Thanks for being interested in Chatham CERT. Here is an update on activities and plans.
Upcoming meetings
Wednesday, June 27, 2018: Shelter operations – how to set up, run, and close down an emergency shelter. Note the location for this meeting: Senior Center, 365 NC Highway 87 N, Pittsboro NC at 18:30 (6:30 PM).
July 25, 2018: Sheriff’s department operations and CERT in traffic control (tentative topic).
August 22, 2018; Hazardous weather and SkyWarn weather spotter training.
September 26, 2018: Emergency communications and introduction to ham (amateur) radio.
We are hoping to host a basic ham radio license class in October.
Activities
Our May meeting focused on how to work in the Chatham County Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Steve Newton and Alan Byrd from the Chatham County Emergency Management Office walked us through a simulated event, with CERT volunteers role-playing various activities inside the EOC. This was an introduction to the EOC. The minimum training required for more advanced assistance in the EOC is a good understanding of the Incident Command System. We highly encourage all CERTs to take the series of FEMA courses dealing with the Incident Command System. Those courses are at https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx. Please consider taking the following:
- IS-100.b Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100
- IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- IS-700.a National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction
- IS-800.c National Response Framework, and Introduction
You will need a FEMA ID to register for these free courses. Get your FEMA Student ID at https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid.
In mid-June our second CERT class graduated a class of 28. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Gear
We are asking that any CERT member who wishes to participate in official activities be identified by a CERT vest. We have standardized on the ‘Deluxe CERT vest – fitted with pockets and reflective stripes’ available for $13.88 from www.sosproducts.com. We also have standardized on CERT shirts and caps and will have samples at the CERT meetings. The shirts and caps are not required but are nice items when dealing with the community.
Thanks
Thanks for being interest in Chatham CERT and emergency preparedness. If you have any questions, you can email ChathamCERT@outlook.com.
See you at the meetings!
Terry