Community  Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Preparedness Starts Before the Emergency.
Learn the Skills. Make a Plan. Know Your Limits. Help Build a Safer Community.

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Fires, severe weather, medical emergencies, power outages, accidents, and other unexpected situations do not wait until we are ready.

That is why we strongly believe in learning as much as we can before an emergency happens.

We are currently completing or will completing Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and it has reinforced something we have believed for a long time: when an emergency first happens, the people already there — family members, neighbors, coworkers, and other residents — may be the first people in a position to help.

Professional firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and emergency-management personnel are essential, but during a large emergency they may be responding to many situations at once. Being prepared does not mean trying to replace them. It means knowing how to stay safe, recognize hazards, make good decisions, call for help, and provide appropriate assistance within the limits of your training.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to learn:

• CERT training

• CPR and AED

• First Aid

• Stop the Bleed

• Fire safety and extinguisher training

• Severe-weather preparedness

• Emergency evacuation

• Household emergency planning

• Basic disaster preparedness

Many preparedness classes are available at little or no cost, and the knowledge can be invaluable.

Learn where your exits are. Know how to shut off hazards when appropriate. Have emergency supplies. Make a family communication plan. Learn how to control serious bleeding. Know how to use a fire extinguisher. Pay attention to electrical and fire hazards. And most importantly, know when a situation is too dangerous and professional help is needed.

You may never need to use these skills — but if you ever do, you will be glad you took the time to learn them.

Prepare today. Learn the skills. Know your limits. Look out for one another.

Melvindale Thrive Initiative
Building a safer, stronger, and more prepared community