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24 | THE COLONY NEWS | AUGUST 2022 | As a member of the Emergency Response Team for the past several years, I am responsible for Recruitment and Planning. I help plan any modifications to the current structure of the areas within The Colony emergency response map, and actively seek residents to become area coordinators and block captains. The Colony is divided into 17 areas. Ideally, each area has an area coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating the block captains within his or her area. In an emergency situation, the area coordinator is also responsible for being the liaison between block captains within the area and command central. Block captains, who are responsible for checking on the safety of the residents living within a block of homes in a specific area, are critical were we to experience an emergency. These individuals take the first steps to knock on the doors of their neighbors to determine if any assistance is needed if we have an earthquake, fire, gas leak or any other community emergency. The block captains report, via walkie-talkie, to the area coordinator, who in turn reports to command central. Once the information is received at command central, any necessary assistance, such as search and rescue, medical, pet rescue, etc., is dispatched to the resident who is in need. In order for this emergency response system to be successful, we need helpful, caring residents to join us in this effort. Hopefully, we will never be called into action, but we need to be prepared for emergencies. If you are looking for an opportunity to meet your neighbors and become involved in the welfare of those living next door and across the street, please contact me at the above number. I will be happy to meet with you and review the responsibilities of a block captain and area coordinator, and work with you to find the perfect place for you on the emergency response team! EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM By Kathy Lewis, 951-412-0006 On June 18, a few of us on the Colony CERT team went to CERT Training hosted by Temecula Fire. Training included grid search, triage, building safety, and fire suppression.