Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health CERT Class

On November 17th and 18th, the State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) provided a CERT Training class for the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) Staff.

Twenty two members attended the class held in the Lower Sussex Building's Training Room at the Herman Holloway Campus in Newark. This was the second CERT Course held at the campus; the first was held in 2008. The point of contact for the class was Dr. Carol Kuprevich, Training Office Administrator.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Delaware State University Preparedness Presentation

On November 10th, Citizen Corps Staff members Bob George and Marny McLee provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation at the Delaware State University (DSU) campus as part of a "Crisis Management and Preparation Workshop" for staff and students.

They were joined by Joe Papili of the United States Marshals for Delaware and Delaware State Police (Ret.), who presented on "Emergency Planning for Active Shooters." He tailored his presentation for college students and campus staff. The point of contact for the workshop was Rashidah McCoy as part of her Senior Capstone Project.

Marydel Community Preparedness Presentation


On November 9th, Bob George and Marny McLee (Citizen Corps Staff) were joined by Don Knox (Natural Hazards Supervisor) of DEMA as they presented a Disaster Preparedness Presentation for the Marydel Senior Community Association at their monthly meeting. Dave Carpenter, the New Castle County Coordinator of Emergency Management, gave a presentation on Kent County's Evacuation Plan and how it applies to their organization during a disaster.

He was joined by Ashley Reilley of the Emergency Services Corps (ESC) at the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management (OEM). To start things off, Representative Osienski gave a presentation on a few current events in the district that applied to seniors and the MaryDel Community. The point of contact for the event was Ms. Adie Ecret.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Kent County Crime Watch Presentation

On November 3rd, Bob George and Marny McLee (Citizen Corps Staff) provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation in Dover at the Kent County Levy Court Building. Approximately 75 members of the Kent County Crime Watch Committee, as well as members from each community, attended the monthly meeting and presentation.

Citizen Corps showed their Disaster Preparedness DVD, which focuses on “Making a Plan, Making a Kit, and Sheltering in Place and Evacuation Procedures.” Preparedness materials were also distributed to those in attendance. The Delaware State Police (DSP) are part of the committee, and oversee the Crime Watch Group for Kent County. The Point of Contact (POC) for the presentation was Bill Hulik.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test on Nov. 9th

On Wednesday, Nov. 9th, Delaware will join all other states in conducting the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. At 2 p.m. EST, radio, television and cable stations will broadcast the familiar alert warning sound. Following the alert sound, the recorded message on broadcast media will state “This is a test.” The audio message will be the same for both radio and television.

At the conclusion of the 30 second test script, all broadcast media will return to normal programming.

This test is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Even though the EAS is tested regularly throughout Delaware, on radio and television, it is the first nationwide test conducted with all states participating at the same time.
The season and timing chosen for the test reflects an effort to involve states and communities with as little disruption of regular schedules and routines as possible. In November, the hurricane season is very near closing at the end of the month and, in most years, it is early for winter storms and nor’easters. In spite of this year’s end of October snow storm in many Atlantic states, chances are that calmer, routine seasonal weather will prevail on Nov. 9.
The 2 p.m. EST time will be prior to evening rush hour along the east coast and after morning rush hour in the most western time zone.

DEMA Planner Arthur Paul said, “Our agency has the role of facilitator for the Delaware State Emergency Communications Committee as the Governor’s designated representative during state emergencies. We work with EAS partners all year, and we are very supportive of this nationwide test.”

“In emergency management and the communications industry, we recognize the importance of communication and notification in response to emergencies,” he said. “There may never be an incident that requires the use of the EAS nationwide; however, having that capability is vital to our country’s homeland security.”
When it sounds on Nov. 9, the test will last 30 seconds. According to FEMA, the National-level EAS test will demonstrate a public alert and warning system that would enable the President of the United States to address the American public during an extreme emergency. Similar to local EAS tests that are conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve the same broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline providers that participate regularly.

FEMA and FCC representatives said that the nationwide event has been two years in planning and it is part of ongoing national preparedness efforts. FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, along with state, local, tribal and territorial governments, and those who participate in EAS activities have been working toward making this test a reality.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate reminds everyone, “We want you to know this is a test. It’s our opportunity to check to make sure that our systems are working across the country if we have a national emergency. Because of the system design, not all of you will see the crawl that says this is a test. It will say this is an emergency alert, but we want you to understand, this is a test.”

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test the EAS capabilities, DEMA officials remind you that this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit www.prepareDE.org, or www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

For additional information, visit FEMA's EAS page or the FCC's EAS Page.

Video with Director Fugate (FEMA): http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407
Video with American Sign Language: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407