IMPERIAL — When Tim Nakamura learned of the damage Hurricane Sandy caused to the East Coast in October, it made him realize one can never be too prepared when it comes to natural disasters.
As the director of campus safety and security at Imperial Valley College, Nakamura took it upon himself to start an emergency-response club on campus.
“Once students are certified, they can potentially respond to any disaster, man-made or natural, in the county or even the state,” Nakamura said.
Although the Community Emergency Response Team is still in its early stages, nearly 10 students have joined.
In an effort to recruit more students, the club held a demonstration on campus in which team members lifted a golf cart off of a resuscitation dummy.
IVC student Martin Pantoja said he decided to join the team to help him prepare for his future in law enforcement.
“I joined the team because I think it’s a good certificate to have, but also because I’ll be able to help people if something were to happen at school or anywhere else,” Pantoja, a 23-year-old student, said.
For team president Mindy Mosher, her decision to join was fueled by her fear of earthquakes.
“I get really scared during earthquakes,” Mosher, a 21-year-old student, said. “I figured if I joined I’d be able to get over my fear and focus on helping others.”
The team is open to any community members who are interested in joining.
For more information on the emergency response team or to join, contact Nakamura at tim.nakanura@imperial.edu
Staff Writer Karina Lopez can be reached at 760-337-3439 or klopez@ivpressonline.com
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