CERT Survive

Being a hero takes more then arriving at a disaster scene. We often overlook the actions the actions that build up to a point where someone can help. Volunteers known as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) do their part in a major disaster. CERT members are trained in fire suppression, light search and rescue and first aid. When CERT has done their initial assessment, firefighters continue the high-level dangers. In this picture, a CERT member is giving a man a blanket to stay warm and to prevent hypothermia.

A quick jolt and the fire prop is lit. Starting a fire is so easy. A firefighter steps back as he lights the fire prop during a CERT drill. This fire prop is a training tool that trains CERT members to aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, which cuts off the fuel killing the flame.

I pick up the fire extinguisher along with my helmet, gloves, and glasses for safety protection. I walk towards the fire and scream "Going In". Grabbing my back is a lady, she is my partner. Two in two out is the most important rule. Two people entering anywhere and two people exit. No one leaves his or her partner. The buddy system is basic but highly important to insure safety for everyone.

CERT members take out fires with extinguishers, these bottles last about two minutes, which is all you need to take out a fire of this size. The first hit gets near the base of the fire, but the fire is still standing strong. You must hit the sensors located at the base of the prop to extinguish the fire.

I am applying a fundamental tactic that firefighters use (known as PASS): Pull the tab, Aim at the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep the base of the fire (PASS). While sweeping the base of the fire, the fuel that is feeding the fire is cut, deprived of oxygen and starts to die.

The fire is gone within seconds. The problem is over and the drill almost complete. Back out safely and it’s over. Although just a drill this time, CERT members are trained so that one-day they can tackle real danger. CERT has helped out in the 2007 witch fires- driving firefighters around, filling up rigs with water and more. These are all things that helped keep the firefighters out on the front line fighting fire.

CERT members have completed the drill. The place gets dark and the fire is gone. But, even after extinguishing one small fire, more often follow. It’s time to move on, time to save another home, building, and community.

Planning for The Magazine

I would like to contribute my photo essay. I would also like to use my interview.

Possible title is "The HTHMA Experience"

Possible title that I would like to read is "How I connected my life to the real world through an internship"

Immersion!

How important are the following at my internship?

Profit: sort of managing money is big. With a non profit organization it seems that everything has to go under some type of code. Also with grants from the government I am learning that the money is very closely watched which shocked me a little because I have always been told/imagined that the goverment has (or acts like it) has a endless supply of money.

Social Welfair: Highly, I see this a lot in my mentor. She is always concerned with the safety of everyone and is constantly giving. CERT is an orginzation that is structured arould the welfair of others.
Advertising: Thats my job! I am creating a informative video besides that, CERT isnt really advertised only when CERT members go out an help like in the 2007 Witch fires. There advertising is the people in the program giving service.

Promotion: not really. Learning is more imporatant and staying continuing education is stressed a lot.

Markets: nope

Economic/Politics: They have to account for the money that they are receving and log everything to avoid problems of loss of money. This is important because they could loose grants if they don't follow all the rules.