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.
We want you In CERT!
The Community Emergency Response Team 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 5
Unit 5 of Oregon’s 2 Weeks Ready program focuses on maintaining hygiene and managing waste during an emergency. This is crucial for preventing the spread of illness and maintaining a healthy environment.
Personal hygiene
Water conservation is key during an emergency. Prioritize drinking water and limit usage for hygiene. Consider collecting rainwater or using bottled water for cleaning. To maintain good hygiene, use sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer frequently. If soap and water are available, wash your hands thoroughly.
Oral hygiene is also essential. Brush your teeth with bottled water or waterless mouthwash. For personal care, use biodegradable wipes or baby wipes to stay clean.
Waste management
Minimize waste generation by planning meals, composting food scraps, and reusing items whenever possible. Store waste in airtight containers to prevent odors and attract pests. If possible, compost biodegradable waste. For non-biodegradable waste, store it in sealed containers until proper disposal is possible.
To maintain sanitation, clean containers and surfaces with disinfectant wipes or a diluted bleach solution. This will help prevent the spread of germs and keep your environment clean.
Toilet and sanitation
If traditional toilet facilities are unavailable, consider using a portable toilet or a designated outdoor area. Remember to practice good hygiene and disinfect toilet surfaces to prevent the spread of germs. Dispose of waste properly, preferably by burying it in a designated area.
Additional tips
Prioritize your mental health by practicing stress-relief techniques like meditation or deep breathing. Working with your neighbors and community organizations to establish communal sanitation and waste management practices can be beneficial.
Remember to include essential hygiene items like soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and toilet paper in your emergency kit. Stay updated on local health advisories and guidelines during and after an emergency.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain your health and well-being during an emergency. Even in challenging circumstances, prioritizing hygiene and waste management can significantly impact your overall health and safety.
Week by week to become 2 Weeks Ready
This month we’re looking at some general supplies. This list is adapted from one published by Marion County. By following it, you can be prepared within a year. Building a two-week supply takes time and budgeting, so pace yourself, don’t rush, and take breaks when necessary.
Week 18 – Soap – you can find this at the dollar store or keep the small soaps from hotel rooms.
Week 19 – Plain unscented liquid bleach – to disinfect as well as make safe drinking water. 1/8 tsp per 1 gallon of water. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before consuming.
Week 20 – Portable AM/FM radio with extra batteries – A NOAA radio is great because you’ll get up-to-date weather information. Available on Amazon.
Week 21 – Waterless hand sanitizer, disposable hand wipes, feminine wipes.
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 6 of the 2 Weeks Ready plan, the shelter 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.
One last thought
If you’ve read this far, I just want to end by saying I hope you had a Great Thanksgiving, and just in case my next article doesn’t make it in time, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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].
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Mark Wardell - Special to Salem Reporter
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Mark lived there most of his life before moving to West Salem in 2018. After moving to West Salem, he joined the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a FEMA program sponsored locally by the Salem Fire Department. Initially he focused on ham radio communications, but recently transitioned to Team Leader in West Salem. Mark writes about emergency preparedness for Salem Reporter.
