Proudly providing resilience education and training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2000.
Resiliency Digest
August 2019
News & tips for being ready
before, during, and after emergencies.
YOU CAN BE THE BACKBONE OF
COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS
Personal preparedness is vitally important, but did you know that 46% of people say they rely on their community for help in the first 72 hrs. post-disaster? Citizen preparedness to step in during an emergency can make a huge difference in a community’s ability to respond to and bounce back from natural or other disasters. Check out these stories of how volunteers are the backbone of recovery. 
GET INVOLVED THROUGH CERT
In our region, Community Emergency Response Team training is offered free of charge, and uses a curriculum designed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and teaches basic skills in disaster preparedness, fire safety, first aid, terrorism awareness, disaster psychology, and search & rescue. The seven-week course is designed to give the average person tools to prepare themselves and their family during severe weather or other emergencies when emergency personnel are overwhelmed and may not be able to respond immediately. 

After completing the seven-week course, participants may choose to become a volunteer with the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Community Emergency Response Team. The course is open to anyone who either lives or works in Staunton, Waynesboro, or Augusta County. Next class is set for Fall 2019. See the registration info below to sign up!

Watch some of the ways CERT volunteers help in emergency situations.
BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY CHECKLIST
Kids heading back to school is a great time to remind them about preventing transportation and school-related injuries. Here’s a handy checklist you can download to do that. 

Visit the National Safety Council’s website for lots more tips for staying safe on the road, wearing backpacks, or on the playground or sports field. 
IN SCHOOL SAFETY
Unfortunately, schools are subject to emergencies like every other location in your community, and making sure you understand your children’s school emergency guidelines and procedures can save a lot of headaches when things do happen. Healthychildren.org offers an excellent list of terms to know and questions to ask so you are familiar with the school’s safety plan, safety drills, communication policies, and how to talk with your children about family safety plans and what might happen in case of an emergency. 
Community Resiliency Achievements & Announcements
Stay tuned to the September Digest for details about the Fall CERT course!
For additional resources to help protect yourself, loved ones, and property, visit the National Weather Service, Ready.gov , U.S. Fire Administration , and the National Safety Council .  
[540.885. 5174]  [rebecca@cspdc.org]  [www.cspdc.org]