FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – As hurricane season approaches, officials are on offense, working to prepare Flagler County before a storm hits the area.
Among the organizations helping prepare residents to assist is the team at the Flagler Volunteer Services in conjunction with Flagler County Emergency Management.
Judy Bucek, Volunteer Coordinator and Project Director for Flagler Volunteer Services, leads the training coordination for residents interested in supporting the professionals during emergencies.
“Our summer CERT class begins June 10. It runs for three weeks, three days a week, from 1 pm to 4 pm and it is free of charge for all residents,” said Bucek.
Learning response techniques for more than a dozen scenarios, the CERT training has been invaluable during past hurricanes, tornadoes, and even in traffic emergencies.
“It teaches you how to be a first responder before the first responder comes,” she said.
With hurricane season starting June 1st, this is a great time to learn how to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighbors in case a disaster does come our way Bucek added.
“You could always be more ready, and remember, no matter the weather forecast says, all it takes is one storm of any magnitude to impact our county,” she said.
More Than Money, Volunteers Are Priceless
Prior to any storm coming, Flagler Volunteer Services activates volunteers who help fill sand bags, direct traffic, prepare the shelters and the call centers.
“We do reach out to our CERT volunteers first because of their training,” said Bucek.
Post-storm, local governments ask for help from the federal government.
“Documented volunteer hours serve as a match, so put a dollar amount to the volunteer hours. All the hours that are turned in and documented come off the total bill that the cities and the county are responsible for,” she noted.
“You’re saving your own taxpayers money.”
Is There a Role for YOU?
“We tell them, there IS something for everyone to do,” said Bucek.
Working with residents experiencing mobility issues, Bucek says there is a role for everyone.
“I just did a training where people don’t even have to leave their house and answer phone calls,” she said.
“We definitely have something for everyone and we teach that in CERT – there is a job for every, single person. When it comes to volunteering, we can utilize anyone who’d like to help.”
