News and Alerts

Informational articles, links, and stories.

New Online Course: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster

FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is offering a new self-paced, independent study course, Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster.

This course explores how religious and cultural communities are engaged during disasters, how religious and cultural diversity and practice is protected by law, and how religious and cultural diversity can strengthen emergency management capabilities.  It provides emergency management professionals and faith and community leaders active in disaster with literacy and competency tools to engage religious and cultural groups both pre- and post-disaster.

The course was developed to support partnerships between the first responders and faith-based and community organizations to more effectively serve disaster survivors in their time of need.
https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-505

New Online Course: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster Read More »

National Weather Service (NWS) Sterling Open House

The Sterling Virginia office of the National Weather Service (NWS) will be holding an open hose Saturday, April 30 and Sunday May 1. This will be an opportunity to see the operations of the local NWS office.
– Learn how Warnings & Forecasts are Made
– Hourly Weather Balloon Launch
-Child Friendly Weather Experiments
– Tours of the NWS office (an exceptional opportunity since this is usually secured)
– Learn about setting up your own Weather Station
– Various presentations on weather threats
– BASIC Skywarn Spotter class will be offered

AND MUCH MORE …..

Visit http://www.weather.gov/lwx/openhouse to learn more

 

National Weather Service (NWS) Sterling Open House Read More »

CERT Basic Training Class for the Police Explorers

From April 1-3, the Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT trained Police Explorers at the Fire Training Academy.13 students were taught lessons such as disaster preparedness, medical operations, basic search and rescue, and light fire suppression. Several exercises were conducted including basic triaging and victim carries.

This was all in preparation for the final disaster simulation which will take place on Saturday, May 21st. The simulation will be an authentic exercise to test the Explorers’ skills as well as other community members who take the May Basic Training Class.

As a community member, you can still register for Basic Training here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cert-basic-class-spring-2016-tickets-21978729973

Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.
Police Explorers triage a victim in an exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CERT is also looking for volunteers to serve as “victims” for the disaster simulation exercise from 080000-1200 on Saturday, May 21. For more details, please contact training@aaacert.org

CERT Basic Training Class for the Police Explorers Read More »

AAA CERT to train the Police Explorers

The Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT will be training the Police Explorers April 1-9 at the expFire Training Academy. The Anne Arundel County Police Explorer Program was created to introduce high school-aged youths to the various careers in law enforcement. Police Explorers are uniformed, non-paid members of the department which meet once a week. During the meetings, Explorers learn good moral character, responsibility and team work. They also receive police associated training which shows them what is like to be a recruit officer in training.

CERT is looking for volunteers to serve as “victims” for the disaster simulation exercise from 0900-1200 on Saturday, April 9th. For more details, please contact training@aaacert.org

This will be CERT’s first Basic training course of the year. CERT will also be hosting a Teen CERT course in the fall.

AAA CERT to train the Police Explorers Read More »

CERT Basic Training Class, May 2016

Friday, 6 May, 19:00 – 22:00
Saturday, 7 May, 08:00 – 16:00
Sunday, 8 May, 08:00 – 13:30
Saturday, 21 May, 10:00 – 13:00 (final exercise)

Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy
415 Maxwell Frye Road
Millersville, MD 21108

Register here

CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster.

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This could be you! A happy (and well educated) CERT graduate.

The purpose of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training is to provide the individuals who complete this course with the basic skills that they will need to respond to their community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course. The target audience for this course is individuals who desire the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and respond to a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.

Fee: $35.00 to cover the cost of the training manual, disposable first aid training supplies, and a CERT backpack.

Lunch: On your own – suggest that you bring a bag lunch however, there are several fast food restaurants nearby.

Attendees are required to attend all sessions to complete the class and obtain a certificate. For questions, please contact training@aaacert.org

Overall Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, the participants should be able to:

  1. Describe the types of hazards that are most likely to affect their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    2. Take steps to prepare themselves and their families for a disaster.
    3. Describe the functions of CERTs and their role in immediate response.
    4. Identify and reduce potential fire hazards in their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
    5. Work as a team to apply basic fire suppression strategies, resources, and safety measures to extinguish a pan fire.
    6. Apply techniques for opening airways, controlling excessive bleeding, and treating for shock.
    7. Conduct triage under simulated disaster conditions.
    8. Perform head-to-toe patient assessments.
    9. Select and set up a treatment area.
    10.Employ basic treatments for various injuries and apply splints to suspected fractures and sprains.
    11.Identify planning and sizeup requirements for potential search and rescue situations.
    12.Describe the most common techniques for searching a structure.
    13.Work as a team to apply safe techniques for debris removal and victim extrication.
    14.Describe ways to protect rescuers during search and rescue operations.
    15.Describe the post-disaster emotional environment and the steps that rescuers can take to relieve their own stressors and those of disaster survivors.
    16.Describe CERT organization and documentation requirements. In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.

Course Outline

Unit – 1 Disaster Preparedness
– Introductions and Overview
– Community Preparedness: Roles and Responsibilities
– Hazards and Their Potential Impact
– Impact on the Infrastructure
– Home and Workplace Preparedness
– Reducing the Impact of Hazards Through Mitigation
– CERT Disaster Response
– Protection for Disaster Workers
– Additional Training for CERTs
– Unit Summary

Unit – 2 Fire Safety and Utility Controls
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Fire Chemistry
– Fire and Utility Hazards
– CERT Sizeup
– Fire Sizeup Considerations
– Firefighting Resources
– Fire Suppression Safety
– Hazardous Materials
– Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires
– Unit Summary

Unit – 3 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 1
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Treating Life-Threatening Conditions
– Triage
– Unit Summary

Unit – 4 Disaster Medical Operations — Part 2
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Public Health Considerations
– Functions of Disaster Medical Operations
– Establishing Medical Treatment Areas
– Conducting Head-to-Toe Assessments
– Treating Burns
– Wound Care
– Treating Fractures, Dislocations, Sprains, and Strains
– Nasal Injuries
– Treating Cold-Related Injuries
– Treating Heat-Related Injuries
– Bites and Stings
– Unit Summary

Unit – 5 Light Search and Rescue Operations
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Safety During Search and Rescue Operations
– Conducting Interior and Exterior Search Operations
– Conducting Rescue Operations
– Unit Summary

Unit – 6 CERT Organization
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– CERT Organization
– CERT Mobilization
– Documentation
– Activity: ICS Functions
– Activity: Tabletop Exercise
– Unit Summary

Unit – 7 Disaster Psychology
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Disaster Trauma
– Team Well-Being
– Working with Survivors’ Trauma
– Unit Summary

Unit – 8 Terrorism and CERT
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– What Is Terrorism?
– Terrorist Targets
– Terrorist Weapons
– CBRNE Indicators
– Preparing at Home, Work, and in Your Neighborhood
– CERTs and Terrorist Incidents
– Activity: Applying CERT Principles to a Suspected Terrorist Incident
– Unit Summary

Unit – 9 Course Review, Final Exam, and Disaster Simulation
– Introduction and Unit Overview
– Course Review
– Final Exam
– Disaster Simulation
Exercise Critique and Summary

We look forward to having you!

Course dates/times/content subject to change. Changes will be made on this blog post.

CERT Basic Training Class, May 2016 Read More »

CERT Acting Opportunity

IIF Data Solutions Inc. is currently seeking 100 participants who will be acting as “victims” who will be “rescued “ as part of the National Guards Training for Emergency Preparedness. They do these Training Exercises all across the US and have had many CERT members in the past really enjoy the experience.

The Event will take place on February 22 , 23 ,24 and 25th  2016 at the DC Fire And EMS Training Academy and the RFK Stadium.

Role Players will be paid $14.77/ hr. Orientation is from 1 pm to 4 pm on February 22. Role players will be provided a lunch on the full days that they work.

All Role Players will be paid for all hours including Orientation on the last day that they work. Participants must be 18 years of age and older unless accompanying an adult then they can be 16 years of age.

To apply you simply go to www.iifdata.com Go to RPSS . Click on blue tab labeled additional exercise information. Scroll to the state of interest . An application will then pop up . Complete all the fields and submit.

Questions can be sent to: grace.zimmerman@iifdata.com

If you attend, please let us know how it went via the comments below!

Thank you  for all your support.

IIF Data Solutions Inc. is contracted by the government to support National Guard Training For Emergency Preparedness and their Role Player Support.

CERT Acting Opportunity Read More »

Workplace Violence / Active shooter VIRTUAL EXERCISE

On FEBRUARY 8TH, 2 – 4 PM EST get ready to STRESS-Test your Plans

Workplace violence fear is an increasing concern nationally. Do you know what to look for before violence comes to work?  How do your plans reduce these risks and tNewFirestormLogoWebhreats?

Join Firestorm and key national partners for an expanded 120-minute, no-fee, virtual workplace violence crisis exercise. Test your plans, identify any gaps, and benchmark your response before a real crisis occurs. Don’t wait for violence; experience what needs to be done before, during, and after a workplace violence event.

Firestorm celebrates more than 10 years of service empowering people to manage risk and crises. In 2015, more than one thousand companies participated in live Firestorm interactive, virtual exercises.  Firestorm has expanded the virtual exercise format to provide more time for each team to participate and make critical decisions. Join us:

Monday, February 8th 2:00 – 4:00 PM EST

Register here

Led by Jim Satterfield, Firestorm President and Chief Operating Officer, these exercises will be interactive, illustrating the various phases of an escalating violence incident: how to respond, what to communicate, and response to the unexpected and unknown.


Preparedness requires comprehensive planning and staff training to identify potential workplace violence issues, develop protocols to address situations, and respond to events that threaten the safety of everyone in your facility.

·         What do you know?

·         What do you do?

·         How do you monitor?

·         What do you communicate and with whom?

What Happens Once a Warning is Triggered?

·         What is the protocol in your organization for reporting an observed threat or behavior of concern?

·         Do you know?

·         Do your employees know?

·         Does the report go through your security team? Or maybe HR? Does it depend on the type of threat?

·         Has the process been tested?

Your plans will be tested in 2016. Will this be before a crisis or in a crisis?

Agenda:

·         Crisis/consequence management overview

·         Exercise structure, objectives and assumptions

·         WPV crisis scenario: series of escalations

·         Hot wash self-review and crisis management maturity model analysis

·         Warning signs and indicators

·         Next steps and resources

Who Should Attend? Anyone who wants to ensure their business is prepared for an incident of violence:

·         Senior crisis team members

·         Business continuity team members

·         Crisis communication team members

·         Senior leadership

·         Operations

·         Human resources

·         Security professionals

Workplace Violence / Active shooter VIRTUAL EXERCISE Read More »

CERT Basic Training, Upcoming Classes in Greenbelt, February 2016

Interesting in volunteering in your community? CERT personnel train to prepare for disasters or an overwhelming event by identifying and mitigating potential hazards in the home, school and workplace. Check out these exciting training opportunities hosted by Greenbelt:
 
2) Spanish only CERT Training – April 2nd/3rd, 9a-4p: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pgc-and-iacl-basic-cert-training-002-tickets-20283693072
 
 
Please review the attachments (links below) as well.
 
Thank you,
Greenbelt CERT Leadership
 

CERT Basic Training, Upcoming Classes in Greenbelt, February 2016 Read More »

Free FEMA Training Courses Online

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute offers online self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. All are offered free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment.
EMI

FEMA Diversity Awareness Training (Online): This course recognizes the benefits of diversity in our workforce and FEMA’s commitment to valuing diversity of its employees and customers. https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-20.15

FEMA Special Needs Training (Online): The purpose of this course is to increase awareness and understanding of the need for full inclusion of disaster survivors and FEMA staff who are people with disabilities, and people with access and functional needs. The course provides an overview of disabilities and access and functional needs and explains how disaster staff can apply inclusive practices in their disaster assignments. https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-368

Catalog of all Independent Study Program (ISP) Courses: https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx?all=true

Register for FEMA Student ID (If you don’t already have one.This is the same ID that you may have used at the National Fire Academy if you’ve taken a course there): https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid

Have you taken a FEMA course recently? Let us know how it went in the comments block below!

Free FEMA Training Courses Online Read More »

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared? – Webinar

Although CERT isn’t directly involved with response this still may be a seminar of interest and benefit.

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared?
Date: December 29, 2015
Time: 3:00 PM EST / 2:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM GMT

Event Description:
A variety of machinery-entrapment situations are presented. Students learn how to effectively operate at these incidents from scene size-up until the disentanglement is complete. The focus is on looking at the big picture to realizing that not all disentanglements need to be complex. Lock-out/tag-out, equipment options, medical considerations, and actual incidents are discussed.

REGISTER

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared? – Webinar Read More »

Skywarn Basic Spotter Class

Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT and the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management is sponsoring a Skywarn Basic Spotter Class. This class will be presented by professional Meteorologist from the National Weather Service from Sterling Virginia.

This course is a prerequisite for all other courses. Basics I is a good general overview of what it means to be a spotter as well as the basics of the different weather phenomenon that impacts the Mid-Atlantic. Upon completion of the course, you will be registered in the program by the NWS. You will receive a spotter code from the NWS within 6 weeks. Training in Basics I includes:

  • The basic organization of the National Weather Service
  • The role and importance of the Skywarn spotter
  • How to report vital info to the NWS
  • NWS Products and the Watch/Warning/Advisory system
  • Thunderstorm, Flooding, Tropical and Winter Weather Threats
  • The role of amateur short-wave (HAM) radio in the Spotter Program

Date: 2016 January 21
Time: 1900 – 2200 (3 hours)
Location:
Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management
7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

REGISTER

Skywarn Basic Spotter Class Read More »

Mass Casualty Exercise, Lorton VA (Fairfax CERT) Saturday, November 21

Fairfax Community Emergency Response Team Master Exercise

REGISTER

This Master Exercise exercise will give our newly trained CERTs an opportunity to demonstrate skills and work together with our seasoned CERTs as an individual responder or as a neighborhood team. From moulage to triage, you’ll experience it all. This is a unique opportunity to practice your skills in a realistic full scale exercise. We’re excited to offer this training at Virginia Task Force 1’s training facility at the former Lorton Juvenile Detention Center.

Participants have the option to register as a responder, victim-actor, evaluator or controller. The exercise is conducted in a no-fault learning environment where capabilities and processes will be evaluated. The scenario(s) will be realistic and event simulation will provide sufficient detail to allow players to react to information and situations as they are presented, as if the simulated incident were real. The exercise will be held rain or shine.

All participants must sign a waiver and register through Eventbrite.

For our participants, a modest lunch will be provided by one of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Canteen units, disaster dining at its best! Participants will also have the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the Lorton Training Site, used by Fairfax County’s elite urban search and rescue team, Virginia Task Force 1

Late arrivals will not be admitted after 9:00 am.

0730-0800 – Victim Actor check in

0800-0830 – Responder check in

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Yes, all participants should have a picture ID. Participants must be at least 16 years old because this site is used extensively for rescue training and has inherent hazards including, but not limited to sharp objects, broken glass, nails, insects, tripping hazards, etc.

What can/can’t I bring to the event?

ALL PERSONS coming on the site (regardless of your role) must wear shoes that completely enclose the foot – No sandals, Tevas, Keens, Crocs, High heels, Pumps etc. – Persons arriving without proper foot wear will be denied access to the site – No EXCEPTIONS

ALL PERSONS coming on the site (regardless of your role) must wear long pants – No shorts or skirts. Anyone arriving without proper attire will be denied access to the site. Safety is paramount! We also recommend that you bring a water bottle, cup or some other water storage device. We will have drinking water available on site. Bring Sunscreen and bug repellent.

CERT Responders- You may bring any resources you like, however they will need to be carried in and kept with you during the exercise. Proper PPE is required.

Victim Actors- We would recommend some form of entertainment during the periods of waiting – a book, an iPod, a well charged phone…. it can get muddy/cold/wet so a word of caution

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Missy Tuttle-Ferrio, Volunteer Lead  lead@fairfaxcountycert.org

Anita Van der Merwe, Deputy Lead  deputylead@fairfaxcountycert.org

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

No, sorry. It’s an accountability thing.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes, this will allow us to expedite checking into the secured site.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn’t match the attendee. Is that okay?

Nope. Again, it’s an accountability thing. This is a secured training site.

REGISTER

FAIRFAX COUNTY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM PROGRAM

HOLD HARMLESS/PERMISSION REQUEST

By registering for this event, I hereby request permission to participate in the Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Exercise.  I understand that this training will involve active physical participation, which includes a potential risk of personal injury and/or personal property damage.  I make this request with full knowledge of the possibility of personal injury and/or personal property damage.  Further, I have read and understand the program outline that describes all class sections and the associated activities.

I agree to hold Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, the County of Fairfax, and Fairfax County Emergency Management, and their agents and personnel, harmless from any and all claims, actions, suits, and/or injury that I may suffer and which may arise as a result of my participation in the above mentioned class.

I agree to follow the rules established by the instructors, and to exercise reasonable care while participating in the CERT program. I understand that if I fail to follow the instructor’s rules and regulations or if I fail to exercise reasonable care, I can be administratively removed from the program.

I hereby authorize the Fairfax County CERT Program to take photographs of myself and others that I bring to class to act as “victims” and to use or publish such photographs (still photographs, film/video, etc.) in any format (print, electronic publication, internet, etc.) as they see fit and I waive any rights and any claims I might have regarding the taking or publishing of any such photos.

By executing this release I certify that I have read this release in its entirety, understand all of its terms and have had any questions regarding the release or its effect satisfactory answered. I agree to this release freely and voluntarily.

REGISTER

Mass Casualty Exercise, Lorton VA (Fairfax CERT) Saturday, November 21 Read More »

Laurel City OEM Planning ICS-300 & ICS-400 Classes

Laurel City Office of Emergency Management will be sponsoring ICS-300 and ICS-400 classes and are trying to determine the level of need / interest. The classes will be open to individuals outside of Laurel City. If you are interested send an email to Lena Grant, lgrant@laurel.md.us along with your contact information and affiliation.

IC-100, IC-200 and IC-700 are REQUIRED to take this course. If you haven’t had these courses they are available online: https://training.fema.gov/nims/.

 

Laurel City OEM Planning ICS-300 & ICS-400 Classes Read More »

Volunteer Role Players Need – Washington DC, Emergency Management Exercise

As part of Mayor Bowser’s goal to make DC the safest big city in America, the District will host
the “District of Columbia 2015 Full Scale Exercise” on Thursday, December 10, 2015. Several
District agencies will participate in the exercise, which will simulate a hazardous materials event,
to assess the District’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise will be conducted at
multiple locations throughout the city and will focus on first responder, emergency operations
center, and shelter operations.
A key to making this exercise a success is the availability of individuals willing to act as
volunteer role players and victims on the day of the exercise. These “actors” will portray
individuals impacted by a simulated incident, such as a hazardous material spill, and will be
placed into one of three categories:
• Actors portraying injured individuals that need life saving treatment from first
responders,
• Actors portraying individuals contaminated by a simulated chemical spill and need to be
decontaminated by first responders (dry decontamination, no water will be used), and
• Actors portraying displaced personnel and need to seek refuge at a shelter.
No experience required! All volunteer role players must be 18 years of age or older. For more
information regarding the exercise and to register as a role player, please visit the following link:
https://dcfsevolunteerregistration.eventbrite.com
For difficulties accessing the link and/or reasonable accommodations in support of registration
please contact Kasey Parr at 703-518-9982 or kparr@olsongroupltd.com.
Registering as a role player does not guarantee selection for participation in the exercise; all
participants must successfully pass a background check and complete a DC HSEMA participant
waiver form. Providing your date of birth is a requirement for the background check.

Volunteer Role Players Need – Washington DC, Emergency Management Exercise Read More »

Amateur Radio Technician Class – Davidsonville

Sponsor: Anne Arundel Radio Club (AARC)
Date(s): Saturday(s) October 31 – December 12 (skipping Saturday, November 28)
Time: 08:30 – 12:00
Location: AARC Clubhouse, 3727 Queen Anne Bridge Road, Davidsonville, MD
Cost: Free
Manual: ARRL Ham Radio License Manual

Pre-registration though not required is encouraged. You may register by contacting Keith Miller, AE3D at the address or phone listed below.

Keith Miller, AE3D
ARRL / AARC
ae3d@graykitty.net
ae3d@w3vpr.net
ae3d@arrl.net
301-805-1854

Amateur Radio Technician Class – Davidsonville Read More »

Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Expo

AAACERT participated in the Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Expo on 12 September. Despite the rain there was a good turnout. Often deafened and interrupted by the MSP sirens behind us, we managed to talk to quite a number of attendees and vendors. Several people expressed interest in upcoming CERT Basic Training and becoming members of AAACERT. Two members from a local team want to transfer to AAACERT as they are live in Anne Arundel county and is more convenient to them.

We gave away 2 gift certificates, one to Home Depot for $50.00 and one to TGI Friday’s for $25.00. The winner of the Home Depot Gift Certificate was Eva Marino and the winner of the TGI Fridays Gift Certificate was Kim Auman.

Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Expo Read More »