What is CERT?
CERT is the Community Emergency Response Team. It is composed of neighbors who learn how to help themselves, prepare their property and assist their neighbors in a disaster. We actively work with the county Departments of Emergency Management, emergency HAM radio operators (ARES/RACES) and the fire and sheriff departments.
You will learn how to: make preparations and reduce hazards on your property in advance of a disaster; develop a disaster kit to help you and others survive; locate and turn off utilities after determining if it is safe to do so; extinguish a small controlled fire with a firefighter on hand for your safety; treat some life-threatening injuries; conduct light search and rescue operations; help survivors cope with emotional stressors; and especially, learn the value and safety of working as a team.
Most of us would help our neighbors in a disaster. CERT training helps you to do it safely in an organized manner.
The more CERT trained neighbors we have, then better. Around 70 of your Miller Peninsula neighbors (Gardiner/Diamond Point/Sunshine Acres) have already taken this training and have found it very valuable. Please take this important step for your own personal safety and the good of your community.
We are fortunate to have Marydee Countryman, Fire Captain at Diamond Point, as our trainer. Marydee taught all of our local CERT classes and brings a great deal of practical experience. We are fortunate to have her.
WHY TRAIN:
Our area can be hit by wildfires, earthquakes, Tsunami's, flooding, chemical spills, and as anyone who lived here last winter knows, very strong storms that can take out our utilities. The Miller Peninsula (Gardiner/Diamond Point/Sunshine Acres) could become isolated in a disaster when the large rescue resources are sent to the population centers like Seattle. The usual aid we rely on such as 911, the fire and sheriff departments can become overwhelmed in a disaster. We don't take the place of the professional organizations, we work in conjunction with them and learn to lend assistance in a safe manner during a disaster.
WHAT IF I HAVE A DISABILITY OR CAN'T LIFT THINGS?
That's OK, there are many jobs on the CERT team that do not require strength such as helping keep track of who is where. Just tell your trainer what your limitations are and we will work around your abilities.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks to the training.
COST FOR THE CLASS:
Free!
SUPPLIES / DISASTER KIT:
Written by Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyke
drvandyke3@earthlink.net
360-797-0066
