Submitted by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue

Ken and Dorothy Baker of Cape San Juan Station 32 test the Emergency HELP box monthly with San Juan Dispatch.

They and several other volunteers who are within walking distance of fire stations on the island have been trained to open their own stations in the event of a major disaster such as a tsunami or earth quake which may cut off all communications on the island and leave homes uninhabitable. The MERT volunteers will set up a communication spot at their fire station so residents can come get information and to leave information to be used when Emergency Responders arrive. Soon, ham radios will be installed at each fire station which will involve the San Juan County Amateur Radio Society.

This will greatly enhance communications in a major emergency.

Ken and Dorothy, both retired musicians who are very active in the musical scene on the island, first heard about MERT in 2012 from a friend and thought it was something they could do to help out their community.

They live within a two minutes walk of Station 32 which is a requirement for each MERT volunteer in his/her neighborhood.

“It is just nice to volunteer to do something important in the community,” said Dorothy “At this point in time it has been no big deal to just walk to the fire house and phone dispatch.”

Presently, Station 34 at Sunset Point needs MERT volunteers. Interested persons should contact sheilaharley769@gmail.com.

San Juan Island Fire and Rescue welcomes all interested men and women ages 16 years and above to drop by the Mullis Street Station and make an appointment to see what we are all about. We offer some fun ancillary positions.

Look online at www.sjifire.org for lots of good information. Or you could view our Facebook page: San Juan Island Fire and Rescue. The phone number is 378-5334. We would be pleased to talk with you.