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| LIFE IN SOLERA | NOVEMBER 2022 | 7 Solera CERT Cadre CERT IN ACTION In the month of September and October, our region was stricken by deadly fires and floods. We had the Radford Fire (Running Springs) and the Fairview Fire (Hemet). In addition, the Apple Fire and the El Dorado Fire burn scorched areas were subjected to a usual amount of rain, causing flooding and huge mud/ debris flows in the Forest Falls area. Unfortunately, lives were lost to these devastating acts of nature. The fires and flooding were not sudden occurrences. Government officials and public safety professionals warned area residents of the dangers and impending disaster. Unfortunately, people did not heed the warnings and did not properly prepare for an evacuation. A question may occur to you as, "How would you know people were not prepared?" Aside from being a proponent of CERT in Solera, I am also a volunteer with the American Red Cross. Based on my past life experience (public safety professional), I perform a plethora of duties within the public safety realm and disaster preparedness of the Red Cross. One of my duties was assessing damage to the area and ensuring the safety of residents using the four Red Cross shelters activated. While strolling through the shelters that housed about 500 clients, I had the opportunity to talk to many displaced residents. Most told me that they did not take the evacuation warnings seriously. Worse yet, many of the clients did not have enough supplies or resources to accommodate the week evacuation from their homes. Having so many clients did strain the resources of the Red Cross. Manpower was a challenge, but through partnerships with the city and county CERT programs, we received a constant flow of volunteers. Their CERT skills were put to good use regarding disaster psychology. Also, CERT volunteers used their logistical skills to collect and distribute personal hygiene supplies and clothing to the clients in the shelter. If you call, these clients fled their houses without their essentials. Remember to prepare for disaster events. Take the first step by building an emergency kit, also known as a "Bug Out Bag." Visit our YouTube training channel to discover how to build your kit today. The link can be found on our website. Learn more at the Solera CERT website: https://www.solera-cert. info.