Disasters can strike without warning, and the Greater Green Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is working hard to ensure residents know how to respond to a crisis.
CERT organized a comprehensive earthquake simulation at Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley to help volunteers practice essential emergency skills.
Joel Foster – KGUN9During the exercise, volunteers took part in realistic drills simulating earthquake response, putting out fires, assessing building damage, and offering first aid to “victims,” who were played by local high school students.
The goal of the training was to prepare community members for quick and effective action when disaster strikes.
“This drill gives our members a chance to step into a real disaster scenario,” said CERT volunteer Hayes Galitski. “We’re learning how to assess damage and care for individuals who might be injured in such an event.”
Kevin McNichols, a volunteer coordinator with the Santa Rita Fire District, emphasized the importance of training in developing “muscle memory.”