I am thinking about starting a Jeep Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program for LaPorte County, IN. For those who don't know about CERT, it is a program for citizens to assit first responders (police, fire, etc) during an emergency, such as torndoes, snow storms, or, yes, hurricanes. There is grant money available thru, I think, Homeland Security for CERT programs in communities throughout the country.

Are any members on the board invovled in a similar type organization/club? If you are, what are the reactions from your local fire, police depts. AND politicians?

I know Hummer Owners are involved with HOPE (Hummer Owners Prepared for Emergencies) out of the South Bend, IN area--which is the area where the HMMMV and H2 are produced.

Actually, I think it would be great for DCX to get involved in promoting such local organizations, with the Jeep brand.

I am thinking about starting a Jeep Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program for LaPorte County, IN. For those who don't know about CERT, it is a program for citizens to assit first responders (police, fire, etc) during an emergency, such as torndoes, snow storms, or, yes, hurricanes. There is grant money available thru, I think, Homeland Security for CERT programs in communities throughout the country.

Are any members on the board invovled in a similar type organization/club? If you are, what are the reactions from your local fire, police depts. AND politicians?

I know Hummer Owners are involved with HOPE (Hummer Owners Prepared for Emergencies) out of the South Bend, IN area--which is the area where the HMMMV and H2 are produced.

Actually, I think it would be great for DCX to get involved in promoting such local organizations, with the Jeep brand.

Great idea! If you need any help drumming up interest...let me know.

On a personal basis, a couple things I have accomplished:

1. I became a trained severe weather spotter sponsored by NOAA and the 3 TV stations in South Bend, IN

2. I became certified in basic CPR and First Aid through the Red Cross.

I have also been in contact with the United States and Indiana Four Wheel Drive Assn. to try and arrange to attend their "Safety Awareness Classes" they offer to novice four wheelers. I have been unsuccessful in trying to arrange some classes, but I'm still trying.

Any promoting of CERT programs throughout the country would benefit all the citizens, while making us all--at least partially--responsible for our own well-being when a disaster strikes.

More info on CERT programs can be found at: http://citizencorps.gov/cert