Medical Reserve Corps CERT Class

On Aug 1-2, 2008, Delaware Citizen Corps and The State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) with assistance from Dave Carpenter Emergency Manager for New Castle County conducted a CERT Training Course in Dover at the Blue Hen Cooperate Center in the DHSS Training Room. The course was taught for the Department of Public Health’s Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC) which falls under the umbrella of Citizen Corps.  Over 40 DMRC volunteers and their families, CERT volunteers, Red Cross volunteers and some other unaffiliated volunteers, including individuals from one federal agency attended the class.  The POC for the class was Nicole Desmarais DMRC Coordinator and member of the Public Health Preparedness Section.

This training is just one in a series of trainings and other successful outreach events that have been occurring in part due to a recent collaboration between Delaware Citizen Corps and the Delaware Department of Public Health.  In fact, Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware Department of Public Health are in the process of finalizing an MOU that will provide additional funding for the Delaware Citizen Corps Program.

Citizen Corps at the Blue Rocks

On July 14 our Wilmington EMA / Citizen Corps and the Public Health Preparedness Section Conducted a Preparedness outreach program as a part of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball Game. Preparedness material was handed out to those who attended the game.

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a “Take the Lead Campaign” working together to prepare NOW, for a national pandemic. The City of Wilmington was among several cities selected across the nation to participate. It was selected because it is small city that is a central hub for more than 75,000 people and 15,000 families residing in the city as well and the hub for many corporations such as DuPont, Bank of America, and ING Direct.

Division of Public Health Recieves CERT Training

On July 9th, various sections from the Division of Public Health participated in a CERT Awareness Training.  The training was conducted at the Public Health Offices of Dover Blue Hen Mall Center.  Citizen Corps and the Public Health Preparedness Section have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly promote preparedness throughout Delaware.  The training was well recieved and the next full CERT Training for the Division of Public Health will be held on August 1st and 2nd at the Blue Hen Mall for the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps.

For more pictures view the photo gallery.

Citizen Corps Participates in Red Cross Press Conference with U.S. Representative Castle

On July 7th, Congressman Castle and Margi Prueitt from the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Penninsula conducted a Joint Press Conference on Emergency Preparedness. The press conference was held at the Seaford Red Cross Office. Citizen Corps was invited and participated as a partner in preparedness. Red Cross has been an important partner in the Citizen Corps Program since its inception in 2004 participating in many initiatives such as CERT Training, Disaster Preparedness Film, and the Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day Event.

Seven Signs of Terrorism

Delaware State Police in partnership with Delaware Citizen Corps has created a video explaining the signs of terrorist activities that all citizens can look out for. The video is now available on the web in the resources section or viewable below.

Delaware Animal Disaster Services

The mission of Delaware Animal Disaster Service is to encourage guidance for families in preparing for disasters and to promote the safety and well being of all animals that may be adversely affected during any type of disaster.

Please check out their new website:

http://www.dads4pets.org/

4th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day

In support of National Preparedness Month, Delaware Citizen Corps and its partners in preparedness are planning an event free to the public. This event will allow you the opportunity to meet and talk with your emergency responders and volunteer organizations as well as participate in free training. Their will be many activities for adults and children. Click the image above to see the flyer for the event.