Lions Learn Emergency Preparedness
“If we had a major tornado or a terrorist incident on the Interstate, would you know how to respond?” asked Carol Emerson, coordinator of the Guernsey County Citizens Corps.
“Does your business have a plan for continuing or recovering from a disaster?”
Emerson spoke to the Cambridge Lions Club Monday about emergency preparedness in light of the threat of terrorist activities. “As the years go by since the events of 9/11/2001 we tend to become complacent about the dangers,” Emerson said. “How many of you think it will really happen to you?”
“We provide training for a community emergency response team (CERT),” Emerson said. “In ninety-five percent of emergencies it is the victim or a bystander who provides the first immediate assistance. In large scale emergencies it may take a long time for emergency personnel to get to the scene.”
“CERT teams can provide critical support until other help can get there,” said Emerson. “As a team member you can give assistance to victims, provide damage assessments and organize other volunteers at the site.”
“CERT training takes about twenty hours to complete. We can set up classes for individuals, neighborhood watch groups, scouting and youth organizations, and clubs and civic organizations.” People interested in CERT training can contact Emerson at the Guernsey County Emergency Management Agency at 740.432.9292.
Emerson also spoke about the continuing terrorist threat from foreign and domestic terrorists. “Terrorists are often people who are frustrated by slow change, have experienced a life changing event of perceived injustice, are obsessed with their cause, believe that they will be a hero, and that the end justifies the means.”
“Their goal is to force change, induce fear and panic, cause disruption, and demoralize the spirit,” Emerson said. “They want to intimidate, to embarrass the government, and to gain media attention. They operate by threats and actual attacks.”
“There are low level threats from gangs with graffiti, vandalism and harassment,” said Emerson. “There are higher level threats of assassination, kidnapping, hostage taking, bombings and skyjacking.”
“Attacks can take the form of bombs, arson, and cyber-terrorism. The threat of deployment of weapons of mass destruction is still present and a concern of the Homeland Security Department.”
“Our local law enforcement agencies continually monitor potential targets including the Interstate and local industrial plants and other potential targets.”
“Local citizens can help by being continually vigilant,” said Emerson. “You should report any unusual activities to local authorities. Terrorist usually do strategic planning and surveillance. They solicit information about persons, places, and operations. They test security provisions and procure supplies needed for carrying out illicit activities.”
“Always be aware of your surroundings. Look for anything or anyone who looks out of place. Learn to recognize what looks normal and what may look unusual. Write down any details that may help law enforcement personnel and report any suspicious activities.”
“It helps if you can give more details about a suspicious person. Instead of reporting that there was a man acting strangely, it is better to say, ‘I saw a man with a blue shirt driving a van with a missing hubcap.’ Do not put yourself in danger, but report it to the authorities.”
For more information about homeland security visit the web site at www.ready.gov. For more information about CERT visit www.citizencorps.gov.
“Does your business have a plan for continuing or recovering from a disaster?”
Emerson spoke to the Cambridge Lions Club Monday about emergency preparedness in light of the threat of terrorist activities. “As the years go by since the events of 9/11/2001 we tend to become complacent about the dangers,” Emerson said. “How many of you think it will really happen to you?”
“We provide training for a community emergency response team (CERT),” Emerson said. “In ninety-five percent of emergencies it is the victim or a bystander who provides the first immediate assistance. In large scale emergencies it may take a long time for emergency personnel to get to the scene.”
“CERT teams can provide critical support until other help can get there,” said Emerson. “As a team member you can give assistance to victims, provide damage assessments and organize other volunteers at the site.”
“CERT training takes about twenty hours to complete. We can set up classes for individuals, neighborhood watch groups, scouting and youth organizations, and clubs and civic organizations.” People interested in CERT training can contact Emerson at the Guernsey County Emergency Management Agency at 740.432.9292.
Emerson also spoke about the continuing terrorist threat from foreign and domestic terrorists. “Terrorists are often people who are frustrated by slow change, have experienced a life changing event of perceived injustice, are obsessed with their cause, believe that they will be a hero, and that the end justifies the means.”
“Their goal is to force change, induce fear and panic, cause disruption, and demoralize the spirit,” Emerson said. “They want to intimidate, to embarrass the government, and to gain media attention. They operate by threats and actual attacks.”
“There are low level threats from gangs with graffiti, vandalism and harassment,” said Emerson. “There are higher level threats of assassination, kidnapping, hostage taking, bombings and skyjacking.”
“Attacks can take the form of bombs, arson, and cyber-terrorism. The threat of deployment of weapons of mass destruction is still present and a concern of the Homeland Security Department.”
“Our local law enforcement agencies continually monitor potential targets including the Interstate and local industrial plants and other potential targets.”
“Local citizens can help by being continually vigilant,” said Emerson. “You should report any unusual activities to local authorities. Terrorist usually do strategic planning and surveillance. They solicit information about persons, places, and operations. They test security provisions and procure supplies needed for carrying out illicit activities.”
“Always be aware of your surroundings. Look for anything or anyone who looks out of place. Learn to recognize what looks normal and what may look unusual. Write down any details that may help law enforcement personnel and report any suspicious activities.”
“It helps if you can give more details about a suspicious person. Instead of reporting that there was a man acting strangely, it is better to say, ‘I saw a man with a blue shirt driving a van with a missing hubcap.’ Do not put yourself in danger, but report it to the authorities.”
For more information about homeland security visit the web site at www.ready.gov. For more information about CERT visit www.citizencorps.gov.
posted by Mane Lion at
9:38 AM
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