Archive

This is an archive of previous events from the Meeting/Activities/Classes page (most recent events listed first):

CERT meeting:  April 10th, 2012

New Presentation: Damage Assessment – As a team we need to see and report the same information, this training will allow our CERT member to report a uniform size up and structural assessment. More information to follow.

CERT team members,
OK, we learn that when you are activated, you need to report to the designated meeting Post, starting with:

#1 – First take care of yourself
#2 – Next, take care of your family members
#3 – Then check on your home to make sure it is “ok”
#4 – After all that, you then report to the designated location

While you are on your way to the Post, you take out the Damage Assessment form and write down things you see that need to be reported when you arrive at the Post (homes that are seriously damaged, tree fell on house, house collapsed, car on fire, people in need of help, etc.).  Then when you arrive at the Post our plan is to send you out to do CERT related activities, which can include Search and Rescue.

Ok, so far so good…  right?  Well, maybe..

In theory, this is a great plan, but when the Damage Assessment forms start showing up at the Post, the information on the forms may be conflicting, incomplete or even terribly wrong; and when a field team arrives at a house to perform a Search and Rescue, they need to make the decision on the condition of the house and determine if it is safe to enter.  Where am I going with this…?

We train on a multitude of things, all very important, but one area where we need to take a good look at improving our knowledge base is how to correctly assess the damage to a structure, this could be the difference between life and death (not kidding here).  Ken Napior, Foster City Division C Coordinator and Structural Engineer has created a class that addresses the “How to’s” of Damage Assessment.  Or, put another way, is it a Heavy, Moderate or Lightly damaged building?  Is it safe to enter?  Should I enter?  What should I do…?

Foster City CERT Trainer Ken Napior has put together a very informative presentation that will help you stay safe when you enter a damaged building and provide useful information to the EOC to determine the extent of the damage in your City.  Please join us, and meet other fellow CERTs from our neighboring cities.

Note: 303 Twin Dolphin Drive is the Provident Credit Union Building; there is ample parking for all CERT members. The exact address is 303 Twin Dolphin; however the entrance to the parking lot is on Shoreline Drive. Directions: From Twin Dolphin, you will turn east onto Shoreline Drive, make a quick right into the parking lot and you will enter the building through the main entrance. Once inside, the conference room is to the immediate right.

If you find this message did not reach a fellow CERT member, please forward it and ask them to contact Christy (cadonis@redwoodcity.org) to be added to the distribution list.

Silver Dragon Exercise

March 15th, Thursday
7am to 12:30pm
Please be sure your contact information is current. Sign up information will be sent via email. More information to follow.

CERT meeting:  March 13th, 2012

HAM Radio Operations for CERT Members

Time:   7:00pm – 9:00pm (in place of normal CERT meeting)
Location: 303 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City
(ground floor conference room, look for the CERT signage)
Presented by: South County Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Presentation topics include:

• Basic radio usage
• Setting frequencies – how to operate – when to use
• What radios to use – when – show and tell
• Frequency selection
• Setting up a communications plan
• Message handling
• What you can do to practice

If you have a radio of your own, please bring it and any questions you may have.  Here is the information flyer.  RSVP with Christy Adonis at (650) 780-7400, or by email at cadonis@redwoodcity.org

CERT SKILLS DAY ASSISTANTS REHEARSAL

With the changes to the Fire Department structure, we will now be holding lecture portion of our CERT classes at Station 13 in San Carlos and we will be utilizing Station 9 in Redwood City for the “Hands On Skills” portion.  This may change in the future… we’ll see what works best for everyone.

To help in preparing for the upcoming CERT class, I would like to bring the Skills Day Assistants in for a dry run at Station 9.  We will meet in the morning, tour the station interior and exterior, gather together as a group in the training room, discuss where and how we want to set the skill-stations up, set up and test equipment.  This will be a new location, so as a group we can layout how we would like the stations set up and how we will run them.  Very similar to our prior skills day assistant training; however our main focus now will be layout.  With all of your input, we can get a nice layout for the new classes.

Please reply via email (cadonis@redwoodcity.org) to let Christy know if you will be able to make the below dates…

Dry Run Training:
Date: Saturday January 28
Time: 9am -12noon
Location: 755 Marshall St., Fire Station 9

Skills Day Assistance (New CERT class)
Date: Saturday February 25
Time: 10am to 4:30pm (lunch provided)
Location: 755 Marshall St., Fire Station 9

CERT meeting: February 16th, 2012

Time:   7:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: 303 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City
(ground floor conference room, look for the CERT signage)
Agenda: How to Set Up an Incident Command Post
Want to learn what happens at an Incident Command Post, how you can help, what are all the functions?  Attend this training class for a short lecture and interactive hands on tabletop exercise. All members are welcome, no experience required.  Please rsvp to tcbsccert@aol.com

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING (C.E.R.T.)

Come join us in this interactive and informative class and learn how to take better care of yourself, yourself, your family, your loved ones and neighbors when a disaster does happen.  Floods, wildfires, mudslides, earthquake, airline crash, terrorism – Disasters come in all forms and severity, are unpredictable and cause disruptions to emergency services.

A large scale disaster can easily overwhelm emergency response resources, Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services. The C.E.R.T. program will provide citizens with basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills to help reduce loss and protect property during the most critical timeframe, until emergency responders can arrive.

During the C.E.R.T. course, students will receive training in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and terrorism. Upon course completion students will receive a Certificate of Completion and basic disaster response equipment (hard hat, work gloves, goggles, vest and more). Don’t miss a night of this critical training. For additional information or to register by phone, please call the Redwood City Fire Department, Christy Adonis at (650) 780-7400, or by email at cadonis@redwoodcity.org

AGE: 18 +
FEE: FREE
INSTRUCTORS: Redwood City Fire Department staff and CERT volunteers
LOCATION: San Carlos Fire Station 13, 525 Laurel St, San Carlos

• Wednesday February 8th, 6:30pm to 9:00 pm
• Saturday February 11th, 9am to 4:30 pm
• Saturday February 25th, 9am to 4:30 pm

Winter potluck social on Dec 14, 2011

Details for our December event-
Date: December 14, 2011     6:30pm – 9:00pm
Location:San Carlos Library (Second Floor, 610 Elm Street)

• Lasagna, Vegetarian/Meat, Garlic Bread, Salads and MORE..
• Games and Prizes
• Door Prizes, Raffle, and MORE…

Dinner begins hot out of the oven at 7:00 pm
Social Group/Event Planners are providing set-up, games and main course.
Information Flyer
Please plan to bring a side dish to share- Use Potluck link in header
Bring your smile, kind words, and a good friend or family member

Please RSVP by December 9th, to fellow CERT Volunteer Assistant Coordinator Terese Ruth: tcbsccert@aol.com

Red Cross Neighbor to Neighbor Workshop

As you know, a disaster can happen at any time. Are you ready for the next emergency?  Learn tips, tools and techniques to build resilience & coping skills in a time of crisis.  This class contains specific elements on how to help people recognize stress in children and provides information on ways adults can help children cope. The Red Cross has been developing the course for the past several months and it was first launched in the Gulf region. The Bay Area is the third area to take advantage of this opportunity.

The program, called Neighbor to Neighbor will be held on Monday, October 17th from Noon to 4 PM at the Twin Pines Senior & Community Center (20 Twin Pines Lane, in Belmont). To register for this course, go to the front desk at the Belmont Senor & Community Center; call 650-595-7444.

HELP NEEDED: San Carlos Art and Wine Faire

October 8^th and 9^th, Saturday and Sunday (hours listed below)

Downtown San Carlos, A Fire Department booth along with a children’s activity booth will be set up at the faire on the corner of Laurel and Olive near Bianchini’s Market.  This event is a great time and lots of fun.  I will be at the booth on both Saturday and Sunday J.  Please RSVP with the date and time you are able to help to tcbsccert@aol.com

Two ways to help at San Carlos Art and Wine, listed below. (You can do one or the other or both)

At our Fire Department booth, we will need help
Setting up  8:30 am, meet near the drive way entrance to Bianchini’s Market on Olive Street at 8:30 am on Saturday and Sunday.
Staffing and taking down the booth 9:30 to 4:30.  If you are able to help for any amount of hours, it would be greatly appreciated.

The Art and Wine event planners have asked if CERT members are available to help with special set up.
Meet at the rear of US Bank 780 Laurel Street near the Matagrano’s Truck.
Ask for Lisa Eckles

Saturday, October 8^th from 8-10am

• Assistance needed with setting up umbrella tables, bases and chairs (some heavy lifting required)
• Assistance with stocking booths (some heavy lifting required)
• Assistance with hanging signs

Sunday, October 9^th from 8am-10am

• Assistance needed with table cloths and removing umbrellas from bases (some light lifting required)

Sunday, October 9^th-from 5:30-7:30pm

• Assistance needed with take-down and clean-up (some heavy lifting required)
• Taking signs and decorations down

HELP NEEDED: Belmont Save the Music Festival

Sunday, October 2, 9am to 5pm

Twin Pines Park… A Fire Department booth will be set up at the festival and help setting up, staffing and taking down the booth is needed.  This is an annual community event put on by volunteers to help raise funds for music in the schools.  If you are able to help for any amount of hours to staff the booth, please send your RSVP to tcbsccert@aol.com

Summer BBQ, Save the Date

What: Summer BBQ
When: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Where: Twin Pines Park – Meadow, Belmont (1 Twin Pines Lane)
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Grilling Menu: Delicious Ribs, Chicken, Portobello Mushroom Steaks
Drinks, Salads and all the fixins…..Please plan to bring a Side Dish to Share

Games and Prizes: Bocce Ball, Volley Ball, Water Balloon Toss, and more…

• Lunch begins hot off the grill at 12:00
• Games and Prizes 1:00-3:00

Social Group/Event Planners are providing set-up, games and main course.

Bring your smile, kind words, a good friend or family member.  Please RSVP by September 18th, to fellow CERT Volunteer Assistant Coordinator Terese Ruth: tcbsccert@aol.com    Special questions or concerns to: Christy Adonis: 650-802-4254 or christya@bscfd.org

CERT Refresher Training (FREE)

Wednesday September 21, 7pm to 9pm (One class only)
1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont City Hall, Second Floor EOC room

What’s new? So it’s been awhile since you took your CERT class and you want to reconnect with the team. Brush up your skills, and attend an upcoming meeting or refresher training. Bring your talent to the team.  Join one of our active working groups: Project/ Labor, Secretary/Historian, Coordination/Data Management, Communications/HAM Radio, or Class Instructor/Skills Day Assistant. Help prepare our community, support the team and get to know your fellow CERTS.

Emergency Preparedness Classes for you, your family and our community!

Presented by Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department
For more information, or to register (at least one week prior) contact Christy Adonis, Disaster Preparedness Officer at 802-4254 or email:christya@bscfd.org

• Monday, August8th, 7pm to 9pm, San Carlos City Hall, 600 Elm St., Second floor- Room 207
• Tuesday September 13th, 7pm to 9pm Fire Station 14, 911 Granada Street & Ralston, Belmont

INSTRUCTORS: Fire Department staff Presentations for groups of 20 or more are available. Call us for information or to schedule.

Are you ready? Being prepared reduces the fear and anxiety often associated with traumatic events, lessens the impact of disasters, helps people and their neighbors survive, and plays a major role in allowing Police, Fire, and medical personnel to focus on those who really need attention. Most importantly, it also reduces the need to seek out food, water, and other essential supplies when thousands of other people are trying to do the same thing.

In an effort to better prepare our community for potential disasters, we will provide valuable information on topics such as:

• Creating a family disaster plan
• Assembling home and portable disaster supply kits
• Sheltering in place
• Evacuation procedures
• Preparing for and responding to specific disasters

Let us show you how, register now.

CPR Training in Woodside

Where: Woodside Fire Protection District, Station 19
4091 Jefferson Avenue, Emerald Lake
When: July 23 or August 20
Information Flyer

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)

Did you know?? – In San Mateo County, the following 9 cities are within the Wildland Urban Interface: San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, San Mateo, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Pacifica, and Portola Valley.

Why Attend?? – California has one of the most severe wildland fire problems in the world because of: Population, Vegetation, Topography, and Climate.  In wildland/urban interface areas, wildfire isn’t a matter of “IF”; it’s a matter of “WHEN”.  This Wildland Urban Interface training was developed to provide CERT members with an increased knowledge about interface dangers and how as a team they can prepare.  The presentation will cover the following:  Interface dangers, including basic fire behavior and environmental influences; wildland fire safety, including how to prepare your home, yards and neighborhoods; and what to do when a wildland fire is threatening homes and your community.

Join us…bring a friend…be prepared…  This presentation is open to all CERTs.

National Night Out

Tuesday August 2^nd,  planned by your neighbors for you and your neighborhood.

Please take a moment to meet your neighbors, strengthen neighborhood spirit and unity, share information on Disaster Preparedness and CERT.  The list below shows the locations of those neighborhoods that will be Celebrating National Night Out in our area, visit at a location near you.  Each location has something different, from cookies, ice cream, desserts, pot-luck bbq, to free fingerprint/ID kits for kids and prizes.  Don’t see a location near you, please come by the Carlmont Village Shopping Center, interested in brining NNO to your block next year, stop by, learn how.

Belmont locations:

• Carlmont Village Shopping Center (5:30-8:30p.m) Food, drinks, prizes and kids fun.
•  Sterling Downs Neighborhood- Alexander Park (6:00-8:30pm) Root beer Floats
• Cipriani Neighborhood – Semeria Park (6:00-8:30pm) Desserts.
• Sunnylope between Broadway and O’Neill (6:00-8:30pm) BBQ & pot luck, bounce house for kids.  Bring a salad, appetizer or dessert to share.
• Hallmark BHCIA- Corner of Hallmark Drive and Lake Road (6:00-8:30pm) Food and Drinks provided.
• Homeview Neighborhood- O’Donnell Park (6:00-8:30pm) – surprise
• McDougal Neighborhood- Mcdougal Park (5:30-8:30pm) – surprise

San Carlos location:

• White Oak Neighborhood- 2125 White Oak Way (6:00-8:30pm) Ice Cream Social, bring a topping to share.  Ice Cream and utensils provided.

CERT meeting: Wednesday July 20th, 7:00-9pm (training classes held on alternate months)

Location- Belmont City Hall, EOC Room 2nd Floor
Agenda: Weather During a Disaster
Who: NOAA Senior Forecaster, Mark Strobin

Please rsvp by Monday, July 18^th if you plan to attend this informative meeting…

Synopsis:  Remaining situationally aware includes having knowledge of weather basics.  During disasters the weather plays a big role in many aspects of response.  Being aware of the weather can help determine how your unit will respond or plan for an event; what, if any, weather hazards exist; if there are hazards on the horizon; and answer the question – will the weather contribute to the deterioration of the incident or provide relief.

This class will teach you the advantages of watching the weather, finding avenues to monitor the weather, how to get weather forecasts, and knowing the weather hazards in your area.

Join us…bring a friend…be prepared…  This presentation is open to all CERTs.

CPR, AED, and First Aid Training

Presented By Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department

This low stress course is taught by Firefighter Paramedics, EMTs and designed for all community members or non-Health Care providers. The course will provide CPR training for the adult patient and proper use of personal protective equipment. Students will receive hands-on training with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The course instruction includes, instructor input, video-based lessons and practice on manikins.

Students will also learn the proper steps in rendering First Aid, the legal aspects of First Aid, scene assessment and patient assessment. The core of the class will cover basic medical emergencies including treating burns, wounds, bleeding, shock, bone/muscle/joint injuries, poisoning, bites and stings, environmental emergencies and much more.

This course meets OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training employees how to respond and care for medical emergencies at work.

Our goal as instructors at the Belmont –San Carlos Fire Department is to provide a positive comfortable learning environment and give you the confidence and skills to perform CPR and/or provide basic First Aid treatment after you call 911, but before Advanced Life Support Resources arrive on the scene.

CPR/AED and First Aid
Date: Saturday, February 19th (9am to 5pm)
Or
Date: Tuesday, June 7th and June 14th (6pm to 9:30pm)
Cost: $50.00

CPR/AED and First Aid
Date: Saturday, February 19th (9am to 5pm)
Or
Date: Tuesday, June 7th and June 14th (6pm to 9:30pm)
Cost: $50.00
=======
CPR/AED only (no First Aid)
Dates: Tuesday, March 1st  6pm to 9:30pm
or
Tuesday, April 19th 6pm to 9:30pm
or
Tuesday, July 12th 6pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $35.00

Classes held at: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station #14, 911 Granada Ave, Belmont

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING (C.E.R.T.)

Come join us in this interactive and informative class and learn how to take better care of yourself, yourself, your family, your loved ones and neighbors when a disaster does happen.

Floods, wildfires, mudslides, earthquake, airline crash, terrorism – Disasters come in all forms and severity, are unpredictable and cause disruptions to emergency services.

The cities of Belmont and San Carlos know a disaster can easily overwhelm emergency response resources, Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services. The C.E.R.T. program will provide citizens with basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills to help reduce loss and protect property during the most critical timeframe, until emergency responders can arrive.

During the C.E.R.T. course, students will receive training in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and terrorism. Upon course completion students will receive a Certificate of Completion and basic disaster response equipment (hard hat, work gloves, goggles, vest and more). Don’t miss a night of this critical training. For additional information or to register by phone, please call Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department, Christy Adonis at (650) 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org

AGE: 18 +
FEE: FREE
INSTRUCTORS: Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department staff and Belmont Police Officers

• Wednesday February 23rd, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

• Saturday February 26th, 9am to 5pm
• Saturday March 12th, 9am to 5pm

• Wednesday April 13th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
• Saturday April 23rd, 9am to 5pm
• Saturday April 30th, 9am to 5pm

• Wednesday June 22nd, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
• Saturday June 25th, 9am to 5pm
• Saturday July 9th, 9am to 5pm

All classes are held at: Belmont-San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada Street, Belmont

Skills Day Assistants needed (location details to follow)

July 9th Saturday, 10am to 4:30pm
We need your help as a skills day assistant. To participate as a skill station assistant, you must first shadow on a skills day. To sign up to shadow or assist, please email Christy at christya@bscfd.org include in your subject line “July 9th Assistant”.

Relay for Life – Carlmont High School

June 18th to June 19th, Saturday 10am to Sunday 10am
The event lasts a full 24 hours, however you are welcome to participate for as little or as long as you would like.
What is Relay for Life..? http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/whatisrelay

At the team’s request, we are participating in two ways: Similar to last year, we will have a booth, providing information on CERT, Disaster Preparedness and fire safety. A new addition for this year: A registered RFL walking team on the track.  You are welcome to volunteer at the booth, join your team members on the track, or you can do a little of both. This event is a great way to support a community fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, as well as a fun social event to get to know your fellow CERTs, and let the community see us. Bring your vest, ID card, pack a lunch, bring a folding chair, bring a friend, sunscreen, and snack to share, we’ll make it our first Summer Social of 2011…

See the CERT news bulletin for more information.

Disaster Preparedness Day – San Mateo County Fair Grounds

June 11th Saturday, 9:30am to 2:30pm
We will have a booth at this event to provide information on CERT and Disaster Preparedness. If you would like to join me in working the booth, please let me know the times you are available. To sign up for this event, please email Christy at christya@bscfd.org and include “Prep Day” in your subject line.

San Carlos Hometown Days

Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd,  7:30am to 5:30pm
Staffing a Post/Traffic Control- Hometown Days is a community event, which includes a parade on Saturday morning (8:30am to 11:30am) and a 5k/10k run on Sunday morning (7:30am to 11:30pm). Due to the size of both events, and the amount of qualified people needed to staff the streets of San Carlos, we need our volunteers to assist.  See the CERT news bulletin for more information.

National Night Out (Planning Meeting)

May 2nd Monday – 6:30pm, Belmont EOC
Team participation on National Night Out (August 2nd 7pm to 8:30pm)
Last year we had a large hands-on field training exercise. We incorporated into the exercise the distribution of invitations and information for two NNO participating neighborhoods along with CERT training handouts. We also staffed a table/booth at the Carlmont Shopping Center and attended NNO within our surrounding areas.  This year, help build awareness and preparedness on your block or in your neighborhood.  See the CERT news bulletin for more information.

CERT Skills Make-up

April 30th Saturday -1pm to 4pm, Station 14
If you are in need of making up your skills day, please join us for the hands-on final session. Please rsvp to Christy at christya@bscfd.org and include in your subject line “April 30th Make-up”.

Fire Station Tour

Come by for a station tour and see a brand new fire truck up close.  We proudly present to our community the new Tiller Truck arrival, replacing the old one that has served since 1989.  The new tiller is a 100 foot long, tractor drawn aerial truck.  The truck should be operational for 20 years and has six-passenger seating plus the tiller driver position in the back.  Come join us to celebrate the arrival.

Volunteer/Docent: We are in need of a few CERT members to assist us during the presentation and tour. Please rsvp to me if you are available to assist, and what times you are available.

Saturday April 16th, 10:00-11:30  or  1:30-3:00pm

Location: Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St, Belmont

RSVP required.  Contact Christy Adonis (650)802-4254 or christya@bscfd.org

SILVER DRAGON V Annual Exercise

March 24^th,  7:30am to 1:30 pm, Belmont City Hall EOC room

Each CERT member will be provided a written Incident Action plan on the day of the event as well as a team assignment, morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.

On Thursday, March 24, 2011, members of the Belmont-San Carlos and Redwood City CERT Community have again been invited to participate in the San Mateo County Public Health Silver Dragon IV Exercise.  During this exercise, CERT members throughout San Mateo County will go door-to-door delivering/dropping off fire prevention information to residents within their communities.  The purpose of this public health exercise is to enhance public health readiness, preparedness, and response to a biological disease threat.  (we will not be ringing door bells and talking to residents, only dropping off information)

The goal of this public health exercise is to enhance regional coordination in response plans, and to identify how long it would take to distribute medication or other supplies to pre-established neighborhoods utilizing CERT volunteers.

Belmont-San Carlos and Redwood City CERT members will be working together and will canvass (3) specific neighborhoods in Belmont.  As team members you will be testing your communication skills with FRS and HAM radios, plus we will test certain skills that you learned in your initial CERT Course.  In order to facilitate some training for all participating CERT members and to learn from each other, CERT members from Redwood City will be teamed with CERT members from Belmont-San Carlos.  This is also a great way to build relationships between participating cities because you just never know when you will be called into service.

The schedule of the day’s exercise is as follows:

0730 to 0815     CERT members from Belmont-San Carlos and Redwood City arrive Belmont EOC for check-in and breakfast

0815 to 0845     Command and General Staff members conduct an exercise briefing.

0845 to 0900     CERT members travel to the designated Incident Command Post

0900 to 0930     CERT members participate in Operations Section Chief, Branch Directors and Communications Briefing

0930 to 0945     CERT members travel to their respective divisions

0945 to 1130     CERT members distribute of Fire Prevention information

1130 to 1200     CERT members return to ICP for a short de-brief

1200 to 1215     CERT members return to Belmont EOC

1215 to 1330     Lunch, a short de-brief on the exercise, complete critique form, and check-out

1330                 Exercise is concluded

Put into practice all you have learned, show your skills, work with multiple jurisdictions, Police Departments, Fire Departments and County Public Health Department…  This will be a combination and joint effort including 16 Community Emergency Response Teams within the surrounding cities.

RSVP is required.

Fellow CERT member Terese Ruth will be assisting with coordination of this exercise, please send your rsvp to her at tcbsccert@aol.com

Include in your response:  If you have you have participated in Silver Dragon in prior years, what was your assignment, if you are a HAM Operator, number of years as a CERT member.  We need to fill all positions including, scribe, documentation, radio communications and observer and more.

Thank you in advance for your continued efforts to enhance our community preparedness. You may also email Christy with any specific questions or for additional details.

CERT meeting: Wednesday March 16th, 7:00-9pm

Location- Belmont City Hall, EOC Room 2nd Floor

Agenda: HAM Radio Operations

American Red Cross (ARC) Shelter Operations training

• Date: Saturday, January 22
• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m.
• Place: Burlingame Recreation Center (850 Burlingame Avenue)
• RSVP to: Lisa Bartolo at lbartolo@centralcountyfd.org or (650) 558-7668

American Red Cross (ARC) Shelter Operations training is a great training to take. Providing you advanced knowledge of how CERT’s can work within a Red Cross Shelter at a time of need. Red Cross has many volunteers, however it is good to have local residents (you) who can respond to assist during a shelter set-up and operational period. Here is the information flyer.

HAM Radio class

• Date: Saturday, January 22nd
• Time: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Register at www.baears.com

Communications are key to any disaster… The course is a basic class to give you the training needed to apply and test for a HAM radio license. HAM frequencies reach far and wide, allowing users to talk across an entire state or further. In addition, members trained in HAM radio operations are able to assist at the Incident Command Post and at the City Emergency Operations Center. We need more members capable of using and being licensed as HAM operators.  Here is the information flyer.

BSCFD Holiday Toy Drive/Open House

This season at the following dates/locations

• December 2^nd Fire Station 13                        5:00-8:00PM
• December 3^rd Fire Station 14                        5:00-8:00PM

Red Cross Partner Agency Shelter Ops and Simulation Workshop

Please see the below invitation to a shelter class that will be hosted in Redwood City for CERT members on Saturday November 6 from 9:30 am – 1:30pm at Veterans Memorial Senior Center, Goldstar room. Redwood City has extended this invitation to the Belmont-San Carlos CERT’s. The class is free of cost. See the attach flier for more information.

Please RSVP by Friday November 5 at 12:00 noon, to christya@bscfd.org if you plan to attend this training… and please wear your CERT Lanyard and BSCCERT ID card to the training.

Red Cross Partner Agency Shelter Ops and Simulation Workshop is an excellent first step in preparing CERT members to respond alongside American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter. The training will provide participants with an opportunity to learn and apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to operate a successful emergency shelter. All participants will receive A Toolkit Manual to Sheltering as part of the workshop. This toolkit is designed to serve as a guide to opening and running a shelter according to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and American Red Cross Mission.

After completing this training, participants will be able to -

• Open and operate a shelter within Red Cross guidelines
• Work as a team to provide quality shelter services to clients
• Identify and use available resources
• Address common shelter problems

The Partner Agency Shelter Ops and Simulation Workshop is 4 hours long and includes a table-top exercise facilitated by the experienced Red Cross Volunteers and Staff. (see attached flier)

CERT meeting: Wednesday November 3rd, 7 -9pm

Location- BSCFD Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St., Belmont.

• Medical Triage Refresher Training

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (C.E.R.T.) Training for 2010

Come join us in this interactive and informative class and learn how to take better care of yourself, your family, your loved ones and neighbors when a disaster does happen. Floods, wildfires, mudslides, earthquake, airline crash, terrorism – Disasters come in all forms and severity, are unpredictable and cause disruptions to emergency services.

The Cities of Belmont and San Carlos know a disaster can easily overwhelm its emergency response resources, Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services. The C.E.R.T. program will provide citizens with basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills to help reduce loss and protect property during the most critical timeframe, until emergency responders can arrive.

During the 20 hour C.E.R.T. course, students will receive training in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and terrorism. Upon course completion students will receive a Certificate of Completion and basic disaster response equipment (hard hat, work gloves, goggles, vest and more). Don’t miss a night of this critical training.

For additional information or to register by phone, please call Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department, Christy Adonis at 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org

INSTRUCTORS: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department staff, Belmont and San Carlos Police Officers

Cost: FREE

Dates:

Tuesday, June 29 @ 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Saturday, July 10 @9:00am to 4:30pm

Saturday, July 24 @9:00am to 4:30pm

LOCATION: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station 13, 525 Laurel St., San Carlos

OR

Monday, August 16 @ 9:00am to 4:30pm

Tuesday, August 17 @9:00am to 4:30pm

Wednesday, August 18 @9:00am to 4:30pm

LOCATION: Notre Dame De Namur University, 1500 Ralston Ave., Belmont (Taube Conference Center)

OR

Wednesday, September 22 @ 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Saturday, October 2 @ 9:00am to 4:30pm

Saturday, October 16 @ 9:00am to 4:30pm

LOCATION: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station 13, 525 Laurel St., San Carlos

San Carlos Art and Wine Festival

October 9th and 10th, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm

The annual Art and Wine Festival in San Carlos will be held on Laurel Street, between San Carlos Ave. and Arroyo Ave. This is a well attended event in the 20th year, with many exhibitors and food booths. We will have a booth set up on both days to provide fire prevention and disaster preparedness information to our community.

If you are interested in volunteering to help with event setup, staff the booth, or take down of the booth, please let Christy know (any amount of time will be a big help). It would be great to have you join us out for a day of fun….

Special Request for this event: Extra assistance is needed in the morning hours (7:45am to 9:30) for event set up, placing tables, chairs, umbrellas, setting out trash bins/bags) Please respond to Christy via email at christya@bscfd.org if you can make it.

CERT meeting: Wednesday October 6th, 7 -9pm

Locations- BSCFD Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St., Belmont.

Agenda:

• CERT train the Trainer
• Eagle Scout Project
• November training “Triage Refresher”
• December Annual Get together Pot Luck
• Volunteers needed for shelving assembly project

Annual Save the Music Festival

October 3rd, Saturday 11am to 5pm

Twin Pines Park in Belmont, 1225 Ralston Ave

The Annual Save the Music Festival is  a fun free event with live music, food, beverages and family entertainment. We will have a booth set up at this event, providing fire prevention and disaster preparedness information to our community. http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1114311/CA/Belmont/Save-The-Music-Festival/Twin-Pines-Park/

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with staffing our booth for a period of time, it would be great to have you. Please respond to Christy via email at christya@bscfd.org

County of San Mateo Disaster Preparedness Fair

Saturday, September 18th    10am to 2pm

345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park

The annual County of San Mateo Disaster Preparedness Fair will be held at the USGS (United States Geological Survey) . We will have a booth space at the event as well as the HazMat Response Vehicle and Trailer. Our neighboring local Fire Departments will also be in attendance, with preparedness displays and information.  Here is the information flyer.

This event is free and open for public attendance, so please bring a friend. Also a great way to meet your fellow CERT’s.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with staffing our booth for a period of time, it would be great to have you. Please respond to Christy via email at christya@bscfd.org.

FREE Whooping Cough vaccine clinic

September 18th   10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

San Mateo County Administration Building, Room 100

225 W. 37th Ave in San Mateo

Please see the attached flyer for the upcoming FREE Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine clinic on Sept 18, 2010.

CPR/AED ONLY (no First Aid)

Class covers Adult, Pediatric, and Infant CPR and AED use.  Choose any one of the dates listed.

DATES:Tuesday Feb 23, Monday Mar 22, Thursday May 6, Tuesday Jul 13, Tuesday Aug 10; 6-9:30pm

LOCATION: Belmont/San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St. Belmont

INSTRUCTORS: Fire Department staff

AGE: 14+ Fee $35 – sign up by email to: christya @bscfd.org

National Night Out,  Tuesday, August 3rd

Locations:

Belmont- Cipriani School Park – ( 6:00pm – 9:00pm)

• Serving Ice Cream and Cookies.  Contact person is George Burgess cell ph. (650) 703-3171.

Belmont- Fox Elementary School (6:00-8:30 PM)

• This event is being held in the school parking lot, open to all residents of Hallmark and Belcrest Gardens area.  Bring your own chairs.  RSVP required for food (hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and watermelon).  Contact Chela Stklosa at 591-6807 or cstoklosa55@yahoo.com with names, address and number of attendees.

Belmont- 5th Avenue between Harbor and Broadway (7:00-9:00 PM)

• This event will be an ice cream social (ice cream provided), open to all residents on or around 5th Ave.  Please bring a topping to share, and reusable bowl and spoon.  Optional: food donations are being accepted for Samaritan House.  Contact Michyle LaPedis at 598-1080 or mlapedis@hotmail.com

Belmont- 2612 Carlmont Drive  (7:00pm – 8:30PM)

• This is an Ice Cream and Popsicle Social (provided), you are welcome to bring something to share.  Contact person is Council Member David Braunstein ph. (650) 508-0443.

Carlmont Shopping Center – South Lot (Chamber of Commerce) – 6:00pm – 9:00pm

• Free food and drink tasting, raffle prizes, merchant and chamber booths.  Contact person is Lenore Griffin ph. (650) 394-5959.

Belmont- 2125 White Oak Way –between Oakhurst and Cordilleras, (7:00pm – 9:00pm)

• Ice Cream (provided). Please bring a topping to share (e.g. flavored syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, etc.), reusable bowl & spoon (cut down on trash). Optional: food donation for Samaritan House collection barrel.  Contact person is Laila Adle (Ph: 598-0972, or adlemaya@aol.com)

Belmont Music in the Park

Date:  Sunday July 18th

Location:  Twin Pines Park   30 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont

Time: 1:00 to 4:00 Arrive early for best seating.

Summer is here and it’s time for our 2^nd annual Music in the Park… CERT Social  July 18^th, 2010  .

Classic Rock:“Mid Life Vices”

Join us for some pure fun and Music in the Park, plan to bring a picnic dinner and beverage, blanket and or chair for seating.  Bring a friend of family member… it will be a great time.  DESSERT WILL BE PROVIDED

Please see the attached flyer for more information, and  RSVP to fellow CERT member Terese Ruth,  TCbsccert@aol.com

National Night Out Flyer Exercise

Date:  Saturday July 17th

Location:  Barrett Community Center, Belmont

This  Full Scale CERT Exercise will allow us to practice all of our skills and additionally assist several Belmont Neighborhoods to get the word out on CERT, preparedness, awareness and National Night out.  Pizza Lunch will be provided.

Members of the Belmont – San Carlos CERT will participate in the “Full Scale Exercise” in conjunction with the Emergency Operation Center at the City of Belmont.  During this exercise, CERT members along with SCARES’s (South County Amateur Radio Emergency Services) members will test radios and deliver National Night Out/CERT information to residents of several Belmont neighborhoods.

The purpose of this exercise is to test the team’s ability to set-up an Incident Command Post (ICP), team deployment and proper documentation, team organization utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS), functionality of our Emergency Response Trailer, operation of our Portable HAM Radio and the ability to relay critical information to and from the City of Belmont EOC to the CERT Field ICP.

The goal of this exercise is to enhance coordination between all participants in communications and response plans, and to identify additional resources that may be needed by CERT members in an actual disaster.

As team members you will be testing your communication skills with FRS and HAM radios, plus we will test other skills that you learned in your initial CERT course.  In order to facilitate some training for all participating CERT members and to learn from our exercise, CERT members will be given scenarios to review decision making based on CERT curriculum.  This is a great way to build relationships between all participants and to get preparedness information out to our community.

The schedule of the day’s exercise is as follows:

0900 to 0920        CERT and SCARES members arrive at Barrett Community Center for check-in  “Room C”

0920 to 0945        Incident Briefing and Team assignments

0945 to 1000        Assigned HAM’s report to Belmont City Hall, EOC Radio Control Room

0945 to 1000       CERT Field ICP and Teams receive scenarios and NNO/CERT information

1000 to 1130        CERT members distribute NNO information/test communications and work through scenarios

1130 to 1145        All participants report to Barrett Community Center

1130 to 1145        CERT Field ICP take-down and clean-up

1145 to 1215        All participants sign-out, exercise de-brief and a Pizza Lunch.

If you are interested in participating in this exercise, please RSVP no later than July 14th. To christya@bscfd.org Minimum participation needed, 25 team members.

CERT meeting: July 7th, 7 -9pm

Location- the old Fire Station, 875 O’Neill Ave in Belmont

Agenda: Search & Rescue Exercise with ICP and Radio Communications

This exercise will allow all members to work together as a team to practice and review what you learned during the final skills day of you initial CERT training.  The team trailer will be open and available for all members.  We will set up an Incident Command Post, utilize and become familiar with ICS forms, proper documentation and radio communications.

Little known fact:  The location of our exercise is quite a site, it is an actual Fire Station that in the past was an active working station of one of our departments longest employee’s, our Fire Chief, Doug Fry.  In speaking to the Chief, he mentioned he as not been in the station since he last work in it prior to it’s closure many many many years ago.  The Fire Chief will be in attendance for this training exercise arriving around 6:30pm.  If you are interested in a little bit of history, please stop in for a short visit and he will be happy to share with you, what the station was like during its operational day’s.

Please bring your CERT backpack, ID cards and wear closed toe shoes and long pants.  Also bring your FRS or HAM radio if you have one.

We would like to assure we have planned accordingly for all who will be attending, please RSVP to Christy christya@bscfd.org by noon on July 6th

4th of July Fireworks Monitoring (Activity Cancelled)

Date:  July 4th

Location:  TBA Belmont and San Carlos locations

Time: Shift is tentatively 9 PM-12 AM (midnight)

American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Dates:  June 26th

Location:  Carlmont High School

New CERT activity for this year.  This is a 24 hr walkathon and BSC CERT has been invited to set up a CERT information booth. Booth hours are 9AM-2PM

Emergency Preparedness for Seniors

Dates: April 27 and June 22

This is a free workshop which will instruct you on how to prepare for a disaster, how to setup a support network and how to keep track of your medications and important information.  You will not only walk away with information to help keep you safe in an emergency, but you will also take home a free disaster kit!

Presented by the Center for Independence of the Disabled.  Phone 595-7444 to reserve your seat.

Shift Happens – Earthquake Science Lecture

When:  Thursday, June 24^th

Time:    6:30pm-9:00pm

Where:  1000 E. Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City

Wind Room (located on the second floor of the Foster City Library)

Who:    Dr. Clint Steele, USGS Geologist

We have received an invitation from our CERT Neighbors in Foster City to attend a presentation by: Dr. Clint Steele, USGS Geologist.

We know about: what we should do before the next earthquake, how to protect yourself, how to reduce your losses, and how the shaking will affect your community.  We know what preparations we can do at home.

That is only part of the story…

In “Shift Happens” you will hear about the science of: earthquakes; faults; seismic waves; magnitude; intensity; frequency; shake maps; and locating, comparing, and predicting earthquakes.  This is the class many of your have been asking about, hope to see you there!

Please RSVP to Christy (christya@bscfd.org or 650.802.4254) no later than Wednesday, June 23^rd if you plan to attend this informative meeting.

CPR, AED, & First Aid for Adults

This low stress course is taught by Firefighter Paramedics, EMTs and designed for all community members or non-Health Care providers.  The course will provide CPR training for the adult patient and proper use of personal protective equipment.  Students will receive hands-on training with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).  The course instruction includes, instructor input, video-based lessons and practice on mannequins.  Students will also learn the proper steps in rendering First Aid, the legal aspects of First Aid, scene assessment and patient assessment.  The core of the class will cover basic medical emergencies including treating burns, wounds, bleeding, shock, bone/muscle/joint injuries, poisoning, bites and stings, environmental emergencies and much more.

This course meets OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training employees how to respond and care for medical emergencies at work.

Our goal as instructors at the Belmont –San Carlos Fire Department is to provide a positive comfortable learning environment and give you the confidence and skills to perform CPR and/or provide basic First Aid treatment after you call 911, but before Advanced Life Support Resources arrive on the scene.

Choose any one of the three class listed below

DATES: Mon, Feb 1 AND Feb 8, Tuesday 4/6 AND Tuesday 4/13, Tuesday 6/1 AND Tuesday 6/8; 6:00pm to 9:30pm

LOCATION: Belmont/San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St. Belmont

INSTRUCTORS: Fire Department staff

AGE: 14 + FEE: $50 sign up by email to: kimrah@bscfd.org

Amateur Radio Training Class

As many of you have expressed an interest in taking the Amateur Radio training class, also known as HAM Radio.  Please see this flyer for an upcoming training opportunity.  Attending this class and getting your license as a HAM is a great asset to add to our TEAM, as in all situations, communications are key.

CERT Refresher Training

What:   CERT Skills Day

When:   Saturday, May 22^nd

Where:  Foster City Fire Department    1040 E. Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City

Due to a few conflicts, several of the students in the current Foster City CERT class will need to defer participating in Skills Day until the next session in August, so their spots have been offered to our members who want to “refresh” their skills.  Those who would like to participate in the Foster City Skills Day, it is scheduled for thisSaturday, May 22^nd.  I know this is short notice, but it is an opportunity available in case anyone is interested!  Here’s the info:

Exercise details:

• Check in:           7:30 AM and 7:45 AM
• Event Briefing:   7:50 AM to 8:30 AM
• Skill Stations:    8:30 AM to 11:45 AM
• Event Debrief:   11:45 AM to 12:15 PM

There are eight Skill Stations, managed by either Firefighters or T3 Trained CERT Members, where CERT members will have the chance to practice the skills they learned in the classroom, they are:

• 1 – Utility
• 2 – Fire Pan
• 3 – Cribbing
• 4 – Search & Rescue
• 5 – Triage
• 6 – Disaster Medical
• 7 – Lifts & Carries
• 8 – FRS/ICP

This Skills Day is just the Skill Stations.

You will need to bring your CERT backpack, ID Card, and wear your CERT Vest, Hard Hat and PPE’s. (personal protective equipment).  Closed toe shoes are required, no shorts or baseball caps.

There will be fruit, muffins, coffee and juice in the AM and Cake during the afternoon.

Home Town Days CERT Volunteers Needed

Dates:  May 22nd and May 23rd

Location: Burton Park, San Carlos

An annul San Carlos parade, foot race and entertainment at Burton Park. There are several options to assist with this event: Assisting the San Carlos Police Department with traffic control during the parade on Saturday and the 5k and 10k Foot Race on Sunday, as well as assisting at the Fire Department booth on behalf of CERT.

CERT meeting: May 5th, 7 -8:30pm

Location- BSCFD Fire Station 14    911 Granada Street, Belmont

Personal Safety and Traffic Control training

Why is this important to our team? During an emergency, disaster or planned event, you as CERT members may be called upon to assist with traffic control. Your personal safety is always number one and this is a great way to gain the “know How” before the situation arises. Please join us for an informative presentation by Police Officers from Belmont and San Carlos Police Department.

An invitation to this presentation will also be sent to our neighboring CERT’s, it is enjoyable to meet and work together.

We are offering Traffic Control and Personal Safety once again this year and hope to see all of you who were unable to attend last year. The feedback from those of you who previously attended was great and we look forward to seeing some new faces.

RSVP to christya@bscfd.org by Sunday May 2nd

Full Scale Communications Exercise w/ City of Belmont Emergency Operations Center

April 21st, 7:30AM to 11:00 AM

Lcoation: Barrett Community Center:

On Wednesday, April 21st, 2010, members of the Belmont – San Carlos CERT will participate in the “Exercise April EOC” in conjunction with the Emergency Operation Center at the City of Belmont. Members of City Staff, Belmont Police Department, Mid-Peninsula Water, Belmont Schools and Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department will also be participating in the “Exercise April EOC”.

During this exercise, CERT members along with SCARES’s (South County Amateur Radio Emergency Services) members will test radios and deliver earthquake preparedness/CERT information to residents of the neighborhood nearest the Barrett Community Center. The purpose of this EOC exercise is to test the team’s ability to set-up an Incident Command Post (ICP), team deployment and proper documentation, team organization utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS), functionality of our Emergency Response Trailer, operation of our Portable HAM Radio and the ability to relay critical information to and from the City of Belmont EOC to the CERT Field ICP.

The goal of this exercise is to enhance coordination between all participants in communications and response plans, and to identify additional resources that may be needed by CERT members in an actual disaster.

As team members you will be testing your communication skills with FRS and HAM radios, plus we will test other skills that you learned in your initial CERT course. In order to facilitate some training for all participating CERT members and to learn from our exercise, CERT members will be given scenarios to review decision making based on CERT curriculum. This is a great way to build relationships between all participants and to get preparedness information out to our community.

The schedule of the day’s exercise is as follows:

• 0800 to 0820 CERT and SCARES members arrive at Barrett Community Center for check-in
• 0820 to 0845 Incident Briefing/Complete Radio Communications Plan and Team assignments
• 0845 to 0900 SCARES members report to Belmont City Hall, EOC Radio Control Room, CERT Field ICP and Teams receive scenarios and Earthquake information
• 0900 to 1015 CERT members distribute EQ information/test communications and work through scenarios
• 1015 to 1030 SCARES members report to Barrett Community Center, CERT Field ICP take-down and clean-up
• 1030 to 1100 All participants sign-out and exercise debrief

If you are interested in participating in this exercise, please RSVP no later than April 18th to christya@bscfd.org

UPDATE:

Our Team Exercise is 2 days away, it is going to be great to test out our equipment and set-up our ICP. The below members have sent an RSVP to participate. If you have rsvp’d and do not see your name, please let me know and I will add you. If you are listed below and are now unable to attend, please also let me know. Some of you are both a CERT and a HAM, we have many positions within the exercise for all participants.

Members from the SCARES group will also be participating in the exercise. It is going to be great to see our plan in action, this will allow us to make improvements as needed.

All participants must check-in at the Barrett Community Center- ROOM D, 1835 Belburn Dr., Belmont.

Please bring your CERT backpack, vest, hard hat, clip board, pen and a bottle of water. Weather for Wednesday, is calling for a chance of showers, so layers of clothing, raincoat, sunscreen and an umbrella may come in handy. If you have an FRS/GMRS radio please bring it with spare batteries. If you are a HAM, please bring your radio as well. Allow space in your back pack to carry flyers and handouts. An additional good to have item would be your small first aid kit.

Effective Prevention, Detection, Investigation, and Response

Please join us for this great opportunity…there will be a lot of hands on activities.

Location: US&R Warehouse 1376 Willow Road   Menlo Park CA 94025

Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Time: 6:00pm – 9:00 pm

You don’t want to be late…we will have a guest speaker at the beginning of the class. Dave Lippon from our local D-MAT Team will be sharing his experiences from Katrina and Haiti.

This session provides an introduction to the new Public Health Community Emergency Response Training (PH-CERT) Curriculum with a focus on Infectious Disease Threats after Disasters. The training will provide an overview of general precautions and recommendations for preventing infectious diseases after disasters. Specific discussions and group activities will focus on 7 key potential sources of infections including water, food and people. Basic infectious disease terminology and a model of infection will be introduced to gain a better understanding of infectious disease sources and modes of transmission. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback and comments about the course.

Please RSVP to christya@bscfd.org… CLASS IS NOW FULL

CERT meeting: April 7th, 7 -9:30pm

Location- BSCFD Fire Station 14    911 Granada Street, Belmont

• portable HAM radio will be presented with guest speaker from SCARES.
• Philip De Turck and his proposed Eagle Scout Preparedness Project
• Map Your Neighborhood program
• plan our second annual summer-get-together.

SILVER DRAGON EXERCISE

Date: March 11th, 8am to 1:30pm

Just a reminder that our large CERT exercise is a little over a month away, the Incident Action Plan is currently being drafted and will include all members who will be participating. If you are planning to attend, please confirm by email or phone to me by 2/18.

On Thursday, March 11th, 2010, members of the Belmont – San Carlos CERT Community have again been invited to participate in the San Mateo County Silver Dragon IV Exercise. During this exercise, CERT members throughout San Mateo County will go door-to-door delivering earthquake preparedness information to residents in their communities. The purpose of this public health exercise is to enhance public health readiness, preparedness, and response to a biological disease threat.

The goal of this public health exercise is to enhance regional coordination in response plans, and to identify how long it would take to distribute medication or other supplies to pre-established neighborhoods utilizing CERT volunteers.

Belmont-San Carlos, Cal-Fire, and Foster City CERT members will be working together and will canvass (2) specific neighborhoods in Foster City. As team members you will be testing your communication skills with FRS and HAM radios, plus we will test certain skills that you learned in your initial CERT Course. In order to facilitate some training for all participating CERT members and to learn from each other, CERT members from Foster City will be teamed with CERT members from Belmont-San Carlos and Cal-Fire. This is also a great way to build relationships between participating cities because you just never know when you will be called into service.

RSVP is required for this exercise, as each CERT member will be provided a written Incident Action plan on the day of the event as well as a team assignment.

The schedule of the day’s exercise is as follows:

0730 to 0815 CERT members from Belmont-San Carlos, Cal-Fire and Foster City arrive at FCFD Station 28 for check-in and breakfast

0815 to 0845 Command and General Staff members conduct an exercise briefing.

0845 to 0900 CERT members travel to the designated Incident Command Post

0900 to 0930 CERT members participate in Operations Section Chief, Branch Directors and Communications Briefing

0930 to 0945 CERT members travel to their respective divisions

0945 to 1130 CERT members distribute of EQ Preparedness information

1130 to 1200 CERT members return to ICP for a short de-brief

1200 to 1215 CERT members return to FCFD Station 28

1215 to 1330 Lunch, a short de-brief on the exercise, complete critique form, and check-out

1330 Exercise is concluded

Please RSVP no later than February 18th by email to christya@bscfd or telephone 802-4254.

CERT meeting: March 3rd, 7 -9:30pm

Location- BSCFD Fire Station 14

• Radio Communications Class

What is FRS and why take a radio communications class? As CERT members, we will work as a team, setting up an incident command post and relaying messages to the City EOC (Emergency Operations Center) via a HAM radio operator.

During this class, we will learn how the FRS (Family Radio Service) and other radios work, using ICS for span of control, setting channels, proper radio use, and using forms. This class will be presented by myself and fellow CERT member George Walschon.

Please RSVP by 3/1 to Christy Adonis at 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org

This class was presented last year and highly requested by many members to be presented again. Hope to see you there.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (C.E.R.T.) Training for 2010

Come join us in this interactive and informative class and learn how to take better care of yourself, your family, your loved ones and neighbors when a disaster does happen. Floods, wildfires, mudslides, earthquake, airline crash, terrorism – Disasters come in all forms and severity, are unpredictable and cause disruptions to emergency services.

The Cities of Belmont and San Carlos know a disaster can easily overwhelm its emergency response resources, Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services. The C.E.R.T. program will provide citizens with basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills to help reduce loss and protect property during the most critical timeframe, until emergency responders can arrive.

During the 20 hour C.E.R.T. course, students will receive training in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and terrorism. Upon course completion students will receive a Certificate of Completion and basic disaster response equipment (hard hat, work gloves, goggles, vest and more). Don’t miss a night of this critical training.

For additional information or to register by phone, please call Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department, Christy Adonis at 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org

INSTRUCTORS: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department staff, Belmont and San Carlos Police Officers

Cost: FREE

Dates:

Tuesday February 16th, 6:30 to 9:00pm

Saturday February 20th, 8:30 to 5:00pm

Saturday February 27th, 8:30 to 5:00pm

LOCATION: Belmont – Belmont Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St., Belmont

Wildland Urban Interface Class

Saturday February 6th, 8:30 to 12:30

Class will be held at the San Carlos Library Community Rooms.

So Beautiful, So Green, So many Trees, So many hills… Population, Vegetation, Topography, and Climate… California has one of the most severe wildland fire problems in the world. This training was developed to provide CERT members increased knowledge about interface dangers, including basic fire behavior and environmental influences.

Learn about what you can do, to prepare homes, yards and neighborhoods; and what to do when a wild land fire is threatening homes. How will you assist during a time of need… within your community. This class will also be open to our neighboring city CERT members.  Click here for information flyer

Morning refreshments will be served, and to assure adequate seating, please RSVP by February 4^th by email to christya@bscfd.org or by telephone 802-4254.

CPR/AED ONLY (no First Aid)

Class covers Adult, Pediatric, and Infant CPR and AED use.  Choose any one of the dates listed.

DATES: Sep. 23, Sep. 30, Nov. 10, Jan 19 OR Feb 23; 6-9:30pm

LOCATION: Belmont/San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St. Belmont

INSTRUCTORS: Fire Department staff

AGE: 14+ Fee $35 – sign up by email to: christya @bscfd.org

CPR, AED, & First Aid for Adults

This low stress course is taught by Firefighter Paramedics, EMTs and designed for all community members or non-Health Care providers.  The course will provide CPR training for the adult patient and proper use of personal protective equipment.  Students will receive hands-on training with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).  The course instruction includes, instructor input, video-based lessons and practice on mannequins.  Students will also learn the proper steps in rendering First Aid, the legal aspects of First Aid, scene assessment and patient assessment.  The core of the class will cover basic medical emergencies including treating burns, wounds, bleeding, shock, bone/muscle/joint injuries, poisoning, bites and stings, environmental emergencies and much more.

This course meets OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training employees how to respond and care for medical emergencies at work.

Our goal as instructors at the Belmont –San Carlos Fire Department is to provide a positive comfortable learning environment and give you the confidence and skills to perform CPR and/or provide basic First Aid treatment after you call 911, but before Advanced Life Support Resources arrive on the scene.

Choose any one of the three class listed below

DATES: Sat. Oct. 17 OR Oct. 24; 9am – 4pm, OR Mon, Feb 1 AND Feb 8 6:00pm to 9:30pm

LOCATION: Belmont/San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St. Belmont

INSTRUCTORS: Fire Department staff

AGE: 14 + FEE: $50 sign up by email to: kimrah@bscfd.org

BSCFD Annual Toy Drive and Visit with Santa

December 10th @ Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St, Belmont

December 11th@ Fire Station 13, 525 Laurel St, San Carlos

Time 5:00-8:00

Please see the flyer on the front page for more information.

CERT Incident Command System

November 10th, 7pm

Location- San Carlos City Hall, Room 207  600 Elm St, San Carlos

Agenda items:

• Team organization
• Documentation
• ICS Forms familiarization
• Setting up an Incident Command Post

This will allow Belmont-San Carlos CERT to be better prepared to organize alongside Police, Fire, Emergency Medical, County OES or any others as requested/needed, using the Incident Command System and span of control.  We will have a presentation and an exercise scenario/drill. When it comes time to respond and set-up alongside Police or Fire, you will be ready… This is going to be an interactive, fun training exercise….

Please RSVP to Christy Adonis at 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org if you will be attending this meeting, to assure we have enough handouts for all of you.

FRS Radio Communications class (Part-2). Hands on Skills exercise.

Date: October 27th

Place: BSCFD Fire Station 14

Time: 7pm to 9pm

This is the second half of a two-part class that will be presented during the time of our regular monthly meeting. What is FRS and why take a radio communications class. As CERT members, we will work as a team, setting up an incident command post and relaying messages to the City EOC (Emergency Operations Center) via a HAM radio operator. During this class, we will learn how the FRS (Family Radio Service) and other radios work, using ICS for span of control, setting channels, proper radio use, and using forms. This class will be presented by Christy and George Walschon.

Bring your own radios if you have them. Homework: Read the manual for your radio and know how to change the channel and code settings.

Seasonal Flu Vaccination — Mass Vaccination Clinic Exercise/Field Test

Date: October 2nd

Location: BSCFD Fire Station 14

As a CERT member, are invited to receive the seasonal flu shot at Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station 14. Past exercises with local Fire Departments and CERT’s have proven logistical means are available to execute large scale operations. The Health Department is seeking the logistical help of local fire authorities to administer vaccine to our community. Fire Department and CERT members will work with San Mateo County Public Health to field test a mass vaccination plan. Please RSVP by email or telephone if you are planning to attend. We also need CERT volunteers for this day, as a volunteer you will assist the Fire Department and Health Department with set-up, documentation, registration and screening. As you are aware, in the event of a large scale disaster, CERT’s will be a great resource to the community and first responders. This is an opportunity to get trained before a mass vaccination is needed.

If you plan to volunteer for the Seasonal Flu Mass Vaccination Exercise, you will need to arrive at 8am for set-up. Please RSVP to Christy via email (christya@bscfd.org) or telephone (802-4254).

If you plan to attend to receive a Seasonal Flu Shot, please RSVP to Christy via email or telephone. This is necessary to get a tally of how much vaccine will be needed at our site. Please arrive between 9am and 5pm

FRS Radio Communications class (Part-1)

Date: September 22nd

Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm at BSCFD Fire Station 14

This is a two-part class (second half in October) that will be presented during the time of our regular monthly meeting. What is FRS and why take a radio communications class. As CERT members, we will work as a team, setting up an incident command post and relaying messages to the City EOC (Emergency Operations Center) via a HAM radio operator. During this class, we will learn how the FRS (Family Radio Service) and other radios work, using ICS for span of control, setting channels, proper radio use, and using forms. This class will be presented by Christy and George Walschon.

Bring your own radios if you have them.  Homework: Read the manual for your radio and know how to change the channel and code settings.

Moulage Class.

Date: September 16th

Location: sign up to find out!

Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm

What is Moulage? Learn how to apply disaster type make-up (burns, abrasions, impalements, etc.), to citizens that volunteer to act as victims during training exercises. If you would like to participate in assisting with our future Final Skills drills for on-going CERT classes, adding to a more realistic way for new CERT’s practicing bandaging and triage… this is a class for you. We will also utilize this training when we schedule a skills drill for all CERT’s in the area of a Mass Casualty Incident and Triage. Space is limited please respond to Christy via email if you are interested and you will be sent the location information.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (C.E.R.T.) Training

Dates: 9/16, 9/19 & 9/26/09

Wednesday September 16th, 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Saturday September 19th, 8:30 to 5:00pm

Saturday September 26th, 8:30 to 5:00pm

LOCATION: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St. Belmont

2009 Annual San Mateo County Disaster Preparedness Day

Date:  Saturday, September 12

Location:  South San Francisco High School, 400 B Street, South San Francisco

Time:  10am-2pm

In addition to preparedness instructions, booths, emergency vehicle and equipment displays and demonstrations and a basic CPR course, speakers will specifically address the needs of pets, seniors and those with disabilities.  Plus, there will be an H1N1 flu virus update, and helicopters are expected from the California Department of Forestry, the US Coast Guard and Lifeflight. The aircraft have always been a crowd favorite, especially during landings and take-offs.

As in previous years, the event is free, with a free gift for the first 500 families and free hot dogs and soft drinks for everyone. It’s a great, family-oriented, fun and educational event.

This is the 5th annual event planned by San Mateo County, that had been held at the San Mateo Expo Center in years past. Free Admission and Hot Dogs and Soda. There will be a variety of Emergency Services Apparatus on display along with new and innovative ideas for preparing your home and work place. We will have a table set up to provide information on CERT, First Aid/CPR and Fire Prevention. Thank you in advance to those of you who have volunteered to assist with this event.

You are all invited to attend and if you are interested in staffing the booth with Christy, please let her know at 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org.

Skills Drill Final Exercise

August 13th, September 26th, and October 10th

Are you interested in practicing your skills, working with new CERT members and assisting with the final exercise.  As CERT members, we work together as a team, helping our selves, family, friends and neighbors.  You are a great resource to the community and we invite you to work with us to present the final exercise, assisting new CERT’s on how to conduct a search, how to properly lift and carry, triage and bandaging, levering and cribbing.

Many of you offered your time to work together, this is a great way to build on our team communications, existing skills and meet new members.  Please let Christy know by Friday August 7th if you are interested in volunteering to assist with presenting at any of the skills drills. Full details will be sent to those of you interested (too much for one email).

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (C.E.R.T.) Training

Come join us in this interactive and informative class and learn how to take better care of yourself, your family, your loved ones and neighbors when a disaster does happen. Floods, wildfires, mudslides, earthquake, airline crash, terrorism – Disasters come in all forms and severity, are unpredictable and cause disruptions to emergency services.

The Cities of Belmont and San Carlos know a disaster can easily overwhelm its emergency response resources, Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Services. The C.E.R.T. program will provide citizens with basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills to help reduce loss and protect property during the most critical timeframe, until emergency responders can arrive.

During the 20 hour C.E.R.T. course, students will receive training in emergency preparedness, fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization and terrorism. Upon course completion students will receive a Certificate of Completion and basic disaster response equipment (hard hat, work gloves, goggles, vest and more). Don’t miss a night of this critical training.

For additional information or to register by phone, please call Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department, Christy Adonis at 802-4254, or by email at christya@bscfd.org

INSTRUCTORS: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department staff, Belmont and San Carlos Police Officers

Cost: FREE

Choice of sessions (only sign up for one), please note different course locations.

Dates: 8/11-8/13/09

Location: Notre Dame de Namur University,  1500 Ralston Ave

Time: 9:00AM-5:00PM

LOCATION: Notre Dame de Namur University/Taube Conference Center   1500 Ralston Avenue Belmont, CA 94002

CERT Exercise with Redwood City CERT

We have been invited by the Redwood City Fire Department to participate in a CERT drill. Space is limited and you must RSVP to Christy (christa@bscfd.org), to be added as a participant. Once your request to participate is received, you will be sent information regarding the location address along with which of your personal protective equipment (PPE) items you will need for the drill.

The drill/exercise will include the following:

Review incident command system (ICS), search and rescue, radio equipment operations and securing utilities. There are two dates available, the training exercise will be the same on both days, please select only one date to allow an available space to your fellow members.

Monday, July 20, 2009 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 7:00pm – 9:00pm

FRS Radio Class (Part 1)

Location: Foster City (TBD)

Date: June 22 & July 22, 2009

Time: 6/22 6:00-9:00 PM, 7/22 6:30-9:00 PM

Contact: John Watkins (SCARES)

CERT Summer Get-Together

Location: San Carlos, Burton Park  900 Chestnut Street

Date: July 24, 2009

Time: 5:30 to 8:30 PM

Just come to relax and listen to some music in the park, arrive early as open seating on the lawn fills up fast. The band on stage will be Caravanserai, a Santana Tribute.  Music starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm. Bring a box dinner, blanket for seating and your choice of beverage. Dessert will be provided. Please rsvp to kimrah@bscfd.org

NEEDED… Belmont – San Carlos CERT communications HAM Lead Coordinator

Upcoming meeting’s…  June 25th at 7:00 pm and July 30th at 7:00 pm.

This is a working group of CERT/HAM volunteers, one representative from each local CERT from all cities in San Mateo County. Part of our preparedness efforts include building a better communications plan, including how we will communicate as a team, in our neighborhoods, to our incident command post, to the City EOC, to the County OES. What is the best method, what radio type works best, set channel frequency, build a plan and test it. This is a new working group that is in the early stages of planning and has had two meetings as of today’s date. Currently as Belmont – San Carlos CERT Coordinator, I have attended the meetings to gather data until our team is able to choose a member to take the lead. This is open to all Belmont – San Carlos CERT/HAM’s; our team is in need of one volunteer for this position. Please let me know if you are interested and I will contact you with the most recent information and the meeting locations.

Refresher training Emergency Medical Operations 1 and 2

Location: Belmont/San Carlos Fire Station 14, 911 Granada St. Belmont

Date: July 18, 2009 To Be Rescheduled at a later date

Time: 9am to 1pm

Join in for a review of your CERT modules 3 and 4, break out your binders and practice your hands on bandaging, splinting and triage. This is a day of review and a time to ask questions before the “big day” when you need to apply what you have learned. Please rsvp to kimrah@bscfd.org

Class B Driver’s License Training

Location: San Francisco

Date: June 16, 2009

Contact: Keith Judkins 707-652-2562

National Guard WMD Civil Support Team

Location: Notre Dame de Namur University,  1500 Ralston Ave

Date: June 16, 2009

Time: 9:00-11:30 AM

The 95th National Guard WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) Civil Support Team is one of only 50 teams in the United States that specialize in CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosive) events and responses. This is a show & tell type demonstration with the presentation of over 10 specialized vehicles from the 95th National Guard. Additional hazardous materials equipment and vehicles will be also in attendance.

Please wear your CERT vest to identify yourself as a member and bring a copy of this flyer.

For more information please contact B/C Gillette at 650-740-7203 or DaveG@BSCFD.org

“Shift Happens”, A presentation about the geologic assembling of California

Epicenter, hypocenter, aftershock, foreshock, fault, seismograph, P Waves, magnitude, intensity, amplification, peak acceleration; we hear them, but what do they mean for what we felt and what we will feel next time? We are a daring species. We build and rebuild with little regard for the shifting earth beneath our feet. How will the shaking affect my community? What should I do before the next earthquake? How can I protect myself? How can I reduce my losses? And yet, earthquakes and geology are why this is such a beautiful and wonderful place to live!!

Please plan to attend this engaging presentation about earthquakes and how it impacts our lives!

When: Thursday, June 4th

Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Where: Wind Room in the Community Center (second floor of the Library)

1000 E. Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City

Who: Dr. William Clint Steele (a.k.a. Clint Steele, NBH 2 Team Leader)

Please RSVP to Barbara Aguiar at baguiar@fostercity.org, space is limited.

Belmont – San Carlos CERT communications HAM Lead Coordinator

Upcoming meeting’s…  May 28th at 7:00 pm, June 25th at 7:00 pm and July 30th at 7:00 pm. This is a working group of CERT/HAM volunteers, one representative from each local CERT from all cities in San Mateo County. Part of our preparedness efforts include building a better communications plan, including how we will communicate as a team, in our neighborhoods, to our incident command post, to the City EOC, to the County OES. What is the best method, what radio type works best, set channel frequency, build a plan and test it. This is a new working group that is in the early stages of planning and has had two meetings as of today’s date. Currently as Belmont – San Carlos CERT Coordinator, I have attended the meetings to gather data until our team is able to choose a member to take the lead. This is open to all Belmont – San Carlos CERT/HAM’s; our team is in need of one volunteer for this position. Please let me know if you are interested and I will contact you with the most recent information and the meeting locations.

Volunteers needed, Save the Date… May 16th and May 17th

Add to your CERT skills; participate with the San Carlos Police to provide much needed support for the San Carlos Home Town Day’s event. Attend the briefing, receive your printed Incident Action Plan, and fill your assignment. Working together with the San Carlos Police Department CERT’s will staff the event along side Police Officers and other Volunteers during road closures, reporting concerns and provide direction to exits and entrances. This event requires a great deal of staffing and will be a good opportunity to create a greater CERT awareness of our members, our team dedication and the need for our community to “Get Ready and be Prepared”.

For additional information and to sign up for this event, please contact San Carlos Police Department, Police Service Technician, Selene Valdez at svaldez@cityofsancarlos.org