Ontonagon Co. emergency preparedness changes
Ontonagon County Search and Rescue plans to go in a new direction. At the organization’s recent annual meeting, it was decided that the agency will become a Community Emergency Response Team, or ‘CERT.’
A CERT educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. The organization has scheduled the first training dates for may 14th, 15th, and 16th in Ontonagon County.
The training will be led by Ontonagon County Emergency Manager, Bill Johnson, along with CERT trainer for the Upper Peninsula, Teresa Schwalbach.
The classroom training includes exercises to educate CERT members on assisting others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
Those interested in being an Ontonagon Cert Volunteer, can contact the organization’s President, Rick Varecha at (906) 885-5256.