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Hello everyone,

Hurricane Season Began Yesterday – June 1, 2010

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has forecasted a busy Atlantic Hurricane Season, projecting a 70 percent probability 14 to 23 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including 8 to 14 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which 3 to 7 could be Major Hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of at least 111 mph).  Find more information at http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100527_hurricaneoutlook.html

What does this mean for us?  It means that we might just be called into action. 

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors as number of victims, communication failures, and road blockages will prevent people from accessing emergency services they have come to expect at a moment's notice through 911. People will have to rely on each other and we as CERT members for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.  So be prepared.

1. Make sure that you check your backpack for the supplies needed to do your job in an emergency. If you need any supplies, let me know and I will get them to you.

2. Make sure that your personal stores are complete. Check the articles on this web site entitled "The Seven Lessons that we need to take to mind when preparing for a Disaster" and "Disaster Preparation and Recovery".  A reminder that we will be checking our radios every Saturday. Keep them turned on and fully charged. They will do us absolutely no good if the batteries are dead. 

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.

Check these pages on this site for more information.

PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS

WHEN PREPARING FOR A DISASTER

CERT ACTION PROTOCOL