Document text
--> --> CERT placards can be placed in residents' windows to show who needs help and who is able to help out in the event of a community emergency. Tidings file photo Emergency response teams provide support in Ashland By Myles Murphy Ashland Daily Tidings In the event of a large-scale disaster in which emergency workers and resources are stretched thin, specially trained Ashland residents will come to the rescue. Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are trained to extinguish small fires, turn off gas at damaged homes, perform light search and rescue, and render basic first aid when regular emergency services are not available. CERT training prepares citizens to help themselves, their families and neighbors in the event of unexpected wide-spread calamity. "It's important to learn the basic skills of safety -- like using a fire extinguisher -- so people can be prepared," CERT member Dan Shaw said. Shaw recently participated in a simulated rescue sponsored by Ashland Fire & Rescue at the closed Blue Mountain Cafe. He and other volunteers set up a command tent outside the building and organized a search and rescue operation to care for simulated victims trapped inside the building. One dummy was trapped under a heavy beam while other live volunteer victims had injuries of varying degree. "As we splinted a boy's leg, tied him to a back board, and lifted him over an obstacle, another victim cried for help," Shaw said, describing the experience. "My heart went out to him - and I had to remind myself that this was just a simulated disaster." CERT members are also trained periodically on skills needed in other kinds of emergencies, such as sandbagging during a flood. There are 12 CERT teams spread through Ashland, each responsible for a different neighborhood. There are less than 100 trained members now, but Ashland Fire & Rescue officials would like to bring the number up to about 1,000, Shaw said. Ashland Fire & Rescue is accepting registration for new CERT members. The members will be trained by AFR to provided emergency disaster assistance within their own neighborhoods. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidelines for the classes. At the end of each class series, volunteers usually participate in a simulated disaster rescue, putting the skills they've learned to the test, according to Shaw. At the completion of the training, volunteers receive an official identification badge, a blue helmet and blue vest. Southern Oregon University students can also receive credit for completing the training. Training classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays starting Sept. 12 and running through Oct. 24. Classes are in the Public Works lunch room, 90 North Mountain Avenue. For information call Diane Tucci at AFR 482-2770 or e-mail [email protected] Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing