CERT

If you think that you can dial 911 and get help immediately after a major disaster, go back to bed.  First responders can not fill all  the demands for needed services.  They will be restricted and overwhelmed.  Also, and it takes time for an organized response to be put in motion.  This can take up to three days.  Many people will be cut off from outside help and we will have to rely on each other.  Family members, co-workers, friends, and neighbors will want to help.   But, untrained and spontaneous help can face serious problems.  For example, after the Mexico City earthquake volunteers saved 800 people.  Unfortunately, 100 people died while trying to save others.  This could have been prevented if the volunteers were trained.  This is where CERT comes to the rescue!

CERT

If you are the “helper” kind who likes to be in the thick of things getting your hand dirty and can think on your feet, CERT is for you.  Find the free CERT training through your local fire department.  The program teaches emergency skills that will allow you to help yourself and others.  It is practical training that allow citizens to function effectively during a disaster, and to make a real difference.  I took the course in 2006 given by James Beebe of North County CERT.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much.  I recommend it highly.  You are not required to join a CERT team after the training.  This knowledge can help you, and those around you during an emergency.  You will be trained in the following:

Disaster Preparedness

Fire Safety

Disaster Medical Operations

Light Search and Rescue

CERT Organization

Disaster Psychology

Terrorism and CERT

Remember when President Bush asked Americans to volunteer for their country?  Well,  Citizens Corps was created for this purpose, and CERT was selected as one of the primary programs to use.

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Background

The Community Emergency Response Team concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs. As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens and private and government employees.

The training program that LAFD initiated makes good sense and furthers the process of citizens understanding their responsibility in preparing for disaster. It also increases their ability to safely help themselves, their family and their neighbors. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes the importance of preparing citizens. The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and the National Fire Academy adopted and expanded the CERT materials believing them applicable to all hazards.

The CERT course will benefit any citizen who takes it. This individual will be better prepared to respond to and cope with the aftermath of a disaster. Additionally, if a community wants to supplement its response capability after a disaster, civilians can be recruited and trained as neighborhood, business, and government teams that, in essence, will be auxiliary responders. These groups can provide immediate assistance to victims in their area, organize spontaneous volunteers who have not had the training, and collect disaster intelligence that will assist professional responders with prioritization and allocation of resources following a disaster. Since 1993 when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, communities in 28 States and Puerto Rico have conducted CERT training.

(source:  citizenscorps.gov)

Water Storage & Purification

Do you have enough water stored for your family to survive in case of an emergency?

Water is crucial to our survival, yet so many of us neglect to store it! If a natural disaster happens in your area, and all water supplies are cut off, what would you do for your family? Hopefully your family will become prepared, to avoid such an unnecessary experience.

allenp (sxc.hu)

My husband was the emergency preparedness coordinator for our ward (Mormon congregation) when he found that there were very few people who were storing water. He immediately set out to find 55-gallon water barrels. After searching online, he found a man who was willing to negotiate a bulk rate. It took some effort, but we were able to deliver dozens of water barrels to people who needed them. If you cannot find a similar deal in your area, try Home Depot or Wal-Mart. They occasionally have water barrels in stock, and they are priced under $35.

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

1. Water barrels (usual size is 55 gallons)
2. Bleach (Clorox or generic brand)
3. Water hose
4. Siphon/pump for removing water

HOW MUCH WATER WILL OUR FAMILY NEED?

Your emergency water supply should last for at least two weeks. You may wish to calculate how many gallons you will need in order for your family before purchasing water barrels. A person can survive on one gallon per day, but cleaning, cooking, personal hygiene require more. If possible, plan for at least 2 gallons for each person, per day.

HOW DO I CALCULATE THE RIGHT AMOUNT?

An effective two-week supply for a family of 5 would require 140 gallons of water. (2 weeks = 14 days; 14 days x 2 gallons = 24 gallons per person; 5 people x 24 gallons = 140 gallons for all 5 people for 2 weeks). This family would need 3 large (55 gallon) water barrels. Remember, it’s better to have too much water than not enough!

HOW MUCH BLEACH SHOULD I ADD TO THE WATER?

First, check to see if your city’s water is already chlorinated, since it may be unnecessary to treat it.

1/8 teaspoon, or one droplet, of Clorox (bleach) for every gallon of water should suffice. For a 55-gallon barrel, you would add almost 7 teaspoons. Make sure you wait 30 minutes before drinking water that has just been treated.

TIP FOR FRESH-TASTING WATER:

After your water has been stored for a while, it may taste stale. This may be remedied by simply pouring it between 2 containers, back and forth.

ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS:

Including your children in the planning will help them understand how to be more prepared. Keep it fun!

• Give your family the opportunity to calculate how much water you will need to store. Start by telling them that each person needs 2 gallons a day, and allow them to figure out how much water your family will need for 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks…etc. Make a chart to post near your water supply that explains their findings.
• You can use helpful hands when filling your barrels! A family member will need to be stationed at the water spiket, another at the water barrel, and as many as needed to communicate when to turn on/off the water source.
• When it’s time to replace the water in each barrel, hold a relay to see who can siphon a gallon of water out of their barrel the fastest. It seems silly, but everyone can use the practice!