Many exciting opportunities for our unit are underway or in the planning stages.

72-Hour Kit Events - As a community service to support regional preparedness, our MRC is teaming up with local health departments to host 72-hour emergency kit events in Westford (3/10) and Chelmsford (3/23). Click here for details. All members are strongly encouraged to take steps to prepare their own family, and to assemble a kit if they have not already done so.

Families that keep an emergency kit up to date with essential items (such as the sample shown above) are better prepared for the unexpected. Kits purchased in 2008 were especially useful during the regional ice storm in December.

Training - Due to the overwhelming success of our debut Training Day on 9/20/08, our unit is planning a similar event this spring. Many thanks to PrideStar EMS, U. Mass Lowell, and other sponsors for agreeing to support our next program. Stay tuned for details. Our Training subcommittee is also researching other topics for the coming year.

Instructors from the UMV MRC are teaching Heartsaver CPR/AED on Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Cross Point Towers in Lowell. Completion results in two years of certification from the American Heart Association. The cost of $15 covers the required workbook and certification card; the class itself is free. To sign up, send an e-mail to the coordinator (nburns@westfordma.gov). Class limit is 16.

Service Options - There are ways for all members to make a difference in their community, whether they are brand-new to the unit or have been involved regularly since our first recruitment in June 2004. Check our calendar for the latest schedule.

Leadership - We are always interested in ways to grow and strengthen the MRC, and have updated our brochure to reflect our specific unit. We also welcome opportunities to spark interest across the community in the MRC. Four subcommittees are underway (Recruitment & Retention, Fundraising, Communications, and Training), with two more on the horizon (Pet Preparedness and Special Needs/Vulnerable Populations).

Our Advisory Council has one rep from each of our seven communities, to ensure that our unit is integrated with local municipal services and response partners. We also groom 'team leaders' to oversee activities such as participation at health fairs. Stay tuned for ways in which you can make a difference through MRC leadership!