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July 1, 2008 For more information, contact: Eight Community Volunteers Complete BOURBON — Eight people learned the basics of volunteering during emergency situations during a 20-hour training held May 30-31 and June 1 in Bourbon. Completing the class were Dale Smith of Sullivan, Darrel Slawson, Teresa Slawson, Leroy Schebaum and John McGill of Bourbon, James Rector of Steelville, Karen Dunn of Mineral Point and Joni Gehrs of DeSoto. Terry Bruner served as instructor for the class, held at the Bourbon Police Department. 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 in partnership with the Crawford County Emergency Management Office and the Bourbon Police Department. Bourbon Emergency Management provided snacks and drinks on Friday evening. Teresa Slawson is Bourbon emergency management director. MRPC provided lunch on Saturday and Sunday for all attendees. Wal-Mart Store #95 in Desloge and Wal-Mart Store #152 in Desoto donated water, ice, donuts, a vegetable tray, fruit and other snacks. Class participants Dunn and Gehrs are employed by Wal-Mart. “We are thrilled that businesses are supporting their employees who are interested in attending the training. When a disaster strikes, those needing help may be your own employees, and having people who are able to act appropriately and professionally in teams prepares our region for dealing with emergencies,” said Tammy Snodgrass, environmental programs manager for MRPC. 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 bout training opportunities can contact Amy McMillen at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at amcmillen@meramecregion.org. |