Homeland Security Launches Community Emergency Response Program to Assist Resident Preparedness

By monica.heth at February 26, 2013 | 3:22 pm | Print

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Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Executive Director Michael Masters today announced the launch of the Cook County Community Emergency Response Program in a speech at the City Club.

The United States Department of Homeland Security and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management recommend that individuals and families be able to sustain themselves without power, water, or outside assistance for at least 72 hours.

“Disasters do not wait until you or your family are prepared, they strike without warning,” Masters said. “Preparation is vital. Cook County, under the leadership of President Toni Preckwinkle, is taking steps to make sure residents are prepared for all hazards, both man-made and natural.”

The Cook County Community Emergency Response Program will give families the information and training necessary to prepare for disaster. The Program will educate residents for hazards that may impact their community and train them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and basic first aid.

All disasters are local in nature, and all emergency events require residents to be prepared to assist themselves and their families. The Community Emergency Response Program will seek to engage communities and neighborhoods throughout suburban Cook County.

“We must ensure that we are taking a comprehensive approach to get all of our residents prepared, particularly those who have the greatest challenges and the least resources,” President Preckwinkle said.

By creating the Community Emergency Response Program, Cook County is taking steps to meet and exceed the standards set by the federal government to prepare, plan, and train our whole community.

The program will kick-off in April.

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