Salem Reporter publishes a regular column from Mark Wardell, West Salem team leader for Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, focusing on emergency preparedness and planning. It’s not too late to sign up – we want you in CERT! The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a volunteer program that trains people in basic disaster preparedness and response skills. CERT members gain valuable skills that can help them keep themselves and their families safe, as well as assist their neighbors during emergencies by providing first aid, assisting with search and rescue, and organizing resources. The next free certification course is coming this January. The class is provided by the city of Salem CERT, under the auspices of the Salem Fire Department. There is no charge to participate. To become a fully certified member of CERT you must attend all the sessions. If it has been a while since you took the training and you were looking to get re-certified, or if you know someone who might be interested, please share this information with them. The class begins on Thursday, Jan. 9, and continues for six consecutive weeks until Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6-9 p.m. The final exercise will be held Saturday, Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. – noon. Each session will be held in the training room of Fire Station 6 at 2740 25th St. S.E. Preregistration is required. Contact Lola Hackett at [email protected] to register or for additional information. What is 2 Weeks Ready? – Unit 6Unit 6 of the Oregon 2 Weeks Ready program focuses on developing a shelter plan, a crucial component of any comprehensive emergency preparedness strategy. This plan outlines where you will go and how you will stay safe in case of a disaster that makes your home uninhabitable. Sheltering options The first step is to consider your options. Sheltering in place might be feasible in some situations. This involves staying in your home during an emergency. To prepare for this, designate a safe room within your home, ideally an interior room without windows. Stock this room with essential supplies like water, food, a first aid kit, and a battery-powered radio. Take steps to secure your home by securing furniture, covering windows, and addressing any potential hazards. However, sometimes evacuating your home is the safest course of action. Evacuating to a designated shelter is often necessary during large-scale disasters. Identify the nearest community shelter and familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes to get there. Pack a “go bag” containing essential items like medications, important documents, and a change of clothes. Another option is to shelter with family or friends outside of the affected area. If this is a possibility, communicate this plan with your chosen contact and ensure they have the necessary supplies to accommodate you. Developing your shelter plan Developing a robust shelter plan requires careful consideration. Start by assessing the potential hazards in your area, such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, or tsunamis. Understand the specific risks associated with each hazard and how they might impact your home and community. A crucial aspect of your shelter plan is establishing a clear communication plan. Designate an out-of-state contact person who can serve as a central point of communication for your family. Regularly practice your plan to ensure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency. Conduct drills to practice evacuating your home, navigating evacuation routes, and accessing emergency supplies. Key considerations Remember to consider the needs of all members of your household. If you or a family member has special needs, ensure your plan addresses their specific requirements, including medications, medical equipment, and accessibility considerations. Don’t forget about your pets! Include them in your plans by identifying pet-friendly shelters and packing a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, and identification. Finally, take steps to secure your home before an emergency occurs. Secure furniture, cover windows, and disconnect utilities as instructed. By carefully considering your shelter options and developing a comprehensive plan, you can increase your chances of staying safe and secure during a disaster. Remember to review and update your plan regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Week by week to become 2 Weeks ReadyEach month I will provide you with suggestions which, if followed, will help you to be two-week ready by the end of a year. These suggestions were taken from a list developed by Marion County. Week 22 – Build your own porta potty. For under $10 you can build your own on-the-go-toilet; take a 5-gallon bucket ($3) with a trash liner ($3-4), a pool noodle for the seat, cut to fit ($1 store) and you should already have toilet paper. There you go! You can go the extra mile with the 2-bucket system or use cat litter. Week 23 – Quick energy snacks: granola, raisins, peanut butter, almonds. These have a long shelf life, are quick to grab, and easy to store. Week 24 – Personal protective equipment. You probably have some of these laying around various areas of your home but it’s time to gather them into one place: safety glasses, heavy duty gloves, sturdy shoes, hard hat, bright safety vest, anything that will protect you from the elements. Of course, there are so many things to list, these will help you get started. Week 25 – Sunscreen! This is also considered PPE; you can still get sunburned when it’s cloudy outside. This is especially important for kids and those who take medications that make them sensitive to the sun. This is a suggested year-long plan to spread out the cost of acquiring supplies. Feel free to adjust the pace to fit your needs and budget. Coming up next month Next month we’ll get to Unit 7 of the 2 Weeks Ready plan, the First Aid Plan. If you would like to read ahead, you will find all the information provided by the Oregon Office of Emergency Management by visiting the official 2 Weeks Ready website If you have any questions about this article, preparedness in general, or if you’d like to inquire about joining CERT or scheduling a CERT presentation for your organization, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Mark Wardell, at [email protected]. STORY TIP OR IDEA? Send an email to Salem Reporter’s news team: [email protected]. A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE– If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. 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