Coral Springs CERT volunteers participate in large-scale disaster preparedness drill to enhance emergency response skills
Coral Springs, Florida – A massive tornado struck Coral Springs on Saturday, leaving dozens injured as emergency responders rushed to provide aid. But this time, it wasn’t a real disaster—it was an intensive emergency preparedness drill designed to test and improve the response skills of local volunteers.
Held at Sherwood Forest Park, the large-scale exercise brought together nearly 50 members of the Coral Springs Parkland Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), as well as volunteers from neighboring cities, including Deerfield Beach, Weston, Plantation, and Miramar. This was the second joint disaster drill aimed at enhancing the capabilities of CERT members in handling large-scale emergencies.
To make the scenario as realistic as possible, volunteers from the Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry created lifelike wounds, broken limbs, and other simulated injuries. Participants were tasked with locating victims, assessing the severity of their conditions, and deciding the best course of action—whether to provide immediate medical care on-site or coordinate transport with local paramedics to nearby hospitals.
“This was designed to sharpen the saw,” said Joseph Chalom, program chief for the Coral Springs Parkland CERT, emphasizing that regular drills are essential to maintaining and improving emergency response skills.
Since its establishment in 2003, the Coral Springs Parkland CERT program has trained nearly 1,000 residents, equipping them with critical skills in disaster preparedness, fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations. The free program is part of a nationwide initiative aimed at empowering local communities to take action during emergencies before professional first responders arrive.
Events like this drill highlight the importance of continuous training and teamwork, ensuring that volunteers are ready to step in when disaster strikes. Residents interested in learning more about the Coral Springs Parkland CERT program or signing up for future training opportunities can visit coralspringscert.org.
For those looking to be better prepared for emergencies and to make a difference in their community, CERT offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and play a crucial role in disaster response.
