Emergency Food on Sale @ REI

REI anniversary sale is a good opportunity to stock up on camping meals for your emergency kit(s).   They are 20% off with the sale and you get an extra 10% discount when you buy 12.

BSCFD Chief Fry to Retire

Chief Fry announced his retirement this past Monday.  Here is the article from Patch.com

More Preparedness Shopping Ideas

More CERT-on-the-brain while shopping this weekend.

First up is a small, inexpensive first aid packet spotted at Home Depot.  Perfect size for backpacks, glove compartments, kitchen drawer, etc.

Next is a deluxe fully-stocked survival backpack from Life-Gear at Costco for $70.  This same backpack sells for $95 on Amazon.

QuickTips for May

COOKING SUPPLIES -
When Spring cleaning in the kitchen, pull some of those old dishes, pots, pans and utensils and include them with your quake supplies. Make sure they are break resistant items!
CAN OPENER!!!!
FOOD – canned soups, pork and beans or thawed ground beef from your freezer if you can get at it
PLATES, CUPS/MUGS AND UTENSILS for each family member. Paper and plastic is best, as you won’t want to use the limited water supply for washing dishes.
POTS and PANS – just a couple.
COOKING SOURCE – BBQ (charcoal, starter and matches in waterproof containers) or a propane grill (make sure to keep extra gas on hand). You can also dig a BBQ pit and line with foil (to increase the heat), fill with charcoal and lay an oven rack on top.
UTENSILS – large spoon and fork, tongs, kitchen knife, hamburger flipper (for the thawed ground beef in the freezer)
TRASH BAGS, PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS, ALUMINUM FOIL, PLASTIC “BAGGIES”, & POT HOLDERS/HOT PADS.

HELPFUL TIPS:
Store cooking supplies in large plastic bags placed in cleaned garbage cans outside.
STORE GARBAGE in double plastic bags and close with twist ties. Try to store away from rats, raccoons and other scavengers.
AVOID COOKING DIRECTLY IN POTS AND PANS. Grill, BBQ or heat in the can whenever possible.

CERT Trailer Progress

CERT Trailer #2, donated by our own George Walschon (Walschon Fire Protection), is close to completion as seen in this photo from this morning.  More photos have been posted to the CERT Photo album.

Reminder to Check Fire Extinguishers

Now is the time to ensure that you have a fire extinguisher and evacuation plan for every floor of your home including the kitchen and garage.  A 5 lb. ABC extinguisher is ideal.  It is also a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle as well.  For those with fire extinguishers already in place, check the pressurization gauge on each extinguisher and have them recharged if needed.  Some small kitchen BC extinguishers may not be refillable but usually have a pressure test button on top to verify operability. Turning your extinguishers upside down a couple of times on a regular basis (monthly) will help keep the contents in suspension for optimum use.  In case of fire, call 9-1-1, initiate your family evacuation plan and then attempt to put a small fire (no bigger than a waste basket) out.  Remember to PASS, Pull the locking pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep left and right across the base of the fire.

This information has been provided for our CERT group’s use courtesy of GetReadyGear

Red Cross Backpacks @ Costco

Here’s a great gift idea for those that keep meaning to get prepared that never quite get around to it.  One for the car, one at work, one at home.

Volunteers Needed for San Carlos Hometown Days

It would be great to have you join us at San Carlos Hometown Days.  We are in need of volunteers at our booth as well as to assist the Police Department with traffic control during the Parade and the Fun Run 5/K and 10/K race.  Please take a look at the details in the CERT news bulletin and let Christy know if you want to help.

April Meeting Minutes

April meeting minutes are now available.  Go to the Meeting Minutes link above to download the PDF.

CERT’s Spotted at Half Moon Bay

I was at the Pacific Dream Machines Show at Half Moon Bay Airport this past Sunday and saw quite a few CERT’s at work keeping the crowds away from the taxiway.