Emergency response training will prepare LWers for disasters

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN

Residents encouraged to pre-register for Sept. 18 Boots On The Ground drill

The primary emergency plan for Leisure World residents in the event of a disaster is “you are on your own.” That means every shareholder is responsible for his or her own emergency preparedness in the case of an earthquake, wildfi re, flood or tsunami.

Boots On The Ground is an additional measure for Leisure World residents. It consists of 10 groups who are willing and able to report as the eyes, ears, hands and feet on the ground.

There are two drills per year to train volunteers so they know where to go and what to do. These practice drills help to minimize risk and focus on safety. Refresher Zoom and in-person meetings are provided prior to the drill dates.

Those who are not volunteers are asked to not go to any of these locations.

When disaster occurs, residents should tune in to alerts and warnings, and have a personal go bag and emergency supplies ready. Some Mutuals have their own emergency plan, which residents should follow.

Residents are welcome to join one of the following 10 groups: 1. Bike Owners: Meet at the Northeast entrance to the Amphitheater to transport handwritten messages and distribute water and supplies.

2. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): CERT will meet at Veterans Plaza to help with searches and treat minor injuries.

3. Clergy: Church leaders in the community are encouraged to go to their church location to help calm residents through support and prayer.

4. Drones: Drone operators will meet at the top of the Amphitheater. They are asked to follow all guidelines and regulations from Emergency Management of Orange County.

5. Emergency Operations Center (EOC): This group will provide overall leadership for the community incident response team via radio communication in Clubhouse 3.

6. Heavy Equipment Operators: Outside contractors will remove fallen trees and heavy debris to clear roads and walkways.

7. Paws, Claws and Beaks Club/Pet Owners: Residents are needed to comfort and care for pets in the Clubhouse 2 parking lot. People must have proper identification and pet emergency kit.

8. Radio Ham Operators (FCC licensed): This group will meet at the top of the Amphitheater to help with communication net control inside and outside LW.

9. Rollin’ Thunder/Golf Cart Owners: This group will meet at the north end of Oak Hills Drive and Nassau Drive to transport water, medical supplies, and CERT persons.

10. Retired and practicing medical personnel/emergency personnel: People will be directed by the EOC to one of five first-aid station locations to help treat injuries.

Those who are able to participate in the Sept. 18 drill should provide contact information and their preferred group to GRF Health and Safety Specialist Eloy Gomez at eloyg@lwsb.com.

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