NOT FOUND: metro fire.jpgSeptember was Disaster Preparedness month and on the 19th, folks in the Antelope, North Highlands and surrounding communities definitely became more prepared than ever to handle a major disaster by participating in a mock Evacuation, Sheltering and Disaster Preparedness drill conducted by Metro Fire CERT. Metro Fire CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is comprised of volunteers from in and around our communities that are on stand-by to help in the event of an emergency situation. They volunteer their time, not just in our own area, but were also on site in Jackson and Lake Tahoe last year during fires providing care to firefighters and assisting residents with returning to their homes. Since 1993, FEMA has been providing CERT training, making it available to communities in over 28 states and Puerto Rico.
CERT volunteers were on hand to do demonstrations and provide information to adults and children alike on how to be prepared for emergency situations. Volunteer, Anna, was not only on site to provide basic first aid training like controlling/stopping bleeding, assisting people who aren’t breathing or are choking and splinting broken bones; but she was also prepared for any actual emergency medical situations during the drill. Mark Rice, Volunteer Coordinator and Public Information Officer for Metro CERT, led the Disaster Preparedness session where he educated participants on being self-sustainable for as long as one week in their home; how to keep peace of mind and help others remain calm; and how to make sure their families could handle less than ideal situations
should the need arise.
There was a kid’s area with sessions that showed kids how to prepare themselves mentally and physically for an emergency situation. Children were encouraged to make ready-to-go kits with toys and activities/books in an easy to grab bag. Volunteer, Rebecca, advised the kids on why/when/how to call 9-1-1, how to stay safe and the workings of a smoke detector. She also suggested that a special kit be made for any family pets including collar/leash, food, water, bowls and perhaps a special toy.
Speaking of pets, according to a Zogby International Poll, 50% of adults polled would not evacuate ahead of a disaster if they could not take their pets with them. Placer County Animal Control officers on site at the drill said this puts rescue workers at risk, forcing more emergency evacuations in these situations. That being said, Metro CERT partners with Noah’s Wish (www.noahswish.org) to provide shelter/care for pets of families that evacuate to shelters in emergency situations. Noah’s Wish had stations set up behind the site where they provided stuffed animals that participants could register for sheltering. Kim said that they are prepared to handle all animal species, including the likes of llamas, pocket pets, fish and reptiles. Each Noah’s Wish volunteer is assigned a specific type of animal to tend to so they don’t injure themselves/others by handling varied pets that might be “lunch” to another species!
It was obvious that the CERT volunteers enjoy what they are doing. Each stated that volunteering brings great satisfaction because they’re making a difference. As Betty Taylor, Metro CERT Outreach Coordinated pointed out, becoming a volunteer is easy. Volunteers can be as involved as they choose to be. Training begins with a 24 hour training course. After that, it’s up to the individual to decide how much they want to participate. To be part of the volunteer group that participates in these types of drills and actual emergencies, continued monthly training is provided. For more information on becoming a Metro Fire CERT volunteer, call 916-566-4381.