Reading the recent articles about the devastating Flood of 1913 it’s hard to imagine the damage incurred. Could it happen again? You bet. We should each take a minute to think about what we would do in our homes and neighborhoods if we were suddenly without power, clean water and easy access to food. There are about 800,000 people in Marion County. Realizing that due to the relatively limited number of professional first responders (police, firefighters, ambulances, etc.) it could take as long as three or four days for them to reach you, would your family have a plan?
Fortunately, there are people trained to assist in such situations. They are volunteers known as Community Emergency Response Teams. Most counties in Indiana have training sessions for teams, presented by Homeland Security, as part of a national network of CERT. In Marion County, the Indianapolis Division of Homeland Security is currently offering such training and there will be additional sessions starting in April, September and October. Each includes a total of 21 hours of training at 3-hour weekly classes, culminating in a simulated disaster to test the knowledge and skills gained during the training.
Volunteers are trained to locate and turn off utilities, extinguish small fires, treat minor injuries, perform light search and rescue operations, and relieve survivor stress. Teams are activated by Homeland Security to respond immediately after a disaster in their own neighborhood and assist emergency personnel when requested to do so. Of primary importance is the saving of lives, followed by safeguarding health, protecting the environment, and then the preservation of property. Homeland Security has a multitude of emergency plans in case of disasters from floods, tornadoes, ice storms, blizzards, and even terrorism. For instance, CERT volunteers will be involved in a disaster simulation this month to set up a center to dispense prescription drugs for survivors who have had to evacuate their homes.
If you are interested in going through CERT training, please contact the Marion County CERT online at www.indy.gov/dsh, email them at DHS@indy.gov or call 317-327-3900. There are about 90 languages spoken in Marion County, so people with language skills are always especially needed. Those with other specialized skills are also in demand. But the most important criteria is a simple desire to be a trained team member to assist in whatever way you are directed to help. There is a program for Teen CERT also for youths ages 12 and older (grades 6-12).