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Communities working to raise awareness and preparedness | 10.23.2006 | 03:59:40 | Views: 5464 | ID: October 23 '06: Local community governments, first responders and the academic community are cooperating in the Toledo, Ohio area to train citizens to become part of Community Emergency Response Teams, a local ABC news affiliate reported Sunday. Meanwhile in Jackson, Mississippi religious community organizations are working to improve emergency response and preparedness. In Ohio, "the CERT program is run by the Toledo Police and Fire Departments, and administered by Owens Community College," 13abc.com reported. Lt Victor Ellis in the Special Operations Bureau at the Toledo Fire Department said, "We want our citizens in Lucas County better prepared. ... If we have a natural or manmade disaster that could overwhelm police and fire, we need to know that there's someone in the neighborhood who can help until we could get there. It's a preparedness issue for us." In Mississippi, the Trace Hills Church cooperated with the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and local police and fire officials to organize a preparedness fair. More than 18 local responder groups participated in the event held over the weekend. During the event, food and games as well as information about how to prepare for disasters and manage emergencies was available to community members. As well as humanitarian responder organizations, members of the United Animal Nations were there to help spread information about safety for house hold pets. Officials at the event said the most important part of emergency preparedness was to "stay informed, talk with your family, and set an emergency plan."
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