New Orleans:
The images shown of the disaster in New Orleans are shocking to the heart, mind and soul.
They have been accompanied by a growing public anger and frustration at the difficulty of
getting help to those so desperately in need. Victims seem to be wandering aimlessly in
shock, looking for direction from some authority or congregating in groups awaiting
government help.
Although we may never experience a disaster of such magnitude, Siskiyou
County has had its share of periodic floods, fires and snow storms. In the past, areas
along rivers have become isolated and difficult to access. So what can we do to create an
effective safety net in advance of a local disaster?
Citizens Corps: Under the
coordination of Dianne Mabrey of our local chapter of the Red Cross, Siskiyou County is
forming a Citizens Corps Council. This body will be made up of representatives from “first
responder” groups - fire, law enforcement, public works; the volunteer community; the media; school system;
business; transportation; elected officials; and folks with special needs. The Council
will also coordinate with other groups working on fire safety and crime prevention, like
the Fire Safe Councils and Neighborhood Watch. http://www.citizencorps.gov/councils/
The purpose of this group will be to come up with some strategic
plans to involve the community in preparedness, provide public education, train
volunteers, and ensure that people are connected to emergency alert systems.
Personal Responsibility: One
of the areas where Red Cross has already made headway is in helping people develop a
household preparedness plan and home disaster supply kit. Families
in New Orleans became separated and communication broke down. Create an emergency plan for
your household, including your pets. (Remember that shelters will not take pets.) Decide
where your family will meet if a disaster does happen: 1) right outside your home in case
of a sudden emergency, like a fire and 2) outside your neighborhood in case you can't
return home - ask an out of town friend to be your "family contact" to relay
messages.
As we have learned from New Orleans, a grabbable kit that includes
drinkable water, non-perishable food (including pet food), first aid supplies, other
emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, clothes, bedding, and special needs items
can be essential in a disaster. http://www.citizencorps.gov/ready/
CERT: In 95% of all
emergencies, bystanders or victims, themselves, are the first to perform emergency
assistance or to perform a rescue. Citizens Emergency Response Training (CERT) is a 20
hour hands-on course in disaster response and preparedness, fire safety, team
organization, light urban search and rescue, medical principles and treatment, as well as
disaster psychology. When CERT trained individuals and teams are in place in a community,
neighbors are better able to take care of each other and organize – freeing first
responders to address most critical needs. People are more likely to know what to do,
where to go and what to expect during those first hours and days before outside help
arrives.
If you are interested in helping to get the Citizens Corp Council off
the ground, signing up for a CERT or first aid class, finding out more about how you can
prepare for disasters, volunteering for the local Red Cross or making a financial
contribution, please call our local Red Cross at (530) 921-2561. |
