How to prepare to help yourself and your community respond to disasters.

We have just come through an extraordinary time where we have been witness to terrible events such as devastating hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, the H1N1 influenza and, of course, the 911 attack. 

The policemen, firemen, emergency services and healthcare workers of Monongalia County and the State of West Virginia have been there for us in these times of need. However, there's always the inevitability that a natural or man-made disaster or terrorist incident could be of such a large proportion that even well-trained responders and healthcare personnel could be overwhelmed. Monongalia County is already preparing for such an event so we can meet the needs of the people in our area. You and (your organization) can help support these preparations by getting involved in a Community Emergency Response Team through the Monongalia County Health Department.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training helps prepare you in case a catastrophic event would come to our area. The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. The chances of survival are increased many fold if we are prepared ahead of time.

While this may seem like training for young robust individuals, it is really an organization for individuals of all ages and genders that want to help their community and believe that preparation can make a difference.

For more information about CERT, training dates and how to register go to the website at:

http://mchdcert.weebly.com/