Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis

Community Emergency Response Team

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Call Taker Training – Wednesday, January 20th

/ Training Beyond Basics / ,

AAA CERT members,

The Emergency Operations Center is hosting Call Taker Training ahead of the potential storm later this week.

When: January 20th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: EOC

Purpose: Review call taker procedures, phone usage, WebEOC, and general EOC information.

Please contact Chrissy Calp at fdcalp00@aacounty.org ASAP if you are available to attend to save your seat and she will send you directions to the office.

As you are probably aware the area is under threat of a severe winter storm expected to impact the area January 22-23, which could have significant snow totals. We will have better forecasts for impact as the week moves forward, and will share that information with you. OEM is beginning to plan for an EOC activation starting Friday, Jan 22nd, assuming the worst.

Therefore, if activated we will need your support as call takers to help field resident’s calls.

Call Taker Training – Wednesday, January 20th Read More »

Free FEMA Training Courses Online

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute offers online self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. All are offered free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment.
EMI

FEMA Diversity Awareness Training (Online): This course recognizes the benefits of diversity in our workforce and FEMA’s commitment to valuing diversity of its employees and customers. https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-20.15

FEMA Special Needs Training (Online): The purpose of this course is to increase awareness and understanding of the need for full inclusion of disaster survivors and FEMA staff who are people with disabilities, and people with access and functional needs. The course provides an overview of disabilities and access and functional needs and explains how disaster staff can apply inclusive practices in their disaster assignments. https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-368

Catalog of all Independent Study Program (ISP) Courses: https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx?all=true

Register for FEMA Student ID (If you don’t already have one.This is the same ID that you may have used at the National Fire Academy if you’ve taken a course there): https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid

Have you taken a FEMA course recently? Let us know how it went in the comments block below!

Free FEMA Training Courses Online Read More »

Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT to assist American Red Cross with Smoke Detector Program

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The Anne Arundel – Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will assist the American Red Cross and local Fire Departments with fire education and installing fire alarms on Saturday, 16 January, from 10AM to 4PM.

Home fires in the United States kill more than 2,500 people annually and cause an average of 13,000 injuries. Fire prevention is crucial and achievable.

The volunteers will be canvassing the Pasadena and Annapolis areas and offering to install smoke alarms in homes… for FREE! Homeowners will also receive some important information regarding fire safety and checklists.

So be on the lookout.

If you have any photos from the event, feel free to send to communications@aaacert.org

Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT to assist American Red Cross with Smoke Detector Program Read More »

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared? – Webinar

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Although CERT isn’t directly involved with response this still may be a seminar of interest and benefit.

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared?
Date: December 29, 2015
Time: 3:00 PM EST / 2:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST / 8:00 PM GMT

Event Description:
A variety of machinery-entrapment situations are presented. Students learn how to effectively operate at these incidents from scene size-up until the disentanglement is complete. The focus is on looking at the big picture to realizing that not all disentanglements need to be complex. Lock-out/tag-out, equipment options, medical considerations, and actual incidents are discussed.

REGISTER

Man vs. Machinery Incidents: Are You Prepared? – Webinar Read More »

CERT Instructors Graduate the Train the Trainer Program

/ Training Beyond Basics / ,

 

Graduating class of CERT Train the Trainer at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy, 20 December 2015. Anne Arundel - Annapolis CERT sponsored a CERT Train the Trainer course to prepare participants to teach the Basic CERT course. The three day class, taugh by Chief Michael O'Connell, was held at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy in Millersville, Maryland. Pictured left to right: Paula Hughes (Clinton CERT - Prince George's County), Bruce Morgenstern, Carlos Gonzales, Chief Michael O'Connell (Division Chief AAFD / Director, Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management), John Schirrippa, Mona Grupp, Rick Cooper, Paul Bowling (not-pictured).
Graduating class of CERT Train the Trainer at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy, 20 December 2015.
Pictured left to right: Paula Hughes (Clinton CERT – Prince George’s County), Bruce Morgenstern, Carlos Gonzales, Chief Michael O’Connell (Division Chief AAFD / Director, Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management), John Schirrippa, Mona Grupp, Rick Cooper, Paul Bowling (not-pictured).

Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT sponsored a CERT Train the Trainer course to prepare participants to teach the Basic CERT course. The three day class, taught by Chief Michael O’Connell, was held at the Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy in Millersville, Maryland.
The seven new instructors brings the Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT Basic Instructor cadre to sixteen. We are looking forwarding to providing more Basic CERT classes in 2016.

CERT Instructors Graduate the Train the Trainer Program Read More »

Skywarn Basic Spotter Class

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Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT and the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management is sponsoring a Skywarn Basic Spotter Class. This class will be presented by professional Meteorologist from the National Weather Service from Sterling Virginia.

This course is a prerequisite for all other courses. Basics I is a good general overview of what it means to be a spotter as well as the basics of the different weather phenomenon that impacts the Mid-Atlantic. Upon completion of the course, you will be registered in the program by the NWS. You will receive a spotter code from the NWS within 6 weeks. Training in Basics I includes:

  • The basic organization of the National Weather Service
  • The role and importance of the Skywarn spotter
  • How to report vital info to the NWS
  • NWS Products and the Watch/Warning/Advisory system
  • Thunderstorm, Flooding, Tropical and Winter Weather Threats
  • The role of amateur short-wave (HAM) radio in the Spotter Program

Date: 2016 January 21
Time: 1900 – 2200 (3 hours)
Location:
Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management
7480 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

REGISTER

Skywarn Basic Spotter Class Read More »

Train the Trainer (CERT Instructor) Class – December 18 – 20

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REGISTER

The purpose of the Train the Trainer course is to produce competent instructors for the CERT Basic Training course. A competent CERT instructor delivers the CERT Basic Training course accurately, conveying the messages and intent of the CERT Program (e.g., safety, teamwork, place in overall community emergency operations plan). A competent instructor assures that participants achieve the objectives of the CERT Basic Training course. A competent CERT instructor delivers training effectively and at an appropriate level, thus enabling participants to learn and correctly apply skill sets. A competent instructor creates a comfortable yet managed learning environment
The over goal of this course is NOT to teach the Basic CERT skills but to teach the instructor HOW to instruct.
OVERALL COURSE OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the CERT Basic Training course.
2. Demonstrate the ability to present an assigned portion of the course (teach-back).
3. Communicate the core values of the program.
4. Demonstrate classroom management techniques.
5. Demonstrate effective teaching techniques.
6. Model appropriate behavior as an instructor. In addition to the overall course objectives listed above, each unit has specific objectives.

Schedule (Must attend ALL Sessions)
Friday, 18 December, 19:00 – 22:00
Saturday, 19 December, 08:00 – 17:00
Sunday, 20 December, 08:00 – 17:00

Pre-requirements:
Basic CERT Training
Anne Arundel County Background (If AAACERT Member)
Anne Arundel County Liability Waiver (Required of ALL participants)

What to Bring
Note Pad and Writing instrument
CERT ID – Required
CERT Go Bag

REGISTER

Train the Trainer (CERT Instructor) Class – December 18 – 20 Read More »

Mass Casualty Exercise, Lorton VA (Fairfax CERT) Saturday, November 21

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Fairfax Community Emergency Response Team Master Exercise

REGISTER

This Master Exercise exercise will give our newly trained CERTs an opportunity to demonstrate skills and work together with our seasoned CERTs as an individual responder or as a neighborhood team. From moulage to triage, you’ll experience it all. This is a unique opportunity to practice your skills in a realistic full scale exercise. We’re excited to offer this training at Virginia Task Force 1’s training facility at the former Lorton Juvenile Detention Center.

Participants have the option to register as a responder, victim-actor, evaluator or controller. The exercise is conducted in a no-fault learning environment where capabilities and processes will be evaluated. The scenario(s) will be realistic and event simulation will provide sufficient detail to allow players to react to information and situations as they are presented, as if the simulated incident were real. The exercise will be held rain or shine.

All participants must sign a waiver and register through Eventbrite.

For our participants, a modest lunch will be provided by one of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Canteen units, disaster dining at its best! Participants will also have the opportunity to take an exclusive tour of the Lorton Training Site, used by Fairfax County’s elite urban search and rescue team, Virginia Task Force 1

Late arrivals will not be admitted after 9:00 am.

0730-0800 – Victim Actor check in

0800-0830 – Responder check in

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Yes, all participants should have a picture ID. Participants must be at least 16 years old because this site is used extensively for rescue training and has inherent hazards including, but not limited to sharp objects, broken glass, nails, insects, tripping hazards, etc.

What can/can’t I bring to the event?

ALL PERSONS coming on the site (regardless of your role) must wear shoes that completely enclose the foot – No sandals, Tevas, Keens, Crocs, High heels, Pumps etc. – Persons arriving without proper foot wear will be denied access to the site – No EXCEPTIONS

ALL PERSONS coming on the site (regardless of your role) must wear long pants – No shorts or skirts. Anyone arriving without proper attire will be denied access to the site. Safety is paramount! We also recommend that you bring a water bottle, cup or some other water storage device. We will have drinking water available on site. Bring Sunscreen and bug repellent.

CERT Responders- You may bring any resources you like, however they will need to be carried in and kept with you during the exercise. Proper PPE is required.

Victim Actors- We would recommend some form of entertainment during the periods of waiting – a book, an iPod, a well charged phone…. it can get muddy/cold/wet so a word of caution

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Missy Tuttle-Ferrio, Volunteer Lead  lead@fairfaxcountycert.org

Anita Van der Merwe, Deputy Lead  deputylead@fairfaxcountycert.org

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

No, sorry. It’s an accountability thing.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes, this will allow us to expedite checking into the secured site.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn’t match the attendee. Is that okay?

Nope. Again, it’s an accountability thing. This is a secured training site.

REGISTER

FAIRFAX COUNTY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM PROGRAM

HOLD HARMLESS/PERMISSION REQUEST

By registering for this event, I hereby request permission to participate in the Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Exercise.  I understand that this training will involve active physical participation, which includes a potential risk of personal injury and/or personal property damage.  I make this request with full knowledge of the possibility of personal injury and/or personal property damage.  Further, I have read and understand the program outline that describes all class sections and the associated activities.

I agree to hold Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, the County of Fairfax, and Fairfax County Emergency Management, and their agents and personnel, harmless from any and all claims, actions, suits, and/or injury that I may suffer and which may arise as a result of my participation in the above mentioned class.

I agree to follow the rules established by the instructors, and to exercise reasonable care while participating in the CERT program. I understand that if I fail to follow the instructor’s rules and regulations or if I fail to exercise reasonable care, I can be administratively removed from the program.

I hereby authorize the Fairfax County CERT Program to take photographs of myself and others that I bring to class to act as “victims” and to use or publish such photographs (still photographs, film/video, etc.) in any format (print, electronic publication, internet, etc.) as they see fit and I waive any rights and any claims I might have regarding the taking or publishing of any such photos.

By executing this release I certify that I have read this release in its entirety, understand all of its terms and have had any questions regarding the release or its effect satisfactory answered. I agree to this release freely and voluntarily.

REGISTER

Mass Casualty Exercise, Lorton VA (Fairfax CERT) Saturday, November 21 Read More »

Laurel City OEM Planning ICS-300 & ICS-400 Classes

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Laurel City Office of Emergency Management will be sponsoring ICS-300 and ICS-400 classes and are trying to determine the level of need / interest. The classes will be open to individuals outside of Laurel City. If you are interested send an email to Lena Grant, lgrant@laurel.md.us along with your contact information and affiliation.

IC-100, IC-200 and IC-700 are REQUIRED to take this course. If you haven’t had these courses they are available online: https://training.fema.gov/nims/.

 

Laurel City OEM Planning ICS-300 & ICS-400 Classes Read More »

Volunteer Role Players Need – Washington DC, Emergency Management Exercise

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As part of Mayor Bowser’s goal to make DC the safest big city in America, the District will host
the “District of Columbia 2015 Full Scale Exercise” on Thursday, December 10, 2015. Several
District agencies will participate in the exercise, which will simulate a hazardous materials event,
to assess the District’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise will be conducted at
multiple locations throughout the city and will focus on first responder, emergency operations
center, and shelter operations.
A key to making this exercise a success is the availability of individuals willing to act as
volunteer role players and victims on the day of the exercise. These “actors” will portray
individuals impacted by a simulated incident, such as a hazardous material spill, and will be
placed into one of three categories:
• Actors portraying injured individuals that need life saving treatment from first
responders,
• Actors portraying individuals contaminated by a simulated chemical spill and need to be
decontaminated by first responders (dry decontamination, no water will be used), and
• Actors portraying displaced personnel and need to seek refuge at a shelter.
No experience required! All volunteer role players must be 18 years of age or older. For more
information regarding the exercise and to register as a role player, please visit the following link:
https://dcfsevolunteerregistration.eventbrite.com
For difficulties accessing the link and/or reasonable accommodations in support of registration
please contact Kasey Parr at 703-518-9982 or kparr@olsongroupltd.com.
Registering as a role player does not guarantee selection for participation in the exercise; all
participants must successfully pass a background check and complete a DC HSEMA participant
waiver form. Providing your date of birth is a requirement for the background check.

Volunteer Role Players Need – Washington DC, Emergency Management Exercise Read More »

Amateur Radio Technician Class – Davidsonville

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Sponsor: Anne Arundel Radio Club (AARC)
Date(s): Saturday(s) October 31 – December 12 (skipping Saturday, November 28)
Time: 08:30 – 12:00
Location: AARC Clubhouse, 3727 Queen Anne Bridge Road, Davidsonville, MD
Cost: Free
Manual: ARRL Ham Radio License Manual

Pre-registration though not required is encouraged. You may register by contacting Keith Miller, AE3D at the address or phone listed below.

Keith Miller, AE3D
ARRL / AARC
ae3d@graykitty.net
ae3d@w3vpr.net
ae3d@arrl.net
301-805-1854

Amateur Radio Technician Class – Davidsonville Read More »

CERT Parade Marshal Training – Annapolis

/ Training Beyond Basics / , ,

There are many events within the City of Annapolis that bring a significant amount of visitors to the downtown area. In the next few months, the City will have celebrations with multiple parades in which Anne Arundel – Annapolis CERT will call upon our trained personnel to assist the first responders. Parade Marshals assist by providing eyes and ears for law enforcement and fire personnel. As a parade marshal, you will assist in crowd control, traffic management and ease of flow of parade apparatus. The training will entail parade safety requirements, emergency procedures, communication and notification protocols, and an introduction and mini presentation from the City’s Special Events coordinator Felicia Nolan.

Class Date: Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Time: 19:00
Location: Annapolis City OEM, 166 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401
Cost: Free
What to bring: Note pad, writing instrument, ID (CERT if you have one)

REGISTER HERE

SEE ALL UPCOMING HERE

Questions: Training@AAACERT.org

 

CERT Parade Marshal Training – Annapolis Read More »

Traffic and Crowd Management Class

/ Training Beyond Basics / ,

This class will serve to provide CERT members with the skills needed to manage traffic and crowds in planned and emergency situations.

Participants will learn CERT Basic Training Concepts That Apply to Traffic and Crowd Management, Communicating Effectively, Crowd Management, Traffic Management

Training Objectives:

  • Identify possible CERT roles in traffic and crowd management
  • Explain CERT Basic Training concepts that apply to traffic and crowd management
  • Demonstrate standard hand signals for directing traffic and crowds
  • Describe skills for effective verbal communication with the public
  • Explain how to use radios and verbal communication skills to communicate with team members and chain of command
  • Recognize and respond to various types of crowd behavior
  • Identify safety concerns for managing crowds
  • Develop basic crowd management plan for an emergency situation
  • Demonstrate correct use of traffic control devices
  • Recognize safety concerns for managing traffic

Requirements: Basic CERT Training, Completed Anne Arundel County Background, CERT vest, CERT hardhat, and applicable clothing for the weather conditions.

Students will partake in classroom and practical training. The practical training will take place outdoors regardless of the weather conditions.

Reserve Officer (RO) E. M. Vazquez of the Anne Arundel County Police Department, Reserve Officer Unit, Western Platoon will provide instruction for the class.

REGISTER HERE

SEE ALL UPCOMING CLASSES

Questions may be sent to: Training@AAACERT.org

Class size is limited to 15 maximum.

Traffic and Crowd Management Class Read More »

Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Expo

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AAACERT participated in the Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Expo on 12 September. Despite the rain there was a good turnout. Often deafened and interrupted by the MSP sirens behind us, we managed to talk to quite a number of attendees and vendors. Several people expressed interest in upcoming CERT Basic Training and becoming members of AAACERT. Two members from a local team want to transfer to AAACERT as they are live in Anne Arundel county and is more convenient to them.

We gave away 2 gift certificates, one to Home Depot for $50.00 and one to TGI Friday’s for $25.00. The winner of the Home Depot Gift Certificate was Eva Marino and the winner of the TGI Fridays Gift Certificate was Kim Auman.

Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Expo Read More »

Webinar: Local Partnerships between the American Red Cross and CERT

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The American Red Cross and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) serve communities throughout the United States in a variety of ways before, during, and after emergencies. But while both programs accomplish a great deal individually, they can do even more when they work together. As partners, CERT and American Red Cross programs and volunteers can work to advance their mutual goals of increasing the preparedness and resilience of local neighborhoods and communities and offering vital assistance and support in the aftermath of disasters.
The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division invites you to join a webinar that showcases partnerships between local American Red Cross chapters and CERT programs. Three sets of American Red Cross and CERT programs serving three jurisdictions will discuss how they are working together to make their communities safer, stronger, and more resilient. Presenters will share how they established their partnerships, what lessons they learned from the experience, and how their collaboration benefitted their programs and communities. The webinar will conclude with a question and answer session.

Title: Local Partnerships between the American Red Cross and CERT
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Time:  3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (ET)

This webinar will feature American Red Cross and CERT guest speakers from the following jurisdictions:
Delaware County, PA
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI

How to Join the Webinar:
– Adobe Connect Registration Web Link.
– Please register for the event.  Be sure to test your Adobe Connect connection prior to the meeting.
– This webinar will offer closed captioning.

We hope that you will be able to join us on September 9! If you can’t make it, we will be posting the recording, transcript, and slide deck of the presentation on this page, under “Citizen Corps Partners/Affiliates”: http://www.ready.gov/preparedness-leader/webinar-library. You can also view our most recent webinar on including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs in CERT training at: https://icpd.adobeconnect.com/p1onuoh5wic/.

 

Webinar: Local Partnerships between the American Red Cross and CERT Read More »

What pet owners need to think about in the event of an emergency

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I’ve been asked by Mike Simpson, Chairperson, Anne Arundel and Annapolis Citizen Corps Council to pass along this announcement for their upcoming meeting. Looks like a great topic especially for those of us who have (and are responsible for) pets. Hope to see you there. There is no RSVP.

Date: Wednesday, August 26
Time: 19:30
Location: Anne Arundel County Fire Training Academy
Speaker: June Gravitte
Topic: What pet owners need to think about in the event of an emergency.

The guest speaker will be June Gravitte, former Noah’s Wish Assistant Coordinator for Region 8, primarily responsible for Baltimore/Washington area networking (MDSART, Maryland VOAD, Prince George’s County CERT/Citizen Corps).  She  will be addressing what pet owners need to do and think about in the event of an emergency,  focusing on the basics of survival including evacuation, sheltering options, food and water as well as providing an overview of what Anne Arundel County  groups responsible for animals in disasters should consider when preparing for disaster responses.  June was part of animal sheltering deployments for Hurricanes: Katrina 2005; Gustav and Ike: 2008 (Ike was also with EARS/HSUS) Wildfire:  Lillooet, British Columbia 2010.

What pet owners need to think about in the event of an emergency Read More »