| It is no secret that first aid and emergency | | | | after a disaster occurs. The CERT program trains |
| preparedness is something we all need, but don't | | | | people in basic disaster response skills and |
| always go out of our way to be ready for. In | | | | educates them on how to prepare for hazards |
| preparing for any emergency or natural disaster, | | | | that may impact their areas. Using the training |
| look ahead and determine what life will be like | | | | learned in the courses, CERT members may be |
| after it occurs. Look around your house or office | | | | able to assist others in their neighborhood or |
| and imagine what can be turned over, broken, or | | | | workplace until professional responders arrive at |
| in just plain shambles. Picturing the aftermath a | | | | the scene. Play an active role in your community |
| disaster leaves behind may be the very | | | | and become a CERT member now!o Have |
| motivation you need to take action, be smart, | | | | emergency disaster and first aid kits handy. Keep |
| and get prepared! | | | | them easily accessible and store them in places |
| Although most disasters are beyond our control, | | | | you spend the most time -- such as your home, |
| taking action to be prepared can reduce the risk | | | | car, and office. Basic items that should be included |
| of injury or death at home and work. There are | | | | in your kits are: |
| many things you can do and buy to get prepared, | | | | - First aid kit (bandages, non--latex gloves, |
| but here are some general key actions that can | | | | towelettes, etc.) |
| be helpful in any general disaster situation:o | | | | - Bottled water (1 gallon per day, per person is |
| Conduct a thorough "hazard hunt" to identify | | | | recommended. Stock up enough for at least 3 |
| items that can be potentially harmful to you or | | | | days) |
| your family. Wall hangings, heavy bookshelves, | | | | - Non-perishable snacks and food |
| filing cabinets, TV/electronics, computers, lockers, | | | | - Flashlight w/ batteries |
| storage units, water heaters, and appliances | | | | - Portable AM/FM radio w/ batteries |
| should be secured and/or strapped down to | | | | - Whistle |
| ensure safety for all. Secure these items now to | | | | - Emergency ponchos or thermal blankets |
| protect you for the future!o Create an | | | | - Candles |
| emergency disaster preparedness plan. Planning | | | | - Dust masks |
| for any natural disaster or emergency is not | | | | - Toiletries (tooth brushes, toilet paper, etc.) |
| much different from planning a party, vacation or | | | | - Plastic bags/trash bags |
| special event. Be thorough and plan for your | | | | - Personal medication |
| family's specific needs (children, seniors, disabled, | | | | - Emergency out-of-state contacts |
| pets, etc.). Make sure your plan includes an | | | | Emergency response systems may be |
| evacuation route and a meeting place to reunite in | | | | overwhelmed and unable to provide the |
| the event anyone gets lost. It would also be | | | | community with immediate assistance when |
| worthwhile to teach everyone in the household | | | | disaster strikes. Taking all the necessary steps |
| how to use a fire extinguisher. In the event that | | | | mentioned above and being prepared with first aid |
| a fire breaks out, they will know how to handle | | | | and emergency disaster kits, will keep you and |
| the situation. Also, get everyone involved by | | | | your family comfortable and safe in any |
| assigning each able family member a task. Each | | | | unfortunate event. "To be prepared for |
| person should play an important role in the before, | | | | unexpected moments, we need to be prepared |
| during, and after plans. Run a practice drill at | | | | at every moment. So be smart, get prepared!" |
| home!o Enroll in a local Community Emergency | | | | states George Rivera, CEO of Total Resources |
| Response Team (CERT) training course to learn | | | | International. |
| how to take care of yourself and your family | | | | |