Major disasters don’t just happen in the movies. If one were to happen here, who would be able to help?
Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors such as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment’s notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference.
“The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.”
~East County Fire and Rescue
The 20 hour course will begin Friday, October 7, 2016 at East County Fire and Rescue, Station 91, 600 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. The course cost is $30, and class size is limited. For more information, visit East County Fire and Rescue online or call 360-834-4908.
