Disasters don’t only need firefighters, but a range of other related activities as well, says Chad Mileham, a Director at Disaster Relief Emergency Response Teams (CERT).
Known as Disaster Relief CERT, the organisation was established in 2020, by John, Stephen and Chad,to prepare volunteers to assist during disasters.
This is done through setting up Volunteer “Community Emergency Response Teams” (CERT). These volunteers are then trained to support their local communities.
They raise awareness within Local Communities for the need to prepare for
Disasters, and on the importance of providing Disaster Relief.
CERT Volunteers are trained in First Aid, Firefighting, Radio Communications, Light Search and Rescue, and other disaster-related skills.
Mileham’s organisation works from resources received, such as funding, donations, sponsorships and grants, to capacitate communities.
Most Gautengers might have come across Mileham on various groups in the Region, because he assists with administering at least 88 WhattsApp groups, as one of the directors of CERT.
This comes naturally to the hands-on former IT boffin, who has managed his business for over two decades.
He also has a string of qualifications to match each of his skills-as a Microsoft Systems Engineer, Financial Manager and Security Manager.
He has had ample work experience in alarm monitoring and armed response, as an employee of the South African Red Cross Society and more.
Now with about 90 volunteers, who assist during disasters, Mileham is convinced at least 4000 more are required, this includes animal rescue with other organisations of common wildlife, such as Vervets and jackals.
Mileham says a recent incident of a vervet monkey stoned at a school in Ekurhuleni, is an indication of just how much work lies ahead to educate and raise awareness.
Registration link:
https://disasterreliefcert.org.za/temp.php?tseq=0&id=m2
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