The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated September as National Preparedness Month. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time in our communities.
Being prepared means planning so that you can weather an unexpected crisis safely and with confidence.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a national program designed to educate volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur. In our community we are fortunate to have a CERT program under the guidance of the Alameda Fire Department, and with oversight from the Alameda CERT Executive Committee (ACEC).
Volunteers receive basic emergency response training, which includes but is not limited to fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The goal is to provide knowledge and skills to volunteers so they may help themselves, their families, their pets, and others in the community during emergencies when professional responders may not be available.
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
There are four key areas to consider:
- Stay informed about the type of disasters that could happen in our area.
- Plan for you and your family in case of an emergency.
- Create an emergency supply kit.
- Become an Alameda CERT volunteer.
For more information about Alameda CERT, please contact program coordinator Captain Dallas Andrews at [email protected].
Alameda, we can work together to be prepared!
