Miramar's new Community Emergency Response Team, through which residents voluntarily learn to help their neighbors in case of a large-scale disaster, is seeing more young faces -- which is not so typical.
Based on a national program, the Miramar team has seen almost half of its first class of 10 be ages 13 to 17, while other cities such as Pembroke Pines, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach have mostly adults and retired people joining up, according to police and fire officials.
Team member Byron Logan, 14, said that some people may think he's too young but that's exactly why he's participating.
"The whole reason we are in it is to learn what to do if we are sitting at home and disaster happens," said Logan, of Miramar. "We have been working together and in the book, asking questions, and we will know how to do things before we get there."
CERT instructor Romeo Lavarias said he relishes the fact that youngsters, who must have adult consent, are signing up.
"It introduces kids into disaster preparedness and offers them an opportunity where they could actually provide significant help to their neighbors," said Lavarias, also the city's emergency management coordinator. "They were very mature, listened intently and asked great questions.
"They were genuine, sincere and desired to learn."
Miramar Fire-Rescue teaches participants ways to give emergency care to residents in case of a tornado, hurricane or terrorist attack, especially in the event that police or fire personnel can't reach the victims.
"The Community Emergency Response Team can provide critical care at the time until the first responders can get there in an aftermath of a disaster," Lavarias said. "Our goal is to have a CERT team in every neighborhood."
Team participants, age 13 or older, have to complete an eight-week training course on disaster preparedness; first aid; treatment of broken bones, cuts, sprains and strains; elements of search and rescue; how to put out small fires and other emergency techniques. The group meets once a week.
The program's first class got to choose the city's CERT logo, which will adorn members' green hard hats and all future literature. The graduates expect to receive their certificates during the May 19 City Commission meeting.
The city plans to conduct monthly meetings to continuously update team members on new issues and topics in disaster management.
Participants are wanted for the next session. After an orientation meeting, set for Tuesday, the members would meet Thursday nights, from June 3 to July 22, at the Miramar Civic Center, 6920 SE 35th St. The program is open to everyone, but those who work or live in Miramar are preferred.
The city received an $8,000 state grant from the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management, to buy needed equipment including a backpack, helmet, pair of work gloves, eye protection, flashlight, reflective vest, and identification card for each member, as well as other safety items for about 85 people. Each pack costs about $100, Lavarias said.
The grant provided the starter money, Lavarias said, and additional costs, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, will be paid through the Fire Department budget. Miramar has reapplied for the same grant to use next year, he added.
Community Emergency Response Teams are active in more than 30 Florida counties, with more than 5,000 residents trained, according to the Division of Emergency Management. The program is formed through fire departments, law enforcement agencies, offices of emergency management, volunteer centers or other sponsors.
"Community involvement is integral to the recovery phase in disaster management
