Why shuttered Lakeside Mall is being considered for disaster training

In the three months since Lakeside Mall permanently closed its doors, the mall’s indoor and outdoor spaces have been rented out for events like a gun show and a taco festival.

The Sterling Heights Police Department now plans to use the mall as a space for disaster training and simulated scenario exercises.

Lt. David Allen said the police department and its civilian volunteer CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) group could make good use of the 1.5 million square foot, two-level mall to improve their response to disaster scenarios .

“This event would be multi-jurisdictional with the hope of including other CERT teams throughout the state and northeast region,” Allen said.

Lakeside Mall officially closed its doors July 1 after 47 years of operation as a social and shopping attraction in Sterling Heights. (MACOMB DAILY FILE PHOTO)

“The Macomb County Emergency Management Team has also been contacted and we hope to coordinate our efforts with them.” We would also like to include other public safety personnel from the region,” he added.

Lakeside was purchased by developer Out of the Box Ventures, which closed the mall in July and plans to launch a billion-dollar redevelopment project that will fundamentally transform the property at the intersection of Hall and Schoenherr roads over the next 20 years.

Known as Town Center, the project will include new offices, apartments, retail space, a 120-room hotel with attached parking, restaurants, recreational amenities and more along M-59.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for late 2025, but in the meantime, police leaders hope to reach an agreement with Lakeside Mall officials to establish a timeline and availability.

A CERT team participates in an earlier training exercise. (PHOTO PROVIDED)

According to its website, the Sterling Heights CERT is a group of trained volunteers who can be called into action when the city’s professional responders have been overwhelmed by a massive number of emergency calls due to a widespread disaster or another incident.

Focusing primarily on protecting the health and safety of residents, CERT is a FEMA-sponsored program that originated in the 1980s in Los Angeles in response to earthquakes. After the September 11 terrorist attacks, the federal Department of Homeland Security developed a national initiative called Citizen Corps, which encouraged citizens to engage in personal preparation, training, and volunteer service.

The all-volunteer CERT program educates residents on disaster preparedness and sponsors training in basic emergency skills such as fire suppression, search and rescue, and mass casualty management with triage and disaster first aid.

CERT teams also participate in various city events such as Sterlingfest, the Farmers Market and the Memorial Day Parade.

Allen said the group undergoes specialized training on how to handle traffic stops, CPR and downed wires, and acts as the police department’s additional “eyes and ears.”

Allen, who oversees the police department’s community service and training offices, said the team also works closely with the Sterling Heights Fire Department because its mission of supporting first responders applies to two departments.

“Emergency teams are crucial because they provide rapid and specialized response during critical situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals and communities,” Allen said.

Allen said the team’s training allows them to effectively manage high-pressure scenarios, minimizing risks and maximizing recovery efforts.

Collaborating with other teams and agencies gives team members a diverse perspective, improves problem solving, increases efficiency, builds trust and utilizes multiple resources, Allen added.

Dream Home: West Bloomfield Township. luxury home with lake frontage and 4-car garage

“Lakeside has always been and remains about people”

Are shopping centers dying? Oakland County Shopping Destinations May Show Otherwise

Lakeside Mall announces closing date – here’s what happens next

Fashion retailer to close all stores, including those in Macomb and Oakland counties

Cineplex Formally Files Appeal of $38.9 Million Fine Over Price Dropping

Rayner commits to supporting boards with standards review and virtual meetings

Related Posts

Indigenous communities have always been at the forefront of environmental justice

Abensberg: Nikolausssackerl-Aktion von helps and shares the gestartet

Once a year, sweep, sweep, sweep!