Don’t wait. Communicate!

September is National Preparedness Month
In recent years, devastating earthquakes, tornadoes, winter storms, floods and wildfires have highlighted the need for Americans to prepare for natural disasters. However, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), over half of Americans have not discussed or developed a family emergency plan.

Do you have a plan in place for your family? Does everyone know where to meet, how family members will communicate following an emergency or disaster and how you’ll stay informed? Your ability to recover from an emergency tomorrow could depend on your planning and preparation today! Don't wait.

Take a minute, talk to family members, make sure your kids know important phone numbers and include seniors and any family members that require assistance in your plan.
Get started at www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Exit Drills In The Home - Have Two Ways Out!

Having working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers play a large role in you and your loved ones surviving a fire in your home. Another crucial part of surviving a fire in your home is developing a home fire escape plan and then PRACTICING the plan! As they say in sports: "If you fail to prepare than prepare to fail!"

While we hope you never experience a fire in your home, the women and men of MCFRS hope that you prepare the right way so as to increase the chances you and your loved ones will survive if fire does occur.

You can go here to learn how to develop a plan: Develop a Home Escape Plan

Once you develop that plan and familiarize all occupants of the home with the plan, make sure you hold a fire drill -- just like you did in school -- to practice the plan!

Below is a great video from our partners in safety at FEMA and the US Fire Administration that provides more information.

Jed

Sad to report that one of our search and rescue dogs who retired earlier this year, Jed, passed away this past weekend. Jed served us, and his partner Firefighter Rich Grant, faithfully since 2005. As Rich relayed, "Jed would light up a room with his never ending wags of his tail and persistence to constantly bring you a toy to play with. Many of my MCFR family are very familiar with this as Jed was never one to let you pass through the fire stations without engaging in a game of fetch."

RIP Jed and thank you for your service!

We Prepare Everyday

September is National Preparedness Month! MCFRS encourages all residents to plan and prepare for a variety of emergencies that can potentially occur.

Please take two minutes to watch the below video, from the Ready Campaign and Ad Council, that shows how people with disabilities can take charge to prepare themselves and their families for emergencies.

Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Just a reminder that September is National Preparedness Month.  This years theme is: Don't Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

Please take a minute to watch the powerful video below from FEMA.  Then make time to sit down with your loved ones to talk about (and develop a plan) how to prepare for a variety of emergencies that could occur right here in Montgomery County.

Disaster Supply Kits: Budget-Friendly and Fun

Overall emergency preparedness is a must for every individual and family.  Part of being prepared is having a disaster supply kit.

via Ready.gov website

Remember, the "disaster" can be as "simple" as a significant thunderstorm that knocks out your power for several hours or a day or two.  If you have an adequate kit, and emergency preparedness plan, you will be ready for a situation like that or, worse, something a little more significant.

The below article is from our friends at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Some great tips on creating a budget friendly supply kit. We encourage you to take a look and take action once you are done!

Have a SAFE weekend!

Disaster Supply Kits: Budget-Friendly and Fun

Do you think preparing for disasters is too expensive and boring? Think again!  Being prepared doesn't have to break the bank. You can create a budget-friendly basic disaster supply kit using items you may already have at home.  You can also make preparedness enjoyable for the entire family! 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Preparedness on a Shoestring activity guide suggests organizing a family scavenger hunt to locate items around your home such as first aid supplies and food. After you’ve built your kit, there are several ways to maintain its low-cost quality. For example:

• Purchase items from your local dollar store or discount retailer;
• Take advantage of  “Buy One, Get One” deals at your local supermarket; and
• Trade extra supplies with family and friends.

FEMA advises to prepare your disaster supply kit with enough items to survive for at least three days. If you are packing a kit for more than just yourself, be sure to make necessary accommodations to fit each person’s needs. Also, remember to check your kit for expired items every six months.

Thursday Is National PrepareAthon! Day

Would you and your loved ones know what to do if you heard a loud roar that sounded like a train; looked out the window and saw a tornado in the distance heading your way?

Know what to do if another Derecho hit the area and you were without power, food or water for several days?

Or would you know what actions to take if another earthquake hit the region that was stronger than the last two "minor" quakes we have experienced over the last several years?

If the above questions have caused you to think and/or left you unsure as to what you would do, please consider participating in National PrepareAthon! Day tomorrow, Thursday, April 30.  The initiative, sponsored by FEMA, will revolve around taking actions to prepare for six specific hazards:

• Earthquake
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Tornado
• Wildfire
• Winter Storm

Help us to help you when disaster strikes!  Please take time to review the information and PREPARE!  Also please take a couple of minutes to watch the powerful video below.  If that does not inspire you and your loved ones to prepare than nothing will:

Exit Drills In The Home - Have Two Ways Out!

Having working smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers play a large role in you and your loved ones surviving a fire in your home. Another crucial part of surviving a fire in your home is developing a home fire escape plan and then PRACTICING the plan! As they say in sports: "If you fail to prepare than prepare to fail!"

While we hope you never experience a fire in your home, the women and men of MCFRS hope that you prepare the right way so as to increase the chances you and your loved ones will survive if fire does occur.

You can go here to learn how to develop a plan: Develop a Home Escape Plan

Once you develop that plan and familiarize all occupants of the home with the plan, make sure you hold a fire drill -- just like you did in school -- to practice the plan!

Below is a great video from our partners in safety at FEMA and the US Fire Administration that provides more information.

Are You Ready? Attend Storm Camp!

Storm Camp Flyer v8

Arson Awareness Week May 5-11; “Reducing Residential Arson”

This week is Arson Awareness Week and the theme this year is “Reducing Residential Arson.”  Below please find some information from our partners in fire safety, the United States Fire Administration, that will provide more background as well as safety tips on how you can help to safeguard your home against the crime of arson.

Protecting Homes Against Arson

Happy 9th Birthday to Frankie!

Happy 9th Birthday to Frankie, one of our Urban Search and Rescue Team dogs. The photos below are of Frankie, including one with Mommy/Handler Lt. Laura Murdock of MCFRS, when they deployed to NYC for superstorm Sandy. 

                                                                      

                            

Mobile And Other Resources To Keep In Touch

Just wanted to make everyone aware of some resources for smart phones or tablets that you might find useful.  Hurricane safety tips are right on your phone by downloading these useful apps: 

·         FEMA – Android, Apple, Blackberry

·         American Red Cross “Hurricane” app – Android, Apple

Latest Sandy forecast from the National Hurricane Center

·         On your computer: www.hurricanes.gov

·         On your phone: http://hurricanes.gov/mobile

·         On Twitter: www.twitter.com/NHC_Atlantic

o        On Facebook: www.facebook.com/US.NOAA.NationalHurricaneCenter.gov

Be safe!

Bill D.

National Preparedness Month – Pledge to Prepare!

How many of you know that September is National Preparedness Month?  This year’s theme is “Pledge to Prepare - Awareness to Action.”  Fire safety should be an important part of preparedness planning for you and your loved ones as well!

 

Have you tested your smoke alarms lately?  Do you know how often you should check your alarms?

Do you have a home escape plan in case of fire?  Does it include knowing two ways out in case of fire?  Have you held a fire drill to practice the plan?

Are you aware that once smoke alarms are anywhere from eight to ten years old they should be replaced?

If you did not know even ONE of the above facts or answered NO to one of the others, I would encourage you to take a moment and visit our partners in safety at the US Fire Administration web site to learn more.

What you learn could save your life or that of a loved one! 

Stay Safe,

Bill Delaney

News Advisory: Maryland Task Force 1 – Activated

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2011
 

Maryland Task Force 1 – Activated  

Rockville - - - Maryland Task Force 1 (MDTF-1) has received its activation orders and will report to the Public Safety Training Academy, 9710 Great Seneca Highway, at 7:00 p.m. tonight for their official assignment, team briefing and departure.

MDTF-1 will deploy a team of 80 highly skilled and trained responders from various disciplines including search and technical rescue personnel, structural engineers, physicians, canines, communication specialists, paramedics and other support personnel to assist in the affected area(s). In addition, 15 trucks will travel with the team carrying 35 tons of supplies, sophisticated search/rescue and logistical equipment. MDTF-1 is designed to be self-sustaining when responding to a disaster, ensuring that there is no impact to local resources.
 
The MCFRS Media Line (240) 777-2442 will be updated during the deployment with up-to-date information.     

News Advisory: Maryland Task Force 1 - On Alert

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2011
 

Maryland Task Force 1 - On Alert

Rockville - - - Maryland Task Force 1 (MDTF-1) has been placed on “Alert Status” by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) along with Virginia Task Force 1 (VATF-1) for possible deployment as Hurricane Irene strengthens. Hurricane Irene is the first major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and officials are monitoring its projected path closely.

If activated, MDTF-1 will deploy a team of 80 highly skilled and trained responders from various disciplines including search and technical rescue personnel, structural engineers, physicians, canines, communication specialists, paramedics and other support personnel to the affected area(s). In addition, 15 trucks will travel with the team carrying 35 tons of supplies, sophisticated search/rescue and logistical equipment. MDTF-1 is designed to be self-sustaining when responding to a disaster, ensuring that there is no impact to local resources, and would deploy within 4-hours by ground, should the team be activated.
 
Should MDTF-1 be activated, the Media Line will be updated with current information.     

Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) - Get Involved!

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates residents in disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their communities and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using training learned in the classroom and during hands-on exercises, CERT members can give critical assistance to others in their neighborhoods or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in safety education and emergency preparedness projects in the community.

CERT programs serve in more than 170 communities nationwide. CERT is managed by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and is based on the DHS/FEMA/Citizen Corps national standard curriculum and certification. The CERT training program is a 20-hour course, offered free to Montgomery County residents, over a 7-week period.

Upon completion of the course, CERT graduates are often assigned to neighborhood teams where they play an important role in community safety. For class schedules and information and to get CERT-ified, contact Greg St. James by phone (240-777-2407) or via e-mail (join@montgomerycert.org). More information is also available on the CERT website.

The next CERT Basic Class will be offered September, 2011.

As Tropical Storm Emily Approaches East Coast This Weekend, FEMA Encourages Residents to Be Prepared

In advance of Tropical Storm Emily moving toward parts of southern Florida this weekend, FEMA is encouraging residents along the Florida and the East Coast to monitor the storm's developing track and get ready for potential heavy rains, wind and other severe weather. While Emily's track over the next few days is still fairly uncertain, according to current forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, Emily could pass near Florida as a tropical storm this weekend.

Read on: As Tropical Storm Emily Approaches East Coast This Weekend, FEMA Encourages Residents to Be Prepared

TGIF Safety Tip: Disaster Training Opportunities Available to the Public

This is not a safety tip per se but it relates to preparedness which can, ultimately, help keep you safe during disasters.  Please take a moment to review the below and click on the link.  A really unique and FREE on line training opportunity to help keep you and your loved ones prepared and safe!

Have a safe weekend!

Bill

Overview

In times of disaster, a trained and informed public is better prepared to protect themselves, their families, their workplace and their neighbors. This webinar will showcase several disaster training resources that are available in communities across the nation. FEMA recognizes that it takes a “whole community” approach to meet the needs of the public before, during and after a disaster. Learn how your community can train and educate its citizens to be better prepared and involved in your community’s disaster response and recovery efforts.


CLICK HERE TO FOR MORE INFO AND TO ACCESS THE WEBINAR

CERT Disaster Preparedness Classes

Rockville - - - The Montgomery County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is pleased to announce the spring and fall class schedule for 2011. The goal of the CERT program is to train members of the community in basic emergency preparedness and response skills so they can better help themselves and others in an emergency.

CERT consists of programs that serve in more than 170 communities nationwide. Montgomery CERT is managed by theMontgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and is based on the DHS/FEMA/Citizen Corps national standard curriculum. Through training programs, CERT members are instructed in basic emergency response skills including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

Montgomery CERT offers a 30-hour basic CERT course. The 4-week training is offered free to Montgomery County residents, aged 18 or older, several times a year and advance registration is required. The Spring 2011 class is full. The next session will be offered in September and applications are being accepted. Please visit our website to register or for additional information or contact Program Manager Greg St. James at join@montgomerycert.org.

With the tragic events unfolding in Japan, CERT training provides an opportunity for everyday citizens to formalize their commitment to helping others. To learn more about what you can do, please visit the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe. Additionally, to keep up-to-date with Montgomery County CERT activities, you are invited to attend monthly CERT meetings, check our calendar for date, time, and location!

Are you ready?

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NEWS ADVISORY: Community Emergency Response Team Takes Training on the Road

MC CERT team with Montouis Haiti 'Lifesavers' June 2010.
CERT Program Manager Greg St. James in middle with Hawaiian shirt.

Montgomery County Fire Chief Richard Bowers announced the results of the County’s Community Emergency Response Team’s (CERT) training mission to Montrouis, Haiti. A team of three CERT volunteers, led by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service CERT Program Manager Greg St. James, traveled to Haiti in June 2010 to conduct training in community-based disaster preparedness and response. Using modified lessons based on FEMA’s CERT curriculum, a train-the-trainer model was developed to meet the needs of Haiti’s population. The mission was funded by individual donations and a grant from the Rockville Rotary Club.

The Montgomery County trainers instructed a 'sister' team of 25 Haitian residents in the seaside town of Montrouis in first aid, basic search and rescue strategies and swift water rescue techniques using 'low tech' or minimal equipment. Since June, the Montrouis team (known as “Sove La Vie” or Lifesavers) has responded to severe flooding in July and the most recent Hurricane. The CERT “Lifesavers” team safely evacuated over 350 people from rising water, including several who had suffered serious injuries requiring additional medical treatment.

CERT Medic David Smith instructs Haitian team in June 2010

"CERT plays an important role in the recovery of communities in times of crisis and we are fortunate to be able to take our training on the road and help communities in Haiti to be safer and stronger in the future,” said Chief Bowers. “This training is an example of the value of community-based disaster readiness and response by ordinary citizens, both in Haiti and here in Montgomery County." said Chief Bowers. "The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service has made a multi-year commitment to training residents and enhancing neighborhood readiness with CERT teams. This is an important part of our public safety mission and the success in Haiti demonstrates its value. I offer my sincere congratulations to the Montrouis Lifesavers for a job well done!"

The Montgomery County CERT program is comprised of over 250 volunteers and offers frequent training classes in disaster readiness, CPR, fire safety and first aid free of charge to county residents. The next CERT class is set for January 2011. To learn more visit www.montgomerycert.org, or contact Greg St. James at 240-777-2407.

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