Community emergency response training prepares for the worst

MIAMI, Okla. (KOAM) - When disaster strikes will you be prepared?

Emergencies happen when you least expect it. But Rick Aldridge is working to make sure his community is as prepared as possible.

He is the founder and a trainer with the Oklahoma Emergency Response Team .

The group is made up of people ready to take action in case of an emergency.

"Especially in northeast Oklahoma, we get a variety of different issues here, especially flooding. And there's just not enough first responders to be able to handle things.  That first 24 hours, of course, are very busy,” says Aldridge.

Aldridge leads trainings for the public to learn how to best respond during an emergency.

Attendees don't have to be part of an organized response team. They might just want to know how to keep their families safe.

Participants are not first responders. but they are trained to help.

“In any emergency situation, especially in rural areas like we have here, we don't have the large amount of first responders that they do in some of your larger cities. Your citizens have got to be involved. And plus, it's a chance to give back to your community,” says Terry Wilson, training attendee.

Trainings help teach basic firefighting, first-aid and emergency communication protocols.

Aldridge says no matter your age, ability or skill level, there is a role you can play in case of an emergency.

“You may not necessarily be just like all the knuckle dragger being out there having to do the heavy work, but there's administrative work. There's so much stuff that goes into disaster response that people just don't think of.”

The next public community emergency response training in Miami is planned for June.

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