DPH and DNREC Labs CERT Training

On April 4th, instructors from the Delaware Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Bob George and Marny McLee, taught a CERT Awareness Course for the Division of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) labs.  Twenty four members of the two labs attended the class, which was held at the Mallard Lodge on Route 9 in Smyrna. A follow-up class for the remaining half of employees is scheduled for June 6th at the Lodge. The point of contact for the class was Christina Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the labs, and Director Sergio Huerta was also in attendance.

Disaster Preparedness Presentation in Dover

On March 21, Delaware Citizen Corps Program Manager Robert George and Coordinator Marny McLee delivered a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the fifty five and over group at the Faith Community Church in Dover. Approximately twenty members attended the presentation, which was very well received with many questions and input from the group. Outreach materials and five Citizen Corps Disaster Kits were given away. The point of contact for the presentation was Tony Wolford.

Spring Forward and Remember to Check Smoke Detectors

When you spring forward an hour for Daylight Savings this Sunday, it’s also the perfect time to make sure you have a working smoke alarm in your home. Smoke alarms significantly increase the chances of surviving a deadly home fire. Take a few simple steps to get prepared including:

• Test and clean your smoke alarms monthly;
• Replace the batteries at least once a year;
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your residence, including the basement; and
• Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or per manufacturer’s instructions.

After you test your smoke alarm, let everyone know via Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to also share these tips with your family and friends.

For more information about smoke alarms and home fire safety, visit www.ready.gov/fires and www.usfa.dhs.gov/smokealarms.

University of Delaware CERT Course

On March 1st and 2nd, The State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Bob George and Marny McLee, taught a training course at the University of Delaware.  Approximately twenty five staff, students, and members of the Center for Disabilities Studies attended the course.  The point of contact for the course was Marcia Nickle, Emergency Manager for the University of Delaware. Marcia has also been a member and instructor of the State Community Emergency Response Team for five years.

PAWS for People CERT Class

On February 23, Delaware Citizen Corps Staff and members of the State CERT Team conducted training at the annual conference on PAWS for People at the Sterk School for the Deaf in Newark. Approximately seventy five people were in attendance. Our point of contact for the conference was Rich Phillips, PAWS Pet Emergency Response Therapy Teams (PERTT) Coordinator.

Second District CERT Class

On January 31st, the Delaware State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) assisted the Wilmington Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and  CERT Team with teaching a CERT training Class for the Second District.  The Wilmington Team is headed by Director George Giles and Margie Williams. The class was held at the Spirit Life Lutheran Church, and the point of contact for the class was Dorothy King.

 

Flu Activity on the Rise in Delaware

From the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS):

With a recent increase in flu cases and hospitalizations in Delaware and nationwide, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds Delawareans that everyone older than 6 months who is not yet vaccinated against the flu should do so immediately. While there have been no flu deaths so far in Delaware during the 2012-2013 flu season, the state's influenza activity is now considered widespread and is higher than at this time in recent years. Young children seem to be especially impacted, with those ages 4 and under comprising 21 percent of cases.

For the week ending Dec. 29, DPH reported 132 confirmed cases of influenza, bringing the state's total for the 2012-2013 season to 441 confirmed cases. Delaware experienced a surge in hospitalizations that week (45 compared to 14 the previous week) for a total of 85 influenza-related hospitalizations as of Dec. 29. Forty percent of these hospitalizations were among adults age 65 and older.

These trends are part of a national increase in flu activity. Widespread flu activity is reported in 41 states. According to the CDC, 2,257 lab-confirmed flu hospitalizations have been reported since Oct. 1, 2012.

"Flu often peaks in late February or early March, but this year we are seeing an early surge," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director. "It is not too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself and your family. This year's flu vaccine is especially well matched to the strains of the flu in Delaware and there is vaccine available."

Delawareans are also encouraged to prevent infection by taking the following measures:

• Wash hands with soap frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after you cough, sneeze or touch you face.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Droplets from a sneeze can travel up to six feet.
• Stay home when sick and do not return to school or work until 24 hours after a fever.

Residents who are not yet vaccinated are encouraged to contact their health care provider about getting vaccinated. Vaccinations are offered through physician offices, and many pharmacies and grocery stores. DPH is also expanding vaccination opportunities at public health clinics. If you need information on the flu or where to get vaccinated visit www.flu.delaware.gov or call 800-282-8672. To find out if your family qualifies for free flu vaccinations, please call 800-282-8672.