CERT Update: February 2026

Neighbors, Lights, and Life-Saving Plans

We held our first general meeting of the year on January 10th at Roth’s Event Center in West Salem. With a great turnout of 47 people, the morning was filled with shared learning and neighborly support.

One highlight was a "show-and-tell" from Mel Ito of Salemtowne, who shared some battery-powered task lights he discovered. These are practical tools that make a world of difference during a power outage, or if we’re called to work a night shift during a CERT deployment. Following this, Assistant Team Leader Will Conley led a discussion on various types of emergency plans. He walked us through the foundational steps of creating a personal plan, reminding us that preparedness starts at home but is most effective when shared with those around us.

Salem CERT Needs You!

Yes, that’s right, you. We’ve all seen how an ice storm or heavy wind can isolate a neighborhood, turning familiar streets into obstacle courses of downed limbs and slick pavement. While these localized events are challenging, they remind us what happens when the scale of an emergency grows. In the immediate aftermath of a major disaster, professional first responders will be stretched to their limits. In those moments, the people best positioned to help are those already there: you, me, and your neighbors.

This is why we invite you to join our winter training session. As CERT members, we become the "eyes and ears" of the city, providing information that helps emergency managers prioritize where help is needed most. Don't worry if you feel you aren't "rugged" enough for rescue work; there is a place for everyone in CERT. Whether your strengths lie in communication, organization, medical support, or logistics, your skills are vital to our community's resilience.

Beginning this February, we are offering our comprehensive CERT course at no cost. Provided by Salem Fire Department, this program turns your concern for the community into practical, life-saving action. We don’t just hand you a manual; we walk you through the essential skills needed to manage a crisis effectively.

The class series covers the foundations of personal preparedness and team organization. You’ll learn the mechanics of disaster medical operations, like triage and basic first aid, alongside "utility controls" and fire safety techniques. We also explore light search and rescue, disaster psychology, and how CERT fits into community safety and terrorism awareness.

The journey begins Thursday evening, February 5th, and continues every Thursday for six weeks (Feb 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 12). Sessions run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Fire Station #6 Training Room (2740 25th Street SE). The series concludes with a hands-on mock drill on Saturday morning, March 14th, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, followed by graduation.

Becoming a member of CERT requires attending all sessions to ensure every teammate is prepared to stand together. We have the training and tools; all we’re missing is you. Preregistration is required. For registration questions, contact Lola Hackett at RosesAndCats55@yahoo.com.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this article, preparedness, or would like to inquire about joining CERT, please contact me, Mark Wardell, at PNMarkW2@gmail.com. I am also available to schedule presentations for your group, including HOAs, neighborhood groups, and communities of faith. You may also find more information about Salem CERT by visiting SalemOregonCERT.org.