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ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] 1 COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) RADIO AMATEUR CIVIL EMERGENCY SERVICES (RACES) “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Creating a network of informed, trained and resourceful volunteers with a focus on disaster preparedness and the ability to help themselves and their neighbors during an emergency. ANAHEIM CERT & RACES NEWSLETTER Hats Off To Our New CERT Graduates! Anaheim’s first CERT class of the 2006 year set some unprecedented records for the City. Over 100 people reg- istered and attended at least one of the 9 Classes that were offered at the Northnet Fire Training Center. 7 of our Veteran CERT Volunteers attended the full 20-hour course to complete re-certification requirements. We had some of the most qualified and credible instructors con- duct our training classes in- cluding five Anaheim Fire Fighters, an Investigator from the Anaheim Police Depart- ment Bureau of Homeland Security, an employee of the Orange County Sheriff’s De- partment and our very own CERT Coordinator. Over half a dozen CERT members volunteered their time each Satur- day to assist in the training, facilitation, set-up and tear- down of the class. And, at the end of the eight weeks, 32 people successfully com- pleted all eight CERT modules, a Disaster Simulation Exercise, the Na- tional Incident Management Sys- tem (NIMS) Basic In- cident Command System test (IS- 100) and Introduction to NIMS test (IS-700)! WHAT AN ACCOMPLISH- MENT! Congratulations to those of you who devoted much time and energy over the past few months to participate in the CERT Training. You truly are a leader in your community and your dedi- cation to disaster preparedness and response training is what makes the community of Anaheim and the County of Orange a better place to live! PUBLISHED BY THE ANAHEIM FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 500 E. Broadway, Anaheim California 92805 (714) 765-6949 Fax (714) 765-6959 Participants practicing their skills at crib- bing under the supervision of Anaheim Firefighter, Bobby Lambert. Fire Suppression exercises took place at the Northnet Training Tower. Team Organization Exercise during our last class. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] Eye on Influenza Bird Flu hits hard in Florida as dozens of lawn flamingos are found toppled over Avian Influenza Update: As of May 23, 2006, 218 human cases have been confirmed, resulting in 124 deaths. H5N1 infected birds have been reported in multiple areas in Asia, Africa, and Europe (Not Florida). For an up to date list of H5N1 affected countries, visit http://ww.ochealthinfo.com/epi/af/index.htm. If you suspect a case of Avian Influenza, report it immediately to OC Epidemiology at (714) 834- 8180. To limit the spread of all types of influenza’s you should: Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands. Keep living areas clean. Keep your distance from other people. West Nile Virus Birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Orange County this year. Human cases are expected at any time. Last year, OC reported 17 confirmed cases of WNV. Human cases occurred starting in June, peaked in early August, and continued through October. No human cases have been reported for 2006. This year, WNV has been detected in birds in six California counties (Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Ventura) and mosquitoes in one county (Riverside). To report dead birds, call Orange County Vector Control at (714) 971-2421 x117. Educate your friends and family about WNV prevention —avoid mosquito bites! • Eliminate standing water on your property as this is where mosquitoes breed. Drain pots, unclog gutters, and keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated or drained and covered. • Make sure that door and window screens are in good condition to keep the mosqui- toes out. • When outdoors, use an insect repellent con- taining DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus or picaridin. Always follow the product direc- tions on the label. • For more information about prevention visit www.ochealthinfo.com/epi/wnv/ Repellent.pdf. ---PAGE BREAK--- ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] 3 Being Aware, Pre- pared, and Involved: Spreading the Mes- sage in Anaheim By Michele Rivard, KI6CVP CERT Program Manager County, Anaheim, and Santa Ana Take on Emergency Preparedness by Ellen Lopez, CEM, KF6PWV Disaster Preparedness Manager We all know that a prepared citizenry is essential to keeping our community safe and maximizing our effectiveness in dis- aster response efforts. In this spirit, I am pleased to announce an exciting new opportunity for us to work together to raise awareness about the need for emergency preparedness among residents, schools, nonprofits, businesses and visitors throughout the county. With funding from the Department of Homeland Security, the County of Orange and the Cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana are working together on a county-wide campaign that aims to build awareness about being prepared. This campaign, which is in its initial research and material development stages, will educate and motivate residents, employers and visitors to pre- pare for any type of emergency. This campaign is about everyone getting involved, including every municipality in the County, businesses, schools, hospi- tals, residents and visitors. Together with police, fire, sheriff, county and city representatives, Allison & Partners, a PR and marketing communications firm, will be developing and lead- ing the campaign to raise awareness and motivate target audi- ences to develop an emergency kit and plan. Allison & Partners has developed a strategy based upon a multifaceted marketing and communications approach – web- site, public relations, special events, community relations, brochures and outdoor advertising. To maximize the effec- tiveness of the campaign, Allison & Partners will develop strategic partnerships with OC-based businesses, schools, nonprofits and cities to deliver important information to Or- ange County residents, businesses and tourists. Together, every city can make a significant impact in ensuring that our residents and businesses are prepared for any emergency we may face. The launch of this campaign will take place during the week of June 19th. As this campaign develops, we welcome your input and participation, and look forward to working together in a new way to help busi- nesses, residents and visitors be informed, take action and prepare. If you would like to receive more information, please fill out this form: http://www.allisonclients.com/ readyoc/signup.htm. This past April, I attended the 100 year Anniversary Confer- ence of the 1906 Earthquake in San Francisco. Of the dozen or so presenters I observed, one in particular stood out above the rest. Mayor Tom Bates of the City of Berkley, CA spoke of their cities efforts to mitigate potential hazards and edu- cate the public in disaster preparedness measures. Since Sep- tember of last year, Berkley has trained over 1,500 residents in basic disaster preparedness, medical operations, search and rescue, etc. 1,500!!! That’s a lot of people in a city that is half the size of Anaheim. I will tell you that as I sat and listened about how Berkley has reached out to their community, a new conviction rose up in me to be able to pride ourselves on similar successes in Anaheim! And it caused me to reflect on our current suc- cesses thus far this year. So far, we have conducted disaster preparedness presentations to over 800 community residents and employees. Through our collaboration with Orange County, we are coming closer to creating a CERT Mutual Aid Program that will benefit the entire County. And with 6 CERT Classes scheduled throughout the year, an anticipated 250-300 people will graduate with the 20-hour certification. However, there is always more that can be done to truly lev- erage all of our resources to spread the word about disaster preparedness and continue training in disaster response. This summer, I am offering opportunities for the families and youth of our communities to get better trained and prepared. A 2-day family disaster planning class along with youth CERT Training will provide a learning experience with crea- tive crafts, fun games, and hands on activities. In addition, our first partnership with community businesses is coming to fruition as we offer two on-site CERT Training classes to the staff from the Marriott and Hilton hotels in Anaheim. And, in an effort to reach the Spanish speaking residents of our community, we will be providing a CERT Training class in Spanish beginning September 9th! The opportunities are in motion for Anaheim to successfully train a record number of people this year, however it will take the help and support of our dedicated volunteers to make it happen! We appreciate your ongoing efforts and continue to look forward to your involvement. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] THE TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TELL YOUR NEIGHBOR TO BE IN CERT 10. You can meet your neighbor...hopefully you like them! 9. FREE Disaster Preparedness train- ing...where else can you get 20 hours of pro- fessional instruction for FREE? 8. Training and knowledge prevents you from becoming a victim 7. You will be prepared to help those who are at greatest risk 6. You are part of the solution and not part of the problem 5. You can finally answer that question, “what can I do to help” 4. Support efforts of first responders during disasters 3. Become a force multiplier...when you be- come a CERT, you can encourage your friends and neighbors to take part in the train- ing 2. Large scale disasters are overwhelming and every helpful, trained responder is nec- essary And the number 1 reason… $1 in prevention saves $7 in recovery costs RACES MEETINGS Join Lt. Chris Kielich on the first Thursday of the month for the RACES meeting from 7:00-8:30 p.m. If you are a Ham Radio Opera- tor and would like to be involved in continuous training and plan- ning for disaster response communications capabilities, come find out more about our RACES program and how you can participate! VOLUNTEER TODAY!!! • In the Office on: Tuesday, June 20th 9-12 pm Thursday, June 29th 10-1 pm Thursday, July 13th 11-2 pm Tuesday, July 18th 9-12 pm • Orange County Fair (free parking and fair admittance included) Saturday, July 8th 9:45-2 pm Saturday, July 8th 2-6:30 pm Saturday, July 8th 6:30-11:00 pm Tuesday, July 25th 11:45-4 pm Tuesday, July 25th 4-7:30 pm Tuesday, July 25th 7:30-11 pm • Hilton/Marriott CERT Classes for regis- tration & set-up Wednesday, July 12th 6:15 am Wednesday, July 12th 1:15 pm • Disney Goals Teen CERT Class help in- struct and facilitate activities Fridays July 14th through August 18th 8:00-12:30 pm • Hilton/Marriott Disaster Simulation vic- tims needed Wednesday, August 9th 6-10 am Wednesday, August 9th 1-5 pm “A VOLUNTEER is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well and willingly the tasks at hand-namely, being aware of another's needs and doing something about it” ---PAGE BREAK--- ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] 5 Anaheim Community Emergency Response Team ENGLISH CLASS-TRAINING SCHEDULE Classes Every Wednesday Beginning September 13th Disaster Preparedness September 13th 7:00-9:30 p.m. CERT Team Organization September 20th 7:00-9:30 p.m. Fire Suppression September 27th 7:00-9:30 p.m. Light Search and Rescue October 4th 7:00-9:30 p.m. Medical Operations I October 11th 7:00-9:30 p.m. Medical Operations II October 18th 7:00-9:30 p.m. CERT & Terrorism October 25th 7:00-9:30 p.m. Disaster November 1st 7:00-9:30 p.m. Disaster Simulation & Saturday, November 4th 1:00-4:30 p.m. CERT Graduation Scheduled topics are subject to change without notice depending on availability of instructors and/or support staff. Registration for all classes is required in advance and due by September 6th, 2006. REGISTER TODAY: CERT Hotline (714) 765-6949 [EMAIL REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” Expanding CERT Programs Throughout Orange County By Michele Rivard Anaheim Community Emergency Response Team SPANISH CLASS-TRAINING SCHEDULE Classes Every Wednesday Beginning September 13th Disaster Preparedness September 9th 9:00-11:30 a.m. CERT Team Organization September 9th 1:00-3:30 p.m. Fire Suppression September 23rd 9:00-11:30 a.m. Light Search and Rescue September 23rd 1:00-3:30 p.m. Medical Operations I October 7th 9:00-11:30 a.m. Medical Operations II October 7th 1:00-3:30 p.m. CERT & Terrorism October 21st 9:00-11:30 a.m. Disaster October 21st 1:00-3:30 p.m. Disaster Simulation & Saturday, November 4th 9:00-12:30 p.m. CERT Graduation Scheduled topics are subject to change without notice depending on availability of instructors and/or support staff. Registration for all classes is required in advance and due by September 6th, 2006. REGISTER TODAY: [EMAIL REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] 7 Do You Need To Make-up a CERT Class to Complete Your Certification? If you were unable to complete your CERT Certification due to scheduling conflicts, make-up classes are available this fall! Sign-up for one or more classes at our Span- ish or English speaking CERT Training to complete your certification. There are only 10 spaces available per class for make-up sessions, so register early so that you don’t miss out on this opportunity. E-mail [EMAIL REDACTED] for a registration form. Upcoming Advanced Training Critical Incident Stress Debrief Class We are welcoming back Orange County Sherriff’s Chaplain Rick Yeomans, who will be teaching an interactive Critical Incident Stress Debriefing class this fall! Come find out for yourself why the CERT Class raved about his teaching techniques dur- ing Disaster and experience a class unlike any other. Check your fall newsletter for dates, time and location or e-mail [EMAIL REDACTED] for more infor- mation. CPR Class A CPR Class is be- ing scheduled for the fall months to satisfy Anaheim CERT, Level II train- ing requirements. Space for this class is extremely limited. Information on date, time and location will be available in your fall newsletter. CERT Meeting Recap March During our March CERT meeting, we rolled out the new Anaheim CERT program struc‐ ture, introducing the new Levels of Anaheim CERT, background check dates, re‐certification requirements and the formation of neighbor‐ hood CERT teams and CERT Advisory Coun‐ cil. April In an effort to include more training opportuni‐ ties for the volunteers as well as adding sub‐ stance to our meetings, April’s meet‐ ing included a brief triage training exercise. Af‐ ter a review of triage, CERT members broke out into teams of two and determined the ap‐ propriate level of triage of approximately 20‐25 victims. The team that correctly triaged the most number of patients was rewarded with some prizes to add to their grab and go bags. May The Office of Disaster Preparedness welcomed Denise Mitchell, R.N., from the Anaheim Fire Department to give a presentation on the Avian influenza. Denise reviewed the compo‐ nents of this particular virus, its effects on the body, and the preventative measures that can be taken to reduce our potential of getting the Avian Influenza. ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] Try something new this summer and get involved in disaster preparedness with the whole family! Two exciting new op- portunities geared toward youth are being offered through the Anaheim Fire Department. 2-DAY FAMILY DISASTER PLANNING WORKSHOP SATURDAY, JULY 15TH AND SATURDAY, JULY 22ND FROM 9:00-12:00 NOON Eliminate the confusion and chaos that you may experience during a major disaster by involving your entire family in the disaster planning proc- ess…yes, that means the kids, too!!! Join the Anaheim Fire Department at the Office of Disas- ter Preparedness for a fun, interactive, and activi- ties driven workshop geared specifically for fami- lies and kids ages 7-15 years. At this workshop, through a life-size boards game, learn about po- tential hazards in your home and community, how to prepared for those hazards and how your chil- dren should get involved in the process! Limited space is available, so sign-up no later than July 1st by calling (714) 765- 6949 or e-mailing [EMAIL REDACTED]. TEEN CERT TRAINING CLASS It’s finally here. An o p p o r t u - nity for the teens of our community to become CERT Certified. In partnership with the Disney Goals organization, the Ana- heim Fire Department is offer- ing a CERT Certification course for kids age 12-17. Classes will commence every Friday beginning July 14th un- til Friday, August 18th from 9- 12 noon. Advanced registration is required as well as parental consent. Only 15 spots are available for this class so sign- up early and don’t miss out on this unique and free opportu- nity. E-mail [EMAIL REDACTED] or call (714) 765-6949 for more information. Orange County Fair While your visiting the Orange County Fair this summer, look for your fellow CERT Volunteers in the exhibitors area. We will be providing volunteer support several days during the fair to distrib- ute CERT literature and support the Ready OC preparedness campaign. If you would like to vol- unteer at this event, contact Michele to get some more information. ---PAGE BREAK--- ANAHEIM OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS—2006 QUARTER 3—NEWSLETTER—[EMAIL REDACTED] 9 Use the Emergency Survival Program (ESP)’s new list of steps as your guide for pre- paring for the possibility of a major earthquake, terrorist incident or other emergency. Addi- tional information is available in the ESP Focus sheets in the Office of Disaster Pre- paredness. June 2006 DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Learn what to do during an earthquake, whether you’re at home, at work, at school or just out and about. Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” can save lives and reduce your risk of death or injury. During earthquakes, drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on to it firmly. Be prepared to move with it until the shaking stops. If you are at the beach, move to higher ground. July 2006 CHECK IT OUT! One of the first things you should do following a ma- jor disaster is to check for injuries and damages that need immediate attention. Make sure that you are trained in first aid and in damage assessment tech- niques. You should be able to administer first aid and to identify hazards such as damaged gas, water, sewage and electrical lines. Be prepared to report damage to city or county government. August 2006 COMMUNICATE AND RECOVER! Following a major disaster, communication will be an important step in your recovery efforts. Turn on your portable radio for information and safety advisories. If you home is damaged, contact your insurance agent right away to begin your claims process. Re- sources may also be available from federal, state, and local government agencies. Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming RACES & CERT Activities • RACES Meeting @ EOC Thursday, June 1st-7:00 p.m. • Disaster Preparedness Presentation @ Downtown Community Center Monday, June 5th-10:30 a.m. • CERT Meeting @ EOC Tuesday, June 13th-7:00 p.m. • Disaster Preparedness Presentation @ WAND Meeting Wednesday, June 14th-7:00 p.m. • Disaster Preparedness Presentation @ Brookhurst Sr. Center Wednesday, June 21st-10:30 a.m. • RACES Meeting Thursday, July 6th-7:00 p.m. • CERT Advisory Council Meeting Tuesday, July 11th-5:30 p.m. • CERT Meeting @ EOC Tuesday, July 11th-7:00 p.m. • Hilton & Marriott CERT Class Begins Wednesday, July 12th • Disney Goals CERT Class Begins Friday, July 14th-9:00 a.m. • Family Disaster Workshop @ EOC Saturday, July 15th-9:00 a.m. • Family Disaster Workshop @ EOC Saturday, July 22nd-9:00 a.m. • Combined RACES/CERT Meeting @ Park on corner of State College Tuesday, August 9th-7:00 p.m. COMBINED RACES & CERT SUMMER SOCIAL The August CERT Meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 9th at 7:00 p.m. at Boysen Park on the corner of State College and Vermont Ave. We will be having a so- cial BBQ while hearing from the different CERT Team Captains about their work over the past months in de- veloping, training, ad- vertising, and prepar- ing their neighbor- hoods.