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Disaster response team training will start Jan. 10 By TONY BOOM Mail Tribune ASHLAND - Richard Baize doesn't expect to see city emergency services workers in his neighborhood if there's a community-wide disaster. But he heads a neighborhood team that will provide a first response. "We've only got 24 or so full time firefighters. If there's a disaster they're not coming to my house," said Baize. When the first Community Emergency Response Team class was offered more than two years ago, Baize was there. His emergency medical technician and search and rescue experience, plus a desire to give time to his community, led to his participation. Twelve teams are designed to help citizens help their families and neighbors when an emergency strikes. Ashland Fire and Rescue gives volunteers training in firefighting, search and rescue, first aid, utility shutoff, damage assessment and coordination with overall city efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Administration provides general guidelines and training materials, but lets communities decide what to emphasize. Floods, earthquakes and woodland fires are Ashland's top concerns The program now has 110 members. Areas are set up so volunteers can walk to a central meeting spot in 10 minutes or less. Firefighter Rees Jones, coordinator and lead trainer, would like to see 30 members on each team. "We're hoping that about half of those would be available in any given disaster," said Jones. Neighborhood teams will serve as a focal point for volunteers. More than 1,000 people volunteered to help after the 1997 New Year's Day flood. But the city lacked a way to use all the help. "The teams ... provide both organization and skills leadership," said Jones. "They also provide safety oversight. The team members have training in what not to do and when to run away and how far." Team leaders also will communicate and coordinate with the city's overall emergency response operation. A hard hat, vest and identification are given to team members when they complete the training. Members purchase emergency equipment to fill packs they carry to the meeting points. "As teams develop they get a team kit," said Greg Case, division chief and administrative coordinator for CERT. Besides basic training, volunteers also learn about topics that range from the psychological impact of disasters to how to fill sandbags. "I went through the 1993 earthquake in Los Angles," said Lyn Reynolds, backup leader for the team in the Ashland Community Hospital area. "The search and rescue techniques are real specific. Triage (is) a big piece of it that's pretty unique to disasters." Reynolds' 20-member team met monthly when it first organized, but now meets less frequently. Perceived threats and disasters increase interest in the teams, said Railroad District leader Alan Adleman. Interest was high as the millennium approached. It picked up again after Sept. 11. The current city budget includes $10,000 to support CERT activities. Training is offered three times per year. Another series starts Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. in the Public Works lunchroom at 90 N. Mountain Ave. To sign up, call Diane Tucci at 482-2770. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.