Brandon Twp.-Kim Kimball joined the Community Emergency Response Team out of a desire to be better prepared for a disaster.
Now he hopes others will join to not only help secure their own homes and families, but to assist others in the community.
‘We work with the fire department, help them during community events, provide support during fires and power outages,? said Kimball. ‘We give back to the community and help with just being generally prepared for a disaster.?
CERT was established in 2005 with money from a federal grant. The team originally had about 35 members, currently has just under 20 that provide traffic control during events such as CreekFest, Septemberfest, Halloween and Christmas in the Village. Teammembers also check on senior citizens during power outages and extreme weather and can guard downed powerlines.
CERT trains members in CPR, triage, basic first aid and search and rescue operations, among other endeavors. Courses are conducted as needed. Background checks are required.
For more information, e-mail kimk@brandonmicert.org or contact Fire Chief Dave Kwapis at 248-627-4000.