July 12, 2022 Refresher Meeting
Thank you to Eric Frank from CRESA for joining us to review basic fire training skills with us. He brought our new fire extinguisher simulator for volunteers to practice using an extinguisher and putting out a fire.
Information on the following important steps is available here:
React to a Fire
Put Out a Fire
Use a Fire Extinguisher Safely
Volunteers then participated in a scavenger hunt, answering questions focused on emergency preparedness and organizing a neighborhood after a disaster.
June 14, 2022 Refresher Meeting
In the event of a disaster, technical skills training is not going to do you a lot of good unless you can connect well with other people. Now think about your every day activities ... you can't NOT communicate. Are you sending the right message? Scott Johnson, Emergency Manager for Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), provided us with a very interesting and informative presentation on the fundamentals of adult learning.
The first thing you learn with always be your knowledge base.
We divide things into two base categories: things that make us better, and things that impact us negatively. The information we take in needs to be "filed" somewhere.
Cognitive Dissonance will change our belief about something. It will change how we act, and it will change how we perceive something.
A change in our perception is Confirmation Bias.
When attempting to communicate with someone who has an opposing view, listen for the thing you might agree on. Build on your similarities from there.
May 10, 2022 Refresher Meeting
Thank you to Nancy Gaston, CVA, for a very interesting and informative presentation on the generational differences among volunteers. For the first time in history, five generations of Americans are volunteering. Each brings its own expectations, as well as communication and participation style, to any volunteer setting. In this interactive session, we will explore what makes them tick—and what ticks them off. We will look at some real-life scenarios of generational conflict and develop ways of handling them.
April 13, 2022 Refresher Meeting
We appreciate Chief Kristan Maurer, Clark County Fire District 6, taking time from her very busy schedule to join us for our meeting and provide an update on what is currently happening at CCFD6. In addition to information about the upcoming EMS Levy Request, Chief Maurer shared details about her specific responsibilities, and offered suggestions on how CCFD6 and CERT might partner together to benefit our community. Potential opportunities include Station 61's Open House in June, assisting with the district's support services program, and walking with the fire engine or truck in the Hazel Dell parade on May 21st.
Jodi will meet with Chief Maurer to discuss some of these opportunities in greater depth. Stay tuned!
March 8, 2022 Refresher Meeting
What do YOU need to do to be deployable? Being ready to deploy to an incident means more than simply showing up.
Read and follow directions. Information is typically relayed via email. Are there links and/or follow-up instructions?
If you are interested in participating in an activity, continue to check your email for follow-up information.
Be flexible; details may change.
Be on time and always have your EW Card.
Know your abilities. Are you computer savvy? Are you comfortable talking with people in person? On the phone?
LISTEN. Bring a notepad for instructions, questions, ideas.
Keep what you see and hear confidential.
Follow directions as they are given. If you are corrected, don't take it personally.
Follow the chain of command.
Save your suggestions for after (developing/emergent type) event. You are only seeing a small part of the process. Feedback is always welcome, afterwards.
Be aware of your choice of words and phrasing. How the other person interprets your message is what matters.
Use the courtesy words -- "Please & Thank You"
Unsure if the other person is familiar with something? Ask, before telling.
Avoid telling someone what you would do unless asked, or ask permission to share your suggestion.
There is a difference between sounding helpful vs. critical.
Remember, you are representing CERT and CRESA. What kind of an impression do you want to make on others?
To view the recorded meeting, click on the link and enter the passcode when prompted.
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/USHqIgkhtGPXZfdxf1YA0K-VlAGUsJaG45Had__FAl_ol076czhpF_WPon2W-6M4.rHI_Obxk3J_JtZm_ Passcode: W2RaYQR$
February 8, 2022 Refresher Meeting
Unfortunately, the video recording for our February refresher meeting had a glitch and it did not record as it should have. It was the perfect ending for a meeting full of technical difficulties. However, Dave Sinclair was able to successfully review the documentation included in the CERT manual (available at ready.gov, Unit 2 page 2-14 to 2-22). The key points:
Take notes! Having a notepad and pen/pencil with you is important to jot things down.
Think in bullet points. Don't get bogged down in unnecessary details -- what is most important?
While you may relay information in a verbal report, be sure to also document it to ensure all information is recorded.
In a busy situation/environment/incident, you may not be able to document as things happen. That's okay. Fill in the details afterwards.
Become familiar with the type of information needed -- don't rely on answering questions on a form because you may end up using scrap paper.
Sign in/out time
Who was there
Type of damage
Injuries: identify person (by name and/or description), type of injury, where, how, if known
January 11, 2022 Refresher Meeting
Anthony Vendetti, Emergency Management Coordinator with CRESA's Emergency Operation Center, shared interesting information about flood mitigation in Clark County. A list of resources and maps are available here.
A car kit is an important part of emergency preparedness. Thank you to Michael Krutsch for the link to this site; it's a great example of a comprehensive car kit that doesn't have to take up a lot of space.
10 Lessons by Admiral William H. McRaven
December 14, 2021 Refresher Meeting
The key take-away from our refresher meeting was "situational awareness"; knowing what is happening around you at all times will help to keep you safe. Staying alert and tuned into your surroundings will also help you to notice when something doesn't seem right. "See Something, Say Something holds true in many circumstances.
The video we watched "How To Survive An Active Shooter -- Tips From A Navy Seal" is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pgxzPoxv4w
November 9, 2021 Refresher Meeting
Thank you, CERT volunteer Lynne Hermanson, for sharing from your wealth of knowledge and experience about how trauma can affect us psychologically. The details you provided on empathy, body language, and tone of voice are things we can all learn and practice now. We are always interacting with people, and a strong understanding of how our actions affect others impacts our ability to connect with them, especially in traumatic situations.
wealth of knowledge and experience about how trauma can affect us psychologically. The details you provided on empathy, body language, and tone of voice are things we can all learn and practice now. We are always interacting with people, and a strong understanding of how our actions affect others impacts our ability to connect with them, especially in traumatic situations.
October 12, 2021 Refresher Meeting
Thank you to Scott Johnson, Emergency Management Division Manager for Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) for sharing suggestion on what to look for and be aware of as you prepare your home, vehicle, and emergency kit for the cold weather to come. He also updated us on the latest projects for the COVID virus (and variants). The first months of 2022 are looking positive!
Instead of focusing on how people are different, we should focus on how they are the same.
... Verbal Judo Institute
September 14, 2021 Refresher Meeting
Thank you to Sean Briggs for facilitating our on-line discussion and presenting valuable information on VERBAL JUDO.
Verbal Judo is a a gentle yet powerful means of persuasion.
-- Know your audience
-- Practice Active Listening
-- Ask questions to clarify your understanding
-- Paraphrase
-- Be aware of the impact of your words; choose carefully
-- Your body language matters
People want to be treated with dignity and respect.
•All people want to be asked rather than told to do something.
•All people want to be informed as to why they are being asked or ordered to do something.
•All people want to be given options rather than threats.
•All people want a second chance when they make a mistake.
Volunteering for Events: Planned or Spontaneous/Emergent?
Know what you are comfortable with / your skills & abilities
Be on time!
Stay in your lane and follow directions as given
Our primary method of communication is by email. Please read (not skim) through requests for volunteers and respond accordingly. Lack of follow-through on your part will result in you not being asked to help.
Thank you for being a part of CERT Clark County, WA!
August 10, 2021 Refresher Meeting
What is CERT? Ready.gov
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Sign up on-line to have alerts and emergency notifications sent to your phone, email, and/or text.
Create a free profile on-line with information about yourself, your family members, your pets, and your home, which will be automatically displayed on the call screen whenever you call 911. Saving time can save lives!
July 13, 2021 Refresher Meeting
Thank you to Scott Johnson Emergency Management Division Manager, Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA), for sharing information about the emergency evacuation process, why a step-by-step detailed plan is not beneficial to our community, and the three important questions to be asked at a triage staging area. CERT volunteers look forward to being of help in whatever way they can!
"The Anatomy of an Evacuation; Assembly Area Operations; Shelter Triage Questions; and Non Supported/Semi-Supported/Fully Supported Shelter Operations"
June 8, 2021 On-line Meeting / Discussion
Thank you to Eric Frank for his very interesting presentation on wildfire. He shared valuable information on how we can protect ourselves, our homes, and our neighbors, including how to sign up for alerts in our area.
May 11, 2021 On-line Meeting / Discussion
Dr. Mark Blessley shared information about how he grows vegetables, herbs, and fruit in raised garden beds, containers, in his greenhouse, and under lights in his garage. He talked about companion planting, and the importance marigolds can play in the garden. We learned sprouting is nutritious, quick and easy, and doesn’t require electricity. Having lived in the woods in a geodesic dome he built himself in Fairbanks, Alaska for three and a half years without electricity, and for ten years without running water, Dr. Bles understands the importance of preparedness! For information about his clinic, visit Good Health Naturally PLLC.
Resources
1. Companion Planting
Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden, by Jessica Walliser (available at the Ft. Vancouver Library).
2. Insects
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-marigolds-vegetable-gardens-53427.html
A Portland non-profit organization with a guide to beneficial insects in the garden https://www.xerces.org/
3. Food Dehydrator
A good design and analysis of a solar food dehydrator https://www.rivendellvillage.org/Solar_Food_Dryer.pdf
4. Sprouting
https://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Kitchen-Sprouter-VICTORIO-VKP1200/dp/B01AJJOJD0/ref=sr_1_8?
Assorted Organic Sprouting Seeds Sample shorturl.at/ahyzZ
5. Watering
Larry Hall self watering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qC4JFu-Oy
April 13, 2021 On-line Meeting / Discussion
Thank you to Joe Ohama, Ron Sjolander, George Fravel, Rudi Fruth, and Jean Kent for Passing the Mic and sharing what they learned from experience. Although each story was different, the importance of being prepared (both physically and mentally); thinking through the situation and recognizing potential needs and risks; and reacting calmly, with patience were common themes.
March 9, 2021 On-line Meeting / Discussion
Thank you to Joe Ohama for providing us with a valuable presentation on the importance of Situational Awareness. He provided some great examples of where we might become sidetracked as we go about our daily lives, as well as suggestions on how to respond to potentially volatile situations. On-going, continual awareness of our surroundings needs to become a habit for each of us!
February 9, 2021 On-line Meeting / Discussion
Thank you to CERT Training Instructor Captain Ryan Morrisey for his presentation on Bleeding Control During a Disaster. His review of the three signs of shock, discussion of life threatening bleeding, and demonstration of various methods of bleeding control was interesting, helpful, and educational.
January 12, 2021 On-line Meeting / Discussion
Thank you to Ron Sjolander for the interesting, informative presentation on the importance of having an Under the Bed Kit. As was discussed during our meeting, this is meant to be a one-time, immediate use kit primarily valuable for the first few minutes after an earthquake. Ron's recommendations can be seen here.
In addition, Ron shared information on various types of emergency food options, including freeze dried, canned, MREs, Ration Bars, Energy Bars, and even Pemmican, as well as suggestions on how much food you may need and how to store it.
For information about MREs, both Military and Civilian, visit https://www.mreinfo.com/.
December 8, 2020 Meeting / On-Line Discussion
Presentation Resources:
uPrepper Bits Prepping & Survival Blog
uPrevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster – CDC.gov
Additional Resources:
Sweat Wipes - similar to baby wipes but designed specifically to replace a shower.
Oxygen Stabilizer Water Treatment: "For campers, hikers or those who store water for emergencies, approximately 15-20 drops of stabilized oxygen per gallon of water have been reported to inhibit the growth of disease bacteria. *
*Note: This information is presented on an fyi basis only and is neither encouraged or discouraged by CERT Clark County. The topic was discussed at our Dec. refresher meeting and the link is provided only as a requested resource.
November 10, 2020 Meeting /On-Line Discussion
Thank you to Dave Sinclair for his presentation on Car Kits, Go Bags, and Bug Out Bags. One of the key take-aways from our conversation is there is not one list for everyone; it's important to include items that will meet your specific needs and those of your family members.
A comprehensive list of suggested car kit items is available here on our website. (Many of these items are also appropriate to include in a go bag.) Each person in the home should have a readily accessible go bag, and remember to include items for your pets!
October 13, 2020 Meeting / On-line Discussion
Thank you to Ron Sjolander, Rheta Rubenstein, and Paddi Chirdon for the very interesting presentation on how they have shared emergency preparedness information and developed their neighborhood teams.
They provided some great tips, suggestions, and ideas about what has been successful for them, along with a few recommendations about what NOT to do when getting started.
September 8, 2020 Meeting / On-line Discussion
Thank you to all who participated in our first virtual meeting. A total of 37 volunteers tuned in to listen, share, and ask questions.