CERT training redo

I recently completed CERT training through City of Shawnee, KS. I previously attended training through SW Johnson County CERT but due to an illness missed the final exercise. The next time the final exercise rolled around for SW Johnson County CERT I was dealing with a back injury and couldn't participate. So when Shawnee offered their training this January I was able to finally complete the final exercise and graduate. I can now join a CERT team and be able to respond to area disasters. This is something I am doing to complement my Red Cross training. 

What is CERT? It stands for  Community Emergency Response Team. The CERT program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. 

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can give critical support to their family, loved ones, neighbors or associates in their immediate area until help arrives. When help does arrive, CERTs provide useful information to first responders and support their efforts, as directed, at the disaster site. CERT members can also assist with non-emergency projects that improve the safety of the community. CERTs have been used to distribute and/or install smoke alarms, replace smoke alarm batteries in the home of elderly, distribute disaster education material, provide services at special events, such as parades, sporting events, concerts and more.

About CERT Training

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training teaches disaster preparedness, ICS principles and disaster response skills. CERT-trained individuals have a higher awareness, greater resiliency in the wake of a disaster and the ability to supplement and complement professional responders. This training requires 24 hours (minimum) and grants a FEMA-recognized certification.

The CERT Curriculum

• DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: This gives an overview of disasters with a special look at how they'll affect Shawnee and the surrounding area. The Shawnee CERT training program gives special attention on how to prepare before a disaster strikes, including preparedness and hazard mitigation.

• FIRE SAFETY: Instructions begins with the basics of fire chemistry and students learn about the hazards they already have in their home and workplace. This includes instruction on operating fire extinguishers and students hone their technique in a live-fire exercise.

• DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS I: Students learn to identify life-threatening conditions in a technique known as "triage." Additionally, they will be trained to immediately treat victims for the three deadliest killers in mass-casualty incidents.

• DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS II: This extends the medical view into public health considerations, as well as giving hands-on training in establishing treatment areas, conducting head-to-toe Assessments and wound care for types of injuries typically seen in disasters.

• LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE: We teach the fundamentals of light urban search and rescue, including size-up, entry, search patterns, rescuer safety and victim extrication.

• CERT ORGANIZATION: When disaster strikes, sometimes getting started is the most difficult step. CERT organization will teach the decision-making skills to organize, as well as a NIMS-compliant vocabulary to fit into larger Emergency Response organizations.

• DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY: The mind is the most important tool – as well as the most delicate. This unit teaches individual and team well-being, from what to expect going into a disaster to working with survivors' trauma and post-traumatic stress.

• TERRORISM AWARENESS: Terrorism is a criminal act and its prevalence is only growing. CERT class introduces the concepts, motivations and tools common among terrorists to create a heightened state of awareness, reducing the possibility that CERT graduates will be the next terrorism statistic.

In 2014, the Shawnee Emergency Management Office established a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Currently, there are 35 members of Shawnee's CERT. The January class is the 3rd class to receive the training and graduate to become CERT team members. 24 people completed the training and are now eligible to join Shawnee's CERT team which could bring the total number of team members to 59. 

The Shawnee CERT training and training updates are conducted locally at the Shawnee Fire Department and/or Police Justice Center. Both the facilities are made available to volunteers to meet their training needs.

To sign-up for CERT Training in Shawnee, KS contact the City's Emergency Management Coordinator, Terry Kegin, at 913-742-6139 or e-mail him at tkegin@cityofshawnee.org. 

Below are pictures from the final exercise completed on January 23, 2016 for Shawnee's CERT program. The exercise was designed to mimic what CERT responders might need to do in a disaster such as search and rescue, triage, medical transport, fire extinguish (small fires only that can be extinguished using the appropriate fire extinguisher), etc:

  

And here's the graduating class picture from City of Shawnee CERT January 23, 2016:

Fire Canvassing Event - Independence, MO

On February 21, 2015 an Independence, MO family lost their home, possessions and only child to a house fire. 5 year old Kai-Lynn was among three people injured after the fire broke out at the 10000 block of Winner Road at around noon on Saturday. Kai-Lynn was rushed to Children's Mercy Hospital with serious burns and heavy respiratory injuries. Kai-Lynn succumbed to her injuries on Monday February 23, 2015. 

Kai-Lynn

The family had just moved in to the house the day before. The fire has since been ruled accidental. The home did have smoke detectors but the Fire Department was unable to determine if they were working at the time of the fire. 

In response to this fire and 2 others in the Independence area recently in which no working smoke detectors were present in the house, Independence Fire and the Red Cross have partnered up to give out free smoke detectors and educate the residents in the immediate area about fire safety. 

On March 7, 2015 Independence Fire Station #3 (located closest to the fire on Winner Road) teamed up with the Red Cross, CERT and the local Emergency Management team to canvass the area near Winner Road and Ash Avenue. Teams of 2 or more walked the neighborhood talking to people about having working smoke detectors in the home, testing them monthly, changing the batteries when changing clocks for Daylight Savings Time as well as developing a fire escape plan with the family. Those residents who did not have working smoke detectors in their home were signed up to have one or more installed on March 21, 2015 when the Red Cross and Fire Department would partner up again to install smoke alarms for residents in need. Residents who were not home at the time of the canvassing were left a door hanger with information about how to call and schedule an appointment to have a smoke detector installed in their home.

While this canvassing event was in response to a fatality fire, residents don't have to wait for a disaster to happen to get a free smoke detector. Smoke alarms are given to Independence homeowners based on need. Homeowners can apply for one at the Independence Fire Station 1 at 950 N. Spring St. at the west entrance. For information about the smoke alarm program, call 816-325-7121.

“Every home should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home, preferred in every sleeping area and outside of every sleeping area,” Independence Fire Department said in a release. “Never take the battery out of your smoke alarm, except for replacement. Make sure everyone in the home knows the sound of the smoke detector.”


Here are some pics from the canvassing event on March 7:

City of Independence Fire Station #3

Along with the Fire Department, Red Cross partnered with local CERT and Emergency Management Teams.

JoAnn Woody, Program Specialist with Red Cross helped organize the event and at the conclusion of the event took the opportunity to work on her photography skills. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 4,000 Americans die and an estimated 20,000 are injured in fires annually; many of which could be prevented with working smoke detectors. I have been through a devastating fire myself and if that weren't a reminder enough to check my smoke detector regularly and to change the battery every 6 months, stories like the sad one above surely are a somber reminder. Be safe!

Strength

We don't always have to be strong to be strong. Sometimes our strength is expressed in being vulnerable. Sometimes, we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track.

We all have days when we cannot push any harder, cannot hold back self-doubt, cannot stop focusing on fear, cannot be strong.

There are days when we cannot focus on being responsible. Occasionally we don't want to get out of our pajamas. Sometimes, we cry in front of people. We expose our tiredness, irritability, or anger.

Those days are okay. They are just okay.

Part of taking care of ourselves means we give ourselves permission to "fall apart" when we need to. We do not need to be perpetual towers of strength. We are strong. We have proven that. Our strength will continue if we allow ourselves the courage to feel scared, weak, and vulnerable when we need to experience those feelings.

The above excerpt is from The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie. I thought it was an appropriate topic for today. Today is the 3 year anniversary of my devastating fire where I lost everything, including my kitty Cosmo. Although my feelings aren't as strong today as they were 2 years ago when I literally fell apart at the one year anniversary, I still have strong feelings about February 23. It's a day that changed my life.

Much has changed in my life since that day. I have adopted another kitty to keep my survivor kitty CJ company. I have changed jobs, I have lost friends and gained new ones. I have fallen apart. I have picked myself back up.  I have found the strength to continue life even when life seems unbearable.

I still have nightmares from my 2 fires in 2012. In fact, I had one last night that woke me up. I wasn't sure I would want to get out of my pajamas today, much less go to work. I didn't want fear to paralyze me though so I got up, got dressed, drove to work and if not for the computers going down I might have had a productive day today. I could have let the computer issue bother me. Instead, I used the time to read blogs, catch up on facebook, review email... all from my smart phone. (What did we do before smart phones?) I may not be as strong as I want to be, but at least I am coping now rather than letting fear paralyze me any longer. The bravest thing I did was ask for help. The day I asked for help is a painful memory but because I was brave enough to ask for help, I am alive to create new memories.

Sometimes, we need to fall apart to regroup and stay on track... 

If you or a loved one are struggling, there is help. Reach out to a friend, family member, significant other, teacher, coach, coworker... anyone you feel safe talking to. The bravest thing you can do is ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of being strong for too long. Help is available. You do not need to be suicidal to call the lifeline. The lifeline is there for anyone who is struggling.

Fire Canvassing Event

On Saturday July 12, 2014 Red Cross volunteers teamed up with the Leavenworth Fire Department to canvass a neighborhood that had recently been devastated by a fatality house fire. The fatality fire occurred on July 7, 2014. Two people were in the home at the time of the fire. The husband was able to make it out safely but the wife was not. Cause of the fire was unattended cooking. According to Leavenworth Fire Department, there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Red Cross volunteers and the Leavenworth Fire Department knocked on doors in the northwest area of Leavenworth to offer information about fire safety. Smoke detectors were provided to those who needed them. Batteries were provided to family's that had smoke detectors but weren't sure how old their batteries were or when they were last checked. Having working smoke detectors is the number one prevention item family's can do to help get everyone out safely in a fire. Other recommendations provided by volunteers and fire fighters is to have an escape plan which includes at least 2 ways to safely evacuate the home and a meeting place outside the home for everyone to meet up and be accounted for. Practice the plan frequently with your family so everyone knows how to get out in the event of a fire and where to meet up. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries twice a year. Generally when we spring forward and fall back (with our clocks) is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

Why is it important to do fire safety events like this? According to the NFPA, more than one-third (37%) of all home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, while almost one-quarter (23%) 

resulted from fires in homes in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate. Unfortunately after a fatality fire is a good time to get out in the community and talk about fire safety because it is fresh on their minds and they (community) are more likely to act upon suggestions provided by fire fighters, Red Cross volunteers and other organizations that provide information about fire safety.

During this canvassing event smoke detectors were provided by the Red Cross. Home Depot donated the batteries. Door hangers with information about fire safety were left at homes where nobody was home to answer the door. Approximately 80 homes were visited during the canvassing event. 

I always enjoy these events and participate when I can. Who doesn't like hanging out with fire fighters? Thank you to Leavenworth Fire Department for inviting the Red Cross to help out with this event!

Below are some pictures from the event:

Meeting up prior to heading out to knock on doors:

After completion of the canvassing event fire fighters and Red Cross volunteers met back at the grade school to grab a cold drink and/or snack and to chat for a minute.






Group pic of fire fighters and volunteers who participated in the canvassing event:

March is Red Cross Month

I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.

–President Franklin D. Roosevelt, first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month, 1943

Each year, the president of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month” to honor the Red Cross mission. It as a chance to honor the everyday heroes who help the Red Cross fulfill that mission every day.

Every nine minutes, the American Red Cross brings help and hope to people in need, thanks to heroes like you. It's easy to get involved in helping to effect change in your community. Volunteers can give blood, donate their time and talents, or make financial contributions. Nationwide, more than 500,000 volunteers make a difference through Red Cross services. You can be one of them!

To view some of the stories of everyday heroes like you who support the Red Cross follow this link: http://www.redcross.org/about-us/red-cross-month. 

Here are just a few examples of assistance Red Cross volunteers provided this month across the nation:

March 5, 2014: Red Cross estimates 50 families displaced, lost everything in large apartment fire on Detroit's west side.

March 25, 2014: Red Cross volunteers responded to the state of Washington to assist residents affected by the devastating mudslide:

March 26, 2014: Volunteers assist residents and rescue/first responders at the devastating 9-alarm fire in Bostons Back Bay neighborhood that took 2 firefighters lives:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. Whether you donate funds, donate blood or volunteer, the Red Cross depends on your support to make a difference in communities across the country.

I ran across this video recently. If you know me, you know I am a Red Cross volunteer and very proud to be one! But I am also a recipient of Red Cross services. On February 23, 2012 I lost everything in an apartment fire that the Shawnee Fire Department calls the worst fire in Shawnee, KS history. I happened to be on call that night as a Disaster Action Team member for the Red Cross and while my fellow volunteers will call me a hero for assisting other residents with paperwork while experiencing my own loss, it's the volunteers there that night that are the heroes! They kept me calm during what was by far the worst moment of my life (I not only lost all my possessions but my kitty Cosmo perished in the fire and my kitty CJ was severely burned.) When everyone else had been helped, I was heading towards the door when another volunteer stopped me. She said "we haven't taken care of everyone yet." I was dumbfounded at what she said next, "We haven't taken care of you!" I was so exhausted emotionally about my kitty's that I hadn't thought much about my needs. Linda made sure I received assistance for food and clothing (I already had a place to stay with a friend so shelter wasn't needed)....And the next day, I received numerous calls from other Red Cross volunteers including our Mental Health providers to make sure I was okay physically and emotionally. So when I saw this video it brought tears to my eyes because it not only represents what I am so very fortunate to do - Volunteer for the Red Cross - but also it reminds me of the night Red Cross volunteers where there for me. Red Cross volunteers truly are Angels Among Us! I hope you enjoy the video.

If you have any trouble viewing the video from blogger, here is the you tube link:  http://youtu.be/WgPA-jWTOm4

Praying for Boston - Boston Mourns Two Fallen Firefighters

Boston is again in hearts and prayers as they mourn the loss of 2 brave firefighters who lost their life fighting a large fire on 3/26/14. Firefighters Micheal R. Kennedy and Lt. Edward J. Walsh died when they became trapped in the basement while fighting a fire in an apartment building in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. Please take a moment to remember these heroes! 

This combination made with undated photos released by the Boston Fire Department via Twitter shows firefighters Michael R. Kennedy, left, and Lt. Edward J. Walsh, who were killed Wednesday, March 26, 2014, when trapped the basement while fighting a fire in an apartment building in Boston. Kennedy, 33, a Marine Corps combat veteran was assigned to Ladder 15, and had been a firefighter for more than six years. Walsh, 43, and a father of three, was assigned to Engine 33, and had been a firefighter for almost a decade. (AP Photo/Boston Fire Department)

Boston firefighters work a multi-alarm brownstone fire, Wednesday, March 26, 2014, in Boston. (AP Photo/The Boston Herald, Christopher Evans)

A firefighter places his hand on the shoulder of another at the scene of a multi-alarm fire at a four-story brownstone in the Back Bay neighborhood near the Charles River, Wednesday, March 26, 2014 in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this photo made Wednesday night, March 26, 2014, firefighters salute the medical examiner's truck carrying the body of one of two firefighters killed when a fire driven by strong winds whipped through a four-story apartment building in Boston and trapped them in the basement. (AP Photo/Boston Herald, Matt West)

Firefighters place black bunting on the front of fire station Engine 33/Ladder 15, Thursday, March 27, 2014, in Boston. Engine 33/Ladder 15 was the station of fallen firefighters Lt. Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy who lost their lives fighting a nine-alarm blaze in a four-story brownstone in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Thirteen other firefighters were injured in the blaze and several police officers also were taken to hospitals. Some residents were rescued from the upper floors of the four-story apartment building, but none was hurt, officials said. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

RIP Michael Kennedy and Lt. Edward J. Walsh

Throwback Thursday

I didn't realize there was a video from my apartment fire on 2/23/12 but I happened to be browsing Twitter last night and ran across the video posted by Tyler Silvest who goes by the twitter handle @KansasScanner.

I still remember it as if it happened yesterday. Thankful everyday that my kitty CJ survived and wonder how he possibly escapted the inferno...



Here are some other videos of the fire that I have recently come across. These videos were taken by residents who were displaced by the fire of in adjacent buildings concerned that they may have to evacuate their families as well.

Fire Safety Canvassing Event

KCFD and the Red Cross partnered up again today to do another fire safety canvassing event. Last week there was a fire in the 7200 block of Park Avenue in Kansas City, MO. Unfortunately the resident of the home perished in the fire. After a fatal fire the Kansas City Fire Department returns to the affected neighborhood to reach out to residents about fire safety and the importance of working smoke detectors. The Red Cross is honored to work along side with KCFD to help promote fire safety after such devastating events. Preparedness is an important element of the Red Cross.

 

Red Cross Volunteers and KCFD members delivered 440+ door hanger bags today to the surrounding neighborhood containing vital fire safety information. Thank you KCFD for inviting the Red Cross to assist with this event!

 

Below are pictures from todays canvassing:

 

Red Cross Volunteers gathering at the chapter to carpool over to the neighborhood where the canvassing will take place:

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Department and Red Cross arriving in the neighborhood:

 

Here is the house where the fire occurred. It was totally destroyed by the fire:



Red Cross volunteers and KCFD heading out on the canvass:







There was a news station on site getting some footage:







Talk about helpful volunteers! A couple of our Red Cross volunteers helped push a neighbor out of the snow drift he was stuck in:



As per protocol with the Red Cross, coffee was available on site for KCFD personnel and volunteers:





And finally, have to include a pic of JoAnn, Disaster Program Manager - Red Cross. She does a lot of work behind the scenes to organize events such as todays canvassing. In the pic below she is being interviewed for a news story to air today. Thank you JoAnn!



Great job KCFD and Red Cross! It's an honor to be part of an organization that works collaboratively with local Fire, EMS and Police to not only respond in disasters but to work to educate people so that hopefully disasters can be prevented.

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