What IF a Grand Rapids Disaster Strikes? Why C.E.R.T. Training Makes Sense
We see natural and man–made disasters happen on the news:
tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, chemical spills,
oil spills, & fires. We always think: How terrible! What would we do if
this happened to us and our loved ones? It can, in a heartbeat.
Would you be prepared if a policeman knocked on your door and
said you had to evacuate NOW – no time to gather a few things, no
time to get essentials, leave right now or your life would be in imminent
danger?
That is one of the scenarios we were faced with on our first night
of Community Emergency Response Team training. We were encouraged
to pack a “GO BAG” with necessary items, like a toothbrush, set of
clothes, a CD or zip file with our insurance information and important
financial account information, in case we couldn’t return home for an
extended time.
Just weeks ago, this seemed like a far-fetched, worst case fantasy.
Now, with the tragic news of Japan’s earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear
reactor meltdowns, it doesn’t seem so unlikely.
In our C.E.R.T. classes, we are learning how to be a citizen emergency
response team. Basic safety, hazardous materials, medical emergency
response, basic search and rescue lessons are taught by a C.E.R.T.
instructor through the Homeland Security Agency and in
partnership with the Grand Rapids Fire Department. We are learning a
lot about emergency response and disasters we might be asked to
assist on if we join the local team. Even if we just use this information
for ourselves, our family, and our neighbors it will be worthwhile.
The local C.E.R.T. instructors are trying to build a local C.E.R.T. Team
for the Grand Rapids area. Did you know we have a population of about
1.5 million in the Greater Grand Rapids area? Did you also know that
we have about 10,000 policemen, firemen, and EMT’s to respond
to an epic disaster? Hmmm…
If you would like to take this training, contact:
Kent County Volunteer C.E.R.T. Team
About C.E.R.T.
Kent County Preparedness Facts
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,
the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West
Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan
area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,
numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263