Like everybody else, I hope that no emergencies of whatever kind, big or small, will ever happen to us. On the other hand, I also know that emergencies do happen, unfortunately, most of the time without warning. The only defense we have to protect ourselves is to be prepared. But how can we be prepared for something that is so unpredictable? Surprisingly, this is perhaps the easiest question you might have!
Visit the Emergency Social Services' Open House on April 28 at the Harrison Hot Springs Memorial Hall, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and you will be amazed how much information you will be able to gather in a short time. Most importantly, you will meet and talk to representatives of the ESS team as well as of the various Response Teams such as Search and Rescue, Ambulance Services, Fire Departments and Police. You will also meet Caroline Harris who has been asked to put a volunteer team together again, which is vital for the overall success of the ESS program. Hopefully, you will consider giving her a hand and sign up as a volunteer.
So, "what will the volunteers do?" you may ask. Well, they have to do many things if the program is to be successful. You might be asked, for instance, to be part of the registration team at the Emergency Center. Or, be part of the feeding or clothing teams. The list is long and training will be provided.
Talk to Caroline Harris about it and help her to put a new team together. It might make all the difference to you and your community should the need arise. But, even if you cannot be part of the team, it is very helpful for everybody to know what services would be available, where to go or what to do if staying put. It will give us peace of mind. Knowledge is the power needed to get us through any emergency that might happen and knowledge is gained by either being part of the team or, at least, by being informed about it. So do pay a visit to the HHS Memorial Hall on Saturday, April 28 — you will not regret it!
Read Ruth Altendorf's previous column here.