The ORO Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) took part in a emergency drill here in the park this week. You may have noticed team members wearing their green CERT shirts throughout the park.
We simulated a tornado going through the park and causing damage to one of the buildings. The team did their initial 360 walk around, identified hazards, mitigated them, and then entered the structure. In the building, the team found several victims that needed help. The team rendered first aid and helped the victims out of the building. All in all, it was good training exercise.
CERT and our victim volunteers are a great group of people who give up their time to make sure that in the case of a natural disaster, we are prepared to help our community members.
CERT is a division of the Polk County Fire and EMS. Our CERT members are trained by the Polk County trainers.
If you are interested in joining CERT, please email Kathy Sellen (kathysellen@polk-county.net),
or contact Gary Westfall and Linda Lawson in ORO.