Lakewood CERT Program

The Northwest is vulnerable to many types of emergencies and disasters. Earthquakes and windstorms have potential for significant impact on the Lakewood community. Man-made disasters, such as chemical spills and terrorist attacks also have the potential of taxing emergency resources. In the hours and days after disaster strikes citizens look to their emergency responder for assistance. Lessons from Hurricane Katrina and our own Nisqually earthquake demonstrate that resources are quickly committed. A well-trained and prepared citizenry is the answer.

Lakewood Fire District 2 has committed to implement training and disaster education for the citizens of Lakewood. The goals of this commitment are:

· To promote individual and family disaster preparedness through education and assistance in creating a disaster plan and supply kit.

· To develop awareness of the need for disaster preparedness by providing speakers and trainers to present programs such as Map Your Neighborhood. This program is designed to help neighborhoods prepare for disasters by raising awareness of the assets and skills already in place in each neighborhood and developing a plan to utilize those skills to assist neighbors in need.

· To offer Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to neighborhoods and businesses. CERT training a 20 24 hour nationally recognized course that teaches hands on skills to citizens. These skills are taught by professional firefighters, allowing relationship building that will be essential in the event of a disaster.

o CERT members will work in their own neighborhoods providing disaster medical care, light search and rescue and fire safety until professional help arrives.

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