Tigard City Councilor Faraz Ghoddusi wants neighbors to learn hands-only CPR, meet their local ham radio operators, and walk away with a plan for the next earthquake or ice storm.
He's promoting a free fair that brings it all to one spot.
Tigard CERT Inc., the nonprofit emergency response team allied with the city, is hosting a Community Preparedness Fair on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cook Family Park, 17005 SW 92nd Ave.
Ghoddusi, a family medicine physician who also volunteers with CERT, wrote in a July 8 Tigard Life column that the fair reflects the community's instinct for mutual aid. "The willingness of neighbors to help one another is one of our greatest strengths as a community here in Tigard," he said.
The fair will offer hands-on stations where attendees can practice hands-only CPR, learn about building emergency kits and family communication plans, and see a live ham radio emergency communications display. Volunteers will also demonstrate the Map Your Neighborhood program, which teaches nine steps to take immediately after a disaster when professional responders may be overwhelmed.
That program has deep Tigard roots. It was developed in Washington state and endorsed by the American Red Cross, but its official instructional videos were filmed in a Tigard neighborhood. Greg Harris coordinates the local Map Your Neighborhood effort for Tigard CERT.
The event is free and open to all ages. Photos from prior Tigard CERT fairs show children exploring emergency vehicles, though organizers have not confirmed specific vehicle displays for this year's event.
Who's behind it
Tigard CERT Inc. is a nonprofit allied with the City of Tigard that follows the FEMA model for training community emergency response volunteers. The organization has run public education campaigns on topics including winter carbon monoxide safety, and the July 25 fair continues that outreach.
Ghoddusi, who was elected to the Tigard City Council in November 2024 and began his two-year term on January 1, 2025, brings both medical training and council experience to the effort. Residents with questions can reach him at [email protected].
No registration is required. More information about Tigard's emergency management programs is available at www.tigard-or.gov/your-government/departments/public-works/emergency-management.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Community Preparedness Fair, Cook Family Park, 17005 SW 92nd Ave. Free, all ages.
