Tenth Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day a Success

Photo by Sandra Grzybowski

On September 20th, Delaware Citizen Corps co-hosted its Tenth Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day Event. DE Citizen Corps sponsored with the Kent County Public Safety/Emergency Management Office, as well as approximately fifty partner organizations, either state, local, or volunteer. Over 1,200 people attended the event, which was held at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover. The day was filled with interactive exhibits and outreach games focused on preparedness.  This year, FEMA Region III made our event part of "America Prepare-A-Thon",  and was on hand to show residents a computer system identifying different Flood Zones in Delaware, and to inform them of their potential flood risk and how to prepare.

We'd like to offer a special thanks to our wonderful FEPD Committee: Bob George, Marny McLee, Rosanne Pack, Scott Martin, Rich Phillips of Citizen Corps, Colin Faulkner, Dave Mick, Brandon Olenik, Nicole Vautard of KCOEM, Betty Decker & April Cleveland of the Public Health Preparedness Section, Ann Gorrin & April Willey of Sussex County RSVP, Kay Dietz-Sass of Dover Emergency Management, Sharon Jefferson & Shaun Antrim of the American Red Cross, Tim Collins & Gary Laing of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and Mark Vanderharr of the Delmarva Broadcasting Company.

Photo by Sandra Grzybowski

Delaware Citizen Corps Recognized with National Awards

September 9th, Bob George, Citizen Corps & CERT Program Manager, and Marny McLee, Citizen Corps & CERT Training and Outreach Coordinator, received two awards at the White House in Washington D.C. The first award was a National FEMA Award for “Outstanding State Citizen Corps Council Initiatives.”  Delaware Citizen Corps was cited for numerous initiatives, such as the Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships, in which we co-sponsored and presented workshops for faith leaders. Additional initiatives included a partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center For Disabilities Studies. Delaware Citizen Corps and their local Citizens Corps Council conducted multiple workshops and training events. Delaware Citizen Corps also supported and marketed a University of Delaware Center For Disabilities Studies web site, focused on preparedness for those with disabilities. We also partnered with the Public Health Preparedness Section to support a statewide radio preparedness message campaign that included a Spanish-language station, assisted with their annual Preparedness Night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks, and supported their Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day Event.

The second award was the White House's “Champions of Change Award”. The Champions of Change is a special series carried out by the White House as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future Initiative. It profiles Americans from across the country, featuring extraordinary and innovative Americans who are helping to improve the nation, one community at a time. These individuals have taken great strides to improve the lives of others through charitable work, advocacy, and collaboration. These Champions of Change, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs and community leaders, are invited to the White House to share their ideas. Video from the awards ceremonies and information on each Champion is available on the White House website (www.whitehouse.gov/champions).