Are you ready? Community Emergency Response Team Training Offered

Are you ready for a disaster?  Can your neighborhood be self-sufficient for at least three days after a disaster?  Who will help the injured victims in your neighborhood if rescuers are not available?  “Neighbors helping neighbors is the core philosophy behind the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training.  

The Northern Essex Regional Emergency Planning Committee (NorthernEssex REPC) is holding a CERT Training Class, held over 6 weeks starting on Monday April 9.

The CERT program helps train citizens to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their homes, neighborhoods and communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community. CERT is a nationwide initiative.  In addition, CERT members are given numerous opportunities to train in a variety of emergency services related topics and to participate in community events.

In addition to the CERT Training the NorthernEssexREPC is looking for trained CERT volunteers to join the NorthernEssex REPC CERT Team.  NorthernEssexREPC  committee members are representatives of Fire, Police, Emergency Management, Public Health, Schools, Industry, Hospitals, and Elected Officials in the following cities and towns:  Amesbury, Boxford, Georgetown, Ipswich, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, and West Newbury. 

The CERT training consists of 20 hours of instruction over a six-week period.  Course topics include disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, disaster psychology and team organization, and terrorism.  Additional trainings are offered throughout the year to the CERT Basic Training graduates to keep the training current and to have hands on practical experience.  

The CERT program has a place for citizens of various ages and abilities. There are many jobs within a CERT for someone who wants to be involved and help. CERT members are needed for documentation, comforting others, logistics, etc.  Non-disaster related team activities may include keeping databases, writing a newsletter and planning exercises and activities.

Classes will be held the West Newbury Public Safety Building Training Room, 401 Main Street, West Newbury, MA 01985. 

For more information or to register for the upcoming class visit www.wnema.org or contact: Donald Swenson, Director of Amesbury Emergency Management Agency (978) 388-8155, dons@amesburyma.gov or Lee Ann Delp, Director of West Newbury Emergency Management Agency (978) 363-1103, ema@westnewburysafety.org.

Tips to Ensure Safe Winter Driving

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has issued information to help people prepare for another New England Winter Season. Attached is a list of Automobile Safety Tips and a list of items to be included in your Winter Emergency Car Kit. "Since approximately 70% of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles, now is the proper time for individuals and families to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety on the roads during the upcoming Winter Season," said MEMA Director Don Boyce. "Winter weather can present challenges that can be made easier with some basic planning."
 

Have a well-stocked Winter Emergency Car Kit.

Keep your gas tank at least half-full.

Install good winter tires with adequate tread and pressure.

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Keep all windows clear of snow and ice and keep your headlights and taillights clear, as well.

Check your antifreeze, battery and windshield wipers and wiper fluid.

Plan long trips carefully, listening to the radio or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest weather forecasts and road conditions. Consider Public Transportation.

Travel during daylight hours, and if possible, take another person with you.

Let others know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Allow extra time. The first ½" of snow is sometimes the most slippery. Allow adequate braking distance from the car in front of you.

Slow down. Many times hazards like black ice are not seen until it is too late. Remember bridges and overpasses can freeze up sooner than roadways.

Be extra alert. Snowdrifts can hide children or other vehicles.

Yield to snowplows, giving them plenty of room to safely do their job. Be patient and follow at a safe distance.

If a blizzard traps you in your car, pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a brightly colored distress flag/cloth from your radio antenna or window

Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are more likely to find you. Do not set out on foot, unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, crack open the window slightly for ventilation. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers.

Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.

Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electricity energy needs: the use of lights, heat and radio.

At night, turn on the inside dome light so work crews and rescuers can see you.

After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.

WINTER EMERGENCY CAR KIT

• ·         Flashlight with extra batteries
• ·         Charged cell phone/automobile charger
• ·         Basic first-aid kit
• ·         Necessary medications
• ·         Pocket knife
• ·         Blankets or sleeping bags
• ·         Extra clothes (include rain gear, boots, mittens, socks)
• ·         High-calorie, non-perishable foods (dried fruits, nuts, canned food)
• ·         Manual can opener
• ·         Container of water
• ·         Windshield scraper & brush
• ·         Fire extinguisher
• ·         Shovel
• ·         Sand/road salt/cat litter for generating traction
• ·         Tire chains or traction mats
• ·         Basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• ·         Tow rope
• ·         Battery jumper cables
• ·         Road flares/reflectors
• ·         Brightly colored cloth to utilize as a flag
• ·         Road maps

Steps To Take Before The Winter Storm

“Before snow, ice and severe winter weather hit the region, it is important that you take the proper steps to ensure the safety of your family and home,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. Understand the winter terminology used by weather forecasters: Winter Storm Watch – Be alert, a storm is likely. Winter Storm Warning – Take action, the storm is in or entering the area. Blizzard Warning – Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately. Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists. Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees. Trim dead tree branches and limbs close to your home. Ice, snow and wind can combine to snap limbs that can take down power lines or damage your home. Clean gutters. Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris. When thawing begins, the water can back up under your roof and eaves causing damage to walls and ceilings. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage. Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and cleaned if necessary to lessen the risk of fire. Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have the option of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can safely keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated. Ensure that your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device. Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation. To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing. Know how to safely shut off gas, electric power and water valves. If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), be prepared to fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet. If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well. If electric power is lost, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage. Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door. Ensure your Winter Emergency Supply Kit is stocked with supplies to enable you to survive on your own for at least three to five days. There should be a first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a manual can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), flashlights and extra batteries along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio, baby-care or pet supplies items, extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher. Ensure that your Winter Emergency Car Kit is well stocked to keep you and your vehicle safe. Be a Good Neighbor. Check with elderly or relatives and neighbors who might need additional assistance to ensure they have made adequate preparations.