MERT to Launch Duties on June 1, 2013

L to R top: Meagan Jones, Jerry Jamison, Marin Karraker; bottom: David Dubbell, Carla Wright, Liz Rowen, Elizabeth Farr, Dorothy Baker, Ken Baker, Jason Miniken – Ron Garner photo

The San Juan Island Fire Rescue has formed a new program, Major Emergency Response Team (MERT), to help neighbors in case of a major emergency on the Island. These folks will staff their neighborhood fire stations helping to keep track of residents, injuries, structural and property damage in their areas. When Emergency Services arrive at their individual neighborhood, the MERT member will be able to report on the current situation saving time and resources for the Emergency Medical and Fire response teams.

The MERT volunteers will have the latest information on Red Cross shelters, situations across the island and on the mainland. They will also provide a tack board where residents can leave messages for family and friends. A MERT ON DUTY sign will be posted when a volunteer is present.

These volunteers, who are not a part of any other disaster preparedness team on the Island, attended a class and will do so yearly to keep abreast of what is happening in the world of emergency assistance.

MERT’s creator, Ron Garner, is very pleased with the support MERT has received from the residents of San Juan Island.

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