The latest chapter in Baltimore County's ongoing emergency preparedness effort involves teaching citizens how to help themselves and their neighbors during and immediately after a disaster. The county invites residents to participate in "Neighbors Helping Neighbors, an all-hazards program designed to teach people the skills required to get through the first, critical 72 hours following an emergency. If you would like to learn more about participating in "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," visit our online volunteer resource. You may register online for this program. "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" is a five-part program. Participants may attend all or some of the five sections. The topics covered include: - Natural Disasters and Technological Hazards.
Covers past disasters in Maryland; how to prepare and maintain a family emergency plan and a 72-hour emergency kit; how to assist people with disabilities during an emergency; natural and technological hazards most likely to threaten this area; what to do before, during and after a disaster. - Fire Safety and Extinguishers
Covers types of fires and how they occur; how to evaluate fires and assess firefighting resources; how to operate different types of extinguishers; how to decide whether to attempt to extinguish a fire and how to do so safely; potential fire hazards in the home and workplace; fire prevention strategies. - Crime Prevention and Awareness
Covers how to recognize suspicious activity and how to report it to 911; personal safety techniques; steps to protect homes against break-ins; "Citizens On Patrol" and how to implement this program in your community; identification of possible terrorist targets. - CPR/First Aid
Students completing this section will become certified in American Heart Association Heart Saver CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This section also covers how to treat life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction and excessive breathing; patient assessment; treatment of burns, wounds and bleeding; treatment with splinting of fractures, sprains and strains; treatment of hypothermia and heat-related illness; simple triage. - Volunteer Opportunities
The program explores opportunities for citizens to volunteer with various public and private organizations.
Experts from local public safety agencies will conduct the training.  | | Revised August 27, 2009 |
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