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Aug. 4, 2008 11 Community Volunteers from Region Complete BOURBON —Eleven people learned the basics of volunteering during emergency situations during a 20-hour training held June 27, 28 and 29 in St. James. Completing the class were Paula Schenck of Salem, Chris Thoms of Bourbon, Mike Gosnell and Katherine Mattison of Rolla, David Wielms of Newburg, and Tracy Vilardo, Marlene Johnson, Amber Branch, Randle Wilhite, Andy Sutton and Gary Kassebaum, all of Edgar Springs. Terry Bruno served as instructor for the class, held at MRPC at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The training introduced participants to the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept of preparing civilians to proactively organize and train for a disaster. CERT trainings cover disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization. The class was sponsored by Meramec Regional Planning Commission and the Region I Homeland Security Oversight Committee through its grant program. MRPC and the HSOC provided lunch on Saturday and Sunday for all attendees. “We are pleased that 11 people gave us so much of their own time to be better prepared to help their neighbors,” said Tammy Snodgrass, environmental programs manager for MRPC. “We also extend a special thank you to Terry Bruno, the instructor, who also donated her expertise and time to train these wonderful volunteers.” Snodgrass added that a local community should be prepared to take care of itself for the first 72-hours of a disaster. That’s about how long it takes for state and federal resources to be mobilized. “CERT teams ensure that trained volunteers are available to fill that void and provide the best assistance and care possible when disaster strikes, and we need trainers out in our communities who are willing to provide this important training,” she added. Additional CERT trainings are planned. Persons interested in learning more about training opportunities can contact Amy McMillen at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at amcmillen@meramecregion.org. |