September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and the Brighton Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is encouraging all citizens to prepare themselves and their families for natural and human caused disasters. The goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to motivate individuals to take action.In recognition of this month, Brighton’s OEM will conduct Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings for city employees beginning the last week of September. In addition, the eight-week, public CERT training that began in July will conclude with a simulated disaster exercise on Saturday, Sept. 18. Citizens interested in volunteering for this exercise should contact Rebecca Martinez, Office of Emergency Management, 303-655-2316 or rmartinez@brightonco.gov.
CERT trainings provide planning, exercises and educational outreach programs related to natural and man-made disasters. It is designed to assist and prepare citizens, government agencies and private/nonprofit organizations prior to, during and after a local emergency or disaster. Participants learn skills in team building, disaster psychology, terrorism, fire safety, medical disaster, and light search and rescue. Upon completion, individuals receive a backpack with initial supplies to get them started with individual planning efforts.
To continue its recognition of National Preparedness Month, the city of Brighton will send weekly individual preparedness tips to citizens in an effort to continue educational messages about individual responsibilities during a disaster. Tips include information about preparing a 72-hour kit, being prepared individually and as a community, early warning notification and sirens, and winter safety tips.
On Tuesday, Sept. 7, the Brighton City Council will present a proclamation declaring September 2010 at National Emergency Preparedness Month in the city of Brighton.
