posted 11/23/22
CERT members went out as soon as they could assessing damage and looking for people in need after Hurricane Ian. They found the community to be strong in helping each other and looking out for their their neighbors.
CERT worked with the North Fort Myers Fire Department to get the tree and telephone pole clear on Congressional CT when a multitude of people indicated they could not access the road.
CERT members helped to get the debris out to the road and sorted for pickup.
This was CERT’s first disaster, a lot was learned, a lot of missed but we had a meeting with other CERT Team leaders this week from various communities and shared ideas and thoughts of what we could do better.
Some ideas to consider for future:
· Main roads need to be cleared ASAP for emergency vehicles, fire department can help with that.
· Generator and walkie talkies at the guard station a must so they have power and 2 walkie talkies for CERT to communicate with each other and the guard shack.
· List of residents who stayed/left.
· Putting an OK sign in your window for drive- by home checks by CERT.
· Early meeting with residents on upcoming disaster with important information, such as special needs shelter.
· Sign outside the guard station indicating the community is ALL CLEAR or NEED ASSISTANCE from the North Fort Myers Fire Department
Christi Kulwicki, NFM Education Director for CERT, Police and fire chief, policeman, fireman and first responders said that the CERT teams and community did a fantastic job on letting them know what was needed. By our diligence, they did not need to come in and check our community cul de sac by cul de sac because CERT was in constant contact them.
North Fort Myers Fire Department will be delivering 4 toy collection boxes in a couple of weeks. They emphasized the need for toys will be greater this year because of displaced families.
For anyone interested in joining CERT, there is a CERT class Nov 8,10,15,17 at Herons’ Glenn from 10-1 and Nov 18th at the NMF Fire House. You must call Beth @ 239-240-0825, class is limited.
The next Lake Fairways CERT meeting is Monday, Nov 7that 1 PM in the lounge. Anyone interested in CERT or current team members are encouraged to come.
Thank you,
Kevin Walsh
Lake Fairways CERT lead