Community involvement is the focus of this week for National Preparedness Month. Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen says there are a variety of ways to help with emergency preparedness in your community. There are opportunities to get training as a volunteer firefighter, or with the newly founded CERT, “We recently started a CERT program, and we’ve got five people who are committed to the team. So again, CERT is Community Emergency Response Team. You get some extra training on preparedness, basic first aid, basic very small scale firefighting, and just search and rescue. Being a resource to the community and not a burden on the community.”

Reisen adds that if you’re interested in finding a way to volunteer, including high school students, then contact her office to discuss local options and needs in the community. Reisen is also working with local businesses to help them develop emergency plans. The motto is Prepared, Not Scared.