End of Year CERT Training

On December 7th and 8th, the Delaware State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted their end-of-year CERT training at the Delaware Technical Community Campus (DTCC) in Dover. Approximately fifty citizens from New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties attended the training. The course was comprised of the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, the Civil Air Patrol, DTCC staff and students, and community members. The point of contact for the training was Dr. Jeff Peck, Chairman of the Criminal Justice and Emergency Management Department at the DTCC Terry Campus.

Wilmington CERT Course

On October 9th and 10th, the Delaware State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), headed by Bob George (Citizen Corps/CERT Program Manager) and Marny McLee (Training and Outreach Coordinator), returned to the Delaware Skills Center in Wilmington to provide a second CERT Training Course.  They were supported by the Wilmington Office of Emergency Management (OEM) CERT Team. Thirty five nursing students and staff attended the two day training course. Cindy Stears was the point of contact for the class.

Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day

This year’s Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day was a huge success. Approximately 600 people attended the event, which was held at the Delaware Agriculture Museum in Dover, Delaware and was co-hosted by the Delaware Citizen Corps and the Kent County Office of Public Safety. Over forty exhibits and interactive activities on preparedness were available.  The Delaware National Guard was on hand with their climbing wall, the Delaware State Police offered child identification and fingerprinting, and the Dover AFB brought their Fire Safety House. Additionally, the Dover Police Department did a K-9 Demonstration, Wal-Mart brought their Safety Tractor Trailer, Walgreens gave free flu shots, and Bay Health gave preliminary health screenings. There was also a Scavenger Hunt, games for the children attending, and the Red Cross set up a simulated temporary shelter, among many more interactive displays.

The planning committee was made up of Bob George, Marny McLee, Rosanne Pack, and Scott Martin of Citizen Corps, Colin Faulkner, Dave Mick and Nicole Vautard of the Kent County Public Safety Office, Betty Decker and April Cleveland from the Public Health Preparedness Section, Sharon Jefferson of the American Red Cross, April Willey of the Sussex County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Kay Dietz-Sass of the City of Dover Emergency Management Office, and Rich Phillips of PAWS for People. 

A special thanks to the fifty volunteers who helped out from Citizen Corps and the CERT instructors, Harrington PD-CPA, Smyrna PD-VIPS, NCCC-AmeriCorps, Dover Boy Scouts, to Eagle 97.7 for the live radio broadcast, and Chick-Fil-A for supplying the food.

Family Emergency Preparedness Day

Join us on Saturday, September 22nd, for our sixth annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day. The event will be held at the Delaware Agricultural Museum (866 N. Dupont Highway, Dover DE) from 10:00AM - 2:00PM.

There will be numerous exhibits, demonstrations, and activities to include:

• A live radio broadcast with Eagle 97.7
• Kids' Climbing Wall
• Health Screenings
• Children IDs
• Child Safety Seat Instruction
• The Kent County Mobile Command Post
• Dover Police K-9 Demonstration
• The Kent County Paramedics
• Wal-Mart's Safety Tractor Trailer
• The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle

 There will also be free giveaways and food for the first five hundred visitors. See the attached flyer for further information.

Disaster Preparedness Presentation

On September 15th, Bob George and Marny McLee of the Delaware Citizen Corps partnered with Robert Prettyman from the U.S. Attorney’s Office (District of Delaware) to give a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to the Islamic Society of Delaware. There were roughly twenty people in attendance, including the Imam, the President of the Islamic Society of Delaware, and a representative from the Islamic Academy of Delaware.

The President of the Islamic Society of Delaware will be in communication with Citizen Corps about other training sessions, to include a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Course. Additionally, a few members were interested in joining the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC), which falls under the Citizen Corps umbrella.

Muslim Community CERT Class

 

On September 7th and 8th, the Delaware Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) conducted training for the Muslim Community at the Al Kauthar Masjid Community Center in Wilmington, Delaware. This was the first CERT training for the Muslim Community and was very well received. It is planned to schedule another class next year. The point of contact for the class was Siddiquah Abdullah, who took the CERT class two years ago and wanted to bring it to her community.

Community Preparedness Workshop

Larry Henderson, Director of the Independent Resource Center

On September 6th, Delaware Citizen Corps partnered with Delaware Public Health Preparedness, Bay Health, and the University of Delaware's Center for Disability Studies to support the Independent Resource Center and the Modern Maturity Center. Over one hundred citizens of the senior and diability community attended the Community Preparedness Workshop, joined by fifty Delaware State University nursing students.

The Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, PAWS for People, and the Division of Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities were also part of the event. Citizen Corps Coordinator Marny McLee was part of the planning committee and showcased the Disaster Preparedness DVD, while Bob George, Citizen Corps Program Manager, gave a short presentation on the 911 Special Needs Volunteer Registry. Computers were available for anyone who wanted to register after the workshop.

Preparedness Training for Everyone

Are you looking for great, engaging, and short preparedness activities? If so, we encourage you to take the IS – 909 - Community Preparedness: Implementing Simple Activities for Everyone course and download materials to help make preparedness engaging and conversational. The course is comprised of sixteen preparedness modules on topics ranging from preparedness on a budget to fire extinguisher operation, and includes specific topics such as disaster planning for a pet or service animal. Among other materials available, is a comprehensive Program Leaders guide for those just starting a neighborhood preparedness effort, as well as a free online training developed with FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.

Dover Community Preparedness Day

On July 13th and 14th, the Delaware Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) taught a CERT Preparedness Class for the Life Development and Community Resource Center of Dover. The class was held  at the John Pitts Center, at Schutte Park in Dover, for twenty community and business members. Participants included the Delaware Economic Development Group, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), DuPont, Delaware 211, Goeins-Williams Association, Kent County Neighborhood Watch, the City of Dover, Ameri-Corps, the University of Delaware, and Wilmington University.

The point of contacts for the class were Natalie Way of AmeriCorps, and Kay Dietz-Sass from the City of Dover Emergency Management, who coordinated the rooming and food.

Preparedness Night at Frawley Stadium

On June 29th, the Delaware Citizen Corps co-sponsored the Annual Preparedness Night at the Blue Rocks Stadium in Wilmington. Also sponsoring the event was New Castle County and Wilmington Citizen Corps Councils / Offices of Emergency Management, along with our partner organizations the American Red Cross, the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, and the Dept. of Public Health's Preparedness Section. The one hundred degree fireworks night was a huge success, with approximately six thousand fans in attendance. There was a disaster preparedness billboard in left-center field, nine disaster kits were given away (one each inning), preparedness messages were announced throughout the game, and display tables and preparedness bags with outreach materials were placed on one thousand cars. The night allowed us to spread our preparedness message and also say thanks to all of our partners and volunteers who help us prepare Delaware citizens and businesses throughout the year.

Marny McLee, Delaware Citizen Corps Training and Outreach Coordinator and Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant, sang his rendition of the National Anthem, which was met with thunderous applause and many accolades. That video is available here.

Preparedness Night at the Blue Rocks Stadium

On Friday, June 29th, starting at 7:05PM, the Delaware Citizen Corps, Wilmington Citizen Corps / Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and NCC Citizen Corps/OEM will host our Annual Preparedness night with the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League baseball team. This is one of the Delaware Citizen Corps' largest events, and provides our partners including the American Red Cross, numerous Public Health organizations, and the Medical Reserve Corps an opportunity to talk preparedness with the citizens who attend.

The stadium is located at 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801. The game will end with a fireworks display. Tickets may be purchased from the Blue Rock's website.

Family Emergency Preparedness Day

On September 22, 2012, the Delaware Citizen Corps and Kent County Department of Public Safety will be hosting its annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day from 10:00AM - 2:00PM at the Delaware Agricultural Center in Dover. The event will feature over forty different exhibitors, state and local organizations, a K-9 demonstration, and the National Guard Climbing wall. Additionally, there will be a fire safety house, health screenings by Bayhealth, a child safety seat instructional station, and numerous vehicles from public safety agencies from across the state.

The event is free to the public. There will be disaster and emergency kit giveaways, live broadcasting by 97.7, and free food for the first five hundred people. A flyer is also available for download.

Skills Center Preparedness Training

On May 10th and 11th, the Delaware Citizen Corps Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) provided preparedness training at the Delaware Skill Center in Wilmington. The class was made up of twenty staff members, instructors and students. The Wilmington Citizen Corps Council and Office of Emergency Management, represented by Director George Giles and Margie Williams, assisted with the fire suppression portion of the training. Additionally, they gave a presentation on the City of Wilmington’s Evacuation Plan. Grayson Clark from the United States Attorney’s Office gave a Terrorism Preparedness Presentation.

The CERT Team has been asked back to do a future training course. The point of contact for the training was Cindy Spears.

 

Delaware Whole Community Preparedness Workshop

FEMA Region III Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, DSHS Sec. Louis Schiliro, and Dover Mayor Carelton Carey

On April 18th and 19th, the Delaware Citizen Corps held a “Whole Community Preparedness and Resiliency Workshop,” co-hosted with FEMA Region III's  Individual and Community Preparedness Division. The event was held at the Delaware State Fire School in Dover. Approximately one hundred twenty five people from federal, state, and local governments, as well as members of numerous businesses and non-profit organizations attended. FEMA Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney, DSHS Secretary Schiliro, Dover's Mayor Carey, and DEMA Director Turner were in attendance; each giving opening remarks to convene the conference each day. The first day focued on "Preparedness for the Community," while day two focused on the Public-Private Sector Partnerships. There were presentations on Emergency Planning for Active Shooters, Federal Alliance of Safe Homes (FLASH), Community Resiliency, a presentation from the Wal-Mart Emergency Preparedness Manager, and a presentation on Target's Community Engagement program. There were also panel discussions on "Engaging the Public as a Member of Emergency Management," "Accessing All Resources in a Tough Economy," and "Resiliency through Education and Awareness." Region III groups in PA, MD, VA, WV and NJ were also represented.

Delaware Citizen Corps Program Manager Robert George introduces DEMA Director Jamie Turner.

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, April 22-28

As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to save lives from severe weather.

The two agencies encourage the public to "know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature" by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation's history.

The country has already experienced early and destructive tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and South this year over the last two months, including a significant number of tornadoes last weekend. May is the peak season for tornadoes, so it is important to take action now.

"The damaging tornadoes that struck this year, causing widespread devastation as well as loss of life, also spurred many amazing and heroic survival stories," said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. "In every one of these stories, people heard the warning, understood a weather hazard was imminent and took immediate action. We can build a Weather-Ready Nation by empowering people with the information they need to take preparedness actions across the country."

"One of the lessons we can take away from the recent tornado outbreaks is that severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "While we can't control where or when it might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare and that's why we are asking people to pledge to prepare, and share with others so they will do the same."

To "be a force of nature," FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

• Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.

• Take action: Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA's mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.

• Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting - and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. 

For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather

Disaster Preparedness Presentation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

On April 15th, Delaware Citizen Corps Staff Bob George, Marny McLee and Dave Ham provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Grace Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE. As part of their presentation, Citizen Corps also played their Disaster Preparedness DVD, which is open captioned and formatted for American Sign Language. An ASL Interpreter was used throughout the presentation. The group is composed from the Tri-States (DE, MD, and PA) and meets regularly at the church. An additional presentation is being planned for Kent and Sussex Counties. The point-of-contact for the presentation was Karen Miller. Loretta Sarro, who was also in attendance, shared her knowledge of the 911 Special Needs Volunteer Registry to the group.

Delaware Whole Community Workshop

The Delaware Citizen Corps, along with FEMA Region III, will be hosting the Delaware Whole Community Preparedness Workshop on April 18th and 19th, 2012. The workshop will be held at the Delaware State Fire School, located at 1461 Chestnut Grove Road in Dover, Delaware.

The event will run from 08:00AM to 04:00PM each day. The workshop is focused towards community organizations, businesses, private and non-profit groups, and government officials. Topics include business continuity, disaster preparedness, public-private partnerships, social media, and more. Complimentary continental breakfast and lunch are included. See the flyer (PDF) for more information.

Pre-registration for the event is required. While the event is open to the public, we request that you pre-register at this site.

Preparedness Presentation at the Independent Resource Center

On February 29th, Bob George, Delaware Citizen Corps Program Manager, and Marny McLee, Training and Outreach Coordinator, provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to patients and staff members of the Independent Resource Center in Dover, DE. Citizen Corps provides presentations to both the Wilmington and Dover Independent Resource Centers; a partnership that dates back to 2006.

Carolyn Miller was the point of contact for this presentation.

Delaware Citizen Corps Program Honored

For the fourth year in a row, FEMA Region III honored the Delaware Citizen Corps Program with National Preparedness Month Challenge Awards. Jamie Turner, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, presented Robert George, Program Manager, and Marny McLee Sr., Training and Outreach Coordinator, with two National Preparedness Month Challenge Awards: the “Leading by Example” and “Together We Succeed” awards.

These awards reflect their efforts to be inclusive of all members of the community in their planning by integrating the access and functional needs of people with disabilities in their preparedness efforts. Additionally, the awards were in recognition of working with the many diverse organizations Citizen Corps partnered with on the Delaware Minor League Baseball Preparedness Night. Delaware Citizen Corps received 'National' recognition earlier in the year as a runner-up for the best 'State' Citizen Corps Council.