Did you have batteries when there was no power? Did you have air filters when there was smoke? Did you have toilet paper?
Did your family? Did your neighbors? How prepared were you, and those close to you, for our biggest recent challenges?
Looking back, it’s clear that we do our best when we work together, and the Tualatin Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) can help. CERT trains volunteers within Tualatin to be more prepared and able to assist others. Members learn about disaster preparedness and hazards that could impact our city. The team teaches basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Ongoing practice and community service opportunities allow CERT to help our neighborhoods to better handle whatever comes next.
CERT training is a national program designed to prepare communities in the event of a disaster. Trained instructors guide participants through a 25-hour FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) course covering basic skills that are important to know when emergency services may not be available.
Help yourself, your family and neighbors get better prepared by joining the Tualatin CERT. A free Fall 2021 training class will start Sept. 7. If COVID guidelines continue to permit it, volunteers will meet in person on Tuesday evenings for seven weeks. Space is limited. Please contact info@tualatincert.org to enroll.
