rescue? 4) Assess Your Situation-Is the situation safe enough to continue? What risks will rescuers face? What resources are needed? What resources are available? Perssonnel: firefighters, police, nurses, M.D., contractors. Tools: crowbars, auto jacks, chainsaws. 5) Establish Priorities-What should be done? In what order? How to rescue the greatest number in the shortest amount of time? 6) Make Decisions-Keep in mind: safety of CERT members, life safety for victims and others, protection environment & property. 7) Develop Plan of Action-Focus operation on established priorities and decisions. Provide for documentation to give to responding agencies. Provide for documentation to become part of CERT records. 8) Take Action-Based on plan developed during Step 7. 9) Evaluate Progress-Most critical step Monitor plan's effectiveness and safety Make rescuer safety primary concern, use a buddy system Be alert for hazards, use safety equepment Rotate teams