SAVE THE DATE! March 21-27, 2021
This year’s National Poison Prevention Week is March 21-27, 2021! More to come! #NPPW21
SAVE THE DATE! March 21-27, 2021 Read More »
Always Look Both Ways, Twice
Seniors in the Shady Side, MD area are excited to finally get the call to come and receive their COVID-19 vaccination shot. With limited parking at the Lula Scott Head Start Center, many visitors need to park across the street. Walking across a busy two-lane road can be dangerous especially since some drivers do not always follow traffic signs including speed limits.
In steps volunteer members from the Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT). With no designated crosswalks and the need to park across the street seniors are thankful the AAACERT volunteers are there to stop traffic and provide them a safe time to cross. The AAACERT members are also there to help direct traffic within the small parking lot and provide extra support into the building, if needed.
Traffic control is just one of many community needs being filled by members of AAACERT. There are many ways you can help support AAACERT, perhaps consider a donation (see link below). Beyond donations, you can also join and learn the skills needed to help yourself, your family, and your community during an emergency.
https://www.aaacert.org/donate
https://aaacert.org/why-join/
For more information on COVID-19 vaccination including sites and how to sign up, please click this link to visit the Anne Arundel County Health Department.
Always Look Both Ways, Twice Read More »
Tick Tock…Tick Tock, Time is Counting Down
We have only 1 slot available for our upcoming EARLY SPRING CERT BASIC CLASS. Sign up now at the link below.
As for the LATE SPRING CERT BASIC CLASS, there are only a couple of slots open for that.
We do not expect these to remain open long, so click that link and sign up quickly.
Our CERT Basic classes in March and April are now open. Due to COVID-19 precautions, space is very limited so sign up quickly. The Basic CERT class is approximately 24 hours of instruction in basic disaster skills over 4 days.
CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.
For dates and times including a link to sign up, please visit the training page on our website at www.aaacert.org/cert-basic-training
PRE-REQUISITES:
Two, online, FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses must be successfully completed prior to the start of CERT Basic training. These courses are free (note: you will be required to get a Student ID (SID) which also is free). The courses are listed as 3 hours each in duration but, on the average, students complete them in a little more than half that time. Details can be found at the link above.
We look forward to having you!
Be Prepared. Have a Plan.
Tick Tock…Tick Tock, Time is Counting Down Read More »
Members train in CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid
WHAT DO YOU DO? You’re at home, work, or simply grocery shopping. You hear screaming and see someone bleeding badly from the arm and a small cut on their head. Many people can freeze in a situation like this but those trained in life-saving techniques of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Automated External Defibrillator, and Basic First Aid (CPR/AED/BFA) can save a limb or even a life.
Members of Anne Arundel-Annapolis CERT (AAACERT) had the opportunity to train and become certified in an OSHA and Maryland state workplace requirements class. This basic course helped prepare members to recognize and care for people experiencing cardiac emergencies (heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke) and to properly operate an Automated External Defibrillator. Members also learned to recognize other common medical emergencies and know what to do when they occur — from sprains to massive bleeding.
If you are interested in this and other training opportunities, many free or at a substantially discounted rate, think about joining AAACERT. Visit our website to learn more at www.aaacert.org. Or consider a donation to help our all-volunteer group continue its mission in supporting our communities.
Members train in CPR, AED, and Basic First Aid Read More »
CERT Basic Classes NOW OPEN
Our CERT Basic classes in March and April are now open. Due to COVID-19 precautions, space is very limited so sign up quickly. The Basic CERT class is approximately 24 hours of instruction in basic disaster skills over 4 days.
CERT Basic Training is designed to prepare you to help yourself and to help others in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Because emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by using your CERT training to save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. With training and practice, and by working as a team, you will be able to protect yourself and do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster. Medical or EMT experience is not required.
For dates and times including a link to sign up, please visit the training page on our website at www.aaacert.org/cert-basic-training
PRE-REQUISITES:
Two, online, FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses must be successfully completed prior to the start of CERT Basic training. These courses are free (note: you will be required to get a Student ID (SID) which also is free). The courses are listed as 3 hours each in duration but, on the average, students complete them in a little more than half that time. Details can be found at the link above.
We look forward to having you!
Be Prepared. Have a Plan.
CERT Basic Classes NOW OPEN Read More »
Did You Know…?
Did you know AAACERT has a YouTube channel? Check us out and be sure to subscribe to be notified when new videos are uploaded.
Right now we have a few older videos and one new one from this year’s SPCA Lights on the Bay traffic management event. We are always interested in having you take the CERT Basic training and joining. See our website’s membership pages for details.
Group Helps with Food Distribution
AAACERT was and is honored to support Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Anne Arundel County Department of Aging & Disabilities, and our fellow citizens of #AnneArundel County with a Dec. 3 food distribution.
On #ThankYouThursday, the OEM posted the following message: “Today we would like to thank the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging & Disabilities and Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis CERT volunteers for all of their efforts to provide food to the residents of #AnneArundel County. Last week, OEM had the opportunity to assist with Fresh Food Friday to distribute over 500 boxes of fresh produce and pass out 300 tote bags of preparedness materials!”
Group Helps with Food Distribution Read More »
Introducing…Our New Site!
AAACERT is proud to announce our newly redesigned website. We hope this site helps visitors more easily navigate to the information they need while providing more information on the activities of Anne Arundel-Annapolis CERT.
Visit the new site; then tell us what you think on our Facebook page.
Introducing…Our New Site! Read More »
Annual Meeting Focuses on 2021 Strategic View
The Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) conducted its annual meeting on Nov. 18, 2020. Some members were co-located at Libations Restaurant in Millersville, MD, while numerous others tuned in via teleconference. President Bruce Morgenstern led the meeting from home. The meeting both reflected on AAACERT accomplishments in 2020 during the ongoing pandemic, as well as focusing on the planned 2021 Strategic View for the organization.
Remarks from County Officials
Near the start of the meeting, Anne Arundel County OEM Director Preeti Emrick acknowledged the significant work AAACERT has done in this atypical year, noting that OEM strongly depends on volunteers in the community. She particularly noted the assistance AAACERT has provided as Emergency Operations Center (EOC) calltakers during a time of extremely high call volume; workers who have pitched in with Donations Warehouse and Food Bank operations; volunteers who have supported OEM- and church-led food giveaways; and those individuals who have served as Annapolis city safety ambassadors. Director Emrick offered particular appreciation for Mr. Joseph Dorffner, AAACERT Coordinator, for the many hours Joe has put in gathering and aligning volunteers to the mission, and to President Bruce Morgenstern for his strong efforts.
Mr. Jim Krempel, the Community Outreach Coordinator, added his appreciation that, amid an ongoing health emergency, AAACERT has managed to conduct three CERT Basic courses. Mr. Krempel said that, to his knowledge, AAACERT is the only CERT organization in the state of Maryland that has done so.
Remarks from AAACERT President
Mr. Morgenstern then singled out numerous individuals for his appreciation. He thanked Ms. Rosy Dorffner for putting the Annual Meeting Event together; Mr. Brandon Gosnell for managing the challenging IT setup at Libations; Mr. Joe Dorffner for putting in so many hours as coordinator; and all 54 operational CERT members, whom he noted have put in more than 5,400 hours of COVID-19-related volunteer work in 2020. Bruce noted that there remain challenges ahead, including a critical shortage of OEM call takers, food distribution helpers, and Annapolis safety ambassadors.
2020 Year in Review
Mr. Dorffner reported that AAACERT has logged 5,544 hours specifically dedicated to COVID-19 response to date in 2020.
Mr. Paul Bowling highlighted that training accomplishments by the group included 10 monthly training sessions averaging 25 members per program. In February, Anne Arundel Community College Emergency Manager Arlene Crow conducted a timely companion workshop to the movie “Contagion.” In the fall of 2020, AAACERT conducted three basic CERT classes, currently yielding 12 new AAACERT members. Training topics were diverse over the year, including Amateur Radio Communications, Medical Emergencies, Hygiene & Sanitation, Firearm Safety, Planning for the “Hurridemic,” Windshield Assessment, the Emergency Response Guide, and COVID Impact (Community, Non-Profits, and First Responders and Lessons Learned). The team also conducted specialized training in Hazardous Materials, Search and Rescue, Call Taking, and Traffic Management. Finally, AAACERT held two “Train the Trainer” classes, instructing 23 AAACERT members, Adventist Community Services CERT-trained leaders, and a Calvert County Emergency Management Specialist.
Mr. Morgenstern then addressed membership. He noted that membership decreased from 94 to 86 members from 2019 to 2020, but that 71% of the current number are fully operational. Additionally, 76% of the total members are NIMS-compliant, having taken all of the requisite training to be properly educated in the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Bruce then reported that the AAACERT team has worked a total of more than 7,000 hours in total volunteer assistance, including the COVID-19-related activities. The percentage of current members meeting current operational hours requirements has increased from 54% to 60%, with two months remaining.
2021 Strategic View
Mr. Morgenstern then presented AAACERT’s 2021 Strategic View, noting goals that are focused on Organization, Membership, Training for the Community, Training for CERT members, Operations, Development, Logistics, Radio Communications, and IT/Communications/Public Affairs. The following individuals addressed these strategic goals:
• Organizational (Bruce Morgenstern): Formalize relationships with more partner agencies and non-profits.
• Membership (Bruce Morgenstern): Enhance and expand membership rolls with members who wish to actively engage with the community.
• Training for Community Members (Bruce Morgenstern): In addition to Basic CERT and in coordination with OEM, develop an outreach program that acquaints community members with AAACERT and provides valuable emergency preparedness and response information.
• Training for AAACERT Members (Paul Bowling): Create the right balance of skills reinforcement training and new training initiatives to ensure readiness, and maintain member interest and growth. (This will include CERT Basic course – including high schools– monthly meetings, specialized teams, exercises, and miscellaneous offerings.) Monthly trainings will continue on the third Wednesday of each month except November; specialized team training will include EOC, First Aid, Search and Rescue, Sheltering, and Traffic; training suggestions may be sent to Training@AAACERT.org. Some training possibilities include First Aid / CPR / AED, Call Taker, WebEOC, Traffic, Parade Marshals, SAR Tech III, SAR Tech II, CBRNE, Stop The Bleed, and Narcan. Exercise options include Mass Casualty Incident response, Search and Rescue, or Vaccine Dispensing (would be coordinated with Maryland and/or Anne Arundel County Department of Health).
• Operations (Joe Dorffner): Facilitate the creation of functional teams that will have the necessary skills and depth to respond to emerging needs; work with training to develop a program of training and exercises that will enhance member operational response; work with the executive committee to develop a plan for rapid expansion in response to a large-scale disaster (e.g., recruitment, just-in-time training, oversight, deployment).
• Development (Paul Bowling): Address organizational needs and develop a plan for funds acquisition (e.g., grants, fundraisers, other revenue sources); create a repository of materials that will facilitate our response to grant applications. Paul noted that fewer grants are available due to COVID-19; that BG&E, which has provided a substantial grant in the past, has suspended grants for 2021; and that other grant sources are diminishing. He asked the members for fundraising ideas and participants. AAACERT has a planning deficit of $995 in 2020, and wishes to avoid use of its “rainy day” funds.
• Logistics (Chris Meyd): Attain full accountability of all AAACERT assets, identify maintenance/replacement requirements for existing assets, develop a plan for restocking consumables, and simplify the purchasing process.
• Radio Communications (Randy Sanger): Develop a strategic plan for evolving radio communications and establishing improved interoperability with coordinating agencies.
• IT/Communications/Public Affairs (Brandon Gosnell): Create a more robust infrastructure for data/file management; improve organizational promotion through enhanced social media and website engagement; create an expansive repository of photos, images, and other materials; work with regional groups to expand our digital communications.
Election of Officers
Mr. Rick Cooper, AAACERT Secretary, then called for nominations from the floor for the positions of Vice President, Treasurer, and Coordinator. He indicated that the Board recommended the current office holders and that these members are willing to serve another term, and asked if there was any discussion precluding that course of action. Hearing no dissenting views, the group elected the following by voice vote:
Vice President: Randy Sanger
Treasurer: Paul Bowling
Coordinator: Joe Dorffner
Closing Actions
Mr. Gosnell noted that Amazon orders can be a source of income if people designate AAACERT as recipients of their donations, via smile.Amazon.com.
Mr. Dorffner handed out challenge coins to 54 individuals who have participated in activities that are part of the COVID-19 pandemic response in 2020.
Mr. Morgenstern adjourned the meeting.
Annual Meeting Focuses on 2021 Strategic View Read More »
Congrats, CERT Basic Class of November 2020!
Congratulations to the November 2020 Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic training class. The class underwent its training and final exercise at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy in Millersville, MD. This training group had the extra challenge of having almost half the normal number of participants. As a result of their smaller size, during the simulation, search teams had to do double duty both looking for and treating victims. The class overcame this challenge, found all victims, and treated them accordingly.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, class sizes are limited and fill fast. Interested? Please visit www.aaacert.org.
Congrats, CERT Basic Class of November 2020! Read More »
Congratulations To Firefighter Recruit Class #60
Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) provided traffic support to honor and assist the Anne Arundel Fire Training Academy’s graduation of Recruit Class #60. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the graduating class was unable to hold their ceremony safely indoors. AAACERT members stepped up to facilitate the outdoor ceremony, helping to park around 100 cars on the Training Academy Yard and directing the recruits’ proud family members, in vehicles, to the stage area for pictures and cheers for their new firefighter. AAACERT volunteer members supported this important logistical task so that fire department personnel were available to participate in the recruits’ graduation ceremony.
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New CERT Basic Training Class Completes Instruction
Congratulations to the October 2020 Basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class. The class underwent its training and final exercise in October 2020 at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy in Millersville, Md. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, class sizes are limited and fill fast. Interested? Please visit www.aaacert.org.
New CERT Basic Training Class Completes Instruction Read More »
Members Train To Use The Emergency Response Guide (ERG)
When we’re driving the highways and byways, we often see trucks with ominous signs that have numbers below the image. What do these signs mean? What should we do if there is an accident involving one of these vehicles?
Members of Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team recently attended a presentation on these hazard symbols and how to interpret the data on them. You can also understand these signs by downloading the Emergency Response Guidebook at the link provided below. The application works from both iPhone and Android platforms — search the App Store for “ERG.” The Guidebook is free and provides information on all the signs we typically see while riding the roads and rails. To learn more about CERT, visit our website at aaacert.org, where you can find information about becoming a member.
Members Train To Use The Emergency Response Guide (ERG) Read More »
Members Take Traffic Training
Members of the Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) underwent Traffic Control training on Oct. 9, at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold. President Bruce Morgenstern and Coordinator Joe Dorffner served as instructors. Before the practical exercise, members attended a 1-hour virtual class. AAACERT members routinely perform traffic control at many sites around the County, both for special events, and particularly now for COVID-19-related emergency management tasks. Traffic control is just one of many volunteer opportunities available to AAACERT members during every season each year. To find out more visit www.aaacert.org.
Members Take Traffic Training Read More »
Members Support Downtown Annapolis As Safe Health Practice Ambassadors
Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members are assisting the City of Annapolis in the downtown area as safe health practice ambassadors. While on their walks, the AAACERT members encourage downtown guests to maintain social distancing, avoid large groups, and wear masks. When they have masks available, they are also handing out face coverings and offering hand sanitizer to those who want them. AAACERT has no enforcement role while performing this function, though they are equipped with radios to maintain situational awareness or contact police, if necessary.
Being safe practice ambassadors is only one role AAACERT is serving right now. Members are also volunteering at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank in Crownsville, the County Donation Center in Odenton, the food drives in Brooklyn Park and Annapolis, and the county Office of Emergency Management call center in Glen Burnie. To date, AAACERT has supported the county with more than 1800 hours of volunteer service since the stay-home orders began in March.
Members Support Downtown Annapolis As Safe Health Practice Ambassadors Read More »
‘They See The Smiles In Our Eyes’: Masked Volunteers Distribute Food To Families
The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (OEM) tasked nine trained, certified volunteers from the Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) to support the city’s fire department, police, and police cadets during a food distribution to help families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic on April 27. AAACERT’s roles at the event, which took place at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center located at 237 Hilltop Lane in Annapolis, included traffic management and maintaining social distancing. Volunteers at the event all wore face masks and gloves as Personal Protective Equipment.
Pastor Sheryl D. Menendez of Light of the World Family Ministries and the nonprofit Restoration Community Development Corporation in Glen Burnie, who helped organize the event, said, “People lined up in cars for several blocks a couple of hours before we were scheduled to open. What does that tell you about how serious this issue is? So many people in need are determined to feed their families.”
After pausing for a photo with Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley, AAACERT President Bruce Morgenstern, and AAACERT Coordinator Joe Dorffner, Pastor Menendez continued:
“To organize this food distribution in Annapolis, which we call Pantry on the Go, we partnered with Diana Taylor — the Senior Manager from the county’s Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families — as well as the Maryland Food Bank. We generally give out from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of food. On a day like this, it was 8,000 pounds. We did a similar food distribution on April 16 at Whitmore Park in Annapolis.”
Ten AAACERT volunteers helped with traffic management and social distancing at the April 16 food distribution. To date, AAACERT has contributed more than 650 hours of community service in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
‘They can see the smiles in our eyes and in our body language. They hear the smiles in our voices. And that does a lot.’
Pastor Sheryl D. Menendez
“We also run a Maryland Food Bank pantry at our Brooklyn Park location, where we give out food every Monday,” said Pastor Menendez. “We’ve got another food distribution coming up in Bay Ridge Gardens off Forest Drive in Annapolis around noon on May 6. We have four events scheduled over the next four or five weeks.”
Unfortunately, the demand was so high that volunteers ran out of boxes of food and had to turn away a long line of families in need at least an hour before the event had been scheduled to close.
“I’m crying because we are not going to have enough food,” said Pastor Menendez. “We give out quality food, including fruits and vegetables, from the Maryland Food Bank; they get chicken, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, melons. And more than 25 restaurants provide pre-cooked meals through Feed Anne Arundel. This crowd-funded effort pays restaurants across Anne Arundel County to prepare nutritious meals for those in our community in need. Today, we received 600 prepared meals; two weeks ago, we got 1,000.”
How does food distribution make a difference?
“A lot of people for the first time find themselves without jobs, and there are some folks whose unemployment or stimulus checks have not come through yet,” said Pastor Menendez. “Even that’s not enough, because people have to pay rent. On top of that, our school systems are closed, so the kids are not receiving meals there. We are seeing how food insecurity is compounding mental health issues. People worried about feeding their families are experiencing an increase in stress, depression, and anxiety. So what we’re doing helps people on several levels.
“When people come out to receive food, they can’t see us smiling behind our face masks. But they can see the smiles in our eyes and in our body language. They hear the smiles in our voices. And that does a lot.”
‘They See The Smiles In Our Eyes’: Masked Volunteers Distribute Food To Families Read More »
AAACERT Volunteers Contribute 625 Hours to Coronavirus Pandemic Response
Twenty-five Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT) members have contributed more than 625 hours of volunteer service to the county and to the City of Annapolis, supporting the response to COVID-19 in the past month. April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the work that volunteers do year-round.
AAACERT President Bruce Morgenstern said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of our volunteers for stepping up. We have shown our value to the community, and AAACERT volunteers are in demand — with recent requests to support food distribution in Annapolis (where we assist with social distancing and safety) and Brooklyn Park (where we assist with traffic management); to provide warehouse labor at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank in Crownsville; and our standing activities in support of a local shelter and assisting with traffic management at the Anne Arundel County Donations Management Center in Odenton. Plus, we remain on standby as emergency call takers at the county Emergency Operations Center.”
For each activity AAACERT supports, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available. AAACERT works closely with each sponsoring agency or organization to ensure that volunteers’ responsibilities are appropriate, safe, and well thought-out.
“While we perhaps are nearing or at the top of the curve for this crisis, the needs generated by it will last for some time,” Morgenstern continued, “and the expectation is high that we will continue to be called upon to serve our community.”
“We encourage CERT members to contact CERT Coordinator Joe Dorffner, who has done an outstanding job coordinating all of these activities, to let him know your availability,” said Morgenstern.
According to FEMA, the nationwide 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.”
AAACERT is a registered non-profit organization that trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies.
AAACERT Volunteers Contribute 625 Hours to Coronavirus Pandemic Response Read More »
Volunteer Opportunity – Homeless Shelter Support
NOTE: THIS IS NOT AN ACTIVATION OR FUNCTION OF AAACERT. IT IS A REQUEST FROM A NON-PROFIT FOR VOLUNTEER SUPPORT.
If you choose to volunteer, please follow the directions below.
VOLUNTEER ASSIGNMENT: Support to non-profit
extended Homeless Shelter (Crownsville/Annapolis Area)
TYPE ASSIGNMENT: Type 2 Volunteer (Support to Non-Profit Organization with
County assistance)
REQUESTOR: Arundel House of Hope (AHOH) (nonprofit organization)
REQUEST: One volunteer Shelter
Aide per
shift to assist Shelter Manager with water, coffee, snacks,
phone, admin support, etc
LOCATION: Bay Area Community Church, 884 Chesterfield, Annapolis (Crownsville),
MD
DURATION: Daily, Starting
MON 3-30-20 through MON 4-13-20
- Three shifts: Day 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM Swing: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM Night: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM of one Shelter Aide each
- Supervisor: On duty Shelter Manager
- First shift on MON 3-30-20 please arrive at 9:30 AM, Report to Arundel House of Hope Shelter Mgr Michael Johnson
RESTRICTIONS: Adult volunteers, male or
female, age 18-64, no formal affiliation required, no prior training required,
no personal protective equipment (PPE) required
SITE DESCRIPTION: Stable temporary shelter for 25 pre-registered, pre-screened
homeless adults as an extension of the Winter Relief church-based program
PLEASE SEND VOLUNTEER INFORMATION TO COUNTY
VOLUNTEER MOBILIZATION CENTER eoc@aacounty.org or call
410-222-0600
`Volunteer
organization coordinators may call Jim Krempel at 410-299-4504 (cell) for more
information
- “HOUSE OF HOPE SHELTER VOLUNTEER”
- Name of Volunteer
- Shift(s): DATE TIME
- Contact Cell Phone Contact email
Volunteer Organization or Church membership, if any
Volunteer Opportunity – Homeless Shelter Support Read More »
20 Twitter accounts we’re following on COVID-19 preparedness
When you hear something on social media about the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, it’s important to consider who is making the statement or suggestion, what they are asking you to do, and what is the evidence for their suggested course of action. During a disaster response, it’s vital to seek out trustworthy sources of information and help dispel rumors.
So here are a few of the Twitter accounts we’re following at @AAACERT for federal, state, county, and local news on COVID-19 preparedness in Anne Arundel County. This list is not intended to be comprehensive. However, if you’d like to suggest other trusted local sources of information on the novel coronavirus pandemic to follow, please email AAACERT Public Information Officer Jonathan Hutson, PIO@aaacert.org.
20 Trustworthy Twitter Accounts on COVID-19 Preparedness
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (@Steuart_Pittman)
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (@AACountySchools) Official Twitter account of Anne Arundel Co. Public Schools, 1 of the 50 largest school systems in the US & the 5th largest in MD.
Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (@AACO_OEM) The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management manages the County’s response to major emergencies.
Anne Arundel County Department of Public Health (@AAHealth) Official Twitter source for health updates.
Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness (@CDCgov) CDC’s official Twitter source for daily credible health & safety updates from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
CDC Emergency (@CDCemergency) The handle for CDC’s Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR). They tweet ways to #PrepYourHealth, and tips about public health preparedness and emergency responses.
CDC Emerging Infections (@CDC_NCEZID) NCEZID works to protect people from emerging and zoonotic infectious diseases, from anthrax to Zika.
City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management (@AnnapolisOEM)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (@FEMA) Their story of supporting citizens & first responders before, during, and after emergencies.
FEMA Emergency Management Institute (@FEMA_EMI) Official Twitter account of the Emergency Management Institute of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA Region 3 (@FEMAregion3) Region III serves DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, & WV. This channel provides FEMA mission-related information. For emergencies, call your local fire/EMS/police or 9-1-1.
Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan), 62nd Governor of the State of Maryland.
Health and Human Services (HHS), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Public Health Emergency (@PHEgov) PHE.gov provides information on disaster health preparedness, response & recovery.
Homeland Preparedness News (@homelandprep) Covering the efforts undertaken by government and private sector to protect citizens from the ever evolving threats to the homeland. Be in the know.
Maryland Center for School Safety (@safeschoolsmd) Providing a coordinated and comprehensive policy for school safety in Maryland in collaboration with schools, public safety, and parents.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (@MDMEMA) Their mission: To proactively reduce disaster risks and reliably manage consequences through collaborative work with Maryland’s communities and partners.
Maryland Health Department’ Office of Preparedness & Response (@MarylandOPR) Prepares for and responds to public health emergencies and administers the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps.
Maryland Poison Center (@MDPoisonCtr) Providing free poison exposure advice to Marylanders 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (@disasterstrat) The mission of the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies is equal access and full inclusion for the whole community before, during & after disasters.
And please remember to follow and retweet the Anne Arundel-Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (@AAACERT).
20 Twitter accounts we’re following on COVID-19 preparedness Read More »
AAACERT Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (AAACERT), during the current COVID-19 situation, has been assisting the the Anne Arundel Office of Emergency Management in numerous positions. AAACERT trained members have been helping as Call Takers in the Emergency Operations Center, as well as helping assist the County Virtual Volunteer Mobilization Center (VVMC). Starting on the 30th of March, AAACERT trained members will also be assisting at the proposed County Goods Donation Warehouse, working with the County Police doing traffic control.
AAACERT trains volunteers in disaster response skills and emergency preparedness. AAACERT volunteers assist others in our community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help. When activated under the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management, or the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, AAACERT supports emergency response agencies.
AAACERT Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic Read More »