March 31 - Emergency Preparedness and Response: Get Trained with CERT!”
Posted by John Jones
on Mar 29, 2015
Disasters can strike anywhere, anytime. We have seen from recent experiences that, the bigger the event, the more likely that first responders may be busy elsewhere, unable to respond for hours or days. One of the most important missions of the Community Emergency Response Team is to educate as many people as possible, both to prepare for disasters and to respond to emergencies. We provide instruction in how to make a Go-kit and a plan. We teach people how to handle some basic emergency situations, including medical crises, knowledge that may help to save someone’s life. The courses are taught by staff, CERT volunteers and Subject Matter Experts. The training is free, and there is no requirement to become a volunteer.
Shirlee Rhodes is a former hydrogeologist, with a BS Degree in Geology and a Master’s in Hydrology. She spent nearly 20 years as a consultant in water resources planning and management before turning her focus to emergency planning. In 2011, she joined the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as a volunteer, participating in the Air Races crash, and both the Caughlin and Washoe Drive fire emergencies within her first year. Ms Rhodes now works for the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office managing the Citizen Corps Program (CCP). This Program consists of three different teams, with a total of about 260 volunteers.