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Expansion of emergency response team planned
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By MISTY MAYNARD Staff Writer
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During the ice storm that ravaged the area in 2003, many families lacked power for days -- even weeks -- and were stranded in the rural areas of the counties for some time before first responders were able to reach them.
With the possibility of weather emergencies such as the ice storm, or other emergencies looming, the Citizen Corps, coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security, hopes to recruit volunteers for a program which trains individuals to prepare for emergency situations.
"This initiative has been (around) for years," said Mason County Emergency Management Director Wayne Muse, who also serves as chairperson for Citizen Corps. "However, after 9/11, it's become more prominent."
The local Citizens Corps group hopes to recruit individuals to participate in the Community Emergency Response Team program, or another program offered locally, such as the Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch/USA on Watch program, or Volunteers in Public Service.
According to Muse, the more people who are able to care for themselves, the easier it is on first responders. Also, Muse added, in some cases it may take first responders three days to get to an area.
"I'm not so much worried about terrorism," Muse said. "But we have constant hazards such as weather, floods ... We should be aware (and know) how to take care of ourselves."
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| Emergency supplies used by volunteers are kept in a back pack. Items range from protective glasses, gloves and helmet to flashlights, utility wrench and a weather radio.
Terry Prather/Staff |
Members of CERT will be trained in the types of hazards most likely to affect their homes and communities, steps to take to prepare themselves for a disaster, basic first aid, and other aspects of emergency response. However, Shindy Mawk, economic development specialist for Buffalo Trace Area Development District and adviser to the Citizen Corps, said attending the CERT training Sept. 18 does not necessarily mean a person has to become a member of CERT. They can attend to gain information for personal preparedness.
In case of an emergency -- such as the 2003 ice storm -- Muse and Mawk noted there were sometimes elderly people in rural areas who would need assistance, and members of CERT could check on them to make sure they had everything they needed.
Not only would the CERT members be available to check on neighbors, they could act as a liaison between the community and first responders when the responders arrive, helping to direct their efforts to the biggest needs.
In addition, Mawk said, the CERT member could act as a leader for the community, and could therefore influence the community to react calmly to the situation.
Muse displayed a CERT disaster supply kit with items which may be needed in an emergency. Mawk said they have some funding available to provide kits to CERT members.
In a brochure listing items for a family disaster supply kit, items included water and food, such as ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, infants foods and others. Other items on the list included first aid supplies of bandages, antiseptic wipes, anti-bacterial ointment and scissors, as well as non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, and tools and supplies such as a can opener, utility knife, aluminum foil, plastic plates, cups and utensils, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, as well as a flashlight.
The list, though extensive, would allow a family to survive on its own for a period of time.
The training for CERT and emergency preparedness planned for Sept. 18 will take place on the third level of the Kenton Commonwealth Center at 6 p.m. The training is free, and participants are asked to register in advance by calling Mawk at 606-564-6894 or Muse at 606-564-0462.
"(There's) no cost, just your time," Mawk said.
Muse said Mason County has about eight individuals in the CERT program, and he would like to see eight or 10 more involved.
The training is available to anyone in the Buffalo Trace area.
Contact Misty Maynard at 606-564-9091, ext. 274. |
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