Update on CERT, Community Emergency Response Team
CERT is an organization that utilizes a staff of volunteers who are trained in how to react in times of emergency. By emergency, they mean hurricanes, major floods, earthquakes, medical triage, and search and rescue, to name just a few. CERT activities in Seabrook are headed up by John Reynolds.
CERT has been asked by the Town of Seabrook to recruit people who would be willing to serve as Block Captains in their various neighborhoods. First of all, any information that Block Captains obtain will be held in strict confidence until an emergency occurs. John Reynolds says that CERT is trying to identify people who may need assistance during an evacuation or an emergency. John says they also want Block Captains who might be able to communicate with property owners not on the island as to the condition of the island and their property.
John says that CERT maintains a roster of 50 volunteers, but around 30 to 35 stay actively involved. CERT falls under the jurisdiction of the POA, but it would be Charleston county or the town of Seabrook that would call them out. On a national level, CERT is under the jurisdiction of Homeland Security. CERT volunteers participate in regular drills to keep their skills up to date.
CERT keeps a trailer on Seabrook Island, located in the maintenance area near the gardens. They also store medical supplies and equipment, such as chain saws and generators that would be necessary in an emergency. Several CERT members are licensed ham radio operators and check them regularly as they would be the only means of communication should a serious emergency occur.
We are attaching a copy of a memo from the Town of Seabrook that gives a full explanation of what the Town is looking for with respect to Block Captains. If you are interested in signing up, call John Reynolds at 843-768-0434, or email at JohnR99773@aol.com.
-Barbara Burgess, Tidelines Staff Writer