Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis

Community Emergency Response Team

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Traffic Control and Crowd Management

Traffic Control and/or Crowd Management

2021 Russett Community Fall Festival

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Island being decorated with fall themed props.
Community Association members setting up welcome and picture stations with fall-themed props.
The 2021 Russett Community’s Fall Festival had over 90 vendor tables. This year AAACERT was honored to be asked to help direct vendor traffic into their assigned spots while keeping pedestrians safe from vehicle traffic. We look forward to helping next year and with many other events planned at Russett.
AAACERT team memembers
AAACERT members (from left) Brett Wagner, Brandon Gosnell, and Heather Pierce helped to keep traffic flowing and pedestrians safe during the event.
If your community or organization holds similar events and would like trained, professional traffic, crowed, and/or basic first aid support from our volunteer organization please reach out to certcoordinator@aaacert.org.
Vehicles and tents being setup.
Looking down the parking lot at vendors setting up.

2021 Russett Community Fall Festival Read More »

Dumpster To The Left, Please Watch For Pedestrians

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Russett Community Cleanup Day Spring 2021
From Left: AAACERT Member Rick Cooper, AACo Exec Steuart Pittman, AAACERT Member Anne Coooper, and AAACERT Member Brandon Gosnell.

Members of AAACERT where happy to assist the Russett Community Association by directing traffic to the community dumpster during the Russett Community Cleanup Day. The dumpster was located in the back of the community center parking lot with lots of community volunteers walking around picking up trash. AAACERT members posted at three locations to help direct cars and people.

Not everyone was there for cleanup day. Some needed to visit the library while others simply wanted to play some tennis. Our presence helps to free up association members and volunteers so they can focus on the event. AAACERT members are specially trained to manage traffic and pedestrians.

We look forward to helping helping with many more community events as organizations and communities begin to open up from COVID lockdowns.

Interested in volunteering or need similar help with your community event? Visit our WEBSITE to find out more.

Dumpster To The Left, Please Watch For Pedestrians Read More »

Please Continue Turning Left

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AAACERT President Bruce Morgenstern and Coordinator Joe Dorffner watch an active member of AAACERT practice traffic control.

Do they see me? Did they hear my command to stop? You should never assume the answer to these questions is YES. One of the more common tasks members of AAACERT participate in is traffic control. A group of AAACERT members underwent training on April 11, 2021, at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold. President Bruce Morgenstern and Coordinator Joe Dorffner served as instructors. Before the practical exercise, members attended a 1-hour virtual class. Traffic control is just one of many volunteer opportunities available to AAACERT members during every season each year. To find out more visit www.aaacert.org.

Please Continue Turning Left Read More »

Always Look Both Ways, Twice

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Seniors in the Shady Side, MD area are excited to finally get the call to come and receive their COVID-19 vaccination shot. With limited parking at the Lula Scott Head Start Center, many visitors need to park across the street. Walking across a busy two-lane road can be dangerous especially since some drivers do not always follow traffic signs including speed limits.

Shady Side Vaccine Traffic Management - 002 - 2021 Feb 25
AAACERT member Paul Bowling (front) instructs a visitor on where to park. Meanwhile, AAACERT member Amy Bleich (background) awaits to point the driver to the correct spot.

In steps volunteer members from the Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT). With no designated crosswalks and the need to park across the street seniors are thankful the AAACERT volunteers are there to stop traffic and provide them a safe time to cross. The AAACERT members are also there to help direct traffic within the small parking lot and provide extra support into the building, if needed.

Traffic control is just one of many community needs being filled by members of AAACERT. There are many ways you can help support AAACERT, perhaps consider a donation (see link below). Beyond donations, you can also join and learn the skills needed to help yourself, your family, and your community during an emergency.

https://www.aaacert.org/donate
https://aaacert.org/why-join/

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination including sites and how to sign up, please click this link to visit the Anne Arundel County Health Department.

Always Look Both Ways, Twice Read More »

Thank You, Team Rubicon!

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Team Rubicon has come to help backfill at a critical junction, literally. Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (MD VOAD) members, Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) and Team Rubicon have teamed up to support pedestrian and traffic safety at the Maryland Live! Casino vaccination site in Hanover, Anne Arundel County.

With AAACERT’s resources stretched thin helping across the county, Anne Arundel County OEM reached out to MD VOAD via MEMA for additional support, and Team Rubicon stepped up. After a one-day orientation and transition, Team Rubicon has taken a primary role, with AAACERT supporting as needed. Helping for the greater good. Isn’t that what’s it’s all about?

MDVOAD members help with traffic control.
Bruce Morgenstern, AAACERT President (let), and Anthony Graves-Buckingham, Team Rubicon Task Force Leader (right) assist people coming to get their COVID-19 vaccine cross a busy intersection. In the back right, people wait for the vaccination center to reopen.

Thank You, Team Rubicon! Read More »

Congratulations To Firefighter Recruit Class #60

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AAACERT member Neal Anders provides parking directions to family members of a graduating firefighter before Firefighter Recruit Class #60 graduation ceremony.

Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) provided traffic support to honor and assist the Anne Arundel Fire Training Academy’s graduation of Recruit Class #60. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the graduating class was unable to hold their ceremony safely indoors. AAACERT members stepped up to facilitate the outdoor ceremony, helping to park around 100 cars on the Training Academy Yard and directing the recruits’ proud family members, in vehicles, to the stage area for pictures and cheers for their new firefighter. AAACERT volunteer members supported this important logistical task so that fire department personnel were available to participate in the recruits’ graduation ceremony.

Congratulations To Firefighter Recruit Class #60 Read More »

Members Take Traffic Training

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AAACERT President Bruce Morgenstern and Coordinator Joe Dorffner prepare AAACERT active members for traffic control training.

Members of the Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) underwent Traffic Control training on Oct. 9, at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold. President Bruce Morgenstern and Coordinator Joe Dorffner served as instructors. Before the practical exercise, members attended a 1-hour virtual class. AAACERT members routinely perform traffic control at many sites around the County, both for special events, and particularly now for COVID-19-related emergency management tasks. Traffic control is just one of many volunteer opportunities available to AAACERT members during every season each year. To find out more visit www.aaacert.org.

Members Take Traffic Training Read More »

AAACERT Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT), during the current COVID-19 situation, has been assisting the the Anne Arundel Office of Emergency Management in numerous positions. AAACERT trained members have been helping as Call Takers in the Emergency Operations Center, as well as helping assist the County Virtual Volunteer Mobilization Center (VVMC). Starting on the 30th of March, AAACERT trained members will also be assisting at the proposed County Goods Donation Warehouse, working with the County Police doing traffic control.

AAACERT trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies.

AAACERT Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic Read More »

Members Assist Responders at Preparedness Expo

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Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members supported the annual Preparedness Expo on Sept. 21 at Marley Station in Glen Burnie. Arriving by 6:30 a.m. for the operational briefing, CERT members then took their stations to participate in traffic control, assisting vendors with set-up, directing vehicles within the perimeter, and helping to provide extra eyes and ears for general safety. Most of the CERT members stayed to work the entire event, including teardown, which concluded around 3:00 p.m.

The Preparedness Expo is a yearly event hosted by the Anne Arundel Office of Emergency Management to familiarize the public with the many functions and activities of the response community. At the 2019 Expo, more than 45 participating organizations provided displays of their skills, literature, gifts, and personal representatives to help individuals and families learn how to be ready for disasters and incidents. Exhibitors invited children to climb into vehicles to see the dashboards; animal handlers gave demonstrations of canine aptitude; and fire personnel gave live demonstrations of safety or extinguishing practice.

“You just don’t realize everything these [responders] do every day,” remarked one visitor in passing, “and we are so blessed to have them in our community.” She added her thanks to responders for their availability, time, and training.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security designates every September as National Preparedness Month. Visit the agency’s website to find numerous resources aimed at helping families be ready for any emergency or disaster they might face.

AAACERT trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies.

Members Assist Responders at Preparedness Expo Read More »

AAACERT at the SPCA Walk – Spring 2019

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On Sunday, June 16, nine Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members volunteered at the SPCA of Anne Arundel County Walk for the Animals at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

Mark, Karen, and Dudley Demyanovich (pictured above) “manned” the booth at the Vendor Village while the rest of the team (including Mark) directed almost 1,000 vehicles through Quiet Waters Park without incident.

Events like this SPCA fundraiser allow AAACERT members to practice their traffic management, incident management, and communications skills while simultaneously helping a valuable organization.

AAACERT trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. The group’s volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies. For more information about how to prepare for emergencies and support the first responders who keep our families and communities safe, visit aaacert.org.

AAACERT at the SPCA Walk – Spring 2019 Read More »

Members Serve as City Parade Marshals on Memorial Day

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On May 27, 2019, twelve Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members served as city parade marshals for the City of Annapolis’ Memorial Day Parade.

This year’s parade was a great success with zero incidents. The event earned praise from both city officials and parade coordinators.

AAACERT welcomes this opportunity to honor those who have given their lives in defense of our country. Our thoughts are with them and their Gold Star families.

What do parade marshals do?

As parade marshals, AAACERT members serve as the city’s eyes and ears. They help authorities to keep the event safe by ensuring crowds stay clear of the parade elements. In addition, they guide participants to engage safely. And at parades such as this one, sponsored by the City of Annapolis, AAACERT is responsible for line-up, safety inspections, and accompanying the parade participants.

Not content to be mere safety spotters, many AAACERT members also sported first aid kits, standing ready to step in with immediate assistance if needed.

Parades serve as excellent opportunities for AAACERT members to practice their crowd management, emergency communication, and incident response training. AAACERT is the only group that is certified by the City of Annapolis to work as parade marshals.

What happens at the parade?

Annapolis holds one of the largest Memorial Day Parades in Maryland. Participants include military and local groups, along with color guards, marching bands, veterans, local officials, and motorcades. Traditionally, the parade starts at Amos Garrett Boulevard and West Street. The parade proceeds down West Street to Church Circle, then down Main Street to City Dock. After the parade, the city holds a wreath-laying ceremony at Susan Campbell Park.

The annual Memorial Day Parade represents an opportunity to pay our respects to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Photo: U.S. Flag Stand on National Heroes Cemetery (Credit: Jenna Hamra on Pexels)

Members Serve as City Parade Marshals on Memorial Day Read More »

Upper Marlboro Community Day

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Making sure that the first time we work together isn’t during an emergency or disaster, AAACERT members Bruce Morgenstern, Rosy Dorffner, Joe Dorffner, and Marilyn Zachariah (not pictured) supported Upper Marlboro CERT with the Town of Upper Marlboro Community Day as volunteer ambassadors, providing safety/security and general support.

Upper Marlboro CERT members shown in the photo are Wanda Leonard, president of Upper Marlboro CERT and Town Commissioner, Peggy Keller, and Charmaine Cook.

Upper Marlboro Community Day Read More »

Annapolis MLK Day Parade 2019

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On Saturday, April 13, nine Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members served as City Parade Marshals for the 5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.

This year’s parade was a great success, registering zero incidents; the event earned praise from both city officials and parade coordinators.

As city parade marshals, AAACERT members serve as the city’s eyes and ears, helping authorities to keep the event safe by ensuring crowds stay clear of the parade elements, and guiding participants to engage safely.  At parades like this one that are sponsored by the City of Annapolis, AAACERT is responsible for line-up, safety inspections, and accompanying the parade participants.

Not content to be mere safety spotters, many AAACERT members also sported first aid kits, standing ready to step in with immediate assistance if needed.

Parades serve as excellent opportunities for AAACERT members to practice their crowd management, emergency communication, and incident response training. AAACERT is the only group that is certified by the City of Annapolis to work as parade marshals.

Photo: Tom Cagle, the Lead City Parade Marshall, and AAACERT members after the parade. (Credit: Mike)

Annapolis MLK Day Parade 2019 Read More »

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2019

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On Sunday, March 10, 11 Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members served as City Parade Marshals for the 7th annual Annapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

As City Parade Marshals, AAACERT members serve as the city’s eyes and ears, helping authorities to keep the event safe by ensuring crowds stay clear of the parade elements, and participants engage safely. Not content to be mere safety spotters, many AAACERT members also sported first aid kits, standing ready to step in with immediate assistance if needed.

Parades serve as excellent opportunities for AAACERT members to practice their crowd management, emergency communication, and incident response training. AAACERT is the only volunteer group that is certified by the City of Annapolis to work as parade marshals.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2019 Read More »

AAACERT Assists City of Annapolis with Memorial Day Parade

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28 May 2018: Anne Arundel & Annapolis CERT members assisted the City of Annapolis with the annual Memorial Day Parade serving as Parade Marshals. The parade began on Amos Garret, proceeded down West Street, went around Church Circle and down Main Street and ended in front of the Market House. CERT Member’s duties including lining up the parade participants in proper order, ensuring parade safety, observing for hazards during the parade and assisting Annapolis PD with traffic control.

The parade included fire engines from Annapolis as well as privately owned apparatus, scouts, marching bands, dance troupes, car clubs, politicians, military veteran groups and others.

AAACERT Parade Marshals were specifically trained by the Annapolis City Office of Emergency Management.

If you are interested in learning about Anne Arundel & Annapolis CERT, Emergency – Disaster preparedness or how you may become involved with AAACERT contact us through our “Contact” page.

AAACERT Assists City of Annapolis with Memorial Day Parade Read More »

National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training

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TRAINING DESCRIPTION: A new coordinated, multi-disciplinary training
program, developed through the national Second Strategic Highway
Research Program (SHRP2), is being offered for all emergency
responders and those supporting Traffic Incident Management operations
– police, firefighters, EMS, state and local departments of
transportation, towing, and other incident responders.

The purpose is to promote a shared understanding of the requirements
for achieving the safety of responders and motorists, quick response,
and effective communications at traffic incident scenes, leading to a
safer, faster, integrated responder team and reduce secondary crashes.

DATE:  Saturday, 13 May 2017
TIME: 0800 – 1200
Location: Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy, 415 Maxwell Frye Road, Millersville, MD

Register by using the link to the right.

National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training Read More »

CERT Parade Marshal Training – Annapolis

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There are many events within the City of Annapolis that bring a significant amount of visitors to the downtown area. In the next few months, the City will have celebrations with multiple parades in which Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT will call upon our trained personnel to assist the first responders. Parade Marshals assist by providing eyes and ears for law enforcement and fire personnel. As a parade marshal, you will assist in crowd control, traffic management and ease of flow of parade apparatus. The training will entail parade safety requirements, emergency procedures, communication and notification protocols, and an introduction and mini presentation from the City’s Special Events coordinator Felicia Nolan.

Class Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Time: 19:00
Location: Annapolis City OEM, 166 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401
Cost: Free
What to bring: Note pad, writing instrument, ID (CERT if you have one)

REGISTER HERE

SEE ALL UPCOMING HERE

Questions: Training@AAACERT.org

 

CERT Parade Marshal Training – Annapolis Read More »

Traffic and Crowd Management Class

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This class will serve to provide CERT members with the skills needed to manage traffic and crowds in planned and emergency situations.

Participants will learn CERT Basic Training Concepts That Apply to Traffic and Crowd Management, Communicating Effectively, Crowd Management, Traffic Management

Training Objectives:

  • Identify possible CERT roles in traffic and crowd management
  • Explain CERT Basic Training concepts that apply to traffic and crowd management
  • Demonstrate standard hand signals for directing traffic and crowds
  • Describe skills for effective verbal communication with the public
  • Explain how to use radios and verbal communication skills to communicate with team members and chain of command
  • Recognize and respond to various types of crowd behavior
  • Identify safety concerns for managing crowds
  • Develop basic crowd management plan for an emergency situation
  • Demonstrate correct use of traffic control devices
  • Recognize safety concerns for managing traffic

Requirements: Basic CERT Training, Completed Anne Arundel County Background, CERT vest, CERT hardhat, and applicable clothing for the weather conditions.

Students will partake in classroom and practical training. The practical training will take place outdoors regardless of the weather conditions.

Reserve Officer (RO) E. M. Vazquez of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Reserve Officer Unit, Western Platoon will provide instruction for the class.

REGISTER HERE

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

Questions may be sent to: Training@AAACERT.org

Class size is limited to 15 maximum.

Traffic and Crowd Management Class Read More »

AAACERT Assists City of Annapolis with July 4th Parade

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Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT members assisted the City of Annapolis with the annual July 4th parade serving as Parade Marshals. The parade began at on Amos Garret proceeded down West Street around Church Circle and down Main Street and ended in front of the Market House. CERT Member’s duties including lining up the parade participants in proper order, ensuring parade safety, observing for hazards during the parade and assisting Annapolis PD with traffic control.
The parade included fire engines from Annapolis as well as privately owned apparatus, scouts, marching bands, dance troupes, car clubs, politicians, military veteran groups and others.

AAACERT Parade Marshals were specifically trained by the Annapolis City Office of Emergency Management.

If you are interested in learning about Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT, Emergency – Disaster preparedness or how you may become involved with AAACERT contact us through our “Contact” page.

AAACERT Assists City of Annapolis with July 4th Parade Read More »