Good morning, here is the News:
*****MIRA MESA*********
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE ON TEAM MIRA MESA—It is my great privilege to work with such a dedicated group. I look forward to bringing you new opportunities to sharpen your skills and be better prepared in 2011. And of course I hope someone gives you eye protection that fits and doesn't fog up.
-Steve
*****BATTALION 5*********
Comment—I can't remember when I have seen rain exactly like this in my 30+ years here, slow and steady for days. I think we all know that it's very likely a large patch of dirt will move somewhere. That said, in a progressive emergency such that this would be (if it happens) professional emergency assets will be able to handle the situation. So the chances for a CERT callout are remote to non-existent. However, it is our duty to be ready, so I ask that each of us read and implement the next drill. Read on.....
Battalion 5 Readiness Exercise—Today I ask that each of us seriously consider the possibility of a callout for a situation most of us never expected; flood or major mud slide. Take a few minutes to actually pack that three-day bag we keep talking about. Yes, pull the bag out and do this. Check to see that you have portable food and water for at least 24 hours, and any medications you will need for three days. Throw some extra rain gear in there. Is the footwear you were planning to wear at least water resistant? Time to do something about that if it is not (yeah, yeah, this guy's got a thing about boots, I know). How about the bag you put everything in, any water resistance there? Might need a couple of extra trash bags to address that. Last, check that Go-bag and make sure it is ready to go.
Again, this is just a personal drill, give it a try and see how it comes out, plan to deal with any issues you find. Let's all hope that once again we don't need it.
Now might be a good time for this reminder; you CANNOT DEPLOY as CERT in a progressive emergency without an explicit order from your Team Leader, which he cannot give until he gets one from me or my boss. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS. No matter how much you want to help, please don't do it. Rest assured we stay on top of this stuff, if CERT is deployed, you'll know. As always, what you do as a private citizen is your affair, but when you put on that helmet and vest, it has to be under orders.
Continuing Education—Urban Survival Seminar, Saturday, 8 January 2011 down at the NTC, from 10am—12noon. Beach Team is sponsoring, so they get first priority on sign up. Signup for the rest of us commences on 12/23. The classroom is large as you know, so there shouldn't be any problem. Please note that you cannot take this for CE credit if you took the class in the last 12 months.
I recommend this class, the speakers are highly entertaining, and the information is very valuable. Don't forget the potato, they aren't kidding about that.
Go here for signup:
Occasional Rant—I have been following a discussion thread on a CERT Linkedin group for the past several weeks. The original title is "Has CERT lost it's focus?". There are over 70 responses so far, and it seems to be gaining momentum. I'm not surprised that people struggle with this. Our mission is similar to that of a Peace time military organization; we train relentlessly to fight a war that we hope doesn't happen. It is easy to take the eyes off the prize, especially if you live in parts of the country where earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires or whatever are not likely. We don't have that luxury (okay, tornadoes are rare) and still I know it is difficult to give up nights and Saturdays for training. In this coming year, I encourage you to focus on being ready. I and your Team Leader will focus on helping you to be ready. That's plenty of focus. Isn't it?
Happy Holidays!
-Steve
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