Community Emergency Response Team

Recently, thirty five adults attended a three day course at our local fire department to prepare ourselves to be able to assist the fire department and EMT's in case of an emergency or disaster.

We trained on FEMA's training on incident command and the structure that provided uniformity of command across the nation and across districts and across various government agencies. The goal is to provide the greatest good for the greatest number.

We had classroom and hands-on training to certify. Training was provided in removing heavy objects that had fallen on individuals. Basic lifesaving techniques to assess breathing, blood flow and mental capacity. Scenarios were staged and various people stepped into the leader or command position.

In event of a natural disaster, flood, fire, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, the emergency forces will be overwhelmed. It will be up to the citizens to protect themselves and then their neighbors. Would you be up to the task? Could you make life and death decisions?

Do you know where the shut off is for your gas, your electric, your water?

Has your family prepared and practiced your emergency plan?

Have you prepared a 72 hour or 7 day or 10 day supply of food and water?

Now is the time to be ready. You will help yourself, your family, your neighbors, your town, your country.

Take the lead.

Rudy Westervelt
rudy@powerinlearning.com