When M.E.R.R.A.G. was formed in 1987 as Montecito Emergency Response and Recovery Action Group, the uber-local organization started serving a […more…]
When a calamity befalls us, we are reassured that our First Responder protectors are on the job and doing their […more…]
M.E.R.R.A.G.
www.merrag.org
626-688-4965
Treasurer and Board Member: Bill Vollero
Mission
MERRAG (pronounced “mirage”) follows, but expands upon, the curriculum used by CERT (FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Training) to create a cadre of ready volunteers. These volunteers generally work and live in the Montecito area and are prepared to respond to a community disaster during the critical first 72 hours following an event. Since 1987, the mutual “self-help” organization has been serving Montecito’s 9,000 residents with the guidance and support of the Montecito Fire, Water and Sanitary Districts.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
“One of the best benefits of CERT training from M.E.R.R.A.G. is learning how to be proactive in protecting your family in an emergency: First aid, dangers of electrocution, how and when to use a fire extinguisher, preparing for evacuations, etc. During emergencies we may need to rely on our neighbors. M.E.R.R.A.G. is linked across Montecito by a radio communication system, so that neighbors can relay their needs to work toward helping each other solve pressing issues until professionals can arrive. When our neighborhood was under an evacuation order, I raced home to discover my teenage boys had packed up almost everything before I arrived, based on a list I had posted in the front hall closet! Take M.E.R.R.A.G.’s free CERT training and protect your family!
Help Your Community Stay Connected & Informed During an Emergency
President Davis: “We’ve had our van for a very, very long time and it’s a great addition to our mission. Our van has a generator, and in an emergency we’ll bring the van to a central location: In a power outage people may need to charge their phones to stay in touch with loved ones – or have a hot cup of coffee. But there are streets in this area our old van can’t even negotiate anymore because it’s so big.
Our ask:
is for $60,000 to purchase a smaller, more nimble M.E.R.R.A.G. van that is suitably equipped, so we are better able to go wherever the community needs us when an emergency threatens.”
Key Supporters
”Friends of M.E.R.R.A.G.”:
Brenda Blalock
Susan & Jeff Bridges
Catie Ditmore
Mike Ditmore
Steven Gilbar
Teri & John Keating
C. Robert & Mary Kidder
Charlene Nagel
Dick Nordlund
Jean VonWittenberg
Crystal & Cliff Wyatt
Trish Davis
Dave Boyd
Yolanda Clements
Maude Feil
Sue & John Ziliotto
Troy Harris