What IF a Grand Rapids Disaster Strikes? Why C.E.R.T. Training Makes Sense

What IF a Grand Rapids Disaster Strikes?  Why C.E.R.T. Training Makes Sense

We see natural and man–made disasters happen on the news:

tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, chemical spills,

oil spills, & fires.  We always think: How terrible!  What would we do if

this happened to us and our loved ones?  It can, in a heartbeat.

Grand River

Would you be prepared if a policeman knocked on your door and

said  you had to evacuate NOW – no time to gather a few things, no

time to get essentials, leave right now or your life would be in imminent

danger?

 

That is one of the scenarios we were faced with on our first night

of Community Emergency Response Team training.  We were encouraged

to pack a “GO BAG” with necessary items, like a toothbrush, set of

clothes, a CD or zip file with our insurance information and important

financial account information, in case we couldn’t return home for an

extended time.

 

Just weeks ago, this seemed like a far-fetched, worst case fantasy.

Now, with the tragic news of Japan’s earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear

reactor meltdowns, it doesn’t seem so unlikely. 

 

firetruck_Terry

 

In our C.E.R.T. classes, we are learning how to be a citizen emergency

response team.  Basic safety, hazardous materials, medical emergency

response, basic search and rescue lessons are taught by a C.E.R.T.

instructor through the Homeland Security Agency and in

partnership with the Grand Rapids Fire Department.  We are learning a

lot about emergency response and disasters we might be asked to

assist on if we join the local team.  Even if we just use this information

for ourselves, our family, and our neighbors it will be worthwhile.

me and  dummy

The local C.E.R.T. instructors are trying to build a local C.E.R.T. Team

for the Grand Rapids area.  Did you know we have a population of about

1.5 million in the Greater Grand Rapids area?  Did you also know that

we have about 10,000 policemen, firemen, and EMT’s to respond

to an epic disaster?   Hmmm…

 

putting_out_fire

If you would like to take this training, contact:

Kent County Volunteer C.E.R.T. Team

About C.E.R.T.

Kent County Preparedness Facts

_____________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West

Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan

area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services,

numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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