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CERT team a certain backup during disaster 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. "There are citizens whose instincts are not to run away, but to come and offer help," CERT Program Coordinator Michelle Argent said. "This is a way to encourage that, but give them the skill to back it up." Members are also trained periodically on skills needed in a wide range of emergencies, such as sandbagging during a flood. Other areas of study include the psychology of disaster, which prepares CERT members for different reactions people might have in the face of calamity. "There is a psychological level, not only for victims, but for us," Argent said. Argent was hired part-time by the City of Ashland in September 2002 to provide a more focused leadership in the CERT program - duties which in the past had been taken on voluntarily by members of Ashland Fire & Rescue on top of their primary jobs. There are five CERT teams spread through Ashland, each responsible for a different neighborhood. The program continues to grow, with 139 graduates of the training ready for disaster today, and another 35 with only one class left to complete the program. "There's no reason every citizen in Ashland shouldn't take this training," Argent said. "There are members from all walks of life - doctors, attorneys, homemakers, computer specialists - it's a complete cross section of citizens." The city is accepting registration for new CERT members who will be trained by emergency professionals at AFR. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides class guidelines. At the end of each class series, volunteers usually participate in a simulated disaster rescue, putting skills to the test. 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. Anyone age 14 or older may participate regardless of physical ability. Training classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays starting April 2 and running for eight weeks. For more information contact Argent at 552-2066 or e-mail [email protected]. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -