When you think about disasters- natural or manmade, do you think about how your children will re-act? Well, I didnt until my son completed and graduated from Be Ready Camp. This camp is based in Huntsville, Al and is the only one of its kind in the United States. This program is designed to help our children become leaders in time of disasters. While at camp, my son learned how to escape a car that had been submerged into water, how to use a fire extinguisher (which I dont know how to use), search and rescue, simple medical procedures such as finding sticks to brace a broken leg, and setting a family plan. During his week stay, they also had a mock disaster where 3 helicopters crashed into a crowd of people. These kids had to search and help over 60 victims (courtesy of the nursing school in Huntsville). There were local EMT and firefighters to assist the kids but the kids were in charge. They found, treated and transported all but 3 victims . Talk about team work. This program is thru the governors office. Eligibility is only to alabama students in the 6th grade. In the 5th grade, the students are asked to write an essay- last years essay was “What it meant to be in a safe community”. Below is my contact for the be ready camp. It is a great opportunity to see your child shine.
Marguerite Long
AmeriCorps *VISTA – Emergency Preparedness & Response
The Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
One Commerce St., Suite 620
Montgomery, AL 36104
Marguerite.Long@ServeAlabama.gov
334 954 7440 phone ext 451
334 242 2885 fax
