Community Emergency
Community Emergency
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
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-that's
what CERT is about. Fourth, organize teams so that they are an extension of first
responder services offering immediate help to victims until fire and medical services
arrive.
For more information on starting a CERT in your community call the Office of Emergency Management at 799-3084 or complete and submit the form located here.
CERT Video and Multi-Media Training Center
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06/13/00