Courses offer residents a way to help in case of disaster
As of this fall, Rolling Meadows can feel a little more prepared for disasters.
About 20 residents and workers in the city recently completed an eight-week CERT course and are ready to serve their families and neighbors in the event of an emergency.
CERT, or Community Emergency Response Team, along with another citizen-based crew called Emergency Services and Disaster Agency or ESDA, is part of the city's emergency preparedness structure. The agencies form the first line of defense when disaster strikes.
The program stems from the Civil Defense systems of the Cold War era, says police Sgt. Tony Galpari, who serves as coordinator.
"We train people to help themselves, families and perhaps neighbors and co-workers if there's a situation where emergency response is delayed," he says.
The trainees learn basic skills such as debris removal, first aid, triage and victim extrication.
The CERT course is open to adults who live or work in Rolling Meadows. Many who took the latest course were employees at Northrop Grumman.
"It's quite a mix. The oldest was 84 last session, the youngest in his late 20s. Overall it's a good program that educates people," Gaspari says. "We intend to continue it."
The course -- the second this year -- ended with a Sept. 29 "graduation." The city is awaiting word on state and federal grants for another round next year.
While CERT trainees focus on assisting those close to them, ESDA has a broader reach.
Its eight volunteers are called out to help during major emergencies, says Coordinator Tom Callard, a full-time firefighter who has led ESDA for 16 years.
When storms hit the area Aug. 23 causing widespread flooding, ESDA volunteers were out front and center, blocking off areas where power lines were down, moving fallen branches and removing debris in the streets.
Because the agency maintains an equipment vehicle, it has been called to other disaster sites, like the Loop flood in 1992 and the Plainfield tornado in 1990.
Training is ongoing. The group meets twice a month, learning skills such as setting up emergency shelters, coordinating volunteers and using communication equipment. Like CERT volunteers, they are issued "jump bags" with emergency equipment to use until other assistance arrives.
ESDA requires a commitment of two months of training and an on-call status during times of crisis. Volunteers need to be in good physical condition, as the job can be strenuous, Callard says.
"We really don't recruit. If we know someone's interested, we'll get them involved," he says.
Both agencies offer a great way to serve your community. For information about enrolling in future CERT courses, call (847) 870-2661. To find out more about ESDA, call Callard at (847) 397-3352.