After September 11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country asked, "What can I do?" and "How can I help?" A group named Citizen Corps was created to help all Americans answer these questions through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service.
Citizen Corps has five programs where citizens may volunteer to be of service in their local areas. The five programs are Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch (USAonwatch.org), and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). For information on all of these programs go online to www.citizencorps.gov
The group that I want to discuss with you today is the CERT program. CERT educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and life sustaining needs.
One also expects that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees, and neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other. This was the case following the Mexico City earthquake where untrained, spontaneous volunteers saved 800 people. However, 100 people lost their lives while attempting to save others. This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.
CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety, and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can
make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely; and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective.
To find and join a CERT group in your area, go online at www.citizencorps.gov, click on programs and then CERT. You will be asked to enter the zip code for your area. Thank you for helping your community.
Showing posts with label CERT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CERT. Show all posts
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
CERT In Action!
Yamhill County, Ore., CERT Members Extinguish Fire at County Fair
Two Yamhill County, Ore., CERT members in the right place at the right time helped prevent a major emergency at the Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo in July 2009. A propane bottle in one of the concession booths sprang a leak, causing propane vapors to pool, ignite, and explode. The bottle then fell on its side, making it more difficult to control the flames.
Two CERT members, on a break from duties at the exit gate, immediately leaped into action. One member called 911 while the other began using an extinguisher to quench the fire. With the help of the vendor’s brother and another fair attendee, they were able to fully extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading.
“Together, this collection of men who chose to act rather than watch saved the situation from becoming something much more serious,” said Doug McGillivray, emergency manager for Yamhill County.
The explosion and subsequent fire damaged a rear corner of the booth and a large portion of the supplies used by the vendor, and destroyed much of the booth next to it. However, the men were able to stop the fire before it spread to other propane tanks nearby.
“If the fire had not been extinguished quickly, there was a risk of one or more of the tanks exploding, and this is one of the great concerns for firefighters — the explosion of a pressure vessel containing flammable material,” said McGillivray. “A potential major emergency was averted by quick thinking.”
Incidentally, the members recently completed the CERT course on proper fire extinguisher use. One of the men remarked that it was just like he was taught in class: A slow and methodical approach using proper techniques works well.
Two Yamhill County, Ore., CERT members in the right place at the right time helped prevent a major emergency at the Yamhill County Fair and Rodeo in July 2009. A propane bottle in one of the concession booths sprang a leak, causing propane vapors to pool, ignite, and explode. The bottle then fell on its side, making it more difficult to control the flames.
Two CERT members, on a break from duties at the exit gate, immediately leaped into action. One member called 911 while the other began using an extinguisher to quench the fire. With the help of the vendor’s brother and another fair attendee, they were able to fully extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading.
“Together, this collection of men who chose to act rather than watch saved the situation from becoming something much more serious,” said Doug McGillivray, emergency manager for Yamhill County.
The explosion and subsequent fire damaged a rear corner of the booth and a large portion of the supplies used by the vendor, and destroyed much of the booth next to it. However, the men were able to stop the fire before it spread to other propane tanks nearby.
“If the fire had not been extinguished quickly, there was a risk of one or more of the tanks exploding, and this is one of the great concerns for firefighters — the explosion of a pressure vessel containing flammable material,” said McGillivray. “A potential major emergency was averted by quick thinking.”
Incidentally, the members recently completed the CERT course on proper fire extinguisher use. One of the men remarked that it was just like he was taught in class: A slow and methodical approach using proper techniques works well.
Friday, October 2, 2009
FEMA message about National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month Draws To A Close, But The Need To Be Prepared Continues Everyday
Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:43:36 -0500
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As September comes to an end, so does the 6th annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), but FEMA continues efforts to ensure every American is prepared. NPM, sponsored by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, in conjunction with FEMA, is held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for potential emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year's NPM was kicked off by Secretary Napolitano and local leaders in New York City, as they unveiled new Ready Campaign public service advertising (PSAs). More than 2,670 organizations joined the NPM Coalition and committed to promoting emergency preparedness during September by holding events and encouraging the public to get a plan, get a kit and stay informed. This campaign also reached out to more than 18,000 in the business community, more than 500 classrooms, over 2,400 Citizen Corps Councils, over 3,350 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), 32 Citizen Corps partners and affiliates, and an immeasurable number of concerned citizens of all backgrounds across the nation.
Jump to the link to find out more about National Preparedness Month, who was involved, and how it went.
Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:43:36 -0500
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As September comes to an end, so does the 6th annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), but FEMA continues efforts to ensure every American is prepared. NPM, sponsored by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, in conjunction with FEMA, is held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for potential emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year's NPM was kicked off by Secretary Napolitano and local leaders in New York City, as they unveiled new Ready Campaign public service advertising (PSAs). More than 2,670 organizations joined the NPM Coalition and committed to promoting emergency preparedness during September by holding events and encouraging the public to get a plan, get a kit and stay informed. This campaign also reached out to more than 18,000 in the business community, more than 500 classrooms, over 2,400 Citizen Corps Councils, over 3,350 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), 32 Citizen Corps partners and affiliates, and an immeasurable number of concerned citizens of all backgrounds across the nation.
Jump to the link to find out more about National Preparedness Month, who was involved, and how it went.
Monday, August 31, 2009
September is National Preparedness Month
Get Ready and Get Involved! By Rebecca Marquis, Acting Director, Ready Campaign
Being Ready starts with you! getting an Emergency Supply Kit; making a Family Emergency Plan; being information about emergencies; and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps are important steps that you need to take. September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to get involved in making your communities and our nation safer, stronger, and better prepared.
Federal Emergency Management Agency's grassroots preparedness initiative, Citizen Corps, supports local opportunities for communities to become engaged in preparedness and resiliency by connecting government and civic leaders, non-governmental organizations, and other community-based programs throught participation on their local Citizen Corps Council. Citizen Corps Councils support emergency operations planning, training and exercises, and volunteer opportunities which enhance community safety. Citizen Corps collaborates with 32 partners which support the mission of creating a resilient nation through successful crime prevention, emergency response and public health practices that exist in communities around the country. Here are a few examples of how you can become more involved in your community:
Being Ready starts with you! getting an Emergency Supply Kit; making a Family Emergency Plan; being information about emergencies; and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps are important steps that you need to take. September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect time to get involved in making your communities and our nation safer, stronger, and better prepared.
Federal Emergency Management Agency's grassroots preparedness initiative, Citizen Corps, supports local opportunities for communities to become engaged in preparedness and resiliency by connecting government and civic leaders, non-governmental organizations, and other community-based programs throught participation on their local Citizen Corps Council. Citizen Corps Councils support emergency operations planning, training and exercises, and volunteer opportunities which enhance community safety. Citizen Corps collaborates with 32 partners which support the mission of creating a resilient nation through successful crime prevention, emergency response and public health practices that exist in communities around the country. Here are a few examples of how you can become more involved in your community:
- Volunteering for local law enforcement agencies through the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program. VIPS volunteers conduct traffic control, crowd control, and other duties that support local law enforcement.
- Training to become a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in your area. CERT members support first responders before, during and after a disaster by providing support for preparedness awareness and using their skills to execute response protocols to assist emergency responders.
- Joining a Neightborhood Watch group to assist with crime and terrorism prevention by working more closely with local law enforcement, and emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness among families and homes in your neighborhood.
- Donating time to a Medical Reserve Corps Unit through volunteering with medical and public health professionals to contribute skills and expertise throughout the year as well as during times of community need.
- Becoming an advocate for fire safety and prevention education in the community and assisting wtih administrative duties at your local fire station through Fire Corps.
- Getting involved with an American Red Cross Chapter by giving blood to ensure a safe supply, volunteering with your local chaper, getting trained to respond to local disasters like home fires, or making a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund.
- Helping other community members prepare, including those individuals who are elderly or disables, non-English speaking and/or have other special needs.
All over Amercia, communities have organized Citizen Corps Councils to involve local government and non-government in emergency management planning, mitigation, response and recovery activites. You can get involved by contacting your local Council at http://www.citizencorps.gov/; and you can get more information about READY by going to http://www.ready.gov/ and http://www.listo.gov/
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Yamhill County Fire at the Fair
Yamhill County Fair Incident
Yesterday evening an explosion and fire occurred at the Fair at one of the concession booths almost directly across the pathway from the Delashmutt Arena building.
According to one of the vendors and the booth operator, a leak somehow developed in a large propane bottle or the hose from the bottle and the pooled propane vapors ignited in a vigorous explosion. The explosion and fire destroyed an aluminum ladder at the site, burned the right rear corner of the tenting material, a large pile of supplies used by the operator and destroyed much of the site next door.
The propane bottle involved fell over making it difficult to extinguish the blaze. Two other large propane bottles survived the event without incident .
Two Yamhill County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members who were in the area on a break from duties at the rear gate, were credited by the concession operator, her brother (who also assisted in extinguishing the blaze) and a supplier, with taking a proactive position in assuming control of initial response activities.
One of the CERT men ensured that 911 was called, while the other grabbed a fire extinguisher and attacked the fire. The booth operators’ brother was assisting as was the second CERT member. A Yamhill County inmate also assisted by directing a steam of water from a garden hose on the pile of combustibles. Hats off to all four gents.
Together, this collection of men who chose to act rather than watch, saved the situation from becoming something MUCH more serious. If the fire had not been extinguished quickly, there was a risk of one or more of the tanks exploding and this is one of the great concerns for firefighters, the explosion of a pressure vessel containing flammable material. A potential MAJOR emergency was averted by quick thinking!
Coincidentally, the CERT members had recently completed the CERT course that included instruction on the proper use of a fire extinguisher. One of the CERT men remarked that it was just like he was taught in the class: a slow and methodical approach using proper techniques works well.
This incident also demonstrates the absolute need for the regulations that are in place requiring these vendors to have fire extinguishers on site.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all involved.
Doug McGillivray
Yesterday evening an explosion and fire occurred at the Fair at one of the concession booths almost directly across the pathway from the Delashmutt Arena building.
According to one of the vendors and the booth operator, a leak somehow developed in a large propane bottle or the hose from the bottle and the pooled propane vapors ignited in a vigorous explosion. The explosion and fire destroyed an aluminum ladder at the site, burned the right rear corner of the tenting material, a large pile of supplies used by the operator and destroyed much of the site next door.
The propane bottle involved fell over making it difficult to extinguish the blaze. Two other large propane bottles survived the event without incident .
Two Yamhill County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) members who were in the area on a break from duties at the rear gate, were credited by the concession operator, her brother (who also assisted in extinguishing the blaze) and a supplier, with taking a proactive position in assuming control of initial response activities.
One of the CERT men ensured that 911 was called, while the other grabbed a fire extinguisher and attacked the fire. The booth operators’ brother was assisting as was the second CERT member. A Yamhill County inmate also assisted by directing a steam of water from a garden hose on the pile of combustibles. Hats off to all four gents.
Together, this collection of men who chose to act rather than watch, saved the situation from becoming something MUCH more serious. If the fire had not been extinguished quickly, there was a risk of one or more of the tanks exploding and this is one of the great concerns for firefighters, the explosion of a pressure vessel containing flammable material. A potential MAJOR emergency was averted by quick thinking!
Coincidentally, the CERT members had recently completed the CERT course that included instruction on the proper use of a fire extinguisher. One of the CERT men remarked that it was just like he was taught in the class: a slow and methodical approach using proper techniques works well.
This incident also demonstrates the absolute need for the regulations that are in place requiring these vendors to have fire extinguishers on site.
Congratulations and THANK YOU to all involved.
Doug McGillivray
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
