Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Millville/Ocean View CERT Class




The Delaware State Community Emergency Response Team held a CERT Training Class at the Millville Town Hall on Dec 4-5. The class was made up of 20 Millville Volunteers and Ocean View Neighborhood Watch members. POC’s for the Class were Tom Sheeran and Steve Micciche.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

DuPont Disaster Preparedness Presentations

Delaware Citizen Corps gave five Disaster Preparedness Presentations at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington on Nov 5, 10, 11, 16 and 17th.  The presentations were part of the monthly safety meetings and approximately 200 employees received the briefings which generated many questions.  Two Disaster Kits were given away at each session as well as preparedness materials for all!  The POCs for the briefings were Yamaira Gonzalez and Mike Brady.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

CERT Training for Delaware Tech




On November 13th and 14th, the State Community Emergency Response Team, taught a CERT Class at the Delaware Technical Community Terry Campus in Dover.  Twenty-five participants completed the two day course which was made up of Faculty, Staff, Security and students who Major in Homeland Security, Emergency Management,  Nursing etc. Free CERT Kits and Disaster Preparedness material were given to each student as well as a Certificate of Completion signed by the DEMA Director Jamie Turner and Citizen Corps Program Manager Bob George.  The POC for the course was Dr Jeff Peck, Criminal Justice Department Chairman, a Train–the-Trainer Course will be planned for next year. Please see the additional pictures in the photo gallery.


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

CERT Training for Christ Our King Church




The State Community Emergency Response Team with the assistance of the Wilmington Citizen Corps Council taught a CERT Training Course at the Christ Our King Church in Wilmington. It was part of the 9th Wards Community Preparedness Week, sponsored by the United Way, members from COK Church, Sojourners, Al Kauthar Masjid, Ezion Mt. Carmel UM, Mother COGIC and Karen’s Little Walkers made up the class. CERT Kits and certificates were given to those who completed the course, LaVaida White was the coordinator for the class.

Presentation for Wilmington Amputee Support Group




On October 22nd, the State Citizen Corps team provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to 20 members of the Wilmington Amputee Support Group.  This is the third presentation given by DE Citizen Corps, the meeting was held at the Riverside Hospital, the Founder and President is Gloria Price.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Get Ready for Winter!




You likely have all sorts of things in your home right now that would serve you well in an emergency, with a few additions and some organization, you'll have a functional kit and contingency plan.
Creating a home emergency kit can be a simple to enormous undertaking depending on the level of energy and preparation you want to invest into it. Most people are on the "Stay warm and fed until the power comes back on" camp, not the "Prepared for zombie apocalypse" camp, and though it never hurts to prepare for the worst we'll be focusing more on the former than the latter.
Once you read over the following tips you can adopt them to fit your needs based on your locale and weather, size of your homef, and how much storage space you have available.
Know The Lay of the Land: Before all else you want to know how to control your home in the event of an emergency. Do you know where the water shutoff valve is? The emergency shut off valve for the gas? Which circuit breakers go to which part of your home? Many home emergencies can be quickly neutralized by knowing how to shut down the infrastructure of the home. Make sure the rest of the people in the house know how to do things like kill the water or electricity. It may not seem critical now, but if a pine tree comes crashing through your kitchen and water is spraying everywhere, knowing how to stop the geyser of water becomes quite important.
Rotate Your Semi-Perishable Food: Canned goods and bottles of water keep well enough, but not forever. Arranging your pantry so that cans don't linger at the back ensures that when you're snowed in you'll be eating fresh canned fruits and vegetables instead of the dusty cans from three Thanksgivings ago. You can go all out and build a rotating shelf to keep your canned goods fresh, but for smaller scale storage a simple wire-frame can dispenser will fit on most pantry shelves.
Keep Batteries and Flashlights on Hand: You'll always want batteries on hand. When it comes to keeping the lights on when the power is out, flashlights are king. Candles are a tragedy waiting to happen. Hundreds of house fires are started every year during power outages as people light up candles en masse to brighten their dark homes. It's 2009, you can buy ultra-efficient LED flashlights for less than the cost of a DVD. Even with the power out there's no excuse for lighting your home with fire.
Have Alternative Heat: If you're preparing for a winter storm you most likely live somewhere with icy winter conditions and deep snow fall. When keeping warm during a winter storm there are two levels of warmth: safe and comfortable. If you're wearing layered clothing and have lots of blankets, 40-50F in your house is safe but not particularly comfortable. Nobody will get frost bite and pipes won't freeze. Comfortable is a personal thing—I'm comfy at 55F, most people prefer at least in the upper 60s—and you'll need to plan accordingly for it. Fireplaces, kerosene space heaters, and other combustion-based sources of heat are less than ideal compared to the efficiency and safety of a central furnace but when operated properly can help keep you warm until power and order are restored.
You absolutely need to make sure that whatever alternative source of heat you plan on using during an outage is clean, operational, and that everyone who will be using it understands how to use it safely. Clean out the chimney before you need it and give that kerosene heater a trial run when you're not under pressure. Unfortunately, unlike swapping candles for LED flashlights, there isn't an ultra modern replacement for ditching combustion-based heat for something fancy. Safety first!
Tools and Materials for Emergency Repairs: You don't need to be ready for a full scale remodeling project but you do need some basics. What if a tree branch falls and breaks a window? In the middle of summer it an annoyance, in the middle of a winter outage it's a giant icy hole to the outside world that will drop the temperature of your home below freezing in a matter of hours. Some heavy duty plastic sheeting and duct tape might not have the insulation value of a triple-pane window but it will keep hot air from drafting right out into your yard.
Communicating from the Winter Wonderland: Phone lines can be damaged by winds and ice, but it is very rare for a winter storm to wipe out the cellular network in an area. Keep your cellphone charged and make sure you have a car charger for it—if the power outage is extended you'll need to top it off at some point. If cellphone service is spotty, you may want to consider sending an SMS message to communicate with friends and family. Often times SMS messages go through just fine when trying to place and actual voice call is sketchy due to weak signal. If you live in the country side you might consider investing in a couple GMRS/FRS hand-held radios with some neighbors. You can pick up a modest but functional walkie-talkie set for around $30.
Stay Well Stocked: If you live in an area where weather can keep you holed up, you need to get into the practice of shopping ahead. When you're buying your regular groceries, purchase a few extra non-perishable things to stock in the pantry. Don't wait to do your grocery shopping until it is critical that you get out that day to do so. The same principle applies to non-food items like batteries, salt and sand for your walk and driveway, and keeping your gas tank full in your car.
Scaling Preparation for Your Situation and Budget: Finally, as we mentioned above, you'll need to scale your level of preparation to your budget and needs. If you can afford it and live in an area with frequent power outages, although a bit pricey, a home generator is a great investment. An apartment dweller that experiences extremely infrequent and brief outages could simply stockpile some batteries under the bed.
The important part in preparing for inclement weather and power outages is to run through potential and reasonable scenarios and what you need to do in various situations that may arise. What if an ice-laden tree falls onto your house? What if the power is out for more than a day? How will I heat food with no electricity? Does the heating system of your home require electricity? Have I told my roommate, spouse, or child what the plan is in the event of an emergency? Asking and answering questions like these well before you're under the stress of the actual situation helps you plan properly and keep stress to a minimum when that Douglas Fir actually does come through the picture window or the guy on the emergency weather radio says power won't be restored until next Tuesday. A small amount of planning now yields a lot of comfort later.
Article by Jason Fitzpatrick of Lifehacker

Monday, October 19, 2009

Wesley College Disaster Preparedness Presentations




On Oct 15 Marny McLee Citizen Corps Training and Outreach Coordinator, gives a Disaster Kit to a Wesley College Student, during one of two Disaster Preparedness Presentations given to back to back classes taught by CSI Professor Tommye Stayle.  Professor Stayle is coordinating with Citizen Corps to bring a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class to the College for Staff, Security and Students.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

CERT Training for Whethersfield Block Watch




Citizen Corps gave a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) briefing to the Whethersfield Block Watch Group of Bear DE, in the basement of one of their members, Chris Webb.  Whethersfield is planning a CERT Course for the near future and will affiliate themselves with the New Castle County Citizen Corps Council.  They will be the newest Neighborhood Watch Group partnered with DE Citizen Corps.  Michelle Tiberi-Jenkins is the coordinator for the group.


Wednesday, September 30, 2009

National Preparedness Month and Delaware Citizen Corps Featured in the News


Schools, families be “Ready” during National Preparedness Month

For many families, school is back in session this month, but students shouldn’t be the only ones with homework. The Delaware Citizen Corps program and Delaware Emergency Management Agency encourage parents to become familiar with their child’s school emergency plan.
As part of National Preparedness Month and throughout the year, parents and schools are encouraged to visit delawarecitizencorps.org/ or Federal Emergency Management Agency website at ready.gov/ for helpful tools and tips on what it truly means to be prepared. The websites list potential hazards and provide preparedness checklists, kids’ activities and more.

Whether people are faced with weather emergencies such as nor’easters or floods, technological or other manmade disasters such as hazardous material spills or terrorist attacks, emergency readiness helps assure that children are protected physically and psychologically in the event of a disaster.
Sponsored by the Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign, NPM is a nationwide effort designed to increase awareness as well as encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies.
National Preparedness Month focuses on helping Americans understand what it truly means to be “Ready,” which goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and extra food in the pantry. Being ready includes: getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizens Corps. And being ready is important all year round, not just for the month of September.
This year, Delaware Citizens Corps is collaborating with other FEMA Region III Citizens Corps programs in West Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania to distribute preparedness messages. Each office is sending preparedness information to local media as well as social networking sites, blogs and websites. This is the first time the regional offices have worked together to coordinate a mass outreach.
By following simple preparedness steps in advance, Americans can reduce the impact of emergencies on themselves, their families and their businesses. Individuals can visit the websites listed above and the local American Red Cross at redcrossdelmarva.org/ and DEMA at dema.delaware.gov/.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day a Huge Success!



On September 12th, Citizen Corps and its partners conducted the 5th Annual DE Family Emergency Preparedness Day in Support of National Preparedness Month. The event was held in Dover at the DelDOT Administration Building on Bay Road. Approximately 40 exhibitors including Emergency Responders, State Agencies and Volunteer Organizations shared their preparedness message to an estimated attendance of 300-350 citizens. FREE Training was also provided for the public, Disaster Preparedness by the American Red Cross of Delmarva, Emergency Kits by Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Animal Preparedness by the Delaware Animals in Disaster Service (DADS). A FREE Disaster kit was given away in each Training Class as well as to the winners of the Scavenger Hunt. Jakes Hamburgers served FREE burgers, hotdogs, chips, water and soda, The Pepsi Company of Del-Mar donated 10 cases of their products, WAWA donated 200 drinks and Serv-Pro of Newcastle/Bear donated bottles of water. Angela Manos Community Preparedness/Citizen Corps Program Officer from FEMA Region III attended the event.
Thanks to the Family Emergency Preparedness Day Coalition which is made up of: The Department of Safety and Homeland Security-Kimberly Chandler, Delaware Emergency Management Agency- Rosanne Pack, Citizen Corps- Bob George and Marny McLee, Kent County Public Safety- Colin Faulkner, Allen Metheny, Dave Mick, Jennifer Graham, Nicole Vautard, The American Red Cross-Holly Newton and Sarah Gilmour, DHSS-PHPS-Medical Reserve Corps-Nicole Desmarais, RSVP of Sussex County-Mary Ann Hook and April Willey, and City of Dover-Wayne Hutcheson. A special thanks to the Kent County Public Safety Office for hosting this year’s event.

Preparedness Presentation for Rotary Club



On September 1st, Bob George and Marny McLee gave a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the Georgetown - Millsboro Rotary Club at the Sussex Pines Golf Course.  Over 30 Business men and women attended the briefing, Gen Ret-Reid Beverage was the POC for the meeting.

Friday, September 11, 2009

H1N1 Flu




Wash your hands with soap and clean running water. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective. GET VACCINATED.

Share this Flu e-Card with friends and family! Click here.


Learn more about novel H1N1 Flu and what you can do to stay healthy.


Need Novel H1N1 flu Information? Get it at http://www.flu.delaware.gov

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day


We will be having our 5th Annual DE Family Emergency Preparedness Day Event in Dover on Sep 12, 09 from 10 AM - 2PM at the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) Administration Building on Bay Road. There will be approx  40 State and Volunteer Organizations on hand to share their Preparedness Message.
We will have FREE FOOD from Jakes Hamburgers and, FREE DRINKS from WAWA, also our newest business partner SERVPRO of Bear /New Castle will have bottles of Water at their display.  There will also be PREPAREDNESS TRAINING (with a couple Emergency Kits given away in each class) as well as GAMES for the kids to include Fire Safety Smoke House, a Climbing Wall and a K-9 Demonstration.  Some organizations on hand will be, The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Citizen Corps, The American Red Cross, The National Guard, The State Police, Public Health Preparedness Section, Medical Reserve Corps, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Dept of Highway Safety, State Fire School, Dover Air Force Base, plus much much more.  This is an opportunity for the public to come out and meet their First Responders face to face, the DE Homeland Security Secretary will also be there to meet and greet the public.
Come out meet your First Responders, learn some preparedness tips for your family, and share this important day with us. This year’s event will be hosted by the Kent County Office of Public Safety.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Congregations Keeping Communities Safe


Post By Lisbeth R. on the new Serve.gov
I have been a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member in Cobb County, Georgia since 2004. It all started with my desire to help my family and neighbors to survive a disaster.
I started searching on the internet to find out if any volunteer opportunities were being offered in my community, and that's how I found CERT through Citizen Corps and ultimately Cobb County. I participated in exercises, drills, training and recruitment opportunities. I took numerous FEMA independent courses in emergency management until I decided to enroll in a formal study program in emergency management. That is when I started the graduate certificate program in emergency management at Georgia State University.
Today that knowledge has allowed me to create a ministry in my church focusing on awareness of emergency management including conducting drills, exercises and training. Through that ministry, I have created vital documents such as emergency operations procedures for church and faith-based schools, continuity of operations plans, and evacuation plans--documents that I am happy to share with my neighbors.
In addition to the purpose of sharing those documents, and in the spirit of cooperation, I have established communication between the church and the Public Safety authorities including, the sheriff, police, fire and emergency management departments in the county. After all how good is a plan if it not shared with those who are there to help you?
Lastly, as a congregation we have agreed to become a Point of distribution (POD) for the CDC Strategic National Stockpile to the surrounding community should a pandemic occur. Our intent at Grandview 7th Day Adventist Church is to serve our community. We do that by being prepared and by helping prepared for unforeseen disasters. To learn more about Citizen Corps or to make sure that you and your community are ready, please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/ready/.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Preparedness Tips From Winners Of ‘In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog - CaliforniaVolunteers Disaster Kit Contest’

Below are the winners of the ‘Send Me A Preparedness Tip, Win A Disaster Kit’ Contest. Readers were asked to send one of the following: an emergency preparedness tip, something you have done to prepare for a disaster, or a suggestion to improve preparedness in your community. Entries came by email, on the blog and through Twitter. The winners, chosen by random, will receive a disaster kit (see photo below) thanks in part to the CaliforniaVolunteers’ WEPrepare program. (Though I have also listed some of the other entrants at the bottom whose preparedness tips will also hopefully be helpful).
The Winners:
Scott Kidder/Oakland, California
I recommend keeping backup copies of your personal records in electronic form both at home and off-site. This can prove very useful in the event that your home is severely damaged or destroyed in a disaster. I purchased several rewritable DVDs with a capacity of 4.7 GB. Rewritable CDs may work, too, depending on how much information you want to store. To keep the information secure, I created an encrypted disk image (256-bit AES encryption) that contains all of my sensitive and valuable information. I consider it important to encrypt the data on the DVD so that the information is inaccessible should the disc become lost or stolen.
Jei-Nhy Quirantes/Kekaha, Hawaii
Information I store on the backup disc includes personal finance records (Quicken, Money, etc), tax returns, insurance policies, a home inventory (photos, videos, receipts), and irreplaceable photos and videos. I update the contents of the DVDs at roughly 6 month intervals. The update process takes only about 1-2 hours. You might keep a copies of the discs at work, in your briefcase/work bag, and in your go-bag/emergency kit at home. Having the information distributed lessens the likelihood of a total loss.
I’ve gathered important documents i.e. birth certificates, medical cards, insurance papers, will, placed them in a ziplock bag, and put them in my emergency kit. I’ve also scanned digital copies of each of them and uploaded them to a jump drive and emailed them to myself.

Rich Madden/Aurora, Illinois
The thing that most people overlook with emergency preparedness is that anything that you can do to mitigate the uncomfortableness of an emergency goes along way to keep them safe and sane. If you need to use restroom facilities and there are none, what are you going to do; I have heard to many stories of people using unknown leaves to clean themselves and using something like poison ivy, “Ouch”. Having a roll of toilet tissue and a garbage bag to contain the waste will go a long way to keeping you comfortable and safe. Also having a toothbrush and toothpaste helps with that morning after mouth that tastes so foul. Also having an extra pair of glasses just in case you loose your current pair so you can at least see clearly or not. The comfort of an event will go along ways to help ease the rehab of getting over the event.
One other thing if you have to evacuate your residence due to flood, fire, or earthquake, you will have to prove yourself to re-enter your community a copy of your homeowners insurance your, marriage license, your driver’s license or passport, will go a long way to secure your right to be in the community. These copies in certified form or in microfilm are acceptable.
Jon Abolins/Trenton, New Jersey

Mentally prepare for resilience in daily activities. One way is to develop the habit of “having an exit plan” mapped out as you go along. In the train carriage, note where the exits — including the pop-out window emergency exits — are. Count how many seats you are from the nearest exist. Similar practice applies to plane travel. When going into an office, school, etc. pay attention to the emergency exits, fire alarms, extinguishers, and such.
Mike Everett-Lane/Brooklyn, New York
Here are a couple I’ve gleaned from various sources:
1) Get several hundred dollars out of the bank, in small bills (ones and fives). If there’s a power outage, the ATMs and credit card machines will be down. Stores will run out of small bills quickly. Put the money in an envelope, and store it some place where you won’t spend it.
2) Make sure at least one of your phones can be powered with just the phone line, again in case of power outage you’ll still be able to make calls.
3) Keep a pair of old slip-on shoes under your bed, and a flashlight at hand. I use a Pak Light ( http://www.9voltlight.com/ ), attached with velcro to the underside of the bed frame.
David Chesler/Leesburg, Virginia

I work for the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross. As part of our Community Disaster Education (CDE) program I provide to any group or organization a free one-hour Disaster & Emergency Preparedness presentation. I promote Be Red Cross Ready… Build a Kit, Make a Plan and Get Informed. I start out with a ‘Shelter in Place’ scenario to get the group thinking. I enjoy this part of my job. I let them know when it comes to Disaster & Emergency Preparedness… I talk the talk, but more importantly I walk the walk.


Disaster Kit Contest
CaliforniaVolunteers’ WEPrepare Disaster Kit










Patty Brooks/San Jose, California
Turn off your power and water for a weekend and survive it. You don’t really know how it will go until you try it. Trying this before you lose it in a real situation will give you an idea of what you will need when it really happens. Take notes and make a list of items most important to your survival. This is the best time of year for this drill. (its a great way to conserve energy and lower your bill).
I started a neighborhood association to get my neighbors together, then I held an Emergency Preparedness Awareness Fair and Blood Drive. We had a total of 327 attendees as follows: 275 guests, 12 staff , 12 agencies / 37 agency representatives, 3 City representatives &. 6 sponsors,
Our blood drive goal, 25 pints and we managed to collect 34 pints. The agencies included Ca, Highway Patrol (1) San Jose Crime Prevention Unit (3) Moreland School District (1) R.A.C.E.S (5) www.Iprepare.com (1) San Jose Prepared/CERT (4) Pelican Products (1) San Jose Fire Dept. & Paramedics (6) Ca Firesafe Council & Smokey Bear (2) San Jose Mounted Police (2 officers & 2 horses) Stanford Blood Center Mobile (6) S P N A (4) + 3 photographers + 10 staff volunteers. City Reps: Kim Shunk Director of the Office of emergency Services (1) District 1 Councilman Pete Constant & 1 photographer (2) Mayor Chuck Reed & 1 aide, 1 photographer (3)
Joseph Colon/Freehold, New Jersey (via Twitter)
Preparedness tip: cotton balls soaked with petroleum jelly stored in a medicine bottle make great firestarters — even in the rain!
Richard Holland/Houston, Texas


I have been through three hurricanes. It is certain that I will lose electrical power. I have started a spreadsheet listing the battery powered items that I have and the number and type of batteries it requires. I also have added an inventory of the batteries I have. This way I know how many to buy when a hurricane is noted in the Gulf. I have a 12 volt marine battery for my television and a solar charger to keep it charged. My current problem is my digital to analog converter. It is 9 volts. I will have to get a 12 to 9 volt adapter or a inverter to get 110 volts for the converter.
Rion Motley/Hampton, Virginia

I have a bit of property, and I grow fruit and vegetables (mostly blackberries and apples/pears/persimmons). So far I have randomly dropped by and talked to three relatively new folks in the neighborhood, and asked if they liked whatever fruit was coming into season at that point. Worked out pretty well. I’ve now got a retired (Armed) security guard, an experienced fisherman about my age, and a retired dominion power lineman on my list of neighborhood acquaintances. If you don’t have fruit trees (and why not?! it’s shade you can eat!) then bake some cookies or throw a barbecue or two and invite someone you drive past on your way to or from work. I was surprised at how readily people chatted with someone they didn’t know lived a few houses away. ;-)
Dadsfun5 (via Twitter)

Have a 3 party outside of ur area code ready for your family to call to pass infor on when us are a part in a disaster
The following entrants did not win the kit but offered good tips which I wanted to share:
Lloyd Colston/Altus, Oklahoma
For communications during a disaster, nothing beats amateur radio. The American Radio Relay League (http://www.arrl.org) is a group that helps obtain licenses. Local clubs abound nationwide to help local folks benefit from their new privilege.
Dennis Hanlon/Greenwich, Connecticut
Suggest people go home and turn off all their power (or at least pretend it’s off.) No tv (especially after June 12), no computer. Do they have flashlights at the ready? Do they have a battery powered radio? Do they have sufficient prescription drugs for 3 days? Do they have a first aid kit? Do they have a telephone that does not rely on electricity? Once folks see where there weaknesses are, they will be more open to other preparedness measures.

Jonathan Haber/Bethesda, Maryland
Here’s my preparedness tip: Help educate your neighbors by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper reminding them and urging them to take preparedness into their own hands. Just today, I sent the following letter to the editor of my local “gazette” newspaper: “Thanks to the free “Alert Montgomery” notification system, I received a text alert today about the potential for flooding during this week’s rain storm. Alerts from the system have also warned me about road closures and more. An interesting statistic was published at the bottom of the alert. It said that the alert was sent to 544 users. If true, doesn’t that sound like a very low number in a county of almost one million residents? Come on neighbors, it shouldn’t be news to you that taking a few simple steps can make a big difference in ensuring your safety and well-being during an emergency. Go online now and check out the free resources that federal, state and local governments provide to help you stay informed and prepare for an emergency. At the very least, you should visit Ready.gov and pandemicflu.gov. If you live or work in Montgomery County, visit the county home page (just Google it) and follow the link to sign up for the free “Alert Montgomery” system to stay informed of emergencies (weather, traffic, etc.) in your community. Don’t be caught off-guard. Take the time now to prepare you, your family and your business to weather the storm.”
p.s. As a follow-up to my suggestion above, the local newspaper (Gazette) did publish my letter to the editor under the heading “Free services prepare us for emergencies”: http://www.gazette.net/stories/06032009/montlet173009_32523.shtml.
Blair Buchmeyer/St. Louis, Missouri
I think that one of the best things you can do to help with community preparedness is to help everyone learn to grown their own food either on their own lots or in community gardens.
John Armstrong/Ottawa, Ontario
Led worklight can be used hands-free (it has magnets and a hook for hanging) produces enough light to light a large room and runs for 5 hours.
Sarah Ward/Orem, Utah
I recently invested in a solar oven as an outlet for cooking in an emergency. Since it’s difficult to acquire new skills under duress in an actual emergency, I have begun cooking with my solar oven now to familiarize myself with it. It is absolutely amazing. No water. No messy clean up. No worries of scorching or burning. No constant monitoring. And no fuel of any kind is required. The solar oven is now officially my new cooking nirvana. So far I have used my solar oven to cook delicious chicken, roast, baked bread, sausage, ham and even pasteurize water. In fact, this is a pic of my yummy chicken - look at all the natural juices that come from cooking it in the solar oven! http://twitpic.com/60rgi. For people who don’t want to shell out more money, it is possible to make your own. Details at http://solarcooking.org/plans/funnel.htm.
Bryan Salamon/Queens, New York
Simple trick I learned to get waterproof matches. Dip a match head into hot wax, and let it cool. Once the wax is hardened, you have yourself a waterproof match.

Andrea Truelson
I think the best tip I have is, not to overwhelm people! I have taught a couple of classes for my church on preparedness. I always tell people it isn’t about getting everything today, it is about getting one thing at a time, or learning something new. For example, have a flashlight under each bathroom sink, tape the power company phone number to it, and make sure it is always in the same spot! Also, learn how to open a garage door manually, or grow a basil plant in a sunny window for practice. Build on these new skills, and soon you will be a regular pioneer!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

President Obama Unveils 'United We Serve'

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, in a video message, President Obama unveiled United We Serve, an extended call to service challenging all Americans to help lay a new foundation for growth in this country by engaging in sustained, meaningful community service. The initiative will be led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency dedicated to fostering service in communities across the country. Since his Inauguration, the President has called on all Americans to serve their communities and be a part of building a better future for our country.

The United We Serve summer initiative begins on June 22nd and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11th. The National Day of Service and Remembrance was created by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which President Obama signed in April to help encourage and facilitate community service across the country. During this summer, the President is renewing his call to all Americans to identify needs in their communities, engage in meaningful service to create change – and stay engaged with those projects long after September. The President’s call focuses on four key areas where everyone can have a continuing impact in their community: education, health, energy and the environment and community renewal. To create new service projects, to find service projects in their communities and to share stories about projects that are making a difference, Americans can visit the Corporation’s website, http://www.serve.gov/.

President Obama’s video was distributed via email by the Corporation for National and Community Service. View President Obama’s full video message at http://www.serve.gov/.

“The challenges we face are unprecedented in their size and scope, and we cannot rely on quick fixes or easy answers to put us on the road to recovery,” President Obama says in the video message. “In this new century, we need to a build a new foundation for economic growth in America. My Administration has already begun this work with dramatic new investments in education, health care and clean energy – investments that will create new jobs and lay the foundation for lasting prosperity. But we cannot do this alone here in Washington…’

‘Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities as what we're doing in Washington – and it’s going to take all of us, working together.”

The goal of United We Serve is to help make volunteerism and community service part of the daily lives of all Americans in order to help build a new foundation, one community at a time.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Disaster Preparedness for Kids


Delaware Citizen Corps has added a new section on the links page with disaster preparedness activities for kids. There are a variety of resources available from FEMA, Red Cross, and many more that can be used both at home or in a school setting. As we find links in this subject, we will add them to the page.

Check out the link below for these resources:

Preparedness Night At The Ballpark


On May 28, Delaware Citizen Corps and Wilmington OEM/Citizen Corps partnered with the Blue Rocks Minor Leagues Baseball Team to promote a Preparedness Night at the River Front Ball Park in Wilmington. Over 4,000 people attended the event, with FREE Citizen Corps/Blue Rocks Duffle Bags given to the first 1,000 fans The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), New Castle County OEM/Citizen Corps, DHSS-Delaware Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, joined DE Citizen Corps and Wilmington with display tables and gave away disaster preparedness materials. Twenty Seven (27) lucky fans won Disaster Kits when their ticket and seat number was announced, 9-Citizen Corps, 9-Red Cross and 9-DMRC Coolers with material and supplies in them were given away between each inning of the game. Disaster Preparedness announcements were and will be made between innings of each game, as well as electronic messages to be shown throughout the season. The Disaster Preparedness Sign in centerfield which says "Make a Plan, Make a Kit" will also be displayed for the entire season. Five Hundred (500) small plastic bags filled with disaster materials were placed on car windows parked outside the stadium for fans to take home and share with their families. Citizen Corps Training and Outreach Coordinator Marny McLee threw out the first pitch.

Friday, May 29, 2009

CERT for Medical Reserve Corps Group


Delaware Citizen Corps taught a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class for the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps. 20 plus members and partners attended the class held at the Blue hen Corporation Center in Dover. MRC is a partner under the Citizen Corps umbrella and is run out of the Public Health Preparedness Section, Nicole Desmarais as the State Coordinator and was the POC for the class.

Citizen Corps Visits Sussex County Womens Group


Citizen Corps gave a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the Sussex County Republicans Women’s Group. Over 60 members attended the presentation held at the Sussex Pines Golf Course in Georgetown. Pat Woodring was the POC for the event

CERT for Division of Medicaid and Medicare


Paula Foster and Kim Marsh learn Bandaging during the Medical Operations II, Block of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Class. The class was given by DE Citizen Corps for the DHSS Division of Medicaid and Medicare. 20 members and partners attended the class held at Carroll’s Plaza in Dover, Karen Marsh was the POC for this class.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

CERT Class for Wilmington Trust

DE Citizen Corps assist Wilmington OEM/Citizen Corps in teaching a Community Emergency response Team (CERT) Course for the Wilmington Trust Bank. This is the second CERT Class for WTB, the class was held at the Wilmington Office of Emergency Management on Heald Street.

Disaster Preparedness for the IRC



Bob George Citizen Corps Program Manager gives a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the Independent Resource Center in Wilmington.  This was the third presentation for the IRC, Debra Matthews was the POC for the event.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Delaware Swine Flu Information

Public Health in Delaware is closely monitoring the situation. Please practice good hygiene which requires covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid crowded places where people can spread the illness and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.


For more information about this, view information on the Centers for Disease Control website below:


http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Preparedness Brochure for Pets from the AVMA

The American Veterinary Medical Association has produced a preparedness guide for pet owners during a disaster.  The guide overviews how you should plan and take care of specific types of animals during a disaster.  Please review this guide and the other pet plans we have available on the Delaware Citizen Corps Website under the resources tab.

Click Here To View The Brochure

New Castle County Train-The-Trainer

 
The State CERT Team provided a Train-the-Trainer Course, for the New Castle County Citizen Corps Council CERT Instructors.  The class was taught in an effort to revitalize their Instructor pool in teaching more CERT Classes throughout the county and to assist the State CERT Team.   Nineteen Instructors took the course which was made up of NCC/OEM, American Red Cross, ESC, FC, NCC ARES/RACES, Del Tech, and the NCC Council.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Water During A Disaster


The amount of water needed during a disaster continues to be confused.  There are a variety of important facts that everybody should know about water.

FEMA Suggests the Following:

  • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
  • If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
  • Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Family Emergency Preparedness Day Flyer

Below is a link to our Family Emergency Preparedness Day flyer which will be happening on September 12th.  Print out a few copies and post it around your workplace!

http://www.delawarecitizencorps.org/EmergPrepDayFlyer.pdf

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Presentation to IFMA of Delaware



On March 31st, Delaware Citizen Corps gave a Presentation to 30 members of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) of Delaware, in Wilmington at the Barclays Dryrock Building.  The presentation was on Citizen Corps and all its components with a special emphasis on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Course.  The Disaster Preparedness Video/DVD was also shown.  Citizen Corps will be contacted in the near future to schedule various CERT Courses for some of their individual establishments.  Pictured from (L to R) are Scott Stilley, Mary Anne Conine, Pamela Nelson of IFMA, Marny McLee and Bob George of DE Citizen Corps. 

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

New CDC Fact Sheet Available

The United States Centers for Disease Control have developed a 2-page fact sheet on recovery information after a hurricane or flood. This fact sheet talks specifically about the importance of sanitation during and after one of these events. Information includes food storage, water illnesses, and much more.

To view the fact sheet click here.

Also check out the CDC Hurricane page here.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Flood Safety Awareness Week



In partnership with NOAA, the National Flood Insurance Program has developed a webpage featuring an interactive map depicting historical information about how floods have impacted millions of Americans in recent years.  The site also provides tools and resources for understanding your risk and knowing what to do: before a flood, during a flood, and after a flood.  To learn more about Flood Safety Awareness Week and to utilize these resources, visit www.floodsmart.gov/noaafloodweek.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Deaf Link for Emergency Preparedness



Deaf Link has produced some short preparedness videos using American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for the State of Texas.  While much of the information contained in each video is generic, there may be an occasional reference to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the topics include Flood cleanup, Hurricane Preparedness and Evacuation, and Special Needs planning.


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/deaflink.htm

Friday, March 6, 2009

Does your Emergency Preparedness Kit contain recalled or expired items?


Currently the United States is in the midst of one of the largest food recalls in American history. As Americans dig through their cabinets and refrigerators to remove potentially contaminated food associated with the recent peanut recall, we would like to also remind citizens to open and check their Emergency Preparedness Kits to remove any potentially harmful items from these also.
Because peanut products are often recommended as staples in Emergency Preparedness Kits due to their long shell life and because they are a good source of protein, we encourage all kit owners to look at their kits to ensure food products are not on the peanut recall list. Please keep in mind that the peanut product recall extends beyond peanut-flavored products. The following are some examples of foods also included in the recall that may contain peanuts:
  • Granola
  • Snack bars
  • Crackers
  • Cereal
  • Trail Mix
  • Cookies
  • Noodles
  • Dog treats
A full list of recalled peanut products and what individuals should do with recalled items can be found on the Food and Drug Administration’s Web site, http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm.
In addition to checking for peanut-related items, please be sure to check for other items in your kit that may have expired, including medications, food and pet food, water, and other recalled items. The U.S. government provides information on unsafe, hazardous, or defective products ranging from consumer products, food, medicine, and cosmetics at www.recalls.gov.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Blue Rocks Emergency Preparedness Night


On May 28, at the Wilmington Blue Rock baseball game, Delaware Citizen Corps and the Wilmington Office of Emergency Management will partner with American Red Cross of Delmarva Peninsula and Public Health to hold a preparedness night. The night is scheduled for May 28th at 6:05 PM, there will be a gym bag giveaway for the first 1000 customers, 9-Disaster Kits will be given away between each inning, a Wilmington/DE Citizen Corps Disaster Preparedness sign will be purchased to be displayed in the outfield for one full year, electronic disaster preparedness announcements will be displayed at each game throughout the year etc… Other DE Citizen Corps partners will be invited to join in and share the evening to help spread the Disaster Preparedness message for Families and Businesses.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Presentation to the RISC Conference

On February 4th, Bob George and Marny McLee traveled to Philadelphia where Bob gave a presentation to the RISC Conference on Delaware Citizen Corps accomplishments, initiatives and partnerships. Bob was invited to speak by Angela Manos, the Citizen Corps Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region III.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Citizen Corps gave a presentation and showed the Disaster Preparedness DVD/Video to the Sussex County Women’s Club. 30 members of the group gathered at the Bethany Beach Salt Pond Golf Course Community Center for their monthly meeting and then stayed to received the presentations. The POC’s for the presentation were Judy Poetsch and Marilyn Adam.

Friday, January 30, 2009

New Castle County Citizen Corps

Check out New Castle County's new Citizen Corps website:

http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/

They have posted a calendar and presentations to show their future plans with this new organization.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Are You Ready, Mom?

Walking on Snow and Ice

As we have seen the past few days, snow and ice can be serious issues we have to deal with during the winter season.  A document has been created to help you cope with these inconvenient weather products while doing your daily activities.

http://www.delawarecitizencorps.org/WalkingonSnowandIce.pdf

Monday, January 26, 2009

Winter Weather


The CDC has developed a web page with information on Winter Safety.  For more information please visit http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Sergeant Griffin Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by DEMA



Sergeant Jennifer Griffin of the Delaware State Police (DSP) is awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency by Director James E. Turner III, for her work with DEMA and the DE Citizen Corps.  Sergeant Griffin spearheaded a project to get the Disaster Preparedness DVD/Video into schools across the State of Delaware by using the DSP School Resource Officers. The video can also be used by teachers and parents and can be viewed by all on the school and the Delaware Citizen Corps websites.  The project was highlighted by a Press Conference at the CR Senior High School on Sep 23. Also pictured are Capt Glen Dixon DSP and Bob George Citizen Corps Program Manager. 
The next project will be to have the video converted into Spanish, include Closed Captions, and to get it into the Special Needs Community.