News and Announcements
Take the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) National Information Management System (NIMS) classes online at: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nims/NIMSTrainingCourses.shtm.
Please note the classes have been updated recently.
To become a CERT Type 5 or refresh your knowledge, take the IS 100.a and IS 700.A classes. Classes count towards becoming a Chandler CERT member Type 5.
IS-100.a - Introduction to the Incident Command System
IS-700.A - National Incident Management System (NIMS), An Introduction
To become a CERT Type 3 or refresh your knowledge, take the IS 200.a and IS 800.B classes. Classes count towards becoming a Chandler CERT member Type 3, Intermediate Responder.
IS-200.a - ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-800.B - National Response Framework, An Introduction
Be sure to print your certificate, keep one for your file, and send a copy to CERTAdmin. Remember to enter your online class hours into Sharepoint. Click on the link on the left.
President encourages Americans to visit www.serve.gov to find and create service projects in their communities, share stories about projects they're working on
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, in a video message, President Obama unveiled United We Serve, an extended call to service challenging all Americans to help lay a new foundation for growth in this country by engaging in sustained, meaningful community service. The initiative will be led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency dedicated to fostering service in communities across the country. Since his Inauguration, the President has called on all Americans to serve their communities and be a part of building a better future for our country.
The United We Serve summer initiative begins on June 22nd and runs through the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11th. The National Day of Service and Remembrance was created by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which President Obama signed in April to help encourage and facilitate community service across the country. During this summer, the President is renewing his call to all Americans to identify needs in their communities, engage in meaningful service to create change - and stay engaged with those projects long after September. The President's call focuses on four key areas where everyone can have a continuing impact in their community: education, health, energy and the environment and community renewal. To create new service projects, to find service projects in their communities and to share stories about projects that are making a difference, Americans can visit the Corporation's website, http://www.serve.gov/.
President Obama's video was distributed via email by the Corporation for National and Community Service. View President Obama's full video message at http://www.serve.gov/.
"The challenges we face are unprecedented in their size and scope, and we cannot rely on quick fixes or easy answers to put us on the road to recovery," President Obama says in the video message. "In this new century, we need to a build a new foundation for economic growth in America. My Administration has already begun this work with dramatic new investments in education, health care and clean energy - investments that will create new jobs and lay the foundation for lasting prosperity. But we cannot do this alone here in Washington...'
'Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing in your communities as what we're doing in Washington - and it's going to take all of us, working together."
The goal of United We Serve is to help make volunteerism and community service part of the daily lives of all Americans in order to help build a new foundation, one community at a time. Further details about the June 22nd kickoff are forthcoming.
This news story and other Community Preparedness news, including Citizen Corps Bulletins, can be found on our website at http://www.citizencorps.gov/.
There have been a number changes on the Chandler CERT Council since the last update to Members. Currently there are only 4 Council Members. Walter Moffat is President, Matt Kramer is the Chairperson of the Training Committee, Jamie Beauvais is the Chairperson of Field Operations and Jay London is Chairperson of the Communications Committee.
Unfortunately for the Council, Tom Carr, who had been the Chairperson of Communications and had agreed to become President-Elect has left the Council. Happily for Tom, it is truly to spend time with his growing family. Thanks to Tom for all of his hard work in Communications. We appreciate Tom's efforts and hope to be able to pick his brain from time to time. As of the last Council meeting on May 20, Jay London agreed to resign from his position as Administration Chairperson and assume the responsibilities of Communications Chairperson.
With only 4 positions of a 9 person Council filled, some of our planned projects and goals will not be completed. The Council is committed to doing the best it can with the resources that are available. The current Council openings are: President-Elect, Administration Chairperson, Recruitment & Retention Chairperson, and Member-At-Large. If you would like to have a voice on the Council, input into the future of the Chandler CERT program and interest in one of these openings or helping with a Committee's work please contact Jay London via e-mail or by telephone at: (480) 782-2116. We'd love to have you join us.
As you may have noticed, your CERT ID badge has lapsed and your Type (Level) may be incorrect. We recognize that many members have put hours of effort into achieving a specific Type and value the CERT ID badge. We are in the process of reviewing each member's file for accuracy and completeness of the documents for new badge issue. Matt Kramer, CERT Council Training Chairperson, has assembled a tireless crew of people who are undertaking this task. This will be a tedious process that involves checking each file against the type standard, information in the current electronic database and calling each member to verify the findings. We will be migrating the corrected data to the new database established with the City of Chandler. We'll contact you when we finish your record to determine your desired participation in the program and verification of the data. We will advise you of documents needed for your desired participation level in our program and to clarify your type status. We would also ask if anyone is interested in helping us with this process contact Matt Kramer at 480-782-2116 email him at TRAINING. The more people we having working on this, the quicker new badges can be issued.
In the interim, your current
CERT ID badge is still good.
Surgeon General's Call to Action: "Promote Healthy Homes"
MRC volunteers in Arizona are encouraged to take action individually and through MRC unit activities to emphasize the Surgeon General's message "health begins at home." - Captain Rob Tosatto, Director OCVMRC
June 9, 2009 Health Homes PDF outlines actions and next steps to strengthen and widen efforts to improve the health of the nation's homes ensuring they are safe, healthy, affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly for everyone in the United States.
This message has an attachment. If you are reading this at the Chandler CERT webstie and would like to request the PDF, contact Loretta at Chandler Fire.
Executive Summary:
Promoting healthy homes will have a direct, immediate, and measureable effect on the health of the nation. Strengthening and widening these efforts is an urgent matter that will require dedication, ingenuity, skill, and the concerted effort on the parts of many people in many sectors.
Special Update:
· On Friday June 5, 2009 Arizona State Citizen Corps Council Member and ADHS Bureau Chief, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Teresa Ehnert was honored with the Arizona Medical Association's Annual "Public Health Service Award." Congratulations!!
· Special thanks and recognition to Medical Reserve Corp of Southern Arizona Unit Leader Tim Siemsen for advocating 6 national training seats for inter-jurisdictional MRC partners in Arizona (including Yuma County MRC unit leader Rogelio Torres) to attend training this month at FEMA's Center for Domestic Preparedness located in Anniston, Alabama (the US Department of Homeland Security's only federally chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Training Center). MRC members from Arizona will receive hands on practical exercise training to build response knowledge and skills regarding public health incidences involving weapons of mass destruction - knowledge and experience they can bring back to Arizona and share with our community of public health partners.
· AZ-ESAR-VHP adds Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to the states priority profession list. Lead by Doctor Skip Harris of cave creek Arizona, a statewide volunteer team of pre-credentialed Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons willing to serve during a public health emergency will begin registration and be encouraged to link with their local Medical Reserve Corps. To register today visit www.azdhs.gov/volunteer
· Next 2009 Public Health Volunteer Coordinator Workgroup Meeting: Phoenix Arizona July 1st (State Laboratory 10:00am - 3:00pm) for more information contact Antonio Hernandez, ADHS 602-763-1774
· Take the opportunity to serve the State Citizen Corps Council as an MRC Representative. Those interested can apply at the Governor's Office of Boards and Commissions website http://azgovernor.gov/bc/ for more information contact Cheryl Bowen, State Citizen Corps Council 602-542-7077.
Antonio Hernandez
State Volunteer Response Coordinator
Arizona Department of Health Services
602-763-1774
Equipment Inventory and Tagging Project
Volunteers are needed to assist with inventorying, organizing, and tagging CERT equipment. Please contact Jamie Beauvais, Chandler CERT Council Field Operations Chairperson at: FIELD OPS. He will provide you with project details and scheduling information. Flexible hours are available.
4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 4, 2009
We encourage Chandler CERT members to join us and volunteer to staff the CERT booth, talk to the visitors, and educate them about the Chandler CERT program. Last year, we had a great deal of visitors to our "Do you know what to do when the power goes out...we do?" exhibit. Also, we shared delicious snacks during our tailgate party!
This year, you are invited to bring your lawn chairs, food to share with other CERT members, and your family. To keep everyone hydrated and comfortable, we will run our swamp coolers and have plenty of water on hand. When you join us, especially in the evening, you'll get great seats for the show.
Please contact Tom Denny, the Chandler CERT Events Coordinator, by email at EVENTS by Saturday, June 20 or sooner if you would like to volunteer at the 4th of July 7UP Fireworks Spectacular on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at Tumbleweed Park. Day and evening shifts will be assigned as appropriate. Tom will follow up with you directly.
September is National Preparedness Month
If you are interested in helping the Chandler CERT Council plan activities, please contact Tom Denny, the Chandler CERT Council Events Coordinator, by email at EVENTS by June 30, 2009 or sooner. Your ideas and assistance is requested as we organize this year's activities for our community.
Community Information and Referral Center
Thank you everyone who was on standby to staff the Community Information and Referral Center (CIRC) and answer inquiries from the public about the Swine Flu (H1N1). Fortunately, the call volume at the CIRC has substantially reduced. For now, we will continually monitor the Swine Flu situation and let you know when the Public Health Department requests volunteers again.
Sharepoint is an important tool that helps us manage volunteer service hours for the purposes of workers' compensation, grant funding, training, etc. Your volunteer service is appreciated and important to us. Help us give you credit for everything you do for the Chandler CERT Program. Visit Sharepoint at: http://cert.sharepointsite.net/hours/default.aspx. Please enter your hours and verify that your records are correct and up to date.
Your volunteer hours will also be key for determining volunteer service awards for 2009. Last year, we awarded three of our members the George W. Bush Presidential Service Award for their service. Will you qualify for one this year? Visit http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov for more information on the Award.
Multi-site Public Health Back to School Vaccinations/PODS Drill
Thank you for those volunteers who participated in the Back to School Vaccination PODS Drill last year. This year's Drill will be held on Saturday, 8/1/2009, location and time to be determined. More details and scheduling information will be announced soon. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please register by calling Felicia at: 480-782-2116 or emailing her at CERTADMIN. For those who volunteered last year, you may have received a recorded telephone call from Public Health. Please register directly with them as well.
Arizona Central Region Citizen Corps Council Regional Drill/Callout
The Arizona Central Region Citizen Corps Council (ACRCCC) will host a Regional Drill/Callout in early August. The event may be held in Prescott or Payson and will likely be a 48 hours overnight event. The purpose of the event is to support local CERT programs in the area and test Citizen Corps members' capabilities. More information will be announced shortly. For more information, please send your inquiries to CERTADMIN.
Sometimes it's scary to try something new - like donating blood. But wouldn't it be worth it if you knew you could be helping to save up to three lives? There are millions of blood donors in America and each of them had to start some time. Isn't it time for you? Come see how easy and safe it is to become a lifesaver. Visit www.BloodHero.com (sponsor code: cityofchandler) to schedule your appointment to donate blood. The City of Chandler blood drive will be on June 24, 2009 at the Police Community Center. This event is opened to the general public.
Donor eligibility questions? Call 480.675.5497.
Donate blood with United Blood Services in June, July or August and you will be automatically entered to win a 2009 Saturn Aura!
Business continuity planning must account for all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). You can plan in advance to manage any emergency situation. Assess the situation, use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers and your business's recovery. For more information, visit: Ready Business.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Ad Council have joined with Discovery Education to announce Ready Classroom, an online educational program.
Ready Classroom will provide elementary and middle school teachers with resources to integrate natural disaster preparedness information into their curriculum. The program is an extension of Ready Kids, a nationwide effort designed to encourage children and families to take action and prepare for emergencies.
The online resource, http://www.discoveryeducation.com/readyclassroom, provides teachers with activities, lesson plans and multimedia tools that teach students how natural disasters develop and inspires them to build their own emergency preparedness plans with their families. The site features grade-specific lesson plans (K-8), videos, games, puzzles and bulletin board recommendations.
"Engaging with children on the topic of emergency preparedness in conjunction with the science curriculum taught in schools is an effective way to bring home the preparedness message." said Corey Gruber, Acting Deputy Administrator of FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate. "This program with Discovery Education will empower children and families to take the important steps necessary to minimize the impact of a disaster and, ultimately, continue our efforts to encourage a culture of preparedness."
Preparedness Guide 101
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today the release of the final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: "Developing and Maintaining State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Government Emergency Plans."
CPG 101 completes the requirements of HSPD-8, Annex I to develop a "national integrated planning system." Combined with the Integrated Planning System (IPS) guidance provided by the Department, the vision of a vertically integrated planning system providing for a consistent planning process across all levels of government is realized.
The CPG 101 document can be found online at www.fema.gov/about/divisions/cpg.shtm. For more information on other FEMA initiatives, visit FEMA.
The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Community Preparedness Division
Save the Date! 2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness Comes to Arlington, VA August 9-12
The 2009 National Conference on Community Preparedness: The Power of Citizen Corps is being hosted by FEMA's Community Preparedness Division on August 9-12, 2009, at the Hyatt Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA. The Conference is open to anyone who is interested in making their communities safer, stronger, and better prepared for all types of hazards. For Conference details, visit: http://www.iaem.com/NCCP2009.htm. The full story and CERT news from around the world can be found in the National CERT Newsletter at:
http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/newsletter/CERT_Newsletter2_1_042709.pdf
One week from today, on June 12, 2009, all full-power broadcast TV stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Millions of Americans depend on TV as a source of information, to include emergency alerts and warnings. However, following the transition, the FCC estimates up to 20 million individuals could be left without TV communications because they haven't taken the appropriate steps to transition. We encourage everyone to ensure they are ready for the transition and to take steps to help their families and neighbors -- especially older adults and homebound individuals.
The switch to digital will reward most viewers with better sound, a better picture, more channels, and more programs. The transition will also help save lives by clearing airwaves for better first-responder radio service and making room for the future by clearing airwaves for advanced mobile Internet services.
Visit http://www.dtv.gov to find information on how to transition to digital TV, including:
q Details about how to get help locally, the local channels predicted to be available after the transition, contact information for local support centers, TV reception maps for your area, local DTV events, a list of local retailers who sell converter boxes
q An interactive troubleshooting guide that helps you solve your specific problems related to the DTV Transition as well as DTV Transition Call Centers
q Fact sheets that cover what the transition is, the supplies needed to transition, and various guides to transitioning effectively
q DTV information in multiple languages, a Media Toolkit, and much more
The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Community Preparedness Division
Here are some upcoming FREE Basic CERT Courses opened to the general public and supplemental training classes for CERT members:
General Public
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community. The Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security under Citizen Corps.
The Chandler CERT Program is sponsored by the Chandler Fire Department and offers FREE Basic CERT courses to the general public. Classes are taught by certified CERT instructors and subject matter experts such as firefighters, nurses, and social workers, etc.
- Basic CERT Course Schedule (PDF)
CERT Members Only
- Supplemental Training Schedule (PDF)
2009 CERT SUPPLEMENTAL TRNG MAY JUNE.pdf
To register, please call 480-782-2116 or click on the sign-up link on the left side of home page, or e-mail CERTADMIN. Early registration is appreciated!
Bring a dish to pass and we’ll provide the beverages. We are having this potluck instead of our annual picnic. We’ll discuss Chandler CERT plans for the future. There will be entertainment, fun and food. We’d love to have your input and ideas. Please plan on attending and bring the whole family. The potluck will be held Saturday May 16th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Tumbleweed Park Recreation Center, 745 E Germann Rd. RSVP to Felicia at 480-782-2116 or certadmin@chandleraz.gov.
ARC Sheltering Operations/Simulation Class is being held May 2, 2009 at 8:00 AM -3:30 PM at Chandler Fire Training Facility located at 3550 S. Dobson Rd. This class taught by the American Red Cross is designed to train our members in the processes involved in setting up and managing an Emergency Shelter within the confines of the City of Chandler in the event of an emergency where citizens are displaced from their homes. Registration is mandatory by calling CERT Administration at 480-782-2116 or email to certadmin@chandleraz.gov.
Basic CERT Class #42 is set to begin on May 14th at the Chandler Fire Training Facility at 6:30 PM. Classes will be held every Thursday for 7 weeks ending on June 25th. If you are interested in registering call 480.782.2116, email CertAdmin@chandleraz.gov or click on the SIGN UP link on the sidebar under menu. Deadline for registration is May 8, 2009.
April 17 & 18, 2009
Fri. 1 pm - 11 pm Registration
Sat. 6:30 am - 7 pm
Tempe Fire Training Facility
1340 E University Dr
Tempe, AZ 85281
Hosted by Citizen Corps
