Volunteers gearing up for hurricane season NAPLES, Fla. (May 24, 2007) – Vineyards residents who serve on the Emergency Radio Network (ERN) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are preparing for hurricane season by servicing and replacing equipment and updating their training. The two volunteer corps provide substantial support for their communities and assist the North Naples Fire Department during disasters. The radio team has about 50 members in Vineyards and several neighboring communities. They are connected to the Naples Emergency Operations Center, which gets information directly from the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Team members keep their communities informed about emergency preparation, such as mandatory evacuations, and relay information about homeowners in distress. “During Wilma, the fire department lost its antenna and most of the cell phones were down, so we provided the only communication in town,” said Chuck Grant, president of the radio network. After a hurricane, the CERT members do everything from clearing roads for emergency vehicles to assisting injured or ill homeowners. The Vineyards team is one of 26 CERTs serving North Naples with 32 members trained in search and rescue techniques and life-saving medical skills. “We’re like the Marines – we always go in first,” said Mike Ellert, captain of Team Victor, the Vineyards CERT. “It’s risky business, but we’re well trained.” The team carries medical and safety equipment provided by the North Naples Fire Department and is trained in fire suppression. The radio network meets monthly to prepare for hurricane season. CERT will have an annual refresher meeting May 14 for its members and volunteers who are interested in supporting the team by providing extra manpower. Vineyards is an award-winning 1,375-acre gated residential community of single-family and multifamily homes, golf courses and a 70,000-square-foot clubhouse. The Vineyards Corporate Center, which houses its sales offices, is located at 75 Vineyards Blvd., east of I-75 off Pine Ridge Road. For more information, please call (239) 353-1920 or (800) 749-1501, or visit www.VineyardsNaples.com. |