Emergency Preparedness Training for Everyone
by BJ Kohlstedt, Lake County Emergency Manager
When a tornado or wildfire hits our neighborhood, we expect that emergency responders will be there to help out. But with only 1% of our population serving as emergency responders, there aren’t enough of them to help everyone during bigger incidents like floods or power outages. In fact, 95% of initial disaster response is usually done by our own neighbors – people just like you. That’s why Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is so important.
The Emergency Managers of Lake County, Cook County and Grand Portage have a grant to offer free CERT training in January and February. This 20 hr course is designed for all abilities and ages 12 and up, although those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Businesses, service clubs, faith based communities, homeowners associations, high school students and family groups are target audiences for this class. Except travel, there is no cost for the course.
The first class session will be held on Saturday January 14 in Grand Marais, with everyone meeting face to face. The four middle sessions will be on Thursday evenings in Silver Bay using interactive video conferencing with multiple instructors. The final class will again be a joint meeting on a Saturday. Classes are hands-on in a casual and fun setting.
CERT training is not a first aid or fire fighting class, but a range of subjects to help the general public prepare for and respond to incidents in your home, workplace or community. Topics include disaster preparedness and psychology, basic fire suppression, hazardous materials safety, light search and rescue, and basic medical triage. As a CERT volunteer, you might also be able to help with traffic control, evacuations, coordinating volunteers, donations, shelters or a family assistance center, or supporting emergency operations in other ways.
You can learn more about CERT at www.citizencorps.gov/cert/. For more information or to register for the class, contact BJ Kohlstedt, Lake County Emergency Manager, at or 226-4444.
Much like CPR and fire drills, CERT works best when we are all familiar with its lifesaving skills. Preparedness begins at home, and CERT training is a great way to start.