CERT Events 2009-2010
CERT Events 1999-2000CERT Events 2001-2002
CERT Events 2003-2004
CERT Events 2005-2006
CERT Events 2007-2008
CERT Events 2011-2012
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On Saturday, October 16, 2010, Dr. Kate Hutton held a
training that focused on how to compose and handle formal radio messages on the format and methods used by the
American Radio Relay League (ARRL) National Traffic System (NTS). The NTS daily
relays radio messages around the U.S. and Canada and has been doing so since 1915.
Their methods and practices have been optimized over 95 years for high efficiency and accuracy. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and CERT message forms are based on the NTS format, because it works. In the age of cell phones and Internet, the NTS still exists for basically two reasons - to be there when disaster strikes and normal communication is unavailable, and to train emergency communicators in accurate and efficient message handling. Kate Hutton K6HTN is Section Traffic Manager for the ARRL Los Angeles Section. This means she is the volunteer in charge of the amateur radio nets that move message traffic in and out of Los Angeles. She is also a world-renowned seismologist and earthquake expert frequently interviewed by the media after a disaster. |
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On September 11, 2010, the Burbank Fire Department hosted the 2010 CERT
Invitational. Six teams competed in high intensity skills challenges based solely
on the Citizen Corps CERT curricula. Awards were given for the highest scoring
team at each station as well as awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall finishes.
The name of the overall winning team got bragging rights - their name will be
the first engraved on a perpetual plaque for what is expected to become an annual
tradition.
The CERT teams tested their skills by competing in a number of skill stations that were timed and judged by a panel of experts. The skills stations in the event included: fire suppression, victim triage and casualty collection area, search and rescue operations, cribbing and victim extrication, disaster medical operations and a comprehensive written exam. |
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June 25, 2010 - Governor Schwarzenegger today launched the first-in-the-nation
Disaster Corps
to professionalize, standardize and coordinate highly trained disaster volunteers
statewide. Disaster Corps volunteers will be registered by their local government
organization under the Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program and will meet
Disaster Corps training, typing, certification and security screening guidelines.
"California is always leading the way and now we are the first state in the nation to integrate volunteers into our state emergency plan," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Volunteers are an incredible resource, and no state has more giving, more passionate or more dedicated volunteers than California. Together, we will take volunteerism to a whole new level and make California better prepared and better equipped than ever before, for any emergency." |
| On March 21, 2010, CERT members with computer skills helped with patient data entry for the Los Angeles Marathon. | |
| On Saturday, December 12, 2009, CERT members
helped load Casualty Collection Point trailers. The CCP Trailers are used as
medical supply trailers in the event of a mass casualty incident. The loading
of these two trailers required sorting medical equipment, equipping medical boxes and loading the brand-new trailers. |
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| On Sunday, November 29, 2009, CERT worked with ACS (ham radio) to be
first responder eyes and ears for the bicycle paramedics at the Hollywood Santa Parade.
We were stationed at first aid stations at various points along the parade route,
and some of us patrolled between the stations. ACS and CERT members were paired
together and if they came across an incident requiring professional assistance,
the ACS member called it in to the Command Post while the CERT member provided
immediate aid, if required. As the Command Post heard of possible incidents, the
ACS/CERT teams were dispatched to size up the situation and see if professional assistance is needed. |
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| In preparation for the coming flu season,
the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched a campaign to promote H1N1
vaccine distribution to the public. CERT was asked to provide support at the
PODs (Points of Dispensing). In October and November, 2009, four H1N1 PODs were
adopted by LAFD CERT, and CERT members provided support at many others. |
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At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2009, over 6.9 million Californians participated in the largest earthquake drill ever!
The purpose of the ShakeOut is to practice how to protect ourselves during earthquakes, and to get prepared at work, school, and home.
Many CERT members also participated in a communications exercise with ACS (Auxiliary Communication Service. They back up the Department's 800-MHz radio system, provide radio support to CERT members, their families and their Battalion leadership and 40-meter support to USAR for passing health and welfare traffic). Now that you've done the drill, share your ShakeOut photos and stories! |
| On September, 2009, CERT members
worked at the LA City Emergency Preparedness Fairs. |
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| From August 29-September 6, 2009, LAFD CERT Call-Out Team members
reported to the Hansen Dam Command Post for the Station Fire. They joined CERT members
from the LA Sheriff's Department and several other local CERT programs and helped with
traffic control, logistical support and operational use of communications equipment. |
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We had a great time at the CERT refresher on Sunday, August 16, 2009,
at LAFD Fire Station 88. |
| On May 25, 2009, CERT members
worked at the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon. |
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| At the Statewide Special and Consolidated
Elections on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, twenty-seven of the polling places were at
fire stations. CERT members assisted with parking, provided directions to the
community, and augmented fire station security. |
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On Saturday, May 2, 2009, the CERT Refresher was held at the LA County Fairplex in Pomona. |
| In February and March, 2009, LAFD CERT participated in several MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) Drills with the LAFD. |
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On Sunday, January 25, 2009, CERT members refilled over 150 LAX
medical bags and went for a behind-the-scenes tour of LAX. |
