Had a chance to talk with Rene Atayan, one of the members of the Eastchester Citizen’s Corps, for a story about the group that is slated to run in next week’s Express.
She passed along this information that I felt deserved a wider audience. The ECC is looking for new members interested in becoming part of the town’s emergency response network. Don’t know much about the ECC? Here is some background:
“The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed out west in the mid 80’s under the LA Fire Department. It is now a nationwide federal program, implemented at the local level.
We work under the assumption our emergency services will be maxed out during a catastrophic disaster – fire, hurricane, tornado, blizzard, etc.
Our jobs are two-fold –
Be self sufficient and resourceful, as survival and rescue is up to us until professional help becomes available
Act as eyes, ears, and general assistance to our professional first responders.
“We have taught mini-clinics to students graduating from high school, elderly folks in large apartment buildings, neighborhood groups, etc.
We developed the phrases ‘Be a Survivor, Not a Victim’ , and ‘Be Helpful Not Helpless’ – and use them in our mini-clinics
Vicki Ford had the foresight shortly after 9/11 to apply for and develop the Eastchester Citizen’s Corps – it has grown considerably due to her commitment and passion for the program.”
Interested in joining? Contact Vicki Ford at 914-337-4044.
