Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 12/1/10

Good morning, here is the news:

*****MIRA MESA********

Training hours due today—If you have not already turned them in, please get them in to me today.

Team Meeting—No Team Meeting for December.  Next scheduled meeting Monday, 10 January 2011.   Some of you have asked why I don't post these on the web site under Team Meetings.  It's mainly because we don't have a regular meeting place (still working on that), but also it leaves us the flexibility of changing the format /content without having to update the web site every time we do.  Because we have a weekly newsletter that announces the Team Meetings several times, I don't think we need to use the web site to communicate this information.

*****BATTALION 5*******

Training Hours—just a few words about training hours, they are due at the end of every month in the same month when you took the training.  You cannot accumulate a bunch of classes, turn them all in at once and get credit towards your DSW card.  Why are we so wrapped around the axle about this?  Mainly because we regularly apply for grant money for CERT business, and sometimes we actually get some.  Some grant requirements are tougher than others, but in general good grant administration builds a body of documentation that should survive a comprehensive participation audit, and that means a document trail all the way back to your physical signature on a roster.  So help us out with this.  If you have questions, your Team Leader can answer them.

Next Academy—The start date on the Notify Me page:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

is not quite real.  It is currently set to 1 February 2011, but we don't really have Academy 26 scheduled yet, and the system requires some sort of date in that space.  So, please continue to send friends and colleagues to this page to register so we can let them know when Academy opens, but also make it clear that the actual start date will be later than the one shown.  I develop web software like this registration system for my alleged living, and I can tell you that there are many good reasons to make the assumption during design that there will always be a legitimate date.  It's not a bug, it just doesn't take this very special case (no date) into consideration.

Occasional Rant—It's been rather brisk the last few days.  Which brings me to the subject of head covering.  Most of us San Diegans know that a hat is an essential piece of gear on sunny days, but it is equally important in cold weather.  The old Mountain Man adage is "If you are cold, put your hat on". We lose about 20% of our body heat from our heads.  A hat can reduce that substantially, and it doesn't have to be a knit cap made from alpaca of whatever, your all-purpose bucket hat can work pretty well.  Ok, maybe not as good as a really good wool cap, but WAY better than nothing, and you don't have to carry two hats.  So, even if you think you look silly in hats, have one on your call-out list, it's essential.

That's all for this week, questions, comments, contact your Team Leader.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 11/23/10

*****MIRA MESA******

My fellow CERT Team Members—Thank you so much for your participation and commitment this year.  It is a privilege to work with you all.  Have a very pleasant and peaceful Thanksgiving. -Steve

*****BATTALION 5******

Training Hours—Please remember to turn your training hours in to your Team Leader.  They are due before the end of the month, which is sneaking up on us very quickly.  Red Cross instructional classes usually count.

Happy Thanksgiving—I hope everyone has a pleasant and safe holiday.  I am thankful for my association with this great group of dedicated people.  And of course I'm really thankful for a rainy October that made fire season a non-event this year.  I can live with the rain.

Onward!  Questions or comments, drop your Team Leader a note.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 11/16/10

*****MIRA MESA*******

Our thanks for Bradley Buffett for the excellent talk on loading your pack, and the various possibilities for getting your gear to a deployment.  If you have something you would like to share with the team that would help us with our mission, please drop me a note, we'll schedule some time in an upcoming meeting.

December Team Meeting—The tenth is on a Friday, pretty much the big holiday party night for the month, so we'll take a pass and re-group in January.  In January the Tenth is a Monday.  I'm thinking either wound care or an ICS drill.

*******BATTALION 5********

T-Shirt Survey—I'm sure we've all admired some of the custom t-shirts that show up at County drills etc.  Kelly Witt has assembled an excellent online survey to assess our needs and wants as a group.  Please take a few minutes to go through the survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/certshirts

Your answers will be confidential, Survey Monkey is a well-established online survey engine. Please try to vote for stuff that you might actually buy, Kelly wants to take action based on your responses.   If we can put together our buying power, we can get some good deals.  Thanks to Kelly for spearheading this!

Continuing Education—We do not have any instruction scheduled through the rest of the year.  Now might be a good time to invest in a Red Cross course, HAM training  or similar.  These often cost money to register, and not all will qualify as CE's, so if you are at all unsure, ask your Team Leader to check.  Please give us a few days lead time to respond. In general, the Red Cross instructional classes will qualify as CE's. Here are a few guidelines worth repeating:

*  A CE must be at least 2 hours long

*  Instruction should cover or review materials or situations important to our mission

*  There must be some method of recording attendance

*  Any potential CE not sponsored by a recognized agency MUST be approved in advance

*  Training required for employment is not eligible

San Diego CERT tries to be accommodating, and we want everyone to have ample opportunity for education.  Again, if you are in doubt, ask before you invest.

Occasional Rant—Yes, I'm going to get on my soap box about the boot thing again, listen up.  I have seen Brian Kidwell weep openly over the footwear that shows up at some of our drills.  You don't want this.  I'm really just talking about a good quality work boot that provides ankle support.  Prices lately have been excellent, sometime as much as half-off for first quality.  Might be a result of the downturn in the Construction Industry, I don't really know. You can find good boots at Sears, Marshalls, Big 5 and other retailers.  Shop SERIOUSLY  for these, if it doesn't fit don't get it.  As for the whole deal about steel toes, sure they are great if something falls on your foot, and Firemen swear by them.  But let's remember that Firemen often ride around in a big crowd-pleasin truck.  We walk a lot.  Steel toes are heavier, big shock.  So make your own choice for what you can use, if you can haul steel toes around, by all means invest in them.  One way or the other, if you have never tried it you will be amazed at how much easier it is to work a drill with ankle support.

That's all for this week, questions, comments, see your Team Leader.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 11/9/10

Good morning, here is the news:

******MIRA MESA******

Please join me in welcoming our new Academy graduates:

Noel Encarnacion

Ara Simpelo

Jennifer Tang

Carmen Torres

Karen Nicholson (transfer from San Marcos CERT)

Team Meeting—Tomorrow, November 10, starting at 5:30 (most of our meetings start at 6), at my house 10125 Baffin Drive.  If you have a readily portable folding chair you can bring it along, we're always a little short.  Please leave the Barcalounger at home, it's a small house.  We've got a pack expert in our group, Bradley Buffett, who will hold forth on where to put stuff in your GoPack and preparing in general for deployment.  Bradley is a veteran Sierra Club hiker.  I can tell you from experience that a multi-day trip with them makes you think seriously about your pack.  Loading the gear correctly can add greatly to your endurance and comfort.  If Bradley leaves any time I'll bring everyone outside to review utility shut-off.  Remember it will be DARK and probably a little nippy, plan accordingly.  We'll break promptly at 6:30.  See you there.

*****BATTALION 5*******

New Date For Mass Casualty Drill—The Mass Casualty drill with North County Transit District has been moved from tomorrow, 11 November to 17 November.  Times are still the same, load at the Sorrento Valley Transit Station at 9:00am, then apparently a short trip on the train down to the Miramar siding where the drill will occur.  They will provide lunch, then back to Sorrento Valley by 1:00.  NCTD will want their train back for obvious reasons, so we can assume that this will end pretty close to on time.  I know it is tough to make these things mid-day during the week, but if you have the time please join us.   This kind of practice is really important for our SDFD.  Current or pending DSW required for this.  Go here to sign up:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

NOTE: if you are signed up for this drill, and you did NOT get a note yesterday about the date change, contact your Team Leader immediately.

Notify Me Service—Now that Academy is over, time to bring up our Notify Me Service again.  When you talk up CERT to your friends and acquaintances, and you get some real interest,  REMEMBER to send them here:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

Where they can sign up to be notified when registration opens.  Our last several Academies filled up well before first class, so if you know someone who really wants to do this, get them to sign up before the class fills.  It is a proven marketing axiom that people will take action when given an easy way to do so in a timely fashion.  I'll be blunt here, really glad to get new people from the last Academy, but it's not enough.  I want the next couple to open up about half full of people from our Battalion 5 Communities. For the record, those are:

Mira Mesa

Carmel Valley

La Jolla

University City

Sorrento Valley

Torrey Hills

Torrey Pines

Del Mar Mesa

Pacific Highlands Ranch

Of course, this shorts the other Battalions.  Please allow ME to feel bad about that, let it roll off you.  I promise I will.  Sure.

Occasional Rant—Time change, how about those smoke alarms?  Many of them take a 9-Volt battery, either as main power or backup, so get a small ladder and take a look.  You'll see the slide-out compartment on the thing.  Put on some ear protection, and TEST each one after you get the battery in. REPLACE anything that doesn't work right.  This goes for you also if you rent, don't trust the Landlord to do it, and make sure they replace any that don't work.  While I'm on the subject, the battery powered ones install easily, are cheap, and performance is impressive considering the price.  One in each bedroom is a really strong move.  In the Kitchen, not so much, unless you really don't cook or enjoy very loud noises.  These things are the cheapest insurance you will ever get.

That's all this week, questions, comments, talk to your Team Leader.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 11/2/10

Good morning, here is the news:

******MIRA MESA**********

New Rules for Reporting Your Training—Last month I managed to leave out a class that someone took in September on the monthly training report.  Because of my omission, that individual will not be able to get credit for that class toward a DSW qualification.  Those are the rules, and they have been in place for quite some time, this is nothing new. I have tried to be very diligent about the monthly training reports, but clearly I need some help in that area.  So, going forward, I will need to you respond to my request for your training hours at the end of each month WHETHER OR NOT you already told me about it in a prior email.  Don't worry about telling me twice, I can deal if that is what it takes to make sure you get the credit you deserve.  Also, PLEASE do not assume that I know about your training just because we sat next to each other in a class.  Yes, I should be logging this stuff as it comes in, but I can't always do that because of this pesky occupation of mine.  So, please help me with this.  I will do my best to give you at least three or four days to get it in.  As most of your know I typically don't respond to an email unless I have something new to add, but in this case I will acknowledge every training report, so if you don't get a reply ping me again, it's OK.

Team Meeting—Wednesday, November 10, 5:30-6:30pm at my house, 10125 Baffin Drive.  Bradley Buffett will hold forth on packing the Go-pack and your deployment bag.  This is a fine science and Bradley is an expert.  Packing your pack correctly can make a huge difference in your endurance when you deploy, so try to take this one in if you can.  If we have some time left over, we'll go outside and review utility shutoff on your somewhat typical Mira Mesa house.

******BATTALION 5*********

We still need victims for graduation THIS Saturday—Deadline for signup is this Thursday.  Last I checked we were still way short on people for this.  Children can be included accompanied by a guardian, and with a signed consent form.  There is a flier available that really shows the great makeup job they use, ask your Team Leader if you want one and don't have one.  A victim does NOT have to  be a great actor, but if they are that's good, and if a potential volunteer really doesn't want much makeup I sure that something can be worked out.  Go here:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

to sign up.

Notify Me Service—Just a reminder, we have a great new feature on the web site where interested Candidates can register to be notified when the next Academy dates are set.  This is NOT the same as registering, but if an individual signs-up here:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

Then he/she will get an email when the Academy does open for registration.  I can't emphasize enough how effective this can be in motivating people to follow through on their promise to you, so when you get a live one, please keep the above link handy and send it to him or her, then follow-up to make sure the link was received and action was taken.  Trust me, it works.

Occasional Rant—You should be seeing some new faces at your next Team Meeting from the Academy that will graduate this Saturday.  When you do, please take it upon yourself to welcome them and let them know how you appreciate their commitment to CERT.  This kind of re-enforcement is crucial to early retention.  The individual you influence with your enthusiasm could be the one who backs you up when you deploy, so don't let your Team Leader do this job alone.

That's all for this week, questions, comments, talk to or email your Team Leader.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 10/26/10

*****MIRA MESA*******

Team Meeting—10 November, 5:30-6:30 at my house, 10125 Baffin Drive (near Jade Coast and Camino Ruiz).  Good one this time, it turns out that our own Bradley Buffett is a Sierra Club veteran and an expert on packing a backpack.  Yes, there is a right and wrong way to do this, and doing it right can make all the difference when you deploy.  Bring your own pack loaded for deployment, and your callout bag if you keep one ready to go, wearing PPE is not required.  Also, if you have a small folding chair and can bring it, we're always a little short.  If Bradley doesn't take up the whole time slot, I'll bring everyone outside for a little utility shutoff review.  This will be a good meeting, we look forward to seeing you there.

Opt-In Addresses—Thanks to all who contacted me with your preferences.  If you have not indicated yet whether or not you want your street address shared with the Team, please do so by reply email.

*****BATTALION 5*******

Academy 25 Final Drill—We need some victims!  We're still way short on sign-ups for this.  Saturday, November 6, 7:00am—12:30pm at the NTC.  Children as young as 12 can participate with a parent/guardian present.  In the past they have done some really nasty makeup, this is a fun activity for a truly worthy cause.  I'll be there snapping a few pictures, and I'll be happy to size and send one to anyone who sends me an email.   Oh, and we still need some volunteers for administration also.  Go here to sign up for either activity:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

Academy is our lifeblood, let's support it.

Occasional Rant: Cool rain in October, yeah, you bet we love it.  Really knocks the fire danger down.  But let's all remember we aren't out of this yet, traditionally not until way into November.  So stay ready.

That's all for this week, questions, comments, talk to your Team Leader, communication is our best friend.

-Steve

Fairfax County CERT: 72 hour kit form COSTCO -- Great Price

Fairfax County CERT: 72 hour kit form COSTCO -- Great Price

CERT National Newsletter Oct 2010

The CERT National Program Office is pleased to announce the release of the October 2010 quarterly "CERT National Newsletter."  This edition features stories on Haiti CERT’s response to the devastating earthquake and national emergency response efforts during natural disasters from local CERT programs across the country. Click on the following link to read and download the newsletter: CERT National Newsletter for October 2010.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter. If you know of others who would be interested in receiving CERT news and updates, please have them subscribe at the following website: http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/subscribe.shtm.
 
Sincerely,

 

CERT National Program Office
Individual & Community Preparedness Division

Federal Emergency Management Agency

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County Joins Nation's First Test of New Text Alert System

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October 15, 2010
Local agencies are coordinating with the Office of Emergency Services to participate in the first test of the Commercial Mobile Alert System, or CMAS, a national system which uses new technology to automatically send text messages with emergency information to cell phones.
“The County is a leader in using mass notifications in disasters, so it is exciting for us to help develop the latest technology,” said Supervisor Greg Cox, District 1. “CMAS will allow us to reach more people with critical information in an emergency.”

Video: Alert system tested

Supervisor Cox was joined by Congresswoman Susan Davis and state and local officials Friday at the Office of Emergency Services to demonstrate how CMAS works. The County is participating in the pilot program in partnership with Sprint and the California Emergency Management Agency.
“We’ll test CMAS throughout October, giving more than 100 phones to partners including the Sheriff’s Department, CAL FIRE and local military, to provide results to state and federal officials,” said Ron Lane, Director of the Office of Emergency Services.
CMAS is different than Reverse 911 and AlertSanDiego, which can only reach landlines as well as cell numbers that have been registered by the user. CMAS doesn’t use a database of numbers; instead, it can send a text message to any phone that has the new technology and can target phones located within an area impacted by a disaster.
CMAS may be available for public use in about a year. Until the technology is available, residents are encouraged to register their cell phone numbers with AlertSanDiego at ReadySanDiego.org.

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Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 10/13/10

Good morning, much to do yesterday, so we're a day late, here is the news:

*****MIRA MESA*******

Our Last Team Meeting—We discussed some of the realities of self-activation during a real mass disaster.   Several pointed out that it would be useful If each of us knew of other CERT team members who lived close by.  We value our members privacy, so we don't want to just haul off and share addresses around, that's why I'm asking each of you to notify me of your preferences:

*It is ok with me if the rest of the Team has my street address

*I want to share my address only with Team Members who live within a few blocks of me

* I don't want to share my address

Please pick one of these and tell me what to do, do NOT ignore this one, it's important.  I'll publish the general results next week, and if it makes sense for everyone I will distribute that information.

Next Team Meeting—10 November, a Wednesday.  Library is unavailable (again), but I'm going to do my best to get us indoors.   Any suggestions for meeting places are very much appreciated.  I'm hoping to put together a wound care program, that seems to be needed.

*****BATTALION 5*******

Final Drill, Academy 25—This is coming up fast, if you can help out with registration, we'd love to see you there.  Also, it looks like we are still looking for a few victims, if the Drama King/Queen in your household is really looking for a chance to express themselves, this could be an opportunity.  In the past it has involved some very gruesome makeup, if your victim can find me after the drill I'll get a picture he/she can give to Mom.  Administrators and victims must sign up, go here:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

NEW NOTIFY FEATURE ON THE SITE—We've really needed this for awhile, under Team Training/Activities we have a place where you can send people who are interested in the next Academy.  They can sign up there to get an email when the next Academy opens for registration.  This DOES NOT register anyone for the Academy, when an individual gets the email he/she must go through the registration process.  Please save this link:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

to send to friends and associates.  I can't emphasize enough how effective this can be in getting our academies filled.  The last few have filled anyway, which is great, but we want to keep that momentum going, we always need new volunteers.

San Diego Project Heartbeat—This is a non-CERT event that SDFD is backing, along with the American Red Cross, The Heart Association and UC San Diego.  It is essentially a mini-course (30 minutes) they will teach hands-on CPR and basic use of Automated External Defibrillators (AED's).  It is NOT a certificate course, you cannot get certified or re-certified with this one.  The idea is to give a large number of people at least basic knowledge.  Since we don't really do CPR in CERT, this might be all of the training you really need, I don't know, it's a personal choice.  To add some drama, and probably create a great PR opportunity, the event will be held on the flight deck of the Midway.  No, you don't get admission to the Midway either, but I guess they will sell you a discount ticket if you participate in the event.  Anyway, the event is on 5 December 2010, 9am to 5pm, you must register on the event website, go here:

http://www.cprprojectsandiego.com/

to get all of the details.  The thought of hundreds of dummies touring the country together is way too much good comic material for me to deal with, I'm going to stop now before I get in trouble.

That's all for this week, questions, comments, talk to your Team Leaders

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 10/5/10

Good morning, here is the news:

*****MIRA MESA*******

October Team Meeting—This Sunday, 10 October 2010.  Let's start at four and break at five.  At our rally point in the Community Park near the Rec Center, on New Salem just east of Camino Ruiz.  We'll probably take over one of the picnic tables.  It's likely to be a little cool, so plan accordingly.  I know how you all JUST LOVE meeting at our rally point, but I think we need to do it at least four times a year in different seasons so we can experience the place.  Bring a chair to sit on (or a blanket to lie on, hey, I don't care, just don't go to sleep on me).  We'll have a short administrative meeting, bring your questions, if I don't know, I'll find out.  Bring Your BackPack, equipped the way you would have it if you were called out to support the effort during a wildfire.  I try to remember to go through mine periodically, but it's tough.  Let's share what we put in our packs with each other and swap some fresh ideas.  Considering the weather over the next few days (rain) a big wildfire season seems less likely now, but let's all remember it was over 100degrees just over a week ago.

Telephone Activation Drill—We'll have a drill call-out this Thursday at 5:00.  You will be contacted by me, Stewart Migdal or Chris Marcucci (thanks Stewart and Chris for helping out with this).  You don't have to be home, but you do need to have an answering machine that runs and that you will access some time that evening.  We will give you a canned message with all of the important details for a call-out.  Please be able to repeat those details to me should I call you and ask.  You do not have to go anywhere, this is strictly for testing the telephone tree.  This is our first drill in awhile, so please be patient, there will be some bugs.  If you have an issue, please contact me directly and we'll work it out, don't harangue Chris and Stewart.

*****BATTALION 5*******

Continuing Education, Regional CERT Exercise—Saturday, 9 October, 8am-3pm.  At Stu Segal Studios, 4705 Ruffin Rd. San Diego.  This is still open.  This is a County training exercise, good chance to meet some of the other CERT Teams.  We really don't know what we are getting, but I'm sure it will be useful.  Hey, it's training, training is good, sure it's pretty much a whole Saturday, what, you'll be less busy as the holidays approach?  Get in on this.  The County provides lunch, how can you lose?  Sign up on the web site and download a copy of the flier:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Continuing+Education+Opportunities

NOTE—I got my notification a few days ago, if you are signed up for this and did not receive a confirmation, contact your Team Leader today!  See you there.

SDFD/Komen Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirts— We have the opportunity to purchase these t-shirts for only $10 ($20 to the public) but you need to act now.  Here is a web page where you can see pictures:

http://www.sitetuneups.biz/CERT/t-shirts.html

of the shirts.  If you want some of these, go to:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

AFTER YOUR LAST NAME, enter the number, size and colors you want.  Then send your check, made out to Local 145, to:

San Diego CERT

1010 2nd. Ave., Ste. 400

San Diego, CA 92101

Any check received in the office after 8 October will be returned, so do this now if you want these shirts.

Academy 24 Final Drill Volunteers—We still need people to help out with the drill.  Drill is on Saturday, 6 November.  Time listed is 7:00-1:30, but if you can't be there the whole time, we might be able to use you anyway, send your Team Leader a note and let him/her know when you might be available.  Go here:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

to sign up.  This is volunteer hours only, it does not count as a CE or a Team Meeting.  It is, however, a really great opportunity to meet people from other teams.  These are the folks you will probably be working with if we get called out in support of a wildfire effort.

Occasional Rant—Checked your Go-Pack Lately?  Fresh batteries for the radio? How about that headlamp or flashlight, fresh batteries there?  New granola bars?  How long has that bottled water been there?  Have you jammed a few things in there you don't actually need, like the hat you got at the Julian drill, and the four extra lanyards for your DSW?  Take a look, it's time, trust me.

That's all for this week, questions or comments talk to your Team Leaders, let's keep the communications going.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 9/28/10

Good morning, here is the news:

*****MIRA MESA***********

October Team Meeting—10 October is a Sunday.  Let's meet at our rally point, near the gazebo next to the Rec Center on New Salem Drive, just East of Camino Ruiz.  I think we'll have a short administrative meeting, then we'll run at least one ICS scenario.  Plan on starting at 3:00, unless a whole bunch of us want to do the morning instead, I'm flexible at this point.  Bring a Lawn Chair, blanket, or whatever works for you.

Telephone Tree—We have had one volunteer drop out (moved out of the area).  This involves calling about 7 people and precisely relaying a message that will be given to you.  Please let me now if you can do this, it will really help us out.  One way or the other, I am going to distribute the list by the end of this week.  We will have a practice drill early next week.  When we have that set up, we'll start working on texting.  I have mixed feelings about the texting, while it is very effective, and may still run when other communications are down, I know quite a few of us have to pay for it.

Mira Mesa Town Council—I have attended the last two meetings.  It's pretty amazing, small town committee government is alive and well and functioning just fine thanks.  The next one is this Monday, starting at 7:00 in the Verne Goodwin Senior Center.  Schools are the main topic, School Board member John Lee Evans and Superintendent Angela Bass will be there.  They typically take write in questions from the audience.  Discussion can be lively.  Feel free to join me.

******BATTALION 5**********

Training Hours Due—Don't make life hard on your Team Leader (and me) by waiting on this.  You are personally responsible for turning in your hours each month.  I don't care if your Team Leader sat next to you at whatever you took, turn it in anyway.  A submission has to include date, time, location, actual title of the class, and number of hours.  When you attend a class,  be very sure that you sign-in, and if they have a completion certificate for a Red Cross or other approved course, get one.  Program participation is very important to us as we justify funding for our programs and training.

DSW Applications are due—No kidding, this is it for this batch.  If you think you are up for a new card or a renewal and you have not been in contact with your Team Leader, DO THAT TODAY.

Continuing Education, Regional CERT Exercise—Saturday, 9 October, 8am-3pm.  At Stu Segal Studios, 4705 Ruffin Rd. San Diego.  Amazingly, this is still open.  This is a County training exercise, good chance to meet some of the other CERT Teams.  The County provides lunch.  Sign up on the web site and download a copy of the flier:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Continuing+Education+Opportunities

NOTE—I don't think the County has notified anybody yet, but we can probably assume that everyone who signed up on the web site so far has been registered.  At some point, they should fill up, and even if you registered on the site, you still might not get in, so if you are thinking about doing this one grab a spot.  I'll see you there, it's my turn to get a little training in.

Occasional Rant—Thanks to all who participated in our Haunted House Search and Rescue Drill last week, I hope you learned something new.  I learned quite a bit, even thought I just stood around and waved my arms.  One thing in particular I want to talk about today, something Brian Kidwell said when a Team Member referred to one of the Victims .  "That's not a Victim, that's your Patient" Brian told the Rescuer.  Indeed.  When we are helping them, they are no longer  Victims.  Going forward, I'll be using the word "Patient" .   I invite you to do the same, and correct me when I fall back on my old habit (which I'm almost sure to do).

That's all for this week, questions, comments, contact your Team Leader. 

-Steve

TV Coverage of CERT Teams searching the Monster Manor in Mira Mesa

Hello all, I thought you might be interested in the coverage we got from Fox News last night:

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/videobeta/cd98114f-1a29-424c-915c-b85695a715f3/News/Firefighters-Testing-Skills-In-Haunted-House

Thanks to all who attended, your commitment made the whole thing work.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter 9/21/10

*****MIRA MESA*******

Telephone Tree—This will be ready to go early next week, sorry again for the delay, I've been busy with the 22 September training.

Training Hours Due—Actually they are due this time next week, consider this the first reminder.  Red Cross training counts (please get a completion certificate), as do many other classes, but check with us/me first before you take something to ensure that it is approved.

10 October Meeting—I know I mentioned a repeat of the cribbing drill last week, but now I'm leaning toward doing an ICS simulation, we can all use the practice.  This is a Sunday, and the last meeting under Daylight Saving, so let's plan on late afternoon, maybe 3:00-4:30?

Mira Mesa Street Fair—We did not get enough people signed up for this to staff our booth.  Small wonder I guess, with all we had going on this week.  If you'd like to give us a hand, please sign up at:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

Otherwise we should give the booth up, other people want it.  Weather Channel has 85 and sunny for the day, join us, catch some rays, and have a great excuse.  I know I mentioned actual drills, if you don't want to do that, you don't have to, promise.

DSW Applications—I don't think I have any applications for Mira Mesa this time other than my own.  If I'm wrong about that, please contact me immediately, we still have plenty of time to get it done.

******BATTALION 5 NEWS********

DSW Applications are due—We process a batch through the County OES every two months.  If you are up for renewal or have a new application, and you have not submitted your qualifying documentation, contact your Team Leader.

22 September Continuing Education Search and Rescue Notice—Registration for this is closed, but if you didn't sign up and now wish you had, contact your Team Leader TODAY and ask them to pass it through to me, I might be able to get you in before we make the final assignments. We start  tomorrow night at 5:30, please try to be early to check in, and do not park in the parking lot right next to the Haunt, AT&T is open and they need the spaces for Customers (Note: The AT&T Regional Service Center is there, if you are having troubles with your AT&T Cell Telephone, they are the  guys to see.  Go in the left door for Service, the right is Sales).

Academy 25 Support—Academy 25 is packed full, if you sent a friend or neighbor there, Thanks!  We need help for Administration Thursday night 30 September and Saturday morning 2 October.   This is volunteer hours only.    If you thrive on a lot of positive energy, this is a good deal for you.  NOTE signups for the Final Drill are also posted (I'll have more about that next week), be sure you get signed up for the right thing.  Sign up on the web site:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

Continuing Education, Regional CERT Exercise—Saturday, 9 October, 8am-3pm.  At Stu Segal Studios, 4705 Ruffin Rd. San Diego.  This is a regional exercise sponsored by the County.  We're not sure what they have in mind, but I'm told that Stu Segal has an Iraqi village.  Never know when we might have to search one of those.  Either way, should be interesting, and it's a good opportunity to interact with some of the County CERT units.  The County provides lunch.  Sign up on the web site and download a copy of the flier:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Continuing+Education+Opportunities

NOTE-this is a County deal, so even if you sign up on our web site, you aren't in until the County notifies you.  Move on this one if you are interested, they will probably fill up.

Occasional Rant—Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the 1985 Mexico City quake.  Over 10,000 lives lost in total.  Many of us know that this disaster was the seed that spawned CERT, because we read about it on the Los Angeles CERT web site.  In 1986, a group of investigators from LA traveled to Mexico City to study the quake and its effects.  They found that, immediately after the quake, scores of people banded together and organized to form ad hoc rescue teams.  These teams were highly effective because they began operations immediately after the event, well before organized professional rescue efforts.  Over 800 people were saved by these volunteers.  100 of the volunteers were lost in the effort.  The result was commendable, the attrition unacceptable.  From the LA team's findings and other studies, it was concluded that organized and trained community-based teams of volunteer rescuers could be highly effective while avoiding situations that were unsafe for them, given their equipment and experience.

and here we are today.....

You will not of course note that I emphasized trained

How about you?

That's it for this week, questions, comments, see your Team Leaders.

-Steve

Mira Mesa Team Newsletter

*****TEAM MIRA MESA**********

Team Meeting—Just dawned on me this morning that October 10 {Oct 1st - TJW} is an Air Show weekend.  I have not spent a lot of time on this because the Search CE next week has me pretty well involved.  I'll get it put together before the end of the month.  There has been some interest in running another rescue exercise similar to the 31 July drill.  If you want to do this again, or missed last time and want to do it, let me know.  Otherwise we might run an ICS exercise, it's been awhile since we did one of those.

Telephone Tree—This is complete, but we have had a volunteer drop out, so I could really use one more. We're talking about having to call probably six people and relaying exactly the same message, should take less than 10 minutes.   We are going to test the tree first week of October one way or the other.  I'm sure you all realize that this has the potential to be an unhappy fire season, so I really want to get this in place.  Sorry for all of the delays.  Once the tree works, I'll start working on an SMS system.

Mira Mesa Street Fair—I'll cover this in the Battalion news also, but I wanted to make a special pitch to the Mira Mesa team, it's in our backyard after all, and most of the potential candidates will be ours.  What I want to do is have enough people to run some cribbing exercises.  We'll have an easel sign up with some "What Are We Doing?" explanation, and at least one person in full gear handing out fliers.  Next Academy is already full, and we don't have a firm date for the next yet, so we'll have a sign-up sheet for interested people.  I'll call/email them personally when we have a firm Academy date and registration up on the site.  I think there are two shifts for this, and it should be good for a team meeting.  So, come help us out if you possibly can, we could use some more good people.

Haunted House CE—It's the last minute...no, really....OK, close then.  You have until this Friday to sign up for this, yes it's during the week, but it's a chance to get some solid search/rescue training in, and a CE, close to where you live.  You have until this Friday to register.  I can still use a few more victims for this also, we aren't doing the full warpaint deal, so it shouldn't be that bad.  If you know someone who wants to help, you can have them contact me directly.

*****BATTALION NEWS*********

Continuing Education, SEARCH AND RESCUE— Wednesday, 22 September 5:30—8:00pm.  At the Mira Mesa Haunted House in Mira Mesa.  We still have some slots open for this, but registration closes this Friday, yes, it's the last minute!  We have three different  search/rescue scenarios planned, and everyone will run all three scenarios, so there should be little boredom, but enough time to catch your breath.  Our exercises are designed to engage an entire team (we like to think of ourselves as "cruel but fair"), and we'll be evaluated by our fantastic firefighter instructors.  The Haunt will not be fully operational, but you will probably see a few things in there that you won't find in an average office/home.  Don't miss this one.  There is a map on the flier posted on the web site for those of you who have never been to Mira Mesa:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Continuing+Education+Opportunities

FULL Safety Gear required.  If it doesn't work, now is the time for you to find that out and make adjustments.

September Joint Team Meeting, Safe Return Program— This is a joint Team Meeting, not a CE, so you can still go, but you need to let your team leader know, as material packets are being produced for the class.  This is  a joint team meeting with Battalion 2.  Scheduled for 20 September, 6—8pm  down at NTC.  Firefighter/Paramedic Chuck DeLao will present the Safe Return program to us.  Funded by the Federal Government and sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association in association with MedicAlert, this is a 24-hour emergency response service for Alzheimer's patients and others who may wander off and become lost.  The program provides family notification services and coordinates the dissemination of  vital information to first responders.  In an emergency situation, CERT may be involved in the search for people who may have Alzheimer's.  Mr. DeLao will provide details of the program and information that will help us work with victims who may have Alzheimer's.  No sign-up on the web site for this, as it is a team meeting, but there is a meeting notice, go to:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Meetings

Mira Mesa Street Fair—25 September 10am-4:30pm.  On Camino Ruiz, just North of Mira Mesa Blvd. (they block the street). This is the big yearly street fair in Mira Mesa, we understand that there are over 100 exhibitors, and there is a waiting list.  Great recruiting opportunity for all North County teams.  Apparently the Marines will not put in an appearance this year, the event may be too close to the Air Show.  So, no bomb-sniffing robots (hard enough to compete with children in cute costumes, you just can't top a bomb-sniffing robot).  Shifts are available 10-1 and 1-4:30.  BRING YOUR SAFETY GEAR.  To attract a little attention, we'll haul out hateful Big Heavy Dummy, pile on some debris, and get him out of there with a bit of cribbing. You only have to wear your gear if you participate in the cribbing drill. So, You get a chance to get some sun, and a little practice in a critical skill, how can you beat that?  Sign up on the web site:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

Academy 25 Support—Yes, it's time to start another Academy, and as always we need help.  This one is FULL (YES!), so it's a lot of people to manage.  Additional help is needed for Administration Thursday night 30 September and Saturday morning 2 October.   This is volunteer hours only.  If you can spare a few cycles, we'd sure appreciate it.  Sign up on the web site:

https://apps.sandiego.gov/ereg/cert/courses.php?grp=Team+Trainings/Activities

That's all for this week, questions, comments, see your team leader.