by David E Bay, High Councilor

Last month, I reminded everyone about Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. This training prepares citizens for disasters when regular first responders are overwhelmed and cannot respond to everyone in need. I have been attending this current class. For me, it’s a refresher course because I took a CERT class nearly 19 years ago.

In today’s world, it’s essential to be prepared for any kind of emergency or disaster that may come our way. We never know when we might be faced with a situation where we have to take charge and help ourselves and others. This is where CERT or other emergency preparedness training comes in. It’s a comprehensive training program that aims to prepare citizens for disasters when regular first responders are overwhelmed and cannot respond to everyone in need.

CERT training equips you with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies and disasters in your community. It teaches you how to assess situations, make decisions quickly, and provide basic medical aid. The training also covers topics such as fire safety, search and rescue, and disaster psychology. With this training, you can become a valuable helper to your community in times of crisis.

The basic idea of this training is to make people more useful in a disaster and avoid getting hurt or dying while trying to help. Hopefully, we can learn from the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, where nearly 1,000 volunteers died while trying to help because they had no understanding of how to do so safely. By taking the CERT training, you can learn how to respond to emergencies safely and effectively, without putting yourself or others at risk.

Brigham City plans to run this training at least once a year and possibly more, depending on the demand from class participants. If you’re interested in taking this training, I highly recommend that you sign up by sending an email to BrighamCityUtahCERT@gmail.com. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn life-saving skills that can benefit you and your community.

Imagine being able to assist your neighbors and friends when they need it the most. With proper training, you can be prepared to handle any emergency or disaster that comes your way and help make a difference in your community.

Plan now for Saturday, April 20^th. We will be having a Preparedness and Self-Reliance Fair. This event will be at the Fishburn meetinghouse and pavilion. The fair will run from 9 am to 5 pm and will consist of booths, presentations, and informational resources. Your participation will help all of us become more prepared and self-sufficient during emergencies.

My sincere hope is that in case of a disaster, I can contribute to the solution rather than being part of the problem. I also hope that many others are adequately prepared to help friends and neighbors whom I cannot reach.

Despite all this, the real critical need is that we have people who are prepared and are staying on the covenant path. These are people who put their full faith in our Savior Jesus Christ, and remember him in all that they do, as well as keep the covenants that they have made and the new ones they are making with the Lord, Jesus Christ.

In the past little bit, in my Come Follow Me studies, certain passages have jumped out at me, reminding me of the importance of being prepared both physically and spiritually for whatever may come. While we may not know what disasters or challenges we may face in the future, we must be ready to face them with faith and resilience.

2 Nephi 6:14 And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah will set himself again the second time to recover them; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory, unto the destruction of their enemies, when that day cometh when they shall believe in him; and none will he destroy that believe in him.

2 Nephi 9:18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.

These words seemed to say to me that it’s more important that we are on the covenant path and disciples of Jesus Christ than if we live or die in a disaster, I remembered the words of Alma to Amulek about the people that were being burned to death by the wicked Zoramites.

Alma 14:11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

Alma said in effect he was constrained not to stop the slaughter of these innocent people because they were going to their eternal reward and would be blessed because of their faithfulness even in such a trying time.

I don’t know what we will see as far as disasters or trials. My brother, Dr. James Bay is a geotechnical engineer, and he informs me that the earthquake probability is way overdue for the Brigham City area. Nevertheless, I feel it is important that we prepare both physically and spiritually for whatever may come.

President Nelson has assured us, “Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable.” (General Conference October 2021)

However, amidst all the excitement and anticipation as well as preparation for emergencies and disasters, we must not forget the importance of being on the covenant path. This path leads to true happiness, peace, and eternal life.

If I needed to prepare in only one way, I would hope that I would be found on the covenant path even at the end of my days here on this earth. I hope the very same for each of you. After all, the Lord delights in a people who have covenanted to serve Him. So, I urge you to take the necessary steps to stay on the covenant path, put your faith in our Savior, and keep His commandments. By doing so, we can find strength, hope, and direction to face even the insurmountable trials and difficulties that will come our way.