If you’ve been reading this blog, you’re aware of the various Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) being formed across the country. These and similar groups are comprised of volunteers who are trained to aid police, firefighters and other first responders in an emergency. Does that mean you’re all set and you don’t need to worry about your own preparations? Think again. For example, here’s what the response team is up to in Macomb, Illinois:
Due to inclement weather the McDonough County Emergency Planning Team has met and is prepared to open emergency sheltering in McDonough County if needed.
The Planning Team encourages residents to rely on family, friends and their emergency preparedness kits prior to requesting shelter.
Did you catch that? Residents better have their own kits and rely on family and friends first. The lesson here and in every disaster preparedness story, is that you must take the initiative and get prepared for emergencies. You will have to invest money to buy survival kits and other needed supplies, but that beats sitting around waiting for help to arrive, when there may not be enough resources for any to show up. Add to that shelters being filled to capacity because others did not take the necessary steps to prepare ahead of time, and the only wise decision you’re left with is to get ready now.
Source:
http://www.connecttristates.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=387637