Life Saving Skills for National Preparedness Month

The reality is that in a disaster, first responders may not be able to reach everyone immediately. When help is needed, it is important to know what to do. The Weston Emergency Reserve Corps recommends being trained in at least CPR and basic first aid. As a quick and easy first step, do the free online program called You Are the Help Until Help Arrives.

For hands-on training, one way to find nearby CPR classes is through the Red Cross website. Meanwhile, the nationwide Stop the Bleed initiative focuses specifically on non-professionals learning to use tourniquet and other bleed control techniques, since hemorrhage as the most common cause of preventable death in trauma. See https://www.bleedingcontrol.org/ for more information.

• Review (or learn) how to turn off your home’s utilities like natural gas, electricity, and the water supply.
• Know where your fire extinguishers are, what the different types mean, and make sure you could easily access and use them in an emergency.
• Put carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every level of your home, test them regularly, and replace them every ten years. The fire department will come and help you install and check them if you just give them a call.

Lastly, make sure to involve everyone in your household in these preparations, even the kids. Among the many kid-friendly resources available is the Ready 2 Help card game, which reinforces five main actions: Stay Safe, Stay Calm, Get Help, Give Info, and Give Care. More information can be found at https://community.fema.gov/game.

If you are interested in getting more involved in community crisis preparedness and response, contact the Weston Emergency Reserve Corps through Weston’s Health Department at (781) 786-5030 or online at https://www.weston.org/486/Weston-Emergency-Reserve-Corps

Disasters Happen - Prepare Now. Learn How.