Welcome CERT Teams accross the U.S.

I am just so thrilled that so many teams are being added each week by link. If all CERT teams learn to work together we can make this country one of the most prepared places for disasters to live in. What it really takes is being persistent on telling others of the risk they face each day. I personally have never worried for on moment about something I can see coming towards me, but what about the things you can't see? Where I live is subject to experience a major earthquake whenever. You know you can't see earthquakes coming. I know this because I lived in California and worked in the EMS out there for 14 years and had the unfortunate experience of responding to a major quake in L.A. and in San Fransisco. Until you have seen the devastation for yourself it is hard to understand what you are up against. Nothing is like it was! The whole landscape will be changed in the blink of an eye. Things that have been there for many years are totally gone or at the least relocated. There is hardly any point of reference left to go by. Man let me tell you this is what they must mean when they say, "flying by the seat of your pants". To say that EMS and other first responders will be overwhelmed is a major understatement. Here is some important information for everyone! There are over 300 million people in the United States and only one percent is a trained first responder at the professional level. What does that mean? Just this; 1 EMT or Paramedic for every 325 people, 1 Police officer for every 389 people, 1 firefighter for every 268 people. How would you like to roll up on a major disaster and find out that you now have 389 victims to help? I hate to paint such a morbid picture but the truth is the truth. CERT can help fill this gap. Know this in your heart as a CERT Team member no matter what city, county, or state you live in. Police officers want you, Firefighters want you, EMT's and Paramedics want you, and most of all your communities need you. You are to be commended for your efforts on behalf or yourselves, your families, and your community. No one will ever be able to say to you that you did not go the extra mile. You have and then some. My hat is off to every CERT Team member no matter where you are at and I would be proud to serve right along side of any of you. You know there are three kinds of people in this world. Victims, Survivors, and their rescuers. Which are you?