Be Ready in 2011: Make a Plan

Be Ready in 2011: Make a Plan: " Originally Posted By: Rachel Racusen, Director, Public Affairs FEMA

We make plans for almost anything. In a typical day, you might plan for how you’ll make your morning commute, what you will have for lunch, how you will accomplish projects at work, and what meal you will have upon returning home.

As the New Year approaches, we’re encouraging Americans to take three simple steps to get prepared before a disaster strikes: get a kit, make a plan, and be informed. Planning for a potential emergency can ease the stress of an emergency situation, and can ultimately save your life, or the life of someone you love.

We hope you will take this opportunity to Resolve to be Ready in 2011 and create your emergency plan today. Here are a few tips from Ready.gov, FEMA’s preparedness website, to get you started:

• Write down your family’s plan, and store it in a safe place (preferably with your emergency kit).
• Decide on a safe meeting place in your home, in your community, and in a nearby town. In case your home or community is damaged, family members will know where to go.
• Review (and practice!) your family emergency plan at least two times per year.
• Decide how family members will communicate after a disaster. Text messaging often works despite phone network disruptions, so teach family members how to use text messaging.
• Subscribe to alert services in your area. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management web site.

What creative ways does your family, or workplace, practice its emergency plan? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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Preparedness Presentation at the Federal Courthouse

Bob George, Marny McLee and Justin Kates of Delaware Citizen Corps provided two separate Preparedness Presentations at the Federal Court House in Wilmington (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). Members of the United States Attorney General’s Office, United States Marshals’ Service, United States Attorney’s Office, Federal Public Defender’s Office, United States Probation Office, United States District Court Clerk’s Office, and the United States Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office attended the training .  The presentations were done jointly with the Wilmington Office of Emergency Management, Director George Giles and Margie Williams which briefed on the cities evacuation plan. The POC’s for the Presentation were Joe Papili of the U.S. Marshals Office and Bob Prettyman of the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Winter Storm Tips

Freezing rain from an ice storm covers everything with heavy, smooth glaze ice. Ice-covered roads become slippery and hazardous, as the ice causes vehicles to skid out of control, which can cause devastating car crashes as well as pile-ups. Pedestrians are severely affected as sidewalks become slippery, causing people to slip and fall, and outside stairs can become an extreme injury hazard.

In addition to hazardous travel conditions, branches or even whole trees may break from the weight of ice. The weight of the ice itself can easily snap power lines and also break and bring down utility poles, just one quarter of an inch of ice accumulation can add about 500 pounds of weight per line span.

The following winter storm home-preparation suggestions may be helpful:

• Make sure flashlights and battery-powered radios are working, and keep extra batteries, candles and matches on hand.
• Unplug sensitive appliances such as the TV, VCR, computer and microwave. If the power goes off, turn off all major electrical appliances.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. If you lose power, frozen food will generally keep for 48 hours. Discard perishable food that has been at 40 degrees for more than two hours. Odor or appearance is not an indicator that food is safe. When in doubt, throw it out. 
• If you use an emergency-heating source such as a wood stove, kerosene heater or fireplace, keep fuels away from the flames and ventilate properly. Never leave a fire unattended.
• If it seems likely that your home will be without heat for several days, drain your water pipes.
• If you use a generator, read all the instructions that accompany it and be aware of the hazards that come with misuse. Use a qualified electrician to connect a generator to the house wiring. Never run a gasoline-powered generator in the house-the fumes are deadly.

Wilmington District Churches CERT Class

The State Community Emergency Response Team taught a (CERT) Training course for the Wilmington District Churches.  Fourteen members attended the class which was held at the Emmanuel AME Church in Hartly Delaware, Pastor Rev. Michael Washington. The POC was Rev. Rita Mishoe-Paige, she asked that another class be scheduled for next year and that a Disaster Preparedness Presentation be scheduled for her place of employment at the Delaware State Housing Authority. In Oct a CERT class was taught for the Dover District Churches held in Frankford DE.

Citizen Corps Takes CERT Training to Delaware Tech

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Citizen Corps and State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) taught a CERT Train-the-Trainer Class at Del Tech. Del Tech faculty, staff, and students completed a CERT class last year, formed a CERT Team and will now be able to teach the course for their current and incoming Criminal Justice and Homeland Security students.   The Del Tech team will teach their first CERT Course next month with assistance from the State CERT Team.             

Chinese Community Presentation

Bob George, Delaware Citizen Corps Program Manager provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to a Chinese American Community Group in Hockessin. The presentation was conducted through an interpreter provided by the Community Group to approximately 75 members. The message was very well received and appreciated, and Citizen Corps was invited back to do an additional presentation in Feb, 2011. The POC for the group was Helen Yates.

Medical Reserve Corps CERT Training

Bob George and Marny McLee, along with the State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) taught a CERT Class for the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps on Oct 22-23, 2010. The class was held in the DEMA Training Room, with twenty –four (24) members in attendance plus two (2) individuals from the CERT waiting list, one from DelDOT (Dover) and one from Wilmington Trust Bank of Wilmington.  The POC for the class was Nicole Desmarais of the Public Health Preparedness Section and DMRC State Coordinator.  This was the third class taught for the MRC which falls under the Citizen Corps umbrella, another class is scheduled for Oct 7-8, 2011.

NCC Award of Appreciation

DEMA Director Jamie Turner and Citizen Corps Program Manager Bob George present Brian Bannon of New Castle County Emergency Management and NCC Citizen Corps with a Certificate of Appreciation.  The award is in recognition of their invaluable leadership & contributions to the 6^th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day, the Citizen Corps Program, Emergency Management and for their efforts to embrace the communities, organizations and educational facilities in their county.

Dover District Churches CERT Class

The State Community Emergency Response team traveled to Frankford DE to teach a CERT Class for the Dover District Churches, which was held at the Antioch AME Church. Thirty two (32) students attended the training which represented (10) churches throughout the district.  The POC for the training was Rose Poole of Macedonia AME Church and the Christian Education Department.

Busy Week for Delaware Citizen Corps

Business embraces CERT Awareness. The DE State CERT Team and the Office of Emergency Management from City of Wilmington partnered Friday September 24, to provided Wilmington Trust Bank with a full day of Preparedness Training . The day included Evacuation and Shelter in place procedures, Fire Safety, Search and Rescue and Citizen Preparedness. How prepared are your employees?  The more prepared they are, the quicker your business will be able to reopen after disaster.

Faith Based Training; The Mount Calvary AME church invited Citizen Corps on Saturday September 25 to their Emergency Preparedness Day in Seaford. Bob George and Marny McLee spoke to the group about Emergency Preparedness and assisted in their efforts to actually prepare a disaster kit for all participants. Donations from the local business coupled with Emergency Kits and training from  DE Citizen Corps helped to make the day productive and enjoyable. If your community group is interested in learning about preparedness, please contact us!

Family Emergency Preparedness Day A Success!

The Family Emergency Preparedness Day (FEPD) which is an annual state observance of National Preparedness Month attracted an estimated crowd of more than 2,000 visitors to Glasgow Park on Sept. 11. Admission and all events at FEPD were free and the rapid consumption of the first 400 free burgers prompted Jake’s to send for more. Delmarva Power was a corporate funding supporter along with Jake’s Hamburgers, Rita’s Water Ice and ServPro of Bear/New Castle which provided free bottled water.
New Castle County Office of Emergency Management was the 2010 host sponsor with co-sponsors including the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, DEMA, Citizen Corps and the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. NCC Executive Chris Coons attended and delivered a proclamation of September as Preparedness Month in New Castle County. He presented the proclamation to NCC OEM Coordinator Dave Carpenter. Previous events have been hosted by Sussex and Kent County Emergency Management offices.
A field full of more than 20 exhibitors provided displays and information on preparedness and safety. Many people participated in free training for fire extinguisher use, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and family emergency planning and emergency supply kit building. The Delaware National Guard climbing wall attracted a crowd and encouraged young people to get high without drugs. Citizen Corps basic emergency supply backpacks were given away during training sessions and in drawings throughout the day.

Gov. Markell proclaims Delaware Preparedness Month

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Gov. Jack Markell and Lt. Gov. Mathew Denn have declared September as Delaware Preparedness Month. In issuing a declaration, the Governor and Lt. Governor encourage all Delawareans to take steps to be better prepared for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.

Markell advises residents to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about ways to prepare for all types of emergencies from natural disasters to potential terrorist attacks. Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Citizen Corps and FEMA have programs and informative web sites that can guide the public in creating emergency plans and stocking emergency supply kits.

The Governor also asks citizens to be part of the anti-terrorism team by reporting suspicious activity to the Delaware “See Something, Say Something” tip line, 1-800-FORCE-1-2.

The declaration refers specifically to the importance of not only having a plan and a kit, but also being knowledgeable about evacuation or sheltering decisions, and being aware of potential conditions and threats.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency joins the national initiative for preparedness by encouraging and teaching preparedness. The agency, including Delaware Citizen Corps, offers materials, presentations and instruction in household and community preparedness. Events scheduled to observe National Preparedness Month include Family Emergency Preparedness Day, Saturday, Sept. 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Glasgow Park in New Castle County.

Free family emergency preparedness presentations are available statewide. DEMA-trained presenters can be scheduled for a presentation that features step by step guidance in creating a family plan, an example of an emergency supply kit and preparedness materials. The presentations are appropriate for civic and educational organizations, church groups and neighborhood associations as well as for businesses. For information or to schedule a presentation, call 856-5815 in Sussex County, and 659-2210 for Kent or New Castle counties.

Citizen Corps also offers Community Emergency Response Team training and emergency preparedness classes. For information, call 659-2243. 

Emergency preparedness information is also available at www.dema.delaware.gov,  www.delawarecitizencorps.org, www.preparede.org, andwww.ready.gov.

9/11 Drill Down

As part of the 9/11 Drill Down for SAFETY Campaign, Safe America Foundation is focusing on the use of wireless devices as “safety tools”. The campaign is called “Test First, Talk Second”. We all know land lines work exceptionally well; however with most of the population out and about on a daily basis and cell, text and internet are common modes of communicating.

So on the anniversary please join me in a call down drill with your family. Whether a disturbance at school, mall, airport or a weather event, stay connected with FOUR simple letters  ----I    M   O  K    -texting IMOK takes less than 2 seconds,  faster than a call, it is a fraction of the bandwidth so 800 additional people can send out the same message  in comparison to just one phone call.

So please take some time at dinner and discuss with the family, if there was an event and you needed someone to know you are okay –then text –I M O K.

ANNUAL FAMILY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DAY, SEPT. 11, GLASGOW PARK

After back-to-back blizzards in February and with threats of a heavy storm season ahead,
state emergency management and public safety officials and responders are organizing a free
event to help prepare the public for such storms and other disruptive events in Delaware.

As the state observes National Preparedness Month in September, New Castle County
Emergency Operations Center hosts the Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day, 11 a.m.-3
p.m., Saturday, September 11. The free event is located in Glasgow Park, Route 896 and Route
40, Glasgow.

Joining New Castle County as sponsors are the Department of Safety and Homeland
Security, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Citizen Corps, and the
American Red Cross of Delmarva.

The annual event is open to all and includes free food and refreshments, free training and
door prizes, and a variety of activities for all ages. Family Emergency Preparedness Day
features displays and demonstrations by state, regional and local emergency responders,
emergency managers, law enforcement and other public and private groups.

Jake’s Burgers will provide free hamburgers and hot dogs, and free water and drinks will
be available throughout the day. Free treats from Rita’s Water Ice will serve those with a sweet
tooth.


The Delaware National Guard climbing wall will challenge those who are
adventuresome. Participation in games and activities at different exhibits can earn useful and fun
rewards for all ages. Materials and information on emergency preparedness for families will be
available from a variety of exhibitors. Hand-outs and displays include information on emergency
plans for all the family members, including pets.

Free training classes cover emergency plans for family preparedness and guidance on
assembling an emergency supply kit to serve your family. A door prize of a basic emergency kit
will be awarded in each training class.

WSTW 93.7FM will be broadcasting live from the event!

DuPont Disaster Preparedness Presentation

Bob George, Citizen Corps Program Manager (pictured above) shares Preparedness information with DuPont employees. Delaware Citizen Corps gave (3) separate Disaster Preparedness Presentations to a total of (5) groups at the DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington.  Approximately 200 employees received the information on Aug 10, 17 and 23 as part of their quarterly Safety Day.  Over the last year Citizen Corps has given (10) presentations at the site, the POC’s for these presentations were Marianne Politowski and Tina George.

Dave Young, Citizen Corps/ Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training, Lead Instructor (pictured below) teaches Utility Safety.

Disabilities Forum

Delaware Citizen Corps participated in a forum that the Developmental Disability Center (DDC) from the University of DE sponsored in August to help educate citizens of the importance of planning for those with disabilities in a disaster.  The DDC utilized Inclusive Preparedness to facilitate a scenario where citizens had to think about Emergency Planning from a Nor'Easter hitting Delaware. Citizen Corps provided a presentation on Emergency Preparedness which included Special Needs considerations. There were 4 events over a period of two days, all conducted at Del Tech- Wilmington Campus, Stanton, Dover and Georgetown. The target audience was the Special Needs community and their support staff and or Agency.

National Night Out

Marny McLee, Citizen Corps Training and Outreach Coordinator, manned a Citizen Corps/DEMA Display Table at the Dover National Night Out. The night was held at and Sponsored by Target and the Dover Police Department. Hundreds of people came out to take advantage of the many give-a-ways and drawing by Target as well as many other local venders, there were local Police Departments, Fire Companies and much more.  DEMA and Citizen Corps were present in all three counties on the night with, Bob George Citizen Corps Program Manager participating in the New Castle County event held at Del Castle Recreation Center in Greater Wilmington, and Rosanne Pack, DEMA PIO participating in the Milford National Night Out sponsored by the Milton PD, held at the Bicentennial Park.

Heat-related Illnesses Information

Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating just isn't enough. Your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and you can develop a heat illness. Most heat illnesses occur from staying out in the heat too long. Exercising too much for your age and physical condition are also factors. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are most at risk. Drinking fluids, replenishing salt and minerals and limiting time in the heat can help.

Heat-related illnesses include

• Heatstroke - a life-threatening illness in which body temperature may rise above 106° F in minutes; symptoms include dry skin, rapid, strong pulse and dizziness
• Heat exhaustion - an illness that can precede heatstroke; symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid breathing and a fast, weak pulse
• Heat cramps - muscle pains or spasms that happen during heavy exercise
• Heat rash - skin irritation from excessive sweating

The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

·         Heavy sweating

·         Paleness

·         Muscle cramps

·         Tiredness

·         Weakness

·         Dizziness

·         Headache 

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke?
 
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

·         Get the victim to a shady area.

·         Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. 

·         Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.

·         If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

·         Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.

·         Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

 

What steps can be taken to cool the body during heat exhaustion? 

·         Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.

·         Rest.

·         Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

·         Seek an air-conditioned environment.

·         Wear lightweight clothing.

 

How can people protect their health when temperatures are extremely high?
 
Remember to keep cool and use common sense. Drink plenty of fluid, replace salts and minerals, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, pace yourself, stay cool indoors, schedule outdoor activities carefully, use a buddy system, monitor those at risk, and adjust to the environment.
 

How much should I drink during hot weather?
 
During hot weather you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Avoid drinks containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

Can medications increase the risk of heat-related illness?
 
The risk for heat-related illness and death may increase among people using the following drugs: (1) psychotropics, which affect psychic function, behavior, or experience (e.g. haloperidol or chlorpromazine); (2) medications for Parkinson’s disease, because they can inhibit perspiration; (3) tranquilizers such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and thiozanthenes; and (4) diuretic medications or "water pills" that affect fluid balance in the body.
 

How effective are electric fans in preventing heat-related illness?

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.
 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Easter Seals Disaster Preparedness Presentation

Delaware Citizen Corps gave its second Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the Easter Seals Organization in Newark. Approximately 40 clients and a few staff members attended the presentation, the POC for the presentation was Sandi Nugent Activities Coordinator.

Disaster Preparedness Presentation

Bob George, Delaware Citizen Corps Program Manager gives a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the Sussex County Republican Woman’s Group at the Sussex Pines Golf Course in Georgetown. Approximately 70 members and spouses attended the presentation, in attendance was Mrs. Castle, wife of Delaware Congressman Castle.  This was the second presentation given to other members of the group the POC was Pat Woodring.

Disaster Preparedness Seminar at Bethany Beach

On June 12,  Marny McLee Citizen Corps Training and Outreach Coordinator, participated in a Disaster Preparedness Seminar at the Bethany Beach Public Safety Building.  The event was attended by approximately (60) members of the local community, full-time and part-time residents.  The primary Disaster Preparedness Presentation was given by Cami D’Attilio, DEMA Trained and Sussex Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Volunteer.  April Willey RSVP Coordinator gave a brief overview of the program and ways to sign up to volunteer. Ralph Mitchell Bethany Beach Director of Public Safety, and event coordinator, gave a briefing on the Town of Bethany’s preparedness procedures and handed out a preparedness packet. Marny had a Citizen Corps display table with materials to give away and gave a short briefing on the Citizen Corps Program, which focused on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Course. Bethany Beach established a Citizen Corps Council in 2005, which is run by the Police Department, the POC is Lt Rick Haden and Sgt Patrick Foley.

Preparedness Night at the Ballpark

Come out June 3rd at 7:05

Delaware Citizen Corps, New Castle County OEM/CCP, Wilmington OEM/CCP, the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula will continue its partnership with the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball Team to put on a Preparedness Night at the Ballpark. This is the fourth year of the partnership, an outfield billboard is displayed with a preparedness message and state and local websites, preparedness messages will be digitally shown throughout the game, and throughout the season for all events held at the stadium, which will reach approximately 300,000 fans. A Citizen Corps Back Pack will be given to the first 1000 fans, disaster preparedness messages will be broadcasted over the public address system, over 5,000 fans are expected to attend the game. A Disaster/Emergency Kit will be given away after each inning, display tables will be located in the second level walkway for individuals to stop by to get information, 500 small plastic bags filled with preparedness material will be placed on cars to be taken home.

Church Group Preparedness Presentation

Delaware Citizen Corps gave a combined Disaster Preparedness Presentation at the Mt Calvary United Methodist Church in Bridgeville. Twenty five (25) members of the Mt Calvary and Bethel United Methodist Church Group attended the 2 hour presentation held in the Church Fellowship Hall. The training was one part of other events the Health and Wellness Ministry had planned for the day, to include Fire Training at another location Local Bridgeville PD Officer Hogan sat in on the presentation, Dr. Alstacia Waters-Hall and member of Mt. Calvary Church was the POC for the presentation, Rev Barron N. Hopkins Sr. is the Pastor.

Harrington Citizens Police Academy

The Harrington Police Department held a Citizen Police Academy Graduation on May 4, 2010.  The course was taught by off duty police officers Fifteen Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) completed the 12 week course, which was held every Thursday evening from 6-9 pm.  The course was taught by off duty police officers, retired emergency professionals and local pastors. It was designed for the volunteers to understand the inner workings of the police department so they will have a better understanding of the responsibilities of the officers and the department. 

The guest speaker was Kenneth Wagner, Youth Pastor of Calvary Wesleyan Church in Harrington, he runs a youth program called “UNITED” in which 200 youth participate in every Friday evening to meet, play games, play music, sing etc….  His message was to mentor a youth in the community and to congratulate the volunteers for taking an interest to help the PD in patrolling the city and neighborhoods, to help make Harrington a better and safer place.

Chief of Police Norman Barlow is very satisfied with the interest of the volunteers and noted that everyone attended all classes and were very eager to learn and participate.  He is also excited with the extra eyes and ears he will now have in the community which will take some of the workload off of the officers. The POC for the event was Ruth Peterman who is the Admin Support for the PD.

Red Cross CEO Receives Award

DE Citizen Corps Program Manager Bob George gives American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula CEO Dan Valle an “Award of Excellence and Certificate of Appreciation” at the Quarterly State Citizen Corps Council Meeting.  Dan is a Charter member of the Delaware Citizen Corps Council, the award is in recognition of his invaluable leadership & contributions to the Delaware Citizen Corps Program, Emergency Management and Citizen Preparedness.

DTCC Campus Exercise

Delaware Technical Community College (Terry Campus) held their Annual Exercise based on a Campus Bomb Explosion in which members of the Campus Community Emergency Response team (CERT) Team were called into action.  The team was made up of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Students who were CERT Trained in Nov. Marny McLee State CERT Coordinator and Dave Young (Lead CERT Instructor) participated as shadows/evaluators during the exercise.

Disaster Preparedness Presentation for Easter Seals

DE Citizen Corps provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to Easter Seals and the Amputee Support Group, the two hour training session was conducted in New Castle at the Easter Seals Facility.  The two groups have recently formed a partnership and decided to train together. Gloria Price the POC is the President and Founder of the Amputee Support Group and Nancy Rinalli was the POC for Easter Seals.

ACP Preparedness Presentation

Bob George and Marny McLee gave a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the First State Association of Contingency Planners (ACP) at DEMA.  Fifteen (15) members attended the presentation, they got a chance to view the Disaster Preparedness DVD as well as go away with a Citizen Corps Disaster/Emergency Kit and other preparedness materials. ACP focuses on Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, Audit Compliance and Emergency Planning and is a member of the NCC Citizen Corps Council. The POC for the presentation was Brian Bannon of NCC OEM/Citizen Corps and member of the group along with ACP President, Peggy Cole of DTI.

Preparedness DVD Kick-Off

Sussex Central High School hosted a Citizen Corps Press Conference in regards to the release of the Spanish and English subtitled versions of the Disaster Preparedness Video created in 2008 by the Preparedness Coalition. The coalition consist of DEMA, Citizen Corps, the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP- Sussex County) and the Public Health Preparedness Section. With the goal of educating all Delawareans on how to prepare for a disaster, in 2010, the Disaster Preparedness Coalition is expanding the campaign to reach students and all other members of the public, including the Spanish speaking population and those who are deaf or hard of hearing.  This multi-faceted approach will increase the number of Delaware Citizens who are prepared for disasters, whether natural or technological. 

Angela Manos, FEMA Region III Community Preparedness Officer, came from Philadelphia to support the Disaster Preparedness DVD Kick-off. In addition to Gov. Jack Markell, Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery, Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Lewis Schiliro, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police Colonel Robert Coupe, DEMA Director James Turner III, Indian River School Superintendent Susan Bunting, Sussex Central Principal Timothy Capone, had brief comments at the event. A signing translator for the deaf and hard of hearing ensured that all attending were aware of speakers’ comments. There were also Spanish speaking attendees from Citizen Corps/CERT and DSP to assist if language translation was necessary.

Citizen Corps Disaster/Emergency Kits were presented to (from L to R) Secretary Lowery, Superintendent Bunting, Principal Capone and Gov. Markell (pictured above). Officiating the event was DSP PIO Sgt Walter Newton, the Signing Interpreter for the event was Caroline Greene (below) of DEAFinitions and Interpreting LLC. DSP Sgt Jennifer Griffin was the POC and coordinator for the event.

CERT Workshop for IFMA

On Feburary 17th, Delaware Citizen Corps and members of the State Community Emergency Response Team, provided a CERT Workshop for the International Facilities Managers Association of Delaware (IFMA). Twenty Five members and guest attended the training which was held at the Community Services Building in downtown Wilmington.  The POC’s for the class were Scott Stilley and Pamela Nelson, pictured is Colonel Dallas Wingate of the DNG teaching the Terrorism Awareness Module.

Making A Difference Awards from DEMA and FEMA Region III

DEMA Director Jamie Turner presents a “Making a Difference Award” from FEMA and DEMA signed by Region IIII Acting Director and Director Turner to Daniel Valle Chief Executive Officer from the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula.  The award certificates were presented at the Quarterly Citizen Corps Council meeting held at DEMA. The award “recognizes dedicated service and commitment to community emergency preparedness and for planning, coordinating and executing a significant event to residents about preparedness during National Preparedness Month” in September. They were presented to Citizen Corps partners, organizations, county and local councils that continually help to prepare Delaware residents.

CERT Presentation to Dover Rotary

Bob George Citizen Corps Program Manager gives a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Presentation to the Dover Rotary Club.  The meeting was held at the Maple Dale Golf Club in Dover, the POC’s were Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Dean at DTCC-Terry Campus and Rev. Rita Paige from the Delaware Housing Authority.