LDS Church CERT Team Final Exercise

On the morning of Saturday March 20, 2010, members of the LDS Church CERT Team of Jackson, TN completed their required Final Exercise to become a certified Community Emergency Response Team, part of the Citizen Corps program of the Department of Homeland Security.

The LDS CERT Team practiced and honed their skills in light fire suppression, triage and search and rescue. This was the last phase of a 20+ hour course to become a CERT Team member.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.

One also expects that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other. This was the case following the Mexico City earthquake where untrained, spontaneous volunteers saved 800 people. However, 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others. This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.

If we can predict that emergency services will not meet immediate needs following a major disaster, especially if there is no warning as in an earthquake, and people will spontaneously volunteer, what can government do to prepare citizens for this eventuality?

First, present citizens the facts about what to expect following a major disaster in terms of immediate services. Second, give the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness. Third, train them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. Fourth, organize teams so that they are an extension of first responder services offering immediate help to victims until professional services arrive.

If you would like more information about CERT and how you can start a team in your neighborhood or organization, please contact:

G. Michael Winslow, CERT Coordinator
Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency
Tennessee Homeland Security District 10

731-427-1271
gmwinslo@bellsouth.net

Photos courtesy of Jimmy Owen

CERT Team Final Exercise March 20, 2010

CERT Final Exercise for LDS Church CERT Team will be held Saturday March 20^th, 2010 at the Jackson Fire Department Training Center from 9 am – 12 pm.

Topics covered will be:

1.     Fire Safety

2.     Fire suppression

3.     Search & Rescue

4.     Cribbing

5.     Triage

All current CERT Team Members and Instructors are invited to come and observe and/or participate in this session.

Being prepared makes for a safer community.

G. Michael Winslow, CERT Coordinator

Jackson-Madison Co EMA

Tennessee Homeland Security District 10