Your New Year’s resolutions probably include improving your lifestyle, health or financial situations, but did you remember to include a resolution to be ready for emergencies? 

“You can get help making a plan, making a kit and keeping informed by using tools available at www.ready.gov,” according to Carnation-Duvall Citizen Corps Council (CDCCC) president Kathy Brasch.

“Citizen Corps wants us all to be ready for emergencies,” said Brasch. “Emergencies can be short inconveniences or long-term disasters. Planning ahead can provide peace of mind that your family and loved ones will know what to do, where to go, and will be able to keep themselves warm, fed and comfortable for at least three days in a disaster. Advanced planning will also increase your business’ ability to survive and recover.”

By visiting www.ready.gov, individuals and business owners can learn how they can be informed, be prepared, and be involved.

Brasch also called attention to the local CDCCC website, www.carnationduvallcitizencorps.org: “We have organized links to resources for residents and business owners, available at the local, county, state and federal levels. Check out downloadable materials, including home and car emergency kit checklists and emergency plan templates. Our site also includes information about getting involved in local emergency response efforts and other volunteer opportunities.”

Carnation-Duvall Medical Reserve Corps, a CDCCC program, is offering training in the FEMA Incident Command System on January 21, 2009, from 7PM to 9PM, at the downtown Duvall fire station.  Members of the public are invited to the free training if they will RSVP to mrc1@carnationduvallcitizencorps.org. Training in Community Emergency Response Team skills will start in March at the Eastside Fire & Rescue station in Carnation.  Exact timing will be forthcoming, as will an application form at www.carnationduvallcitizencorps.org. Resolve now to make a plan, make a kit, and be informed. 

In the New Year, get involved with Citizen Corps.