148 Should a survivalist get involved in community safety and emergency preparedness organizations?

The stronger and better prepared your community is, the safer you are. If your town or county has a Crime Watch, Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERTS), a Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, or other programs to involve citizens in crime prevention, safety, and emergency response, it is in your best interest to support and participate in such programs. Encouraging local officials to initiate civilian support programs and sponsor preparedness seminars and fairs can strengthen your community and provide another layer of protection and support during a disaster. Participants in such programs usually receive training and inside information beyond what uninvolved citizens will get. Being officially certified usually provides access to or passage through areas denied to the public during an emergency. Volunteers for these organizations are usually subject to screening and are held to higher standards of conduct and responsibility than ordinary citizens.