End of Year CERT Class

On December 6th and 7th, the State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Bob George and Marny McLee, conducted training for twenty five citizens from New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties at the Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC), Terry Campus in Dover. The class was made up of Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) personnel, DTCC Terry and Wilmington Campus staff, and citizens on the CERT waiting list. The point-of-contact was Dr. Jeff Peck, a professor at DTCC and CERT instructor. Dr. Peck brought twelve of his Criminal Justice and Emergency Management students for the first night of the class.

Interfaith Community Housing CERT Class

On November 15th and 16th, the State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Bob George (Program Manager) and Marny McLee (Coordinator), conducted training for the Wilmington Interfaith Community Housing Group. Forty citizens receive the training, which was conducted at the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Wilmington. George Giles, Wilmington's Emergency Manager, offered the use of his center and was extremely supportive. He also assisted throughout the training.  Several city councilmen stopped by to talk to the citizens, and the training was well received. Additional training for the city is currently being developed. The point-of-contact for the training was Caren Turner, Director of the Interfaith Community Housing Group.

Invite a Veteran to School Talk Given by Marny McLee

On November 8th, Marny McLee, Citizen Corps/CERT Training and Outreach Coordinator, spoke to three hundred fourth and fifth grade students, teachers, staff, veterans, and parents at Misspillion Elementary School in Milford. He was invited to their “Invite a Veteran to School Program” by Dr. Natasha (Ramminger) Ward, who took CERT training in 2006. The topic of the speech was how his military career prepared him to work at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

Physicians Care Preparedness Presentation

On November 5, Bob George (Citizen Corps Program Manager) and Marny McLee (Citizen Corps Training and Outreach Coordinator) provided a Disaster Preparedness Presentation at Delaware Physicians Care in Newark, Delaware. The presentation was given to the case workers of the Delaware Physicians Care; twenty two were present and another twenty attended via conference call from Kent and Sussex Counties. Another presentation will be scheduled for Kent and Sussex Counties at a later date. Kathy Gordon attended the presentation and is the Case Manager. Yvette Lewis also attended and was the point-of-contact for the presentation.

DE Skills Center CERT Training

On October 23rd and 24th, Bob George (Citizen Corps and CERT Program Manager), Marny McLee (Citizen Corps and CERT Training and Outreach Coordinator), and the State CERT Team joined the Wilmington Office of Emergency Management/CERT to teach a Community Emergency Response Team Training Course at the Delaware Skills Center.  This was the third CERT course taught at the center. Thirty three nursing students and staff attended. Cindy Stears was the point-of-contact for the class.

7th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day

On September 21, the 7th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day was held at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, and was a huge success.  Approximately 1,200 citizens took part in the event, which included games for kids, a Preparedness Train Ride, Delaware National Guard Climbing Wall, and a Preparedness Scavenger Hunt. There was also a simulated Red Cross Shelter, free food, disaster kit giveaways, interactive display tables, prizes, and many other activities. We would like to personally thank to our co-host, the Kent County Public Safety Office (Colin Falkner, Dave Mick, and Nicole Vautard). We would also like to thank Citizen Corps event coordinators Bob George, Marny McLee, and our wonderful committee members: Betty Decker and April Cleveland (Public Health Preparedness Section), Rosanne Pack, Scott Martin, Rich Phillips (Citizen Corps Contractor and Volunteers) Kay Dietz-Sass (Dover Emergency Management), Sharon Jefferson, Shawn Antrim (American Red Cross), April Willey (RSVP Sussex County), and Gary Laing (DEMA).

Thank you too all the fifty-plus state, local, volunteer, and faith based groups who spent their day with us to make this year’s event the best to date.  Thanks to Citizen Corps volunteer/spouses Tina George and Jackie McLee, as well as Boyd Reed Citizen Corps/CERT Instructor and P.Jane Walmsley. We also must thank our youth volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Helping Hands, Boy Scouts, and their leaders. A special thanks to the organizations that gave donations for our event:  Delmarva Power, Tidewater, Sam’s Club, Herr’s Chips, Papa John’s Pizza (Dover), and Chick-Fil-A for providing their sandwiches at a discounted rate.  Another special thanks to Walgreen’s of Dover for providing Flu Shots and Ace Hardware (Best Family) of Sussex County.

Delaware Citizen Corps Receives National Recognition

For the third year in a row, the Delaware State Citizen Corps Council and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Program Manager Bob George and Training and Outreach Coordinator Marny McLee, has received National Recognition in two categories. This year’s awards are  for “Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives” and “Preparing the Whole Community”. The Delaware Citizen Corps has taken great strides to improve disaster preparedness in its communities with its outstanding preparedness efforts. 

"The National Individual and Community Preparedness Award Program is proud to present this Certificate of Recognition for their continued efforts to make the state of Delaware and their communities better prepared and resilient to disasters through community outreach, education, and partnership."

Delaware Medical Reserve Corps CERT Class

 

On August 16th and 17th, the Delaware Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) taught a class for the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC) and Sussex County residents at the Sussex County Emergency Operation Center. Ingid Hansen (DMRC Coordinator) was the point of contact for the DMRC, and Carl Davis (Sussex County Citizen Corps Coordinator) was the point of contact for the Sussex County residents.

2013 Family Emergency Preparedness Day

On September 21st, 2013, Delaware Citizen Corps will host its 7th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day. The event will be held at the Delaware Agriculture Museum and Village, at 866 North Dupont Highway, Dover DE. The event is free to the public, and will be held from 10:00AM-2:00PM, with numerous exhibits and interactive demonstrations available.

See the attached flyer for further information.

Delaware Disaster Assistance Team CERT Class

On July 10th and 11th, the State Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Team, lead by Bob George (Program Manager) and Marny McLee (Training and Outreach Coordinator), taught a CERT class for the Delaware Disaster Assistance Team. DDAT is made up of individuals from museums, libraries and archive organizations throughout the state who are responsible for Disaster Preparedness for their respective groups.   Thirty four members took the class, which was held at the Dover Air Mobility Command Center at Dover Air Force Base.  The point of contact and director for the museum was Mike Leister. The group point of contact is Ms. Pat Young from the University of Delaware.

Second DPH/DNREC CERT Course

 

On June 6th, the Delaware Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) returned to teach a second CERT Awareness Class for the other half of the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) labs.  Twenty people attended the session, for a total of 43 CERT trained lab personnel.

DSAMH CERT Course

On May 8th and 9th, the Delaware Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), led by Bob George and Marny McLee, taught a CERT course for the Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) at the Herman Holloway Campus in New Castle.  Colonel Dallas Wingate of the Delaware National Guard taught Terrorism Awareness and Joe Papili, Delaware United States Marshal, gave a presentation on Active Shooters. Thirty members of DHSS/DSAMH took the training. This was the fourth course taught on the campus.  The point-of-contact (POC) for the course was Jessica Washer.

Disaster Preparedness Presentation

On April 29th, Bob George, Delaware Citizen Corps and CERT Program Manager, gave a Disaster Preparedness Presentation to members of the Saint Polycarps Church in Smyrna. Marny McLee, Program Training and Outreach Coordinator, discussed the emergency supplies in the Citizen Corps' Disaster Kit Back Pack, which was given to each member who attended.  The kit consists of a NOAA Weather Alert Radio, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and Power Bars. Also included are a bottle of water (a gallon per person a day is needed during a disaster, for drinking and cleaning), solar blanket, dust mask, whistle, glow stick, cowhide gloves, and duct tape.

DPH Open House

Marny McLee, Senior Citizen Corps/CERT Training and Outreach Coordinator, manned a display table at the Delaware Department of Public Health Laboratory EMS and Preparedness Section's 2013 Open House.  At the event, there were were table displays, emergency vehicles, and presentations. The Emergency Medical Tent was also on display, and tours of the lab were given.

CERT Volunteer Awards

On April 17th, Bob George , the Delaware Citizen Corps and Community Emergency Response Team Training Manager, presented Awards of Excellence and a Certificate of Appreciation to two CERT members.

Dave Young, State CERT Team Lead Instructor, has been with the team for over eight years and was featured in the February 7th News Journal article titled “Preacher of Preparedness.” Dave is a retired Engineer from Conectiv/Delmarva Power, a Red Cross Instructor, a professor at the University of Delaware. Additionally, Dave and his wife Mary (pictured) are members of the Christian Care Medical Reserve Corps. He teaches the Search and Rescue and Medical Operations Blocks of the CERT Course.

Donzella Johnson, from the Public Health Preparedness Section, is retired from the Delaware National Guard and a past scheduler and administrative support member for the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps. She has completed the CERT Course twice, as well as scheduled over one hundred DMRC members for the training.  In December 2012, Donzella witnessed a car accident on her way to work. She donned her CERT Helmet and Vest, stopped to offer assistance, and directed traffic after First Responders arrived.

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.