Mercer Island is well Prepared

[Tina Jackson]

I am a volunteer for the Mercer Island Emergency Preparedness Dept. And yesterday September 22nd was the cities yearly test...in case of a real emergency. We simulated an earthquake with a total shutdown of both bridges, power outages, fires, and even deaths.

It was a real eye opener for me. If an emergency hits, I will be involved at the call center at City Hall. We take the calls, map out where everyone should go to help, open the emergency well, and shelter sites. We will dispatch where police, fire and volunteers are needed, and map all this out on a huge 10' map. Really interesting process. Yesterday I was the one with the colored markers placing the actions on the map.

I have been on this team of volunteers for almost a year now. And I can tell you Mercer Island is prepared. But, we can always use more people on out teams. These are the teams- Communications, Damage assessment, Animal shelter, Search and Rescue, Child Care, Resources, Transportation and there are more... I think they need Damage Asssesement people all over the island.

If you want to get involved let me know..:)

[MeLisa Turcott Strongheart]

Way to go Jo su Jackson! you are doing something very worthwhile! I think from the things you have taught me so far about it, the thing I have most taken to heart is: be part of the solution. By having emergency kit, communication plans, escape routes. These are so important. As martial artists I think it is so important to be part of the solution; the "protectors/modern warriors" as it were, in our village.