John Olson, of the Waconia Fire Department and Co-Program Manager of the Carver County Community Emergency Repsonse Team (CERT), loves Carver County.

And John loves making sure the community is prepared for emergencies, disasters and all of the things most people don’t want to think about. Things happen, and it is good to know that John and people like him are prepared.

CERT, a program of Citizen Corps, is also part of “READY CARVER COUNTY,” a joint effort of Carver County Public Health, Red Cross, and the Medical Reserve Corps of Carver County.

Send an email to MRC@co.carver.mn.us for an information packet on emergency and disaster preparedness.

You can also visit the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.

Lavonne Kroells, Chapter Executive of the American Red Cross Carver County Chapter, loves living in Carver County.

They are based in Norwood Young America at 315 West Elm Street.

THINGS TO KNOW: Though the Red Cross was federally chartered in 1917 by the federal government, the American Red Cross receives no funding other than from private donations.

If you are looking for a charity, this is one of the best. Not only does the Red Cross provide a crticial disaster preparedness service, but anyone willing to make a contribution, in addition to being rewarded in heaven, will be the first to get blood. Not really, but they do provide a critical service.

Some quick links to health care providers in the area:

• Abbott Northwestern Hospital
• Ridgeview Medial Center
• United Hospital
• Fairview Jonathan Clinic
• Lakeview Clinic