Entire communities are getting together to collectively prepare for emergencies. One example is the Smith Valley Community Emergency Response Training group, located in Nevada. The CERT group is part of a national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They hold meetings at a local high school and adults and teens are invited to attend.
The last meeting held by the group was centered around a mock drill based on a major earthquake. More than 30 students and adults participated in the disaster drill. Each participant completed 5 workstations that address a particular disaster and emergency preparedness skills. These included:
- Automatic External Defibrillation
- Treatment for bleeding and shock
- Search and rescue
- Triage
- HazMat and fire suppression
These are vital skills that every individual should aspire to learn as part of emergency preparedness. Having the right survival kits is an essential start. However, knowing how to use your supplies is crucial.
If your community does not have a CERT group, consider taking first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and fire safety classes. You can often enroll in these classes for free or for a small fee at a community college or public library. Various groups and associations also offer similar classes to group members and the public.
Source:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20091204/MVN04/912040373/1041/mvn