Built from field experience in CNMI public schools, the GKC SERT program helps Pacific schools organize, train, equip, exercise, and sustain campus emergency-response capability.
A School Emergency Response Team (SERT) is a group of trained school personnel who are organized and prepared to fulfill specific emergency roles during a crisis — working within an Incident Command System structure to support effective response and coordination.
Most schools have emergency plans on paper. SERT bridges the gap between the written plan and actual readiness by building the people, skills, and structures needed to execute that plan when it matters most.
GKC's SERT approach reflects hands-on work establishing the SERT framework in CNMI public schools, training more than 280 personnel, strengthening ICS/NIMS practices, supporting drills and exercises, and connecting school teams to a unified Emergency Operations Plan.
Review the school's hazards, current plan, staffing, communications, equipment, and partner-agency relationships; then establish the right SERT structure.
Prepare leaders and team members for defined ICS-aligned roles, accountability, communications, evacuation, shelter, lockdown, medical support, and reunification.
Validate capability through drills and exercises, document improvement actions, and build a repeatable training cycle the school can sustain.
Establishing a functional SERT with clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability structures aligned with ICS principles.
Applying Incident Command System principles to school emergency operations, including incident commander and section roles.
Emergency communications protocols, equipment use, and coordination with public safety agencies during an incident.
Student and staff accountability systems for all emergency scenarios including evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown.
Evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown, lockout, hold, and reunification protocols training and practice.
Basic emergency medical support roles within the SERT structure, coordinating with arriving EMS and public safety.
Student-family reunification procedures, site operations, communication, and coordination with parents and guardians.
Regular exercises and drills to build team capability, test protocols, identify gaps, and maintain proficiency.
Train-the-Trainer program so schools can sustain and expand SERT training capability independently over time.
A SERT is organized using Incident Command System principles, providing clear structure, unity of command, and manageable span of control.
| SERT Position | ICS Function | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| SERT Commander | Incident Commander | Overall incident management, decision-making, and external coordination |
| Safety Officer | Command Staff — Safety | Monitor operations for safety, stop unsafe activities |
| Liaison Officer | Command Staff — Liaison | Interface with public safety agencies and external organizations |
| Information Officer | Command Staff — PIO | Staff and parent communication, information management |
| Operations Section Lead | Operations Section Chief | Direct tactical response activities |
| Search & Accountability Team | Operations Branch | Student/staff accountability, search, and sweep |
| Medical Team | Operations Branch | First aid, triage, and EMS coordination |
| Logistics Section Lead | Logistics Section Chief | Resources, supplies, facilities, communications |
| Reunification Team Lead | Operations Branch | Student-family reunification operations |
Build a coordinated SERT identity and equipment system using your school or organization logo and colors of choice. Products can support staff response teams, classrooms, emergency operations, training, exercises, and community preparedness initiatives.
Water-resistant organizer for charging cables, adapters, small power accessories, communication support items, and essential response electronics. Proposed specification: 24.5 × 17.5 × 4.5 cm with reinforced zipper, carry strap, mesh pockets, and elastic loops.
Durable staff response backpack with configurable compartments for accountability materials, communications equipment, emergency supplies, and role-specific tools.
High-visibility SERT vests for command, operations, safety, medical, logistics, reunification, communications, and other locally assigned functions.
Position-specific identification supporting fast role recognition during training, exercises, activations, and multi-agency coordination.
Polos, tactical shirts, T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and caps customized for the school or organization’s selected identity and operating environment.
Participant manuals, instructor materials, quick-reference cards, role guides, exercise documents, certificates, and recognition items supporting a complete SERT program.
Reusable tumblers and hydration accessories for team members, training participants, staff recognition, and emergency-response support.
Custom patches, challenge coins, pins, and team-recognition items featuring the participating school or organization identity.
Configurable kits for classrooms, command posts, reunification teams, and designated responders, organized around locally approved procedures and supply requirements.
Concepts and samples are in development. Final specifications, included contents, minimum quantities, branding approvals, manufacturing feasibility, and availability are subject to prototype and client approval. Prices are provided only through a tailored proposal.
Contact GKC to discuss SERT development, training, and exercises for your school or district.