New Castle County Citizen Corps

Opprotunity to help the chairty organization Supporting Kidds

2012-01-11T14:36:00.002-05:00

"Founded in 1989, Supporting Kidds is one of the first organizations in the country to address the unique needs of bereaved children.

The mission of Supporting Kidds is to provide a compassionate pathway to healing for grieving children and their families, and to empower the community to support them in the grieving process.

We believe that when provided support and information, grieving children and their families can mobilize their inner capacities to heal. A knowledgeable and caring community is an essential aid in this process."

On March 4, 2012, the J.Christian hair studio is putting on the 5th annual Crazy Catwalk for Kidds which is aimed at helping the Supporting Kidds orginazation. Last year 1,400 people attended and over $15,000 was raised for the organization. As in past years the event will be held at the Hockessin Memorial Hall, due to the size of the event the orginizers are looking for 20-25 volunteers to help with parking.

If you or someone you know is interested in helping out with this event please contact Bryan Bordon at BGordon@nccde.org

MLK Blood Drive

2012-01-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

"What type of hero are you?"Is the question being asked by Delaware sate AmeriCorps programs and the Blood Bank of Delmarva during their blood drive to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event which started Monday the 9th and will end on Dr. Kings birthday and national holiday on the following Monday the 16th is a weeklong event in tribute to his legacy or service.

According to the DHSS press release:

Every donor will receive a button and the great feeling of having helped up to three hospital patients with a portion of their blood. In addition, all donors are asked to fill out a special Hero Card, available at reception and to designate the name of their child's school (or any school they wish to designate). At the end of the drive, the top school in each county with the most hero cards will be treated to a pizza party by Grotto Pizza.

To make an appointment today to give blood during the MLK Day Blood Drive, call (888) 8-BLOOD-8 or visit http://www.delmarvablood.org/. Walk-ins will be taken as time allows. Donors must be 17 years of age, no tattoos or body-piercings within the last 12 months, have no cold or flu symptoms or recent major surgery. A photo ID (or two other forms of identification) is required.

For more information about the MLK Day Blood Drive, go to typemlkde.com/

Survival app for winter storm weather

2012-01-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

Is a cell phone part of your emergency preparedness kit? Maybe this survival app app should be too. In this day and age of smart phones and never ending technological advances there seems to be an app for everything. Recently added to the list is the Winter Survival smartphone application developed by Myriad Devices. According to Apple itunes, this free app,

"will help you find your current location, call 911, notify your friends and family, calculate how long you can run your engine to keep warm and stay safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.You can use the Winter Survival Kit app to store important phone and policy numbers for insurance or roadside assistance. You also can designate emergency contacts you want to alert when you become stranded."

Does anyone else have any preparedness application suggestions?

Volunteers needed for Rockwood Holiday Open House

2011-11-17T13:45:00.001-05:00

To sign up contact Susan Eggert: seggert@ncced.org or (302) 395-5651

ENJOY FAMILY FUN AT GLASGOW REGIONAL PARK COMMUNITY DAY

2011-10-27T14:25:00.000-04:00

Bring the family, enjoy the fresh fall air and have fun at the First Annual Glasgow Regional Park Community Day. The event takes place this Saturday, October 29, from 10 am to 4 pm at the park located at Route 40 and Route 896 in Glasgow.

Come see Emergency Services demonstrations and entertainment from local venues. Enjoy the excitement of the Children’s Costume Parade and “Once Upon a Trail,” a children’s storybook event. Feel fit after taking part in the 5K Run/Walk.

Other highlights include health and wellness screenings, pet services, a community yard sale, contests, raffles and giveaways. Net proceeds from the event will benefit Glasgow Regional Park. For more information contact Valerie George at (302) 395-8351.
Glasgow Regional Park is located at Route 40 & 896

Salem-Hope Creek Siren test Schedule

2011-10-17T11:40:00.000-04:00

CERT Class in October!

2011-09-29T14:15:00.000-04:00

This program is a FREE 2 day class which educates people about disaster preparedness, the hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills. Subjects such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, and American Heart Association CPR/AED certification are provided through classroom and exercise instruction.

The next 2 DAY CLASS will be held:

Friday October 7th

4:30 pm - 9 pm
and

Saturday October 8th

8 am - 5 pm
both days.

(Note: Dinner will be provided on Friday night and breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday)

CERT is…

 Ordinary citizens

 Neighbor helping neighbor

 Community-based

 Safety focused

 basic life saving skills

 preventing further property loss

How Can You Help in a Disaster?

To sign up for this training, or to be put on the contact list for

future trainings, please email: citizencorps@nccde.org

or call 302-395-2700

Come Join Us at the Bear Library!

2011-09-16T09:42:00.000-04:00

Come join the Office of Emergency Management at the Bear Public Library for a discussion on how to prepare for disasters. We will be at the Bear Library on Sept.17th at 1pm.

9/11 Day of Service

2011-09-09T09:10:00.000-04:00

Volunteer Service Fair

Blue Ball Barn

Alapocas Run State Park

1914 West Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19803

Saturday, September 10th

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Learn about service opportunities

Give time to a project Refreshments

FREE T-shirts

Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service

Stay Informed How the Public will be alerted of a Major Emergency or Disaster:

2011-08-25T16:49:00.000-04:00

If a situation or event becomes a potential threat to our residents and visitors, the public will be alerted by one (or several) of the following methods, as appropriate:

Delaware Emergency Notification System - The primary system for public warning and emergency protective action information will be the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS). DENS serves the entire state and is fully operational for residents and businesses that have listed telephone numbers. The DENS allows emergency voice messages to be delivered to a person answering the phone or to an answering machine. It also bypasses "zapper" type phone devices that stop incoming computer-generated calls often used by telemarketers. In addition to the State Emergency Operations Center and the Delaware State Police Communications Center in Smyrna, activating points for the DENS include the primary emergency 911 Centers in each county and Wilmington and the Division of Public Health. When the DENS system is activated, only 300 phone numbers can be dialed within one minute. DENS can provide emergency notification to the entire state or to an area as specifically defined as 10 houses on one street. Calls will include the name of the agency that activates the system, type of emergency, recommended protective actions, if any, and resources for obtaining additional information. Appropriate Emergency Alert System radio stations and television stations will also be provided.
IMPORTANT: If your phone number is unlisted or if you use a cell phone as your primary phone, you MUST contact First Call Interactive Network at 1-866-484-3264 or visit the First Call website (https://alertregistration.com/dema/) to register for the DENS list. The registration line prompts callers through the registration process. There is no cost to register. A street address is necessary for cell phone users, and only one phone number per address is permitted. The State of Delaware DOES NOT offer an official text message based alerting system.

Hurricane Irene Prompts Precautions in Delaware

2011-08-24T19:43:00.001-04:00

With the first hurricane of the season predicted to track up the Atlantic Coast, Delaware emergency management officials are urging the public to take this storm very seriously. Even though it is too early to accurately predict the strength and exact path of Irene by the time it reaches the Delmarva area, everyone is encouraged to be prepared for disruptive weather.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director Jamie Turner urges everyone to use this time to review their household emergency plan and to check emergency supplies. He said it is very important for the public to also monitor the weather and be aware of pending effects of a storm well in advance in order to plan and act safely.

“Have a plan, get a kit and stay informed,” Turner said. “We want everyone to have food and water for at least three days, batteries for lights and radios and a means of charging cell phones. Remember that part of your emergency plan is to have a destination in mind if you have to evacuate. If officials instruct you to evacuate, please do it.”

Additional things to consider in planning for an emergency include food and medications for those that might have special dietary or pharmaceutical needs and/or appropriate equipment for family members who might use assistive technology. Families also need to remember the needs of pets and stock adequate food and supplies as well as appropriate carriers or restraints should evacuation be required.

The DEMA Director said a very important component of each household emergency plan is to have important documents like medical records, deeds or leases, insurance records and birth certificates copied and stored where they can be easily accessed and packed in case of evacuation.

Turner reminds people that they can best cooperate and partner with emergency management officials and responders by staying informed and following recommendations and instructions.

DEMA and relevant partners statewide are in communication with the National Weather Service and will continue to regularly monitor conditions, keep the public informed and be ready to take appropriate actions as Irene draws nearer.

FEMA also encourages everyone, regardless of whether they live in a hurricane-prone area, to take steps to ensure their family, homes and businesses are prepared for a possible emergency.

"FEMA, along with the entire federal family, is closely monitoring Hurricane Irene, and is coordinating with all of our state and territorial partners that have or could potentially be impacted by this storm. We encourage residents to continue listening to the instructions of their local officials," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "For residents in states that may be affected later this week, it's critical that you take this storm seriously and take steps now to prepare your families, homes and businesses.”

For more infromation on making a household emergency plan and building a supply kit, visit prepareDE.org, Ready.gov or Listo.gov

For regional wether updates, visit http://www.erh.noaa.gov/phi/

Hurricane Preparedness from Ready.gov

2011-08-18T11:28:00.000-04:00

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. People who live in hurricane prone communities should know their vulnerability, and what actions should be taken to reduce the effects of these devastating storms. The information on this page can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.

Steps you can take to protect your family, property or business

Step 1: Build A Kit / "To-Go Bag"

Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Prepare your family

Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency. You should also consider:

Evacuation plans

Family communications

Utility shut-off and safety

Safety skills

Prepare Your Business

Businesses have a critical role in preparedness. Putting a disaster plan in motion now will improve the likelihood that your company will survive and recover. Ready Business outlines commonsense measures business owners and managers can take to start getting ready.

Plan to Protect Property

Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the NFIP Web site, www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

For more detailed information on how you can protect your property, view the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration's printer-friendly handout Avoiding Hurricane Damage

In addition to insurance, you can also:

Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.

Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.

Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

Turn off propane tanks.

Install a generator for emergencies

Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.

Step 3: Be Informed

Hurricane hazards come in many forms: lightning, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, even landslides or mudslides can be triggered in mountainous regions. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Learn about damaging and potentially deadly hurricane hazards

What to do during a hurricane

Get your children involved (kids site)

People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs

Care for pets

Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.

A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.

A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Recommended Training

FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) has developed a training program to encourage community hurricane preparedness. This computer-based course provides basic information about dealing with tropical cyclones and hurricanes. Visit www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is324a.asp and select the ‘take this course’ option at the top of the right hand column to take the interactive web-based course.

Federal and National Resources

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a hurricane by visiting the following resources:

Federal Emergency Management Agency

NOAA Hurricane Center

American Red Cross

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control

Encourage Electronic Payments for Federal Benefit Recipients

Keep in mind a disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. For those who depend on the mail for their Social Security benefits, a difficult situation can become worse if they are evacuated or lose their mail service – as 85,000 check recipients learned after Hurricane Katrina. Switching to electronic payments is one simple, significant way people can protect themselves financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:

Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with bank accounts. The Direct Express ® prepaid debit card is also available for people who don’t have a bank account. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling (800) 333-1795 or at www.GoDirect.org.

2011-06-30T15:58:00.004-04:00

Have you taken a CERT class and would like to supplement that training? The Texas Engineering Extension Service now offers a variety of awareness level courses online for CERT responders.

Here's another link for a webinar that will be covering introduction to disaster behavioral health on July 14th.

https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=dc0xxykw6ak1

You must pre-register for the webinar and it will last approximatly 1 hour.

2011-06-23T18:09:00.003-04:00

Cool News
The 2011 Summer Cooling Program Has Started &
If You Live In New Castle County Your Household MAY Qualify For A
Free Window Air Conditioner
Applications will be taken:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
{June 21th thru August 31st}
7:00am to 10:00am OR 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Interfaith Community Housing of DE, Inc.,
613 N Washington Street ~ Wilmington DE 19801

Guidelines:
Have not received an air conditioner within the last 3 ~ years
from any of the following agencies:
Catholic Charities,
Delaware State Health and Social Services / Div. of State Service Centers…
Delaware Community Foundation’s Operation Cool Air / Agencies...
First State Community Action Agency..,
Interfaith Community Housing of De, Inc..,
Neighborhood House, Inc..,

ALL HOUSEHOLDS MUST MEET THE INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF 200% OF POVERTY FFY’11

SIZE OF FAMILY ANNUAL INCOME MONTHLY INCOME

ONE $21,780.00$1,815.00

TWO $29,420.00 $2,451.00

THREE $37,060.00 $3,088.00
FOUR $44,700.00 $3,725.00
FIVE $52,340.00 $4,361.00
SIX $59,980.00 $4,998.00
SEVEN $67,620.00 $5,635.00
EIGHT $75,260.00 $6,271.00
FOR EACH ADDITIONAL HOUSEHOLD MEMBER ADD $636.00 PER MONTH OR $7,640.00 ANNUALLY.

EACH APPLICANT MUST BRING:
1. Copies of all income for everyone in the household…
2. Copy of current electric bill…
3. Birth certificates & social security cards for everyone in the household
4. Photo ID…

Program Funded By:
Delaware Energy Assistance Program (DEAP)
Summer Cooling Assistance Program (SCAP)
State of Delaware U. S. Department of Health and Human Services
Program Administered By:
Interfaith Community Housing of DE. Inc.,

Floods

2011-06-20T10:50:00.002-04:00

According to FEMA, flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster and can happen in every U.S. state and terrritory. It's important to be prepared for flooding no matter where you live, particularly if you live in low-lying areas such as those found in Delawar, new water or downstream from a dam.

Three Steps To Prepare For A Flood

1. Get A Kit

Your kit should contain essential food, water and supplies for each person in your household for at least three days, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. Include important documents, identification and proof of residency, etc. You may also want to prepare a protable kit and keep it in your car.

2. Make A Plan

Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes so it is important toknow how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
Have prearranged meeting places both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.
Because local phone lines might be jammed have a out-of-town contact family members can call and check-in with who can relay the messages if you should be separated.
Familiarize yourself with emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare, school, etc. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one or contact the NCC Citizen Corps for help or advice.
Tailor your plan to the specific needs of your family

If needed make special considerations for small children, elderly or disabled members of your family.
Make a plan for your pets.

Take a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class such as the one being offered by the New Castle County Citizen Corps this weekend!
Purchase a flood insurance policy if you don't already have one or review your current insurance policy to ensure you're properly covered.

3. Be Informed

Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify a flood hazard:

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible, Tune into NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for infromation.
Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
Flood Warning: Flooding is occuring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate do so immediately.
Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occuring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

For more infromation on:
River Conditions
Flood preparedness
National Flood Insurance Program
Disaster Assistance

Some infromation for this post was taken from ready.gov

Some of The Most Frequent Or Possible Causes of Flooding in New Castle County

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Hurricanes pack a triple punch: high winds, soaking rain, and flying debris. They can cause storm surges to coastal areas, as well as create heavy rainfall which in turn causes flooding hundreds of miles inland. While all coastal areas are at risk, certain cities are particularly vulnerable and could have losses similar to or even greater than those caused by the 2005 hurricane, Katrina, in New Orleans and Mississippi.

When hurricanes weaken into tropical storms, they generate rainfall and flooding that can be especially damaging since the rain collects in one place. In 2001, Tropical Storm Allison produced more than 30 inches of rainfall in Houston in just a few days, flooding over 70,000 houses and destroying 2,744 homes.

Heavy Rains: Several areas of the country are at heightened risk for flooding due to heavy rains. The Northwest is at high risk due to La Niña conditions, which include: snow melts, heavy rains, and recent wildfires. And the Northeast is at high risk due to heavy rains produced from Nor'easters.

This excessive amount of rainfall can happen throughout the year, putting your property at risk.

Levees & Dams: Levees are designed to protect against a certain level of flooding. However, levees can and do decay over time, making maintenance a serious challenge. Levees can also be overtopped, or even fail during large floods, creating more damage than if the levee wasn't even there. Because of the escalating flood risks in areas with levees, especially in the mid-west, FEMA strongly recommends flood insurance for all homeowners in these areas.

Flash Floods: Flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S. since they can roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges. A flash flood is a rapid flooding of low-lying areas in less than six hours, which is caused by intense rainfall from a thunderstorm or several thunderstorms. Flash floods can also occur from the collapse of a man-made structure or ice dam.

New Development: Construction and development can change the natural drainage and create brand new flood risks. That's because new buildings, parking lots, and roads mean less land to absorb excess precipitation from heavy rains, hurricanes, and tropical storms.

Hurricane Preparedness Infromation

2011-06-17T15:50:00.002-04:00

Fire Corps Training

2011-05-05T10:06:00.002-04:00

Register Today to Participate in the Fire Corps Academy
Hosted by the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association

What: Fire Corps is hosting two training sessions titled FC-100: Introduction to Fire Corps and FC-200: Starting and Implementing a Fire Corps Program. These are the first two courses in the Fire Corps Academy.
FC-100: Introduction to Fire Corps provides an overview of how the Fire Corps program is organized and introduces the benefits, depth, and scope of community volunteer activities in fire and emergency service departments. The session also identifies the basic steps and components to building the infrastructure of a local Fire Corps program.
FC-200: Starting and Implementing a Fire Corps Program teaches how to successfully grow a program along with avoiding and mitigating issues that slow or hinder healthy growth. Participants will learn about various volunteer management practices and be provided with sample documents and tips to help sustain and further their programs.
When: May 22, 2011. Each session lasts for one hour and 15 minutes. Sessions times are as follows:
· 8:30 am – Registration
· 9:00 am – FC-100
· 10:30 am – FC-200
Where: Delaware State Fire School
1461 Chestnut Grove RdDover DE 19904302-739-4773 phone302-739-6245 fax
Why: The Fire Corps Academy is a series of free training sessions and resources designed for Fire Corps program managers, department leaders, and local Fire Corps volunteers who wish to start and/or participate in a Fire Corps program. Department personnel and Fire Corps program coordinators can benefit from the training to learn about different aspects of implementing, managing, and expanding a local program.
Who Should Attend: Fire chiefs, department personnel, volunteers, and other interested parties who oversee or who will oversee or manage a Fire Corps Program or just want to learn more about Fire Corps.
How: Register online at https://nvfc.wufoo.com/forms/fire-corps-academy/ or click here to download the registration form and mail it to the DVFA office at P.O. Box 1849, Dover, DE 19903 or fax to the office at 302-734-9404. Registrations must be received by Monday, May 16, 2011. There is no cost to register and attend both courses.
About Fire Corps: Fire Corps is a federally-funded program under the Citizen Corps initiative, which is a national grassroots effort to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. Fire Corps connects community volunteers to their local emergency service department to provide non-operational support, thus increasing the capacity and services the department can offer. It is administered on a national level by the National Volunteer Fire Council in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and many other organizations that make up the National Advisory Committee.
About the Instructor: The classes will be taught by Warren Sprecher. Warren has been one of the Arizona Fire Corps State Advocates since March 2010. He is a Fire & Life Safety Education Specialist for the City of Mesa’s Fire Department. He oversees two of their Fire Corps Programs; Connectors and Cadets. Warren serves on the AZ Central Region Citizen Corps Council as well as chairing the AZ Central Region Fire Corps Committee. His experience includes being an EMT Instructor at New York City’s EMS Academy as well as a structural firefighter in the state of New Jersey. He previously held the position of Vice President supporting a global trading system for a large financial services firm. Warren holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a minor in Health Science.
Questions: Contact Mr. Allen Metheny, the National Volunteer Fire Council Delegate for Delaware, at 302-270-4712.

Volunteer Oppurtunities

2011-05-03T14:43:00.000-04:00

New Castle County Platinum Picnic Volunteer Opportunities
Wednesday, June 8th at Banning Park
Banning Park at Maryland Avenue and Middleboro Road. Entrance to the park is on Middleboro Road. Follow the park road around and park toward the rear of main lot.

Event Description: The Platinum Picnic is a day full of entertainment, fun activities, and useful information for Seniors in New Castle County. For the last 61 years the Picnic has been an affordable way for hundreds of Seniors to enjoy each other’s company, visit vendor booths in the expo tent, and even kick up their heels on an open-air dance floor. Volunteers are needed to help make the day a relaxing and enjoyable one for attendees. This year’s theme is “A South of the Border Fiesta” so we encourage volunteers to join in the spirit and dress accordingly. The event begins at 10 am and concludes at 2:00 pm. Volunteers can choose an opportunity that fits their schedule or stay the whole day and assist in a variety of ways. Call or e-mail Susan Eggert to get signed up - seggert@nccde.org, (302) 395-5651.
THANK YOU for being the YOU in CommUnity!

Volunteer Opportunities

1) Parking – Must be at least 18 years old. Direct cars and buses to appropriate parking and off-loading areas. 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Many participants will be driving their own cars and will need guidance to the parking lot. Buses will need to be directed to the off-loading areas, too. This is a good opportunity for CERT, VIPS member or Citizen Corps members. Volunteers will be provided with a bright vest so drivers can identify them. Six of volunteers needed from 9-10:30 am. Two volunteers needed to direct buses from 1:30-2:30 pm.

2) Greeters and Guiders – Friendly help is needed to assist Seniors as they descend from the buses and find their seats under the tent and again to assist with getting back on the bus at the end of the day. This is also a good opportunity for CERT, VIPS member or Citizen Corps members. Five volunteers needed from 9-11:00 am. Three volunteers needed from 1-2:30 pm.

3) Liaisons – These volunteers will make sure the participants hear announcements of door prize winners, assists any Seniors who are called up to the stage, encourages picnickers to join the dancing and visit the information tent. Could include helping with 50/50 sales and delivering door prizes to winners. Eight volunteers are needed from 11-1:30 am.

4) Distributing boxed lunches and refreshments- Serving hundreds of attendees by handing out boxed lunches and refreshments is a simple yet important task. We don’t want any attendees to be hungry or thirsty! Four volunteers are needed from 11:30 am to 12 pm.

5) Morning Set-up – 8-10 am This is a bit physical as it requires setting up and arranging tables and chairs throughout and for the agencies participating in the information tent. 10 volunteers are needed.

6) Afternoon Take-Down – This is physical work and a good workout as all chairs and tables need to be taken down and stacked. 10 volunteers are needed from 1:30 to 2:30 pm.

Other details:
Volunteers will be welcomed and given a brief training at the information table. As assigned tasks are completed feel free to mingle with the Seniors. Line dancing anyone?

Contact Information: Any questions contact Susan Eggert at seggert@nccde.org, 395-5651 or on the day of the event 379-2452.

Location: Banning Park at Maryland Avenue and Middleboro Road. Entrance to the park is on Middleboro Road. Follow the park road around and park toward the rear of main lot.

Volunteer’s Benefits:
1) Be happy in the knowledge that you are helping provide an enjoyable and affordable day for hundreds of Seniors who may not be able or comfortable enough to venturing out on their own.
2) Have fun volunteering with co-workers or team members.
3) Meet new people.
4) If you are in high school your hours will be documented and can count toward service hours.
5) Learn more about New Castle County’s programs and services.
6) Find out about the many ways you can continue to make a difference in our community by volunteering with New Castle County.

2011-05-03T14:39:00.002-04:00

It’s no time for a siesta,
come join our fiesta!

62nd Annual
PLATINUM
PICNIC

Wednesday, June 8, 2011
10am-2pm Banning Park

Entertainment 􀁺 Expo Tent 􀁺 Line Dancing
50/50 Drawing & Mucho Mucho More!

Awards for Best Dressed South of the Border Gal, Best Dressed
South of the Border Guy, Best Dressed South of the Border Couple
Register early with your Center or call 302-395-5655.

http://www.nccdecs.org/

Department of Community Services
Paul G. Clark, County Executive

Help Preserve Iron Hill Park!

2011-03-29T11:43:00.001-04:00

Join the New Castle County Department of Special Services and the Friends of Iron Hill Park and national Civiliam Community Corps in CLEANING UP Iron Hill Park. Volunteers will be working on a variety of projects including trash removal, trail post removal, moving piles of debris and removing brush from around the exterior of the museum. Gather family and friends and join your community in preserving this beautiful park for yourself and future generations.

Saturday April 2nd 9am - noon

Police Departments Benefit from Volunteers

2011-03-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

An article by Jesse McKinley in the New York Times online, published March 1, 2011, highlights how police departments around the country are turning to volunteers for help in getting their challenging work done. According to the article, many jurisdictions are participating in "an experiment by departments across the country that enlists trained amateurs to perform a broad — and occasionally dangerous — array of investigative duties like collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, searching for missing persons and looking into long-dormant cases." Read the full article here. Also, check out Volunteers In Police Service, a Citizen Corps partner organization that provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program and for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with a community law enforcement agency.

March is American Red Cross Month

2011-03-21T14:18:00.000-04:00

March is American Red Cross Month, a great opportunity for citizens, families and businesses to review disaster plans and build or restock emergency kits. According to FEMA Region IX Administrator Ken Murphy, the American Red Cross not only provides help, hope and healing when disaster strikes, but also offers a wide selection of CPR/AED, first aid, disaster response and emergency preparedness training. "The Red Cross is FEMA's major partner coordinating food and shelter during catastrophic disasters, but the key to any successful emergency response, regardless of the nature of the event, is personal preparedness," said Murphy. "Red Cross classes and resources help people prepare with a few simple steps: build an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan, and stay informed of the hazards in your area. These resources can go a long way towards empowering our communities to make a real difference when the chips are down." To read more about the American Red Cross go to their website at www.redcross.org.

DELAWARE TO DISTRIBUTE POTASSIUM IODIDE

2011-03-18T12:34:00.000-04:00

DELAWARE TO DISTRIBUTE POTASSIUM IODIDE TABLETS
APRIL 6, VOLUNTEER HOSE CO, MIDDLETOWN
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware Division of Public Health will conduct distribution of potassium iodide (KI) tablets, free of charge, on Wednesday, April 6, 1-7 p.m., to Delaware residents in the area who live within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. Tablets will be available to those who have received potassium iodide during previous distribution dates and to those who have never received potassium iodide.
Wednesday, April 6, 1 - 7 p.m., Volunteer Hose Co., 27 W. Green St., Middletown, DE
Potassium iodide (KI) is an over-the-counter medication that can protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, which may be released in the event of a radiation emergency.
Potassium iodide does not protect against external radiation, but it can help protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine that is ingested or inhaled. Potassium iodide is a supplement to Delaware’s existing emergency plans developed for use in a nuclear incident. Evacuation remains the primary method of protecting Delaware residents; the potassium iodide will offer additional protection.
All Delaware residents who live within the 10-mile EPZ, and those who work or own businesses within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey are eligible for free potassium iodide tablets.
Those eligible for potassium iodide are asked to bring photo identification, such as a driver’s license, and proof of residency, such as a utility bill. If you currently have potassium iodide that has passed the expiration date, please bring the tablets with you when you come to pick up your new tablets.
For additional information regarding the potassium iodide distribution program in Delaware and the use and properties of potassium iodide, and the radiological preparedness program visit the DEMA website, www.dema.delaware.gov. You may also call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency Radiological Emergency Planning section at 302-659-3362,

FEMA asks: How do you stay prepared on a budget?

2011-03-17T14:16:00.000-04:00

This Citizen Corps notice is provided by FEMA's Individual & Community Preparedness Division to highlight community preparedness and resilience resources and activities recently announced by federal agencies and Citizen Corps partners.
FEMA asks: How do you stay prepared on a budget? The economic downturn has made staying prepared more difficult in recent years. Fortunately, many Americans have found creative and inexpensive ways to be ready in case of an emergency. FEMA asks, what steps have you taken to stay prepared on a budget? We are looking for items and their uses, tips, stories, and good practices. What items do you keep in your home, car, or workspace that help you stay prepared? Have you been involved in a disaster and found a particular yet inexpensive item especially useful? Are there inexpensive ways that help you fulfill the Ready.gov recommendations (http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTEyNTY1ODMmbWVzc2FnZWlkPVBSRC1CVUwtMTI1NjU4MyZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTEyNzY1ODY1ODUmZW1haWxpZD1kY2FycGVudGVyQGNvLm5ldy1jYXN0bGUuZGUudXMmdXNlcmlkPWRjYXJwZW50ZXJAY28ubmV3LWNhc3RsZS5kZS51cyZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&100&&&http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html) for a preparedness kit? To help you get started thinking of ideas, we have provided an example guide for preparing on a budget from the Seattle Red Cross, the Everett Office of Emergency Management, and ReadyCorps. Before April 30, 2011, please send your suggestions to citizencorps@dhs.gov and put “Preparing on a Budget” in the subject line. We look forward to reading your ideas and examples!
This notice and other Individual & Community Preparedness news can be found on our website at http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTEyNTY1ODMmbWVzc2FnZWlkPVBSRC1CVUwtMTI1NjU4MyZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTEyNzY1ODY1ODUmZW1haWxpZD1kY2FycGVudGVyQGNvLm5ldy1jYXN0bGUuZGUudXMmdXNlcmlkPWRjYXJwZW50ZXJAY28ubmV3LWNhc3RsZS5kZS51cyZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&102&&&http://www.citizencorps.gov/.
Sincerely, The National Office of Citizen Corps FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Division

Get Ready for Flood Safety Awareness Week - March 14-18, 2011

2011-03-14T14:17:00.000-04:00

Get Ready for Flood Safety Awareness Week - March 14-18, 2011 Flooding is a coast to coast threat to the United States and its territories in all months of the year. National Flood Safety Awareness Week, from March 14 to 18 this year, is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property. You can prepare yourself and help prepare your communities by educating yourself on the risks of flooding and the ways you can prepare and respond to flooding. Here are some resources to get you started: The Ready Campaign has a page dedicated to flood safety awareness at www.ready.gov/floodawareness. FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has a variety of resources at www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/. Also, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Flood Safety page at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov. The DHS Center for Faith Based & Neighborhood Partnerships will hold a National Flood Awareness Safety Week Stakeholder conference call, Tuesday, March 15 from 12-1PM EST that will provide additional information on what it means to get ready for flood season. There is a limit of 300 people on the call. Call-in information is: 1-888-391-6569 Pin # 8622712.

Flash Flood Safety at Home

2011-03-11T14:14:00.002-05:00

Flash Flood Safety at Home
Mar 28th, 2008 By Keli Tarp Category: Podcasts

Another home in West Virginia was torn apart by the flooding of the nearby Clear Fork Creek on July 14, 2001. Photo by Leif Skoogfors/ FEMA News Photo

It’s time yet again for another podcast of “That Weather Show,” brought to you by the NOAA Weather Partners in Norman, Oklahoma. I’m Rachel Forsyth.
When you hear the word ‘water’, you may think of swimming pools or weekends at the lake. You might even think of a long rainy day. But that seemingly harmless rain water can become so dangerous that it kills more people each year than tornadoes, hurricanes and lightning. We call this a flash flood.
A flash flood is not something that takes days to happen, like a regular flood. Instead, it’s a situation that can develop quickly.
In some cases, it may not even be raining where you live. However, if the rain has fallen upstream, that means it will be heading to your area soon.

This Garland, WV home was damaged by the flash flood of May 2, 2002. Bob McMillan/FEMA Photo
A Flash Flood Watch means that flash flooding is possible in or near the watch area. While a Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is occurring in the area or will be very soon.
If you live in a low-lying area or near a river, stream, or dam then you need to be prepared to evacuate quickly. If not, the rapidly rising flood waters could leave you trapped. The last place you want to be is on your roof, waiting for a boat or helicopter to take you to safety.
You can find out all types of hazardous weather conditions by listening to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards.
Thanks for listening to another podcast of That Weather Show brought to you by the NOAA Weather Partners in Norman, Oklahoma. I’m Rachel Forsyth.

June CERT Class

2011-02-14T10:50:00.003-05:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps is proud to announce that we will be sponsoring a
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course on June 24th and 25th.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Here are the details:

Who: New Castle County Residents and those who work in New Castle County

What: CERT- FREE Community Emergency Response Team training. A 2 day class. Dinner will be provided the first night and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided the second day. FREE CERT bag provided to participants.

We will cover: Disaster preparedness, terrorism awareness, light search and rescue,fire suppression, First Aid, CPR, AED, and other topics.

Where:Cpl. Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building
3601 N. DuPont Hwy New Castle DE 19720
Click here for directions

When: 2 Day class
June 24th, 4pm - 9pm
June 25th, 8am - 5 pm
http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/

How to sign up: email citizencorps@nccde.org or call (302) 395-2700

February is Earthquake Awareness Month

2011-02-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

DHS and FEMA Updates
February is Earthquake Awareness Month - Earthquake Mitigation Saves Lives See this video showing two separate earthquake mitigation activity testimonials from California business owners/operators. Mr. Hoyt Fields of Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA and Mr. Jim Saunders of Pasa de Robles, CA both provide brief explanations of the earthquake mitigation activities that they have taken to protect their businesses. Click here to see the video. For additional earthquake preparedness resources please visit: http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTEyMDg2MTUmbWVzc2FnZWlkPVBSRC1CVUwtMTIwODYxNSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTEyNzY1NjgzMDkmZW1haWxpZD1kY2FycGVudGVyQGNvLm5ldy1jYXN0bGUuZGUudXMmdXNlcmlkPWRjYXJwZW50ZXJAY28ubmV3LWNhc3RsZS5kZS51cyZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&101&&&http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_before.shtm to learn what you can do before an Earthquake strikes and http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTEyMDg2MTUmbWVzc2FnZWlkPVBSRC1CVUwtMTIwODYxNSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTEyNzY1NjgzMDkmZW1haWxpZD1kY2FycGVudGVyQGNvLm5ldy1jYXN0bGUuZGUudXMmdXNlcmlkPWRjYXJwZW50ZXJAY28ubmV3LWNhc3RsZS5kZS51cyZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&102&&&http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/earthquakes.html. Also, be sure to go to http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTEyMDg2MTUmbWVzc2FnZWlkPVBSRC1CVUwtMTIwODYxNSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTEyNzY1NjgzMDkmZW1haWxpZD1kY2FycGVudGVyQGNvLm5ldy1jYXN0bGUuZGUudXMmdXNlcmlkPWRjYXJwZW50ZXJAY28ubmV3LWNhc3RsZS5kZS51cyZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&103&&&http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/ to learn about the 2011 Great Central U.S. ShakeOut being held on April 28. You can practice how to protect yourself during an earthquake and learn how to get prepared.

Burn Awareness Week

2011-02-08T14:07:00.002-05:00

This is Burn Awareness Week - Get Educated on Burn Prevention This is Burn Awareness Week (February 6 - 12). One of the main areas of focus for this year’s Burn Awareness Week is the prevention of scald burns. This is a great opportunity to get educated on burn prevention and safety. View a list of burn prevention tips on the Fire Corps web site, learn more about Burn Awareness Week at http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=bWFpbGluZ2lkPTEyMDg2MTUmbWVzc2FnZWlkPVBSRC1CVUwtMTIwODYxNSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTEyNzY1NjgzMDkmZW1haWxpZD1kY2FycGVudGVyQGNvLm5ldy1jYXN0bGUuZGUudXMmdXNlcmlkPWRjYXJwZW50ZXJAY28ubmV3LWNhc3RsZS5kZS51cyZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&105&&&http://www.safekids.org/, and find prevention campaign materials from the American Burn Association.

Weather Update

2011-02-01T15:19:00.001-05:00

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, has issued the following weather statement.

NWS 1pm update:
Precipitation in the form of freezing rain is forecast to move in around midnight tonight through 12 noon Wednesday. NCC could receive 1/4" of ice from this system. Temperatures should rise to around 40 degrees by mid-morning Wednesday, and the precipitation should changeover to rain and is expected to completely end by mid-afternoon Wednesday.

NWS 3pm update:
...FREEZING RAIN ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM WEDNESDAY...

Drizzle and spotty freezing drizzle will become freezing rain between 9 pm and midnight tonight, coming down briefly heavy before dawn. Temperatures at dawn should rise to near 33 degrees when the freezing rain changes to rain. Glaze accumulations of around 2/10 of an inch are forecast tonight.

DelDOT crews status is being considered. Special Services crews will be in tonight and early morning Wednesday. Public Safety Divisions have increased staffing. EOC will have a watch person on tonight starting at 11 pm.

Office of Emergency Management
395-2700

Updated Weather Statement

2011-01-31T16:42:00.000-05:00

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, has issued the following weather statement.

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM TUESDAY...

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY EVENING THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

Snow beginning tonight between 9 - 10 pm with 1 inch of accumulation possible. Precipitation will changeover to freezing rain before the Tuesday morning commute for north and central NCC; possibly rain south of the C&D Canal. Precipitation should stop by end of the Tuesday morning commute.

During the day Tuesday, there will be an additional light precipitation of sleet and freezing rain north of the C&D Canal.

During the Tuesday afternoon/evening commute, precipitation will be in the form of light freezing rain/rain/freezing rain mixture north of the C&D Canal.

Tuesday evening into the Wednesday morning commute, possibly prolonged freezing rain will occur before the changeover to rain late Wednesday morning to mid-day Wednesday. Before the commute Wednesday evening, precipitation will change back to snow with little accumulation before the precipitation ends Wednesday.

DelDOT and NCC facility crews will be working adjusted schedules to cover the Tuesday morning commute.

NCC OEM will be monitoring icing conditions and potential impact for power outages on Tuesday, with further impact for power outages and structural building issues on Wednesday.

Winter Storm Feb 1st and 2nd

2011-01-31T13:25:00.000-05:00

Weather BriefingWinter Storm February 1st& 2nd, 2011
Prepared 11 AM EST –Monday January 31, 2011
Joe Miketta
NOAA’s National Weather Service
Philadelphia/Mt. Holly NJ Forecast office
Weather.gov/phi

A major winter storm is on the way for Tuesday February 1stthrough Wednesday February 2nd.
•Two phases expected with this system…mainly snow starting around midnight or so tonight lasting into Tuesday morning. Then a lull before precipitation begins again Tuesday evening.
•Primary impacts from this storm will be significant icing from freezing rain, heavy wet snow, heavy rain and coastal flooding.
•As of 11 AM Monday, a Winter Storm Watch is posted for the northern two-thirds of the NWS Mount Holly County Warning Area (CWA). Warnings/Advisories will most likely be issued later today (Monday).
•Precipitation will begin as snow throughout most of the Mount Holly CWA during the overnight hours tonight (midnight or so). Most of this precipitation will stay in the form of snow and will taper off by mid-morning. Some freezing rain could mix in at times toward morning, mainly south. The second round of precipitation will begin during the evening hours on Tuesday, beginning as snow in the north, but perhaps a snow/sleet/freezing rain mixture in the south. As warmer air moves in aloft, a changeover from frozen precipitation to plain rain is expected from the south into the Philadelphia suburbs. However, a complete change-over to plain rain is not expected over the far northern suburbs of Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, the southern Poconos or northern NJ north of I-195.
•Icing threat: There continues to be a high risk for significant icing (in excess of 0.25 inches) due to freezing rain. There is a moderate risk for severe icing (in excess of 0.50 inches). Chances of a catastrophic ice storm (in excess of 0.75 inches) are low, but still possible. Most likely timing for icing is late Tuesday evening into Wednesday (with the second phase). Highest risk areas for most severe icing is north and west of the I-95 Corridor. See icing slide for more details.
•Heavy snow threat: Snow will begin during the overnight hours tonight, and continue into Tuesday morning. Two to four inches is possible by the beginning of Tuesday morning’s commute (higher amounts north, lower amounts in the Philadelphia area). Additional accumulations can be expected during the second phase of the storm, especially north of Philadelphia. However, sleet/freezing rain/rain mixture will keep additional amounts down. There is a threat for 4+ inches of snow from this event (both phases), with the highest risk in east central PA into northern NJ.
•Rainfall threat: Areas which see primarily rain (south & east of the I-95 Corridor) can see rainfall amounts in excess of one inch. This will cause localized flooding problems. Flooding problems will be exacerbated in those areas which currently have considerable snow pack, as storm drains and culverts may be blocked by snow/ice.
•Coastal flooding threat: New moon occurs Wednesday, February 2nd, so regular high tides will be running high. Therefore, there is an enhanced risk of minor coastal flooding at the times of high tide.
•Maintain situational awareness by monitoring our website at: http://weather.gov/phi

Weather Briefing for Jan 26, 2011

2011-01-24T12:54:00.001-05:00

Weather BriefingPotential Winter Storm Jan 26, 2011
Prepared 900 AM EST –Monday January 24, 2011
Joe Miketta
NOAA’s National Weather Service
Philadelphia/Mt. Holly NJ Forecast office
Weather.gov/phi

•The potential is growing for a significant nor’easter during the mid-week period. Guidance continues to suggest this storm will affect the area on Wednesday, January 26th, but exact timing will be fine-tuned as the event unfolds.
•Given the expected track of the storm, significant snow is expected in the southern Poconos and northwest New Jersey. A mixture of snow/sleet/freezing rain/rain is possible in the Lehigh Valley and adjacent areas of central New Jersey, and into the northern suburbs of Philadelphia. Mainly rain is expected from Philadelphia south. A more westward (inland) track would produce more rain and less snow.
•We need to be concerned with all the threats a major nor'easter can bring: significant snow & ice, heavy rain, coastal flooding, & strong winds.In addition, with over one inch of rain possible south and east of Philadelphia, runoff over frozen ground could pose minor flooding problems. The specific threats of each of these elements will become better focused as the event unfolds.

For you latest weather forcasts also check out:
http://www.weather.com/forecast/

Winter Weather Storm This Week

2011-01-24T10:15:00.001-05:00

Another East Coast Storm Looms! - weather.com
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather

9/11 Drill Down

2011-01-13T13:01:00.000-05:00

A 30 minute video has been produced that showcases some of the government leaders in the AHC (All Hazards Consortium) and their support of public preparedness efforts. This video is being used to promote the 9/11 Drill Down for Safety program, a truly public/private collaboration effort that is self funded and has apparently attracted the attention and support of NBC, USA Today, FEMA, UPS, the National PTA, Motorola, Verizon and dozens of other public and private sector organizations around the country.

The 9/11 Drill Down is a public preparedness drill aimed at the next generation (and their parents, families and employers) to help them communicate via text messaging instead of phone calls during an emergency. Text first, talk second. As most young people have a cell phone and using texting more the voice calling, this program is easy for them do; allows them to recruit the friends on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace; motivates them to tell their parents and employers about it and maybe teach them how to use text messaging; and make preparedness “kool and relevant” to their world. Last year over 400,000 people signed up for the Drill Down program nationwide. This year’s effort will most likely be over 1 million.

Link to video: http://www.safeamericaprepared.org/webinars/96.html

The video has been reviewed and approved by those appearing in it. This video is live on their website.

What is the 9/11 Drill Down?

Drill A – Family/Friend/ Emergency Contact: Send, Receive, and Confirm text message with family member or friend.

1. Individual sends a text message to a family member and/or friend during the exercise, e.g., “I M OK”/ “R U OK”

2. Family member/friend responds with “I M OK”

Drill B – Employer to Employee Groups: Send, Receive and Confirm text messages with employees.

1. Employer sends text message to employees announcing a drill, e.g., “This is a texting drill through the alert notification system. For more information on preparedness, please go to (organization website) or contact (supervisor, safety department, etc.) for more information.”

2. Employees respond by going to the website and/or making the suggested contact for more information on preparedness.

NOAA Weather Radio Now Numbers 1000 Transmitters!

2011-01-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

What's New...
NOAA Weather Radio Now Numbers 1000 Transmitters!
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).
Known as the "Voice of NOAA's National Weather Service," NWR is provided as a public service by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the Department of Commerce. NWR includes 1000 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Territories. NWR requires a special radio receiver or scanner capable of picking up the signal. Broadcasts are found in the VHF public service band at these seven frequencies (MHz):
162.400
162.425
162.450
162.475
162.500
162.525
162.550 Microsoft Word Player: View, print and copy Word documents, even if you don't have Word installed.
Español, News, General Info, Coverage Maps, Station Listings, Automated Voices, Receiver Info, SAME Coding, All Hazards, EAS, Report NWR Outages, Special Needs, FAQs

Information from www.weather.gov

2011-01-02T16:30:00.000-05:00

NEW Online FamilyEmergency Planning Tools
Try the Online Family Emergency Plan (FEP) Tool

No Time for Online Forms?Download the Family Emergency Plan (FEP) PDF pages, print and fill them in Offline.

Download All FEP Pages 3 Mb Download the FEP Adult Folding Wallet Card 1.7 Mb Download the FEP Child's Folding Wallet Card 1.7 Mb Download the FEP Additional Family Members List 500 Kb Download the Condensed FEP 512 Kb Download the MS Excel FEP 400 Kb
Email to a Friend.
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: how you will contact one another; how you will get back together; and what you will do in different situations.
Family Emergency Plan
Identify an out-of town contact. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has a cell phone, coins, or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts.
Teach family members how to use text messaging (also knows as SMS or Short Message Service). Text messages can often get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that will send instant text alerts or e-mails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management web site.
Planning to Stay or Go
Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay where you are or evacuate. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and available information, including what you are learning here, to determine if there is an immediate danger. In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for information or official instruction as it becomes available. Further information on staying put or sheltering in place.
Emergency Information
Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-door.
Emergency Plans
Use the New Online Family Emergency Planning Tool created by the Ready Campaign in conjunction with the Ad Council to prepare a printable Comprehensive Family Emergency Plan.
Use the Quick Share application to help your family in assembling a quick reference list of contact information for your family, and a meeting place for emergency situations.
You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. Read more: School and Workplace.
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Information from Ready.gov for more information go to

http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html

Sheltering in Place

2010-12-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Great Video from the Red Cross

Will You Be Ready in 2011?

2010-12-28T10:28:00.001-05:00

Posted by: Rachel Racusen, Director, Public AffairsThe current snowstorms blanketing the East Coast are another reminder that its important to take simple steps now to be prepared -- and to Resolve to be Ready for emergencies in 2011.As we get closer to the New Year, today our Deputy Administrator, Rich Serino, teamed up with the head of Massachusetts Public Safety, Mary Beth Heffernan, to urge everyone to consider making a new year's resolution that could make a real difference in the next snowstorm, flood, or hurricane:
"Nearly half of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not make one that is easy to keep and could save your life: Resolve to be ready for disasters. It only takes a few simple steps and it starts with making a family emergency communications plan in advance of a disaster and staying informed.For example, consider how you would get in touch with your children if their school was locked down. What if you were in a car accident and your cell phone was broken? What if another flood knocked out power for days?We need you to do your part to become a member of our team, by getting ready now, because when disaster strikes, those of us who should have and could have gotten ready will be competing with our most vulnerable citizens for food, water and the critical resources of our first responders. We all share responsibility."This message isn't just important for the Massachusetts and East Coast residents digging out from mounds of snow -- it applies to all of us.So with the countdown to New Year's eve on, join us. Will you Resolve to be Ready in 2011?- Rachel (Read the full op-ed in the Boston Herald from Deputy Administrator Serino and Mary Beth Heffrnan)

Winter Driving Emergency Kit

2010-12-21T16:30:00.000-05:00

Article found on Washington State Department of Transportation Website

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/emergencykit.htm

Be prepared pack an emergency car kit...
Make your own kit like this one or you can buy one at many local retail stores. Jumper cables to restart engine
Cat litter or sand for tire traction
Shovel to scrape snow away from tires
Ice scraper to clear windshield
Warm clothes gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, warm jacket and even a change of clothes
Blankets to keep warm inside the vehicle
Flashlights and extra batteries for increased visibility
First aid kit also pack necessary medications in case you are stuck on the road
Food pack items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars, also canned fruit and a portable can opener are good additions
Water bring enough for each person in your car and any pets
AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
Also consider...
Bring a fully charged cell phone if you have one with a list of emergency numbers (don't forget your phone charger)
Flares or reflective triangle
Make sure your gas tank is full
Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives

Winter Driving Safety Tips

2010-12-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

Driving Safety Tips from http://www.weather.com/

Driving Safety Tips Index
Driving in Snow and Ice
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.
Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.
If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.
It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.
Driving safely on icy roads
Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
If your rear wheels skid...
Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If your front wheels skid...
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
If you get stuck...
Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
More Tips
Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

2010-12-14T16:30:00.000-05:00

Winter Holiday Safety
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Holiday decorating
-Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
-Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
-Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
-Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
-Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
-Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining
-Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
-Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
-Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
-Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
-Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
-Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.-Before Heading Out or to Bed
-Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

-Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
FACTS
• One-quarter of home decoration fires happen in December.
• More than half of the
December home decoration fires are started by candles.
• Half of the holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
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Your Source for SAFETY Information
NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169
www.nfpa.org/education

2010-12-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

Holiday Safety Tips from the American Acadamy of Pediatrics

http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/novtips.cfm

2010 HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
click here to send these tips to a friend
Consejos de Seguridad Para Las Fiestas
(PDF File)
The holidays are an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday season, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Please feel free to excerpt these tips or use them in their entirety for any print or broadcast story, with acknowledgment of the source.
Trees
When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."
When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.

Lights
Check all tree lights-even if you've just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
Decorations
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.
Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked over.
In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to prevent them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a young child to eat them.
Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair." Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
Remove all wrapping papers, bags, paper, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened. These items can pose suffocation and choking hazards to a small child or can cause a fire if near flame.
Toy Safety
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children.
Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a toy that he has received as a gift, read the instructions carefully.
To prevent both burns and electrical shocks, don’t give young children (under age ten) a toy that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Instead, buy toys that are battery-operated.
Children under age three can choke on small parts contained in toys or games. Government regulations specify that toys for children under age three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long.
Children can have serious stomach and intestinal problems – including death -- after swallowing button batteries and magnets. Keep them away from young children and call your health care provider immediately if your child swallows one.
Children under age 8 can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Remove strings and ribbons from toys before giving them to young children.
Watch for pull toys with strings that are more than 12 inches in length. They could be a strangulation hazard for babies.
Parents should store toys in a designated location, such as on a shelf or in a toy chest, and keep older kids’ toys away from young children.
Food Safety
Bacteria are often present in raw foods. Fully cook meats and poultry, and thoroughly wash raw vegetables and fruits.
Be sure to keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables, where they can be easily knocked over by a young child’s exploring hands. Be sure that young children cannot access microwave ovens..
Wash your hands frequently, and make sure your children do the same.
Never put a spoon used to taste food back into food without washing it.
Always keep raw foods and cooked foods separately, and use separate utensils when preparing them.
Always thaw meat in the refrigerator, never on the countertop.
Foods that require refrigeration should never be left at room temperature for more than two hours.
Happy Visiting
Clean up immediately after a holiday party. A toddler could rise early and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
Remember that the homes you visit may not be childproofed. Keep an eye out for danger spots.
Keep a list with all of the important phone numbers you or a baby-sitter are likely to need in case of an emergency. Include the police and fire department, your pediatrician and the national Poison Help Line, 1-800-222-1222. Laminating the list will prevent it from being torn or damaged by accidental spills.
Traveling, visiting family members, getting presents, shopping, etc., can all increase your child's stress levels. Trying to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps, can help you and your child enjoy the holidays and reduce stress.
Fireplaces
Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers, and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
Do not burn gift wrap paper in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
2010 - American Academy of Pediatrics

© COPYRIGHT AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Site Map Contact Us Privacy Statement About Us Home
American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 Northwest Point Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007, 847-434-4000

Winter Weather

2010-12-07T16:30:00.000-05:00

Article from CDC

www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/about.asp
Article found on CDC Website
About Winter Weather

Highlights
You may have to cope with power failures and icy roads.
Many homes will be too cold.
Space heaters and fireplaces increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exposure to cold temperature can cause other serious health problems.
When temperatures drop below normal, heat can leave your body more rapidly.
When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too cold—either due to a power failure or because the heating system isn't adequate for the weather. When people must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires increases, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause other serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. To keep yourself and your family safe, you should know how to prevent cold-related health problems and what to do if a cold-weather health emergency arises.
The emergency procedures outlined here are not a substitute for training in first aid. However, these procedures will help you to know when to seek medical care and what to do until help becomes available.
What Is Extreme Cold?
What constitutes extreme cold and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered “extreme cold.” Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, heat can leave your body more rapidly. These weatherrelated conditions may lead to serious health problems. Extreme cold is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter or who are stranded, or who live in a home that is poorly insulated or without heat.
Next

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Office of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injury and Environmental Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)

Winter Tips from the CDC

2010-12-03T16:30:00.000-05:00

Winter Weather Tips From the Center for Disease Control

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/takesteps/#

Winter Weather: Take Steps

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.
Before a StormPlan ahead. Prepare for a winter storm before it hits.More
During a StormFind out what you can do to protect yourself and your family during a winter storm.More
After a StormLearn how to clean up safely after a winter storm.More

Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Office of Noncommunicable Diseases, Injury and Environmental Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)

2010-12-01T09:57:00.001-05:00

Article found on The Weather Channel www.weather.com

Flooding Safety and PreparednessIn recent years, floods and flash floods have caused billions of dollars in damage. One of the most common and widespread of all natural hazards, floods also are the number one weather-related killer. A flood can occur anywhere along the Mississippi River in South, along waterways in New England, and even in the desert.
Watches and WarningsWhen a flood or flash flood is possible in your area, there are four key alerts to look for: A flood watch is issued when high flow or overflow of water from a river is possible in the specified time period. It can also apply to heavy runoff or drainage of water into low-lying areas. These watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur at least 6 hours after heavy rains have ended. Flood warnings are issued when flooding conditions are actually occurring or are imminent in the warning area.A flash flood watch is issued when flash flooding is possible in or close to the watch area. Flash flood watches are generally issued for flooding that is expected to occur within 6 hours after heavy rains have ended. Flash flood warnings are issued when flash flooding is actually occurring or imminent in the warning area. It can be issued as a result of torrential rains, a dam failure, or an ice jam.
Be WeatherReadyLearn more about measures you can take before a flood occurs, what to do during a flood, and recovery after a flood or flash flood.

FEMA News Release

2010-11-24T09:17:00.002-05:00

November 23, 2010
No: HQ-10-221
Contact: FEMA News Desk
Phone: 202-646-3272
News Release

FEMA: PREVENT FIRES THIS THANKSGIVING

WASHINGTON- As our nation comes together to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its United States Fire Administration (USFA) would like to remind all residents to Put a Freeze on all Fires.

According to data from the USFA, an estimated 2,000 Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $21 million in property loss each year. The leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings is cooking. In addition, these fires occur most frequently in the afternoon hours from noon to 4 p.m. And unfortunately, smoke alarms were not present in 20 percent of Thanksgiving Day fires that occurred in occupied residential buildings.

"Disasters can happen any time, any where, but some emergencies at home can be avoided by taking a few simple steps for safety," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "And don't forget this holiday season, while gathered around the table with family and friends, is a great time to talk about your family emergency plan, and what you would do in the case of a disaster."

FEMA and USFA have issued a special report examining the characteristics of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. The report, Thanksgiving Day Fires in Residential Buildings, was developed by USFA's National Fire Data Center and is further evidence of FEMA's commitment to sharing information with fire departments and first responders around the country to help them keep their communities safe during this holiday. Read the report for more information.

The USFA also suggests these safety cooking tips:

Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.
Keep a close watch on your cooking. You should never leave cooking food unattended.
Keep oven food packaging and other combustibles away from burners and heat sources.
Heat cooking oil slowly and watch it closely; it can ignite quickly.
Don't wear loose sleeves while working over hot stove burners - they can melt, ignite or catch on handles of pots and pans spilling hot oil and other liquids.
Have a "kid-free zone" of at least three-feet around the stove and areas where hot foods or drinks are prepared or carried.
Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.

"Thanksgiving marks the start of a very busy time for all firefighters," said Acting Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. "Holiday decorations, heating, and increased indoor cooking all present just some of the causes of residential fires. Your place of residence should be the safest place of all. Protect it with working smoke alarms and know what to do if a fire should occur."

Deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity but safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing fire safety for good taste. If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, please use the following tips:

Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck.
Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight.
Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.
Read more fire safety tips for cooking this holiday season.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Emergency Preparedness : Stocking Emergency Disaster Supplies

2010-11-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

Great video from www.ehow.com on how to prepare an emergency kit. Go to www.ready.gov for more great tips.

2010-11-17T08:57:00.003-05:00

Winter Weather Safety and Awareness
Photo by Arno Krum, Stony River Lodge, AK
Winter 2010-2011 Temperature and Precipitation OutlookBe safe in winter weather. Learn more about: Snow, Ice, Cold, Strong Winds, and Wind Chill Weather Awareness Safety Events in Your State

Information from NOAA NWS for more information go to: http://www.weather.gov/om/winter/

2010-11-15T09:16:00.001-05:00

Volunteers Are Needed!
Especially to Get Cars Parked Safely and Efficiently.
Are you that volunteer?
New Castle County’s magical Holiday Open House will be held December 3rd,
4th and 5th at Rockwood Mansion. With the help of volunteers hundreds of
visitors will enjoy the beautifully decorated Victorian country house and fun
seasonal activities for the whole family.
Parking Assistance—This is a good way for teams of AmeriCorps members,
CERT Trainees, Volunteers In Police Service and Citizen Corps teams to reconnect
and practice some of the skills you have learned. Your experience with and
interest in public safety will be especially helpful as we direct hundreds of drivers
to successfully and safely enter, park and exit this special event. This is an
important task and responsible volunteers are needed. Training is
provided. Reflective vests and flashlights are provided.
Fri and Sat evenings — 5 to 9pm. Be sure to dress for the weather! A bonus is
that you can enjoy the fresh air and stars while surrounded by thousands of brilliant
holiday lights. (15 volunteers needed per night)
Volunteering at this event is popular & lots of fun.
Sign up ASAP!
To sign up contact Susan Eggert:
Seggert@nccde.org or (302) 395-5651.

2010-11-10T10:27:00.002-05:00

Information from Ready.gov, go to www.ready.gov for more information

Winter Storms and Extreme Weather
While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. That could mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

New Castle County Communication Corps.: Ham Radio Class Announced

2010-11-05T11:12:00.000-04:00

New Castle County Communication Corps.: Ham Radio Class Announced

NCC Citizen Corps receives an award.

2010-10-25T13:02:00.005-04:00

DEMA Director Jamie Turner and Citizen Corps Program Manager Bob George present New Castle County Emergency Management and NCC Citizen Corps with a Certificate of Appreciation. The award is in recognition of the hard work of all of the member organizations of NCC Citizen Corps.
Keep up the good work!

Skywarn Storm Spotter Class Announced -November 6

2010-09-24T14:05:00.004-04:00

The New Castle County Citizen Corps Council will be hosting a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) combined Basic and Advanced Storm Spotter class on Saturday November 6, 2010 from 10:00am – 4:00 pm at the Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building located at 3601 N. DuPont Hwy New Castle, DE 19720 in the Community Room. Lunch will be provided. For Directions to the Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building go here: http://www2.nccde.org/Buildings/SweeneyPublicSafetyBldg/default.aspx For information the Storm Spotter program go here: http://www.volunteer.noaa.gov/weather_stormspotter.html To register for this FREE class, email: citizencorps@nccde.org with your name, email, and phone number or call (302) 395-2700 by October 28.

Volunteers Needed! September 28th!

2010-09-24T11:51:00.002-04:00

Please see the message from New Castle County Department of Community Services below:

Volunteers Needed! Tues. September 28, 8:30am to 12pm
Parking Guides for Job Fair
Rockwood Mansion and Carriage House
610 Shipley Road (Entrance from Washington Street Extension)

Many people are seeking employment so a large turnout is expected.
Volunteers will help guide attendees to parking areas. Training provided at 8:30am.
Dress for the weather and bring emergency vests if available.

ASAP Please Contact: Susan Eggert at seggert@nccde.org or 395-5651.

New Journal Article Highlights Preparedness

2010-09-21T15:12:00.001-04:00

This Article in The New Journal reminds Citizens to Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100921/HEALTH/9210356

September 24, 2010 Citizen Corps Council Meeting Agenda

2010-09-21T10:35:00.002-04:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council
September 24, 2010 10:00 am
New Castle County
Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building
3601 N. DuPont Hwy
New Castle, DE 19720

• Welcome and introductions

• Welcome to the Civil Air Patrol

• Review and approval of June 2010 meeting minutes

• NCC Citizen Corps update – Family Preparedness day review
– Upcoming CERT – September 25 and 26
– Funding update

• Open group discussion / new business

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting

• Adjourn

Family Emergency Preparedness Day -Saturday! 11am-3pm Glasgow Park

2010-09-10T14:24:00.004-04:00

Come out to Glasgow Park located at the corner of Route 896 and Route 40 for the 6th Annual Family Preparedness Day, this Saturday from 11:00am -3:00pm. Learn ways that your family can be prepared for emergencies. There will be free food, give aways, training, and fun. Jake's Hamburgers and Rita's will be providing food and WSTW 93.7 FM will be broadcasting live.

Honorable Mention - 2010 National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards

2010-09-07T14:03:00.002-04:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps received this notification from the National Office of Citizen Corps

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council (DE)

We are writing to let you know that your Council has been selected to receive a 2010 National Citizen Corps Achievement Award HONORABLE MENTION in the category of Outstanding Citizen Corps Council – Serving a Population under 750,000.

Your Council’s efforts to improve community resilience deserve special commendation and we are delighted to recognize your achievements in this critical mission. As an Honorable Mention, your Council will receive a certificate from FEMA and will be promoted on the National Citizen Corps website and in other Citizen Corps materials. Our office will be in contact with you to learn more about your activities and best practices.

The award submissions were all impressive and it was a challenging process to select the finalists and the eventual winner. Thank you again for your application and, more importantly, what you are doing in your community to make our nation safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.

Sincerely,

The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Community Preparedness Division

Congratulations Washoe County Citizen Homeland Security Council on your win in this category!

National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards Finalists Announced

2010-08-13T09:49:00.003-04:00

The New Castle County Citizen Corps Council has been named as a finalist in the 2010 Citizen Corps Achievement Awards in the category - Outstanding Citizen Corps Council Award – Serving a Population under 750,000.

The Winners will be announced during National Preparedness month in September!

thank you to all the Citizen Corps Partners for making this possible!
from:
http://www.citizencorps.gov/councils/awards/

Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day - September 11, 11:00am- 3:00pm

2010-08-10T09:29:00.004-04:00

Come out for the 6th Annual Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day on September 11th, 2010 from 11:00 am to 3:00pm at Glasgow Park. For more information contact Marny McLee at (302) 659-2243 or log on to DELAWARECITIZENCORPS.ORG

Maryland Evacuation Exercise in Ocean City needs volunteers

2010-08-10T07:59:00.003-04:00

From our Partners in Maryland:

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives in Maryland, is still looking for additional volunteers to assist with its evacuation exercise in Ocean City, Maryland, on Wednesday August 11, 2010 begining at 8:00am

The point of contact is:
Angela Bernstein
abernstein@goci.state.md.us
410-926-8956

OCEAN CITY
 8am arrival at the Ocean City Convention Center (4001 Coastal Highway)

 Parking is free and open to the public in the Convention Center lots

 Check-in with Angela Bernstein (a general liability waiver will be signed on- site, please contact me ahead of time if a waiver needs to be sent prior to the exercise for parent/guardian signature)

 Volunteers will receive a general briefing/overview of the morning’s activities which are scheduled to be as follows:

o Each volunteer will be given an “identity” with accompanying documentation
o Upon receiving the paperwork each volunteer will go through an intake/registration process with DHR and be divided into groups of 50
o Each group of 50 will board a bus and travel to Perdue Stadium in Salisbury
o Once the group has arrived in Salisbury they will be required to exit the bus and provide identifying paperwork to the DHR staff on site
o At this location the volunteers will be tracked and transferred to another bus which is theoretically heading to Towson but in actuality will be returning to Ocean City

 Once in Ocean City the activities will be complete (approximately 12-12:30)

 Food and drinks will be provided upon the conclusion of the exercise

Thank you for your support.

Patrick Delaney joins the local Red Cross as Chief Executive Officer

2010-08-09T08:07:00.002-04:00

From our American Red Cross Partners:

The American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula welcomes Patrick Delaney as the new Chief Executive Officer. Patrick has over 20 years experience in management, strategic planning, fundraising, community mobilization, sales and constituent care. Most recently, he served as the state Director of Donor Development for the American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division. In that role, he was instrumental in bringing stability, leadership and vision to the major gift operation. He developed and implemented the first Major Gift Strategic Plan in the history of the Society. Prior to this role, Patrick was the Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society in the Philadelphia market.

Patrick has a BA in Political Science from Albright College in Reading, PA and has been with the non-profit sector for a decade. Prior to this, he served in the banking industry.
from: http://www.redcrossdelmarva.org/news080210.htm

The New Castle County Citizen Corps would like to extend a warm welcome to Patrick. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership.

CERT National Program Office Announces CERT Animal Response I and II

2010-08-05T09:17:00.000-04:00

The CERT National Program Office is pleased to announce the release of two new supplemental training modules, CERT Animal Response I and CERT Animal Response II. The new Animal Response modules are the first in a series of supplemental training modules building on the disaster response training that program participants receive in the CERT Basic Training course. The supplemental modules are designed to expand the skills of CERT members and teams, and to increase CERT’s ability to support emergency response professionals. The Animal Response modules, as well as other CERT supplemental training to be released in the future, are intended for those who have completed the basic training.

The Animal Response modules generally address pets, service animals, “for-profit” livestock, wildlife, exotic animals and non-commercial livestock such as horses. CERT Animal Response I (three hours) will teach CERT members emergency preparedness for animal owners, animal-related functions in emergency management and how to recognize specific animal behaviors.

CERT Animal Response II (four hours) will teach members their role in responding to animal issues and the skills needed when they encounter animals while performing their broader CERT response functions. As in all CERT training, these new supplemental modules also feature CERT responder safety.

The training materials for each module include an Instructor Guide, Participant Manual and PowerPoint file. CERT instructors may download the materials from the National CERT website. Please go to Training Materials on the CERT home page and then select CERT Supplemental Training, http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/training_downloads.shtm#animal.

We hope you enjoy the new CERT supplemental modules and that you find these additional training resources useful.

If you know of others who would be interested in receiving CERT updates, please have them subscribe at the following website: http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/subscribe.shtm.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to community resilience and to CERT!

Sincerely,
CERT National Program Office
Individual & Community Preparedness Division
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Come out for National Night Out!

2010-08-03T14:47:00.000-04:00

National Night Out
The New Castle County Police Citizen Advisory Councils are proud to, once again, announce their participation in the 27th Annual National Night Out. This event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, will take place on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 from 6 – 8 p.m. at two locations: Delcastle Parkland on McKennas Church Road, Wilmington and Woodshaven Kruse Park on Darley Road, Claymont. Last year, 36 million people participated nationwide.
More DetailsReleased: 7/21/2010 from: http://www2.nccde.org/police/default.aspx

NCCVFA Night with Blue Rocks July 15th!

2010-07-08T12:54:00.004-04:00

Join the New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters Association at Frawley Stadium, with the Wilmington Blue Rocks to support your local volunteer fire company.

Bring your family and friends to the ballpark for an action packed baseball game and enjoy the fun, family atmosphere of Blue Rocks baseball.

The New Castle County Volunteer Firefighter Association (NCCVFA) is an organization of 21 volunteer fire companies and 1 career fire company that operate in New Castle County, Delaware.

Funds received from this event will benefit programs at these volunteer companies. For more information about the NCCVFA, please visit www.nccvfa.org.

The Emergency Services Corps works to support these companies and the NCCVFA. For more information about the Emergency Services Corps or to become an everyday hero by volunteering at your local fire company, please visit www.beafirefighter.org.
Please contact Stefani Rash at (302) 472-5718 or srash@bluerocks.com with any questions.

2010-07-07T08:20:00.002-04:00

Another Record Setting Hot Day. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for all of New Castle County until 8:00pm on July 7, 2010. Stay cool and be safe. Go to

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml for more information on Heat Warnings

June 2010 Citizen Corps Council Minutes

2010-07-01T08:51:00.002-04:00

• Welcome and introductions.

o Those in attendance (in order of sign in): Robert Altieri (Smyrna Police CAPS), Tom Hickey (Emergency Transportation Volunteers), Tom Halladay (Emergency Transportation Volunteers), Bill Whealtey (CPAW/VIPS), Sonia Trudeau (NCC Police), Bobbie Merrill (First state ACP), Elizabeth Lee Roberts (CPAW), Nicole Desmarais (Public Health/DMRC), Jerry Picard (American Red Cross), S/Lt. Hudson (NCC Police), Marissa Favata-Gallen (Emergency Services Corps), Brian Bannon (NCC OEM).

• Review and approval of March 2010 meeting minutes – approved as presented http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-citizen-corps-council-meeting.html

• NCC Citizen Corps update
o Disaster Assessment update – This partnership with the Red Cross provides capability in Citizen Corps and Red Cross volunteers in times of disaster. As with all New Castle County Citizen Corps partnerships and programs, the Council served as a referral to the existing Red Cross program which will continue to run under the guidance of the Red Cross. We conducted a tabletop exercise with Disaster Assessment volunteers and provided them with a t-shirt as a token of our appreciation.

o Grant update – FY 2007 grant has been closed and reimbursement paperwork has been forwarded to DEMA.

• FY 2008 Grant funds will likely be depleted before the end of the grant period. VIPS, CPAW, and Communications Corps all have budget requests in that need to be processed.

o NCC CERT update – CERT backpacks and materials are being purchased from the FY 2008 grant money to support upcoming classes. A CERT class was held in Claymont that trained 29 new CERT members. Thanks to the Claymont Fire Company for the use of their training room. The next CERT class will likely be in September.

• Citizen Corps program guide discussion – final guide review. Typographical errors, graphics issues, and verbiage were reviewed and suggestions made on the paper copy. After all comments are received it will go to each organization for a final review and printing. The program guide will be published on paper and on a web page. NCC OEM is exploring ways to develop a Google ad words account to drive hits to a county site as a portal to OEM and citizen Corps Partners’ preparedness information

• Open group discussion
o CPAW – Bill Whealtey provided an overview of CPAW – Crime Prevention Area Watch. For info log on to http://cpawde.org/

Bill Whealtey advises that he is organizing a CERT Team in the Brookside area. This group will be built using the same structure and volunteers CPAW.

“Betty “ Roberts discussed how CPAW and the County Police cleaned up Iron Hill Park

o VIPS – The County Police are looking to add 3 more VIPS members to provide administrative support, investigative support, and citizen outreach and education. For more info contact NCC Police Community Services 302-395-8050 or http://www.nccde.org/police

The police run numerous programs to support the Community such as Senior Roll Call, Heroin Alert program, Project Life Saver, and the Hispanic Liaison Officer Program.

S/Lt Hudson provided an overview of Project Life Saver and asked for assistance in promoting this valuable program– see attached for more information or go to http://www.projectlifesaver.org/

Ofc Trudeau discussed a safety Day event at Hampton Walk on August 7th from 12- 3pm for more info contact 395-8057

o Smyrna Police – Robert Altieri advises that the Citizen Auxiliary Program (CAP) in Smyrna supports the police department in a variety of ways: training, parades, crossing guard duty, maintaining a business contact list, logistical support for DUI checkpoints, and other support.

o Emergency Services Corps (ESC) – Marissa Favata included an overview of the Emergency Services Corps and provided statistics and an overview about the members’ activities. ESC is an AmeriCorps program administered by the YMCA of Delaware whose mission is to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters in New Castle County. More info is available at http://beafirefighter.org

o Emergency Transportation Volunteers – Tom Hickey introduced his new Deputy Director Tom Halladay and discussed the continuing efforts to coordinate transportation volunteers with Emergency Operations center (EOC) activities including sending an EOC representative during the next emergency. The lack of liability insurance for ETV members and the lack of funding continue to be challenges for this group.

o Delaware Medical Reserve Corps (DMRC) – Nicole Desmarais discussed the DMRC and the possibility of aligning future activities among Citizen Corps groups with DMRC systems and programs. The Department of Public Health hosts the ESARVIPS program (https://servde.org/ ) to register, notify, and track volunteers. Efforts to utilize this system more widely continue.

o Red Cross – Jerry Picard provided and overview of the Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. 97% of Red Cross responders are volunteers. The Red Cross provides support in medical/mental health area, sheltering, damage assessment, support to those affected by fires, and services to the armed forces. The Citizen Corps partnership serves as a conduit to existing Red Cross programs and services and volunteers need to comply with all the existing prerequisites, etc. to be eligible to volunteer.

o NCC OEM - Brian Bannon announced a volunteer opportunity to act as a victim for an exercise at the NCC Airport on July 10, 2010. See http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/2010/06/volunteers-needed-exercise-saturday-10.html for details

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting – next meeting set for September 24, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building. The Program Guide’s effectiveness will be reviewed at this meeting to assess the next step in promoting preparedness and Citizen Corps partners.

• Adjourn

Project Lifesaver - New Castle County Police

2010-06-21T08:03:00.002-04:00

Project Lifesaver helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, dementia and other related disorders. A preprogrammed personal radio transmitter is placed on an individual who may wander away from the safety of their homes. These transmitters, unobtrusive for the client to wear, have the ability to assist emergency agencies in locating those who may have become unable to help themselves. This program has saved the lives of many who otherwise may have succumbed to the elements while lost.

For more information or to enroll contact:

New Castle County Police Department
Community Services Unit
(302) 395-8050
www.nccpd.com

Volunteers needed - exercise Saturday, 10 July 2010.

2010-06-10T09:29:00.002-04:00

Here is a message from DEMA requesting volunteers to role play in an upcoming exercise

All,

We are seeking volunteers to act as victims for a New Castle County airport full scale exercise scheduled for Saturday, 10 July 2010. This will be a mass casualty type scenario. The exercise will be held at the NCC Airport. We need 40 volunteers for approximately 4 hours. Please ensure volunteers are at least 16 years old. We will provide breakfast, lunch, and goodie bags for all volunteers who participate in the exercise.

-- 40 volunteers arriving at 8:00 am at the Hercules hanger. Directions will be sent out on a future date.

If you would like to participate please email or call

Deirdre Gleason at; deirdre.gleason@state.de.us

Wk: 302-659-2296

Cp: 302-242-7547

Help at the DE State Fair?

2010-05-17T16:08:00.003-04:00

It is that time of year again for the DE State Fair! The fair runs from July 23-31, 2010. As in the past DEMA will have a booth at the fair which is manned by staff and volunteers. Are you available to help man the booth on the above dates from either 11 am to 4 pm or 4 to 9 pm?

If you are interested please contact Rosanne Pack DEMA Public Information Officer at 659-2210 or email her at rosanne.pack@state.de.us.

Preparedness Night at the Blue Rocks

2010-05-10T15:21:00.002-04:00

Hey baseball fans, come out for a night of fun and education at the Wilmington Blue Rocks on June 3rd. There will be special preparedness events and lots of information to help you and your family take care of yourselves in case of an emergency.

First pitch is 7:05 p.m. See you there!

Ham radio class in June!

2010-05-03T15:31:00.000-04:00

New Castle County Communications Corps is a group of volunteer organizations who have radio communications capabilities and go into action in times of emergency or disaster to assist Public Safety and Emergency Management entities, primarily at the County level. Their mission is to train volunteers in communications methods, media, modes, and services to enhance communications throughout the county during emergencies where the normal communications infrastructure may be disabled or overloaded.

There is something in amateur radio, or Ham radio, for virtually everyone, including building your own equipment, chatting (called rag-chewing), contacting different states and countries, and engaging in emergency/disaster communications. Ham radio was the first thing talking after Hurricane Katrina, the attacks of September 11, and the earthquakes in Haiti (and we're still there).

For more information please visit: http://ncccommcorps.blogspot.com

Upcoming events include:

New Castle County Citizen Corps and its Communication Corps partner are sponsoring an Amateur Radio Technician class all four Fridays in June (4, 11, 18, and 25) 2010. Books will be supplied at no cost to registered students.

New Castle County Communications Corps conducts routine testing. The testing fee is $15.00 cash or check payable to ARRL-VEC. The next test is: June 26th at WDEL/WSTW, 2727 Shipley Road, Wilmington from 10AM - 12PM.

For more information on the class or test, please contact Robbie McCray at 302-689-3622 or via email to w3rsm@ncceog.org.

To register for the class, please send an email to citizencorps@nccde.org or call 302-395-2700.

April CERT class still has openings!

2010-04-06T10:48:00.002-04:00

The April CERT class, scheduled on Saturdays April 17 and 24 from 9 am to 4 pm, still has openings. Contact Jessi Schimmel at 302-395-2700 or jschimmel@nccde.org to register today!

What: CERT- FREE Community Emergency Response Team training. A two-day class. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. FREE CERT bag provided to participants.We will cover: disaster preparedness, fire suppression, terrorism awareness, light search and rescue, First Aid, CPR, AED, and other topics.

Where: Claymont Fire Company, 3223 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont De 19703

April 18-24 is Delaware Week of Service

2010-04-01T11:47:00.002-04:00

April 18-24 is the first Delaware Week of Service! The First Lady, Carla Markell, has asked everyone to take a bit of time out of their busy schedule to volunteer and help make our communities better places to live and work. For loads more information and tons of volunteer opportunities, check out www.volunteerdelaware.org!

March Citizen Corps Council meeting minutes

2010-03-30T11:15:00.002-04:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council

March 12, 2010 Agenda

Posted at http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/

• Welcome and introductions

o Those in attendance (in order of sign in): Marny McLee (DEMA Citizen Corps), Tom Hickey (Emergency Transportation Volunteers), Alfonzo Dowe, Sr. (NCCPD), Evelyn Lemmons (ESC), Richard Jester (CPAW), Dave Carpenter (NCCOEM), Jessi Schimmel (ESC/NCCOEM), Robbie McCray (ARES/RACES), Susan Eggert (Community Services), Marissa Favata (ESC/NCCOEM), Jerry Picard (Red Cross).

• Review and approval of December 2009 meeting minutes

o Approved as presented.

• NCC Citizen Corps update

o CERT changes and programming update

 The curriculum has been updated and made a bit more uniform. We took the national version and adjusted it to the specifics of New Castle County. We also adopted the national instructor and participant guides. These too were adjusts to reflect the changes made in the curriculum.

 A thus-far quite successful class of 24 students is being hosted in Brookside by CPAW. The second half of the class will be tomorrow.

 The next class will be hosted on April 17 and 24 at Claymont Fire Company. Anyone interested may contact Jessi Schimmel at jschimmel@nccde.org or 302-395-2700.

 Discussion of advertising CERT on NCCTV, the Weather Channel, in residential neighborhoods and online. We also pointed out that right now people are coming to us so quickly, we can’t advertise too widely because our classes are full.

o New VIPS leader

 Sgt. Claudine Malone has taken over the VIPS program. She was not able to be at this meeting, but sent Alfonzo Dowe Sr. in her place.

o Disaster Assessment update

 The January class was very successful, we had 35 people in attendance. Now we are trying to schedule a follow-up tabletop exercise to re-engage the volunteers and distribute t-shirts we purchased for them.

 We are working with the Red Cross to schedule this exercise.

 There was also a discussion of the relationship between CERT and Disaster Assessment classes. CERT classes are considered a basic level of training available to anyone. Disaster Assessment is a greater commitment and higher level of training offered through the Red Cross. All Disaster Assessment volunteers are Red Cross volunteers and have been through their orientations and background checks.

 Also discussed the differences between Red Cross responsibilities and County/State responsibilities when it comes to disaster assessment. Red Cross uses this as a tool to figure out what human services are necessary. The County and the State are much more tied into the infrastructure and the upward process of getting a FEMA disaster declaration.

• Discussion about Communication Corps functioning during February snow storms and update on upcoming classes

o A special thanks to Robbie McCray for all his efforts during the Feb. snow storms. The Communications Corps spent almost 500 hours during the snow storm to help to bring additional information in from the field, they staffed a Red Cross shelter, help transport staff and supplies, and performed other invaluable services.

o Robbie showed a PSA from ARRL (American Radio Relay League) about why people should join amateur radio groups.

o FCC-licensing classes will be held on all four Friday’s in June from 8 am to 4 pm in the Public Safety Building.

o The test for the licenses will be on June 26 at WDEL.

• Discussion of Emergency Transportation Volunteers functioning during February snow storms

o Formed in 2003 after the President’s Day storm, ETV is a conglomeration of eight organizations that transports medical and essential personnel during inclement weather in their personal vehicles, using personal time, fuel and insurance. ETV covers the entire state of DE, has 39 dedicated volunteers and access to up to 200 volunteers.

o ETV, OEM and Public Health are working to craft a limited liability agreement that will remove some of the onus from the individual drivers.

o ETV and OEM are also working together to get background checks on all volunteers (need funding) and to create membership cards for the drivers on the road.

• Citizen Corps program guide information

o Jessi is putting together a program guide about Citizen Corps to help increase membership and awareness of our organizations.

o It will be both digital and print.

o Please contribute your voice and send any text about your organization and the point of contact information to Jessi at jschimmel@nccde.org.

• Open group discussion

o Discussion of distributing Citizen Corps volunteer opportunities to county employees through program guide as well.

o How to help distribute the Happenings Guide for Community Services, several members took stacks.

 Better, low-cost distribution ideas? Please let Susan Eggert know.

o Blue Rocks Day is June 3rd. This will be a preparedness presentation put out by DEMA, Wilm OEM, and NCCOEM. If you would like a table, please let Dave Carpenter know.

o Discussion of how to use unassociated volunteers at the time of a disaster and how a volunteer reception center helps/hinders the problem.

o Agreed to share info about tabling and events to help spread the word about all of our groups.

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting

o Review of program guide.

• Adjourn

Volunteers needed for two full-scale exercises

2010-03-18T09:52:00.004-04:00

Two upcoming full-scale exercises need volunteers to act as victims/evacuees to help provide realism to the exercise. The information and RSVP contact for each is below. Please RSVP and follow the instructions of that contact.

April 11, 2010

Start time: 4:30 am (Note: Very early start time.) Volunteers should plan on approximately 4 hour commitment.

Dover Mall

Mass casualty exercise

Volunteers must be 16 or older. Breakfast and a goodie bag will be provided to all volunteers.

Please RSVP to Georgie Pearce at georgianna.pearce@state or 302-659-2296.

April 22, 2010

Start time: 9 am
National Guard Smyrna Readiness Center (Smyrna Business Park).

Evacuation exercise

Please RSVP to Dan Rose at dan.rose@state.de.us or (302)659-2231.

April CERT class announced!

2010-03-17T11:18:00.002-04:00

The New Castle County Citizen Corps is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training at Claymont Fire Company on Saturdays, April 17 and 24.

Who: New Castle County Residents and those who work in New Castle County

Where: Claymont Fire Company, 3223 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont De 19703

When: Two-day class – Saturdays, April 17 and 24, 2010, 9 am - 4 pm both days.

How to sign up: Email citizencorps@nccde.org or call (302) 395-2700. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and space is limited. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and a wait list will be started.

Citizen Corps Council meeting announced

2010-02-26T09:20:00.002-05:00

The first quarterly meeting for the Citizen Corps Council has been announced. It will be held March 12, 2010 at 10 am in the Public Safety Building. (3601 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, DE 19720). The meeting will be held in the Emergency Operations Center. Please wait in the lobby and someone will come escort you to the room. The agenda is pasted below.

Please RSVP to citizencorps@nccde.org if you plan on attending.

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council
March 12, 2010 Agenda
Posted at http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/

· Welcome and introductions

· Review and approval of December 2009 meeting minutes

· NCC Citizen Corps update

o CERT changes and programming update

o New VIPS leader

o Disaster Assessment update

· Discussion about Communication Corps functioning during February snow storms and update on upcoming classes

· Discussion of Emergency Transport Volunteers functioning during February snow storms

· Open group discussion

· Set action items and agenda for next meeting

· Adjourn

First State ACP announces their next meeting

2010-02-25T11:09:00.004-05:00

ACP is pleased to announce our March 9, 2010 meeting:

Business & Family Preparedness featuring Marny McLee, Citizens Corp & CERT Coordinator, and Robert J. George, Citizens Corp & CERT Program Manager.

Time: March 9, 2010 1:00pm-3:30pm
Location:Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Training Room
165 Brick Store Landing Rd
Smyrna, DE 19977

Please RSVP by close of business on Thursday **March 4th** to firststateacp@gmail.com.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER:

Robert J. George is a retired Military Colonel with over 32 years service to the Delaware National Guard. He is a Training Consultant for the State of Delaware, and is currently serving as the Program Manager for Citizen Corps and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training for the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). Colonel (Retired) George served in various leadership positions in training, operation, and emergency planning. As the Chief of Staff for the Delaware National Guard, he was the principle advisor for the Adjutant General on all operational matters, including emergency preparedness and response.

Marny D. McLee is a retired Non Commissioned Officer from the United States Air Force with over 20 years of service. He was an Education and Training Manager for over 17 years, he is a Certified Trainer with the U.S. Department of Labor, and was an Instructor for the Community College of the Air Force. He is presently the Citizen Corps and CERT Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA).

Dont miss this exciting presentation RSVP TODAY! Looking forward to seeing you there.

Agenda:
1:00PM – 1:15PM Welcome / Introductions
1:15PM – 2:15PM Presentation – Business & Individual Family Preparedness
Marny McLee, Citizens Corp & CERT Coordinator
Robert J. George, Citizens Corp & CERT Program Manager
2:15PM – 2:45PM Brief Intermission & Networking
2:45PM – 3:00PM Chapter Reports
3:00PM – 3:30PM Roundtable Discussion: “What has your organization done to facilitate employee family preparedness”
3:30PM Meeting Adjourned

NCC Communications Corps announces new classes

2010-02-23T12:48:00.003-05:00

New Castle County Communications Corps is a group of volunteer organizations who have radio communications capabilities and go into action in times of emergency or disaster to assist Public Safety and Emergency Management entities, primarily at the County level. Their mission is to train volunteers in communications methods, media, modes, and services to enhance communications throughout the county during emergencies where the normal communications infrastructure may be disabled or overloaded.

There is something in amateur radio, or Ham radio, for virtually everyone, including building your own equipment, chatting (called rag-chewing), contacting different states and countries, and engaging in emergency/disaster communications. Ham radio was the first thing talking after Hurricane Katrina, the attacks of September 11, and the earthquakes in Haiti (and we're still there).

For more information please visit: http://ncccommcorps.blogspot.com

Upcoming events include:

New Castle County Citizen Corps and its Communication Corps partner are sponsoring an Amateur Radio Technician class all four Fridays in June (4, 11, 18, and 25) 2010. Books will be supplied at no cost to registered students.

For more information on the class or test, please contact Robbie McCray at 302-689-3622 or via email to w3rsm@ncceog.org.

To register for the class, please send an email to citizencorps@nccde.org or call 302-395-2700.

March CERT class - Register now!

2010-02-17T14:53:00.002-05:00

The New Castle County Citizen Corps is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in conjunction with the Crime Prevention Area Watch (CPAW) in Brookside on March 6 and 13.

Who: New Castle County Residents and those who work in New Castle County

What: CERT- FREE Community Emergency Response Team training. A 2 day class. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. FREE CERT bag provided to participants.We will cover: terrorism awareness, light search and rescue,fire suppression, First Aid, CPR, AED, disaster preparedness, and other topics.

Where: Brookside Community Center, 900 Marrows Rd., Newark, DE 19713

When: Two-day class – Saturdays, March 6 and 13, 2010, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm both days.

How to sign up: Email citizencorps@nccde.org or call (302) 395-2700. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and space is extremely limited. Reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis and a wait list will be started.

Holiday Travel Weather: Naughty or Nice?

2010-01-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Stay safe during this busy holiday travel season by keeping up-to-date on the latest forecasts and weather advisories or warnings issued by NOAA's National Weather Service. Visit www.weather.gov.

NCCVFA to host Second Annual 5K Fire Run/Walk

2010-01-27T09:56:00.004-05:00

The New Castle County Volunteer Firefighters' Association will host its second annual 5K fire run/walk to benefit the NCC Firefighters' Relief Fund.

The sanctioned race will be held on March 28, 2010 at noon as a fast and flat out-and-back through the New Castle Corporate Commons and State Fire School grounds. Registration starts at 11 am outside of the Gilliam Building (77 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720).

All participants will receive a t-shirt, post-race refreshments and a free smoke detector. Registration is $18 pre registration by March 23rd and $22 after and morning of event.

To register, visit http://www.active.com/running/new-castle-de/2nd-fire-run-walk-5k-2010.

To donate a door prize, please contact jessi.schimmel@gmail.com.

Citizen Corps partners with the Office of Child Care Licensing

2010-01-26T13:30:00.005-05:00

The Delaware Citizen Corps and NCC Citizen Corps has partnered with the Office of Child Care Licensing to offer FREE trainings. The program is called Emergency Planning for Family Child Care and Large Family Child Care Homes. For more information, including dates, times and locations of these trainings, click here to view the flier. To view the Home Emergency Planning template, click here.

For more information on the Office of Child Care Licensing under the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families, click here.

H1N1 shots available for free

2010-01-26T13:13:00.004-05:00

The H1N1 vaccine has become available to all Delawareans above the age of six months at many local clinics and pharmacies for free after the Department of Public Health released a significant number of shots.

Visit your doctor's office, your local Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) or http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index.html for more information about where the shots are available.

ACP meeting on Jan. 12

2010-01-07T09:13:00.002-05:00

The Association of Contingency Planners will hold a meeting January 12, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Building (3601 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, DE 19720). The topic will be “BCP in a Down Economy” featuring Ted Brown, III, CBCP, CBCV, President & CEO of KETCHConsulting.

The agenda is as follows:
1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Welcome / Introductions
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Presentation – “BCP in a Down Economy” Edward (Ted) B. Brown III, CBCP, CBCV President & CEO KETCHConsulting
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Brief Intermission & Networking
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Chapter Reports
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Roundtable Discussion: “How has your organization been affected?”
3:30 p.m. Meeting Adjourned

Please RSVP by noon on January 8, 2010 to firststateacp@gmail.com.

2010 New Castle County Citizen Corps Council meeting dates announced

2010-01-05T09:56:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars!

Meeting dates for 2010 have been announced! All meetings are schedule to be held at the Public Safety Building (3601 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, DE 19720) in the Sweeney Room. All meetings will begin at 10 a.m.

Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010

* All dates and locations are subject to change.

December Citizen Corps Council meeting minutes

2010-01-04T13:23:00.019-05:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council
December 18, 2009 Agenda
Posted at http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/

• Welcome and introductions
o Those in attendance (in order of sign in): Richard Jester CPAW, Bill Wheatley CPAW, Marny McLee DE Citizen Corps, Brian Bannon NCCOEM, Marissa Favata ESC/NCCOEM, Jessi Schimmel ESC/NCCOEM, John Scoggin PEPCO Holdings, Robbie McCray NCC Communication Corps, Lt. Gerry Donovan NCC Police, Peggy Sue Cole ACP, Bobbie Merrill ACP, Dave Carpenter Jr. NCCOEM.

• Review and approval of November 2009 meeting minutes
o Approved as presented.

• NCC Citizen Corps update
o December CERT class December 10 and 11 was very successful. Thirty-two newly trained CERT members. We will be offering a “train-the-trainer” class for anyone interested in teaching CERT on January 22, 2010 at the Public Safety Building (3601 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, DE 19720) from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
o Red Cross Damage Assessment Team is forming up quickly. We will be offering the instructor-led training class on January 30, 2010 at the Public Safety Building (3601 N. Dupont Hwy., New Castle, DE 19720) from 10 am to 3 pm. http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/2009/10/disaster-assessment-team-announced.html
o For information about either of this programs, contact Jessi Schimmel at jschimmel@nccde.org or 302.395.2700.

• Discussion about the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps and the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (SERVDE) by Nicole Desmarais
o The Department of Public Health has a system to manage and identify volunteers through the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The system has been useful, but is currently limited to the MRC. Citizen Corps has been searching for a volunteer management system that would serve our purposes well, this system could do just that, but no agreement exists to share the technology.

• Open group discussion
o Discussion of Web 2.0 functions and how they are being used (blog http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1537122965&ref=mf, Twitter http://twitter.com/ncccitizencorp).

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting
o Next meeting TBA. Check http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/ for more information.

• Adjourn

Association of Contingency Planners joins Citizen Corps

2010-01-04T12:05:00.003-05:00

We are thrilled to welcome the Association of Contingency Planners - The First State (Delaware) Chapter, which became the newest member of the New Castle County Citizen Corps Council in December.

According to its web site - http://firststate.acp-international.com/ - "The Association of Contingency Planners - The First State (Delaware) Chapter is a non-profit trade association dedicated to fostering continued professional growth and development in effective Contingency & Business Resumption Planning....ACP provides members an excellent information exchange experience and opportunities to set response and recovery trends while strengthening relationships through public and private partnerships.The First State ACP chapter members include business continuity, disaster recovery, audit/compliance, and emergency planners from the private and public sectors, including financial institutions, utility companies, schools/universities, property management firms, non-profit groups, local government agencies, third-party providers, and various other organizations."

For more information, visit their web site and check back here for meeting information.

CORRECTION: CPAW announces Winter Meeting date

2009-12-17T09:56:00.003-05:00

The CPAW (Crime Prevention Area Watch) of New Castle County, DE Winter Meeting will be held Monday January 25, 2010 at the Brookside Community Center located at 900 Marrows Road across from the Brookside Baseball Field and next to the Brookside Elementary School. The start time will be 7:00 PM.

Please notice the change in the day of the meeting. We usually have our meetings on Monday nights but with Monday January 18, 2010 being a holiday we have scheduled this meeting.

Again, as in the past winter months, if there is inclement weather you will be notified via e-mail by 3:00 PM on Monday January 25, 2010 of any changes.

The 2010 Spring Meeting will held in May 2010 with a date to be determined.

Rob Blansfield
Bill Wheatley

Last week's CERT class was a great success

2009-12-16T09:36:00.007-05:00

Last week's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training was a great success. Thirty-three members of the New Castle County community came to the Public Safety Building and were trained in the CERT curriculum, including disaster preparedness, terrorism awareness, small fire suppression (picture at left) and American Heart Association CPR/AED.

Congrats and thanks to our new CERT members for all their participation and energy. For further online training in search and rescue, visit https://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/SandR/introduction.htm and we'll be in touch.

If you missed this CERT class, check out http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm for more information about CERT and contact Jessi Schimmel at 302-395-2700 or jschimmel@nccde.org to be put on our interest list to receive notification of our next class.

Disaster Assessment Team announced!

2009-12-14T09:57:00.001-05:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps announces that it is proudly sponsoring a Disaster Assessment Team in conjunction with the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula.

If you would like to provide concrete help to your community during an emergency, consider joining the Disaster Assessment Team. You’ll help emergency personnel assess damage and prioritize need on the ground in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. These assessments are essential to begin relief and recovery!

In order to join the team, you must first be registered as a Red Cross volunteer. (Visit http://www.redcrossdelmarva.org/volunteer.htm for more information. Scroll to the bottom of the page under “Becoming a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer.”)

Who: Anyone interested in serving as part of the first line of response to help in their community.

What: An opportunity to make a difference by helping to survey damage caused by a natural or man-made disaster which speeds the relief effort.

Where and when: Red Cross training online, Disaster Assessment training TBA based on interest. You must also complete the Red Cross’s “Fulfilling Our Mission” class as part of becoming a volunteer.

How to sign up: Email mailto:citizencorps@nccde.org for more explicit instructions or call Jessi Schimmel at (302) 395-2709.

Intl. Volunteer Day is Dec. 5, get involved!

2009-12-04T09:21:00.002-05:00

International Volunteer Day is Saturday, December 5 this year. There are lots of ways you can get involved by volunteering in our community through the New Castle County Citizen Corps.

Are you interested in joining our Disaster Assessment Team to work with emergency personnel assessing structural and community security in the immediate aftermath of a disaster?

Would you like to know more about how to help your neighbors before first responders can get to an incident scene? Join our CERT team.

Become a first responder by joining your local volunteer fire company.

There are many more ways to get involved, check out the right-hand sidebar listing Citizen Corps Partners and the links to their web sites.

Contact Jessi Schimmel at 302-395-2700 or jschimmel@nccde.org if you'd like to get involved or with any questions.

December 2009 Citizen Corps Council agenda announced

2009-11-30T13:49:00.005-05:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council
December 18, 2009 Agenda

• Welcome and introductions

• Review and approval of November 2009 meeting minutes

• NCC Citizen Corps update
o December CERT class December 10 and 11
o Red Cross Damage Assessment

• Discussion about the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps and the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers (SERVDE) by Nicole Desmarais

• Open group discussion

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting

• Adjourn

November 2009 Citizen Corps Council meeting minutes

2009-11-30T13:40:00.008-05:00

New Castle County Citizen Corps Council
November 4, 2009 Agenda
Posted at http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/

• Welcome and introductions
Those in attendance (in order of sign in): Richard Jester CPAW, Marissa Favata ESC/NCCOEM, Jessi Schimmel ESC/NCCOEM, Elizabeth Lee Roberts CPAW, Shirley Pierce CPAW, Linda Seltzer CPAW, Bobbie Merrill ACP, Bill Wheatley CPAW, Michele Tiberi Jenkins Whethersfield Block Watch, Brian Bannon NCCOEM, Lt. Gerry Donovan NCC Police, Dave Carpenter Jr. NCCOEM, Robbie McCray NCC Communication Corps.

• Review and approval of July 2009 meeting minutes
o Approved as presented

• NCC Citizen Corps update
o December CERT class December 10 and 11
o FY 2008 funding status, FY 2007 expenditures
• FY 2008 award has been received for $20,000. This money will be available in early 2010
• FY 2007 funds $8,000 are nearly exhausted

o Red Cross Damage Assessment – The New Castle County Citizen Corps has partnered with the American Red Cross Delmarva Chapter to offer a Disaster Assessment Team (DAT) training program. This is an opportunity for a series of training classes with the goal of creating a deployable team to assess damage in New Castle County in a time of disaster. For more information go to:
o http://ncccitizencorps.blogspot.com/2009/10/disaster-assessment-team-announced.html

• Discussion about services for the hearing impaired
o State preparedness video with subtitles (closed captioning) – Bob George from DEMA advised that he can provide this on disc to interested parties.
• Bob discussed the need for a coordinated media kit to kickoff an initiative to reach out to those with disabilities.
• The group discussed the need to coordinate and leverage existing programs, services, and systems in this outreach campaign.
• The state Disabilities Council was identified as a likely partner to assist with this effort.

o Bill Wheatley from CPAW provided the group with information about hearing disabilities and the group discussed targeting a preparedness message to people with all types of disabilities. The information presented by Mr. Wheatley can be found here:
Transportation Security Administration
• http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1380.shtm
Hearing Loss Association of Delaware:
• http://www.hlade.org/emergency-kit.htm
NOAA Weather Radio Information for those with Hearing Difficulties:
• http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/users/wood/public_html/NWR/spc-nds-nwr.html
Delmarva Power Emergency Medical Equipment Notification Program
• http://www.delmarva.com/home/requests/special/

• Discussion about public notification and warning
o Brian Bannon discussed the procedures used by the County to notify the public of protective actions (shelter in place or evacuate).
o The Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) was discussed. DENS is a computerized phone, voice notification system. DENS captures the entire E-911 database, including unlisted numbers. DENS does not have cell phones unless/until the user registers at the DENS website: https://alertregistration.com/dema/
o The County has a similar, redundant system called Reverse 911. Reverse 911 notifications do not currently include unlisted numbers in the database.
o Bob George discussed the possibility of using Nixle, a free internet based notification system. The State is currently investigating this system.

• Open group discussion
o Welcome to Bobbie Merrill from the First State Association of Contingency Planners (ACP). The Citizen Corps Council has extended an invitation to the First State ACP to join our group. This would offer an opportunity for Citizen Corps to partner with private sector businesses in New Castle County.

o There was a discussion about the Child Care Provider emergency planning outreach and training initiative conducted by DEMA, Delaware Citizen Corps, the Office of Child Care Licensing, New Castle County OEM, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program. This program is in the pilot phase and will be rolled out throughout the winter and into 2010.

o VIPS
• Lt. Donovan from the NCC Police advised that there are two new VIPS volunteers assigned to clerical and administrative support duties for the County Police. They are assigned to Research and development, Criminal Investigations, and Community Services.

o Communication Corps
• Robbie McCray advised that Communication Corps is in need of outreach and promotional materials to recruit members and increase awareness. Citizen Corps funds will be directed to this need.
• There will be an Amateur radio course in 2010. This course is a 4-day commitment of time. Successful completion will allow the attendee to be FCC licensed to use amateur radio equipment.
• New Castle County Communication Corps is an umbrella organization operating under the umbrella of New Castle County Citizen Corps. For details go to: http://ncccommcorps.blogspot.com/
• Robbie McCray offered an overview of the mobile communications vehicle, MCU37. Details about the capabilities of this vehicle can be found here: http://www.armymars.net/ArmyMARS/MCU/index.html

o CPAW - for details check out: http://www.cpawde.org/
• Bill Wheatley advised that CPAW continues to patrol communities in coordination and cooperation with the County and State police.
• CPAW is working on enhanced patrols of the parks
• CPAW is raising funds for the County Police Mounted Patrol Unit
• CPAW volunteers have received their T-shirts purchased with Citizen Corps funds, with the New Castle County Citizen Corps logo on the sleeve.

o Delaware Citizen Corps
• Bob George reminded everyone to forward information on activities and accomplishments to the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management so that they can be included in the Delaware Citizen Corps report to the Federal Government.

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting
o The next meeting will be at Delaware Technical & Community College, Stanton Campus on December 18th at 10:00 am. Everyone is asked to check in at the security desk for the exact location.

• Adjourn

CPAW web site updated

2009-11-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

The Crime Prevention Area Watch (CPAW) group for New Castle, DE has updated their web site with new newsletters about their recent activity. Check it out at http://www.cpawde.org/.

CERT agenda announced

2009-11-20T15:08:00.024-05:00

The agenda for December's CERT class has been announced. The class has reached capacity, but we are still taking names for the wait list. Please call the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management at 302-395-2700 if you would like to sign up!

Day 1 – December 10*
8:15 am – 8:40 am Registration / continental breakfast
8:40 am – 9:20 am CERT Introduction
9:30 am – 10:20 am Disaster preparedness / Animals in disaster
10:30 am – 11:20 am Terrorism
11:20 am – 11:30 am CERT bags issued
11:30 am – 12:00 pm Fire suppression classroom
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Lunch / review and questions
12:30 pm – 1:20 pm Fire suppression practical
1:40 pm – 2: 30 pm Disaster psychology
2:40 pm – 3:30 pm Shelter in place

Day 2 – December 11*
08:30 am – 12:00 pm Medical assessment and operations, CPR/AED
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Lunch/review questions
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Finish CPR/AED
1:40 pm – 3:20 pm Search and rescue cribbing, practical exercises
3:20 pm – 3:30 pm Wrap up certificates issued

* Subject to change.

Delaware Citizen Corps wins two national awards

2009-11-04T14:41:00.000-05:00

Delaware Citizen Corps received the 2009 FEMA Region III Making A Difference Award for its innovative partnerships and collaborations initiated as part of NPM this year. Among various other initiatives, Delaware and Wilmington Citizen Corps partnered with the Blue Rocks Professional Baseball Organization to spread preparedness messages throughout the entire baseball season, reaching at least 274,500 residents with preparedness messaging. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency and its Citizen Corps program also supported Delaware Child Care Provider Workshops (designed and provided by a volunteer) to assist providers in small and in-home facilities in writing and implementing emergency plans. In addition, collaboration between Delaware Citizen Corps and the Delaware State Police resulted in the expansion of a public notification system for preparedness messaging. Finally, Delaware Citizen Corps has partnered with the DuPont Corporation (the largest employer in the state) to provide a series of Disaster Preparedness presentations to their organization.

Delaware also received the 2009 FEMA Region III Outstanding Outreach Award. Throughout July and August and into September, information on National Preparedness Month activities scheduled by Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware Citizen Corps was issued by the DEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) to all statewide media and posted to community events calendars in newsletters and on television, public broadcasting and chambers of commerce websites. Interviews were conducted with area newspapers and radio. Information for tweets was given to staff for including on Twitter.

From: http://www.fema.gov/about/regions/regioniii/npm_challenge.shtm#7

Citizen Corps Council Meeting November 4, 2009

2009-10-23T08:50:00.002-04:00

Announcing a New Castle County Citizen Corps Council Meeting

When: November 4, 2009 10:00 am

Where: at the Brookside Community Center
Located at: 900 Marrows Rd Newark, DE

Agenda

• Welcome and introductions

• Review and approval of July 2009 meeting minutes

• NCC Citizen Corps update

o December CERT class December 10 and 11
o FY 2008 funding status, FY 2007 expenditures
o Red Cross Damage Assessment

• Discussion about services for the hearing impaired
o State preparedness video with subtitles

• Discussion about public notification and warning

• Open group discussion

• Set action items and agenda for next meeting

• Adjourn