The instructors and the students of the last Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class posed for a photo after the final class in February. Fourteen people completed the 20-hour course developed by FEMA which educates people about likely hazards in their area and how to deal with them.
On a Saturday in February, 12 people walked into the Silver Bay Fire/Rescue/Ambulance hall to find the results of a roof collapse that required a search and rescue, triage and medical care, fire suppression and extrication response. Fortunately, both the scenario and the victims were simulated rather than real. It was the culmination of training for the latest graduates of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in the Arrowhead region.
Emergency Managers of Lake and Cook counties and Grand Portage sponsored the 20-hour course between January 12 and February 9, with 14 students taking part.
The CERT program, developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), educates people about likely hazards in their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Gaining skills learned in the classroom and during exercises, more community members are now trained to consider their personal safety in a response and to assist others in their neighborhood or workplace when professional responders are not available to help during an emergency.
The final test for the CERT students was a simulated roof collapse that required a search and rescue operation, triage, medical care, fire suppression and extrication response.
After the drill, Silver Bay Mayor Joanne Johnson and Lake County Commissioner Pete Walsh joined the students for a graduation ceremony, commending them for their dedication and enthusiasm. “This is important,” said Program Coordinator Kathy Johnson, “and I am so glad to see it developing in Lake County.”
“I liked meeting new people, learning, the teamwork, and the opportunity to contribute,” said one student.
Others were already talking about building their emergency kits for their homes and cars. Cook County Emergency Manager Jim Wiinanen said, “We thank those who attended classes, practiced their skills, and spent their Saturday responding to the mock drill.”
The next CERT course is planned for winter 2014 for residents of Grand Portage, Lake and Cook counties. For more information, contact Jim Wiinanen at 218-387-3059 or jim.wiinanen@co.cook.mn.us.
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