Learning to be A-CERTive

If you haven’t heard of it before, CERT is Community Emergency Response Team training that offers a course in a range of emergency response techniques. The aim is to provide citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective in a variety of circumstances so they are part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem for other responders. There is an emphasis on “Team” work, reminding trainees to buddy up whenever possible. That focus also means that others in our communities are encouraged to train, so that in an event, there may be several CERT trained volunteers that can quickly form a team and address the needs as they arise.

We have two very dedicated local folks who have given months worth of hours to train dozens of our coastal residents. Ken Reynoldson and Michelle Staples donate their time, materials, and endless patience. Their extensive experience includes disaster response, EMT and fire department operations, amateur radio work, and calls from the Red Cross to travel after flooding, hurricanes, etc.  Ken and Michelle always have great ideas and lots of very real stories to bring this training into context. They are awesome! Michelle is a published authority on animal rescue, and is often heard reminding us to be mindful of the needs of animals–large and small–during our training.

You can see more about her book here: http://www.saveyourhorse.com/save.htm 

Ashley and Athena are the latest Coasting Home staff to receive this training.

This photo is from the exciting section on Fire Safety.

Ashley teamed with Athena (rear) advancing toward the flames.

We hope to never need to put this training into practice, but it feels good to have some good skills to rely on…just in case.

If you find that CERT training is available in your area, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of it. It’s fun, very informative, and works great for teens to seniors. Everyone can help!