Salem CERT Needs You!

Yes, that’s right, you – wait, didn’t we just do this? Didn’t we just talk about how an ice storm or heavy wind can isolate a neighborhood? Didn’t we discuss how, in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster, when professional first responders might be stretched to their limits, the best people to help are those already there: you, me, and our neighbors?

Well, yes. Yes, we did. But the reason we are talking about it again is that the need for a resilient community never takes a day off. As I write this, our winter CERT session is nearing its conclusion. We are incredibly proud of the new group of trainees currently preparing for their mock exercise; they have stepped up to ensure Salem is a safer place. But as that class prepares for graduation, a new opportunity has opened for those of you who missed out last time.

The next CERT training series is officially scheduled to begin this April. This program is designed to turn your natural concern for our community into practical, life-saving action. We don’t just hand you a  thick manual and wish you luck; we walk you through the essential, hands-on skills needed to manage a crisis effectively until professional help can arrive.

The curriculum is comprehensive, covering the foundations of personal preparedness and team organization. Throughout the course, you’ll learn the mechanics of disaster medical operations, including triage and basic first aid, alongside "utility controls" and fire safety techniques that can prevent a manageable situation from turning into a catastrophe. We also explore the realities of light search and rescue, the complexities of disaster psychology, and how CERT fits into the broader picture of community safety, including terrorism awareness.

The journey begins Thursday evening, April 9th, and continues every Thursday for a total of six weeks: April 16th, 23rd, and 30th, followed by May 7th and 14th. Each session runs from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fire Station #6 Training Room (2740 25th Street SE). To bring everything you’ll learn together, the series concludes with an exciting, hands-on mock drill on Saturday morning, May 16th, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, followed immediately by our class graduation.

To become a member of CERT, you must attend all sessions. This ensures that everyone is fully prepared to work together when the time comes. We provide the training and the tools; all we’re missing is you. Preregistration is required. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact Lola Hackett at RosesAndCats55@yahoo.com.

Spring Deployment Exercise

While our new trainees are learning the ropes, I also want to remind our current CERT members and the community at large to save the date for our Spring Deployment Exercise on Saturday, May 30th, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This is a full-scale opportunity to practice our skills in the field. We are still looking for "spontaneous volunteers" and “actors” to play victims (it’s easy, and fun); it’s a great way to see CERT in action without having to take a six-week class.

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.