Ready Marine Corps

Twentynine Palms -- The Combat Center is taking steps to educate residents on what they need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency situations as part of America’s Prepare-A-Thon 2016. Throughout the week of Sept. 11-17, the Prepare-A-Thon focuses on encouraging community members to play an active role in disaster preparedness.

“In order to build a resilient community, you have to have all the members of the community involved in one way or another,” said Luis Aguirre, installation emergency management specialist, G-7 Mission Assurance. “There are many different programs that anyone can participate in, such as the Citizens Corps where you can learn how to help make your families, communities and homes safer.”

Another option for community members aboard the installation interested in playing an active role in disaster preparedness is the Community Emergency Response Team. CERT teaches to volunteers how to organize themselves, provide immediate assistance to victims and support responders’ efforts when they arrive.

“During a disaster situation, first responders are going to be overwhelmed,” Aguirre said. “They might not be able to get to everyone right away. As a member of the CERT, you will have the basic knowledge needed to provide assistance until first responders arrive.”

For additional information on the National Prepare-A-Thon or how to take an active role in disaster preparedness, visit www.ready.marines.mil or contact G-7 Mission Assurance at (760) 830-6074.