Rotary Car Show/YMCA Run 4-28-12
Great weather, great event and a great time. The entrants, as usual, got your attention. My house should be as clean and beautiful. The entertainment was outstanding and the awards appreciated. Some of the littlest runners in the YMCA run had both hands held to be supported as their little legs worked overtime to try to keep up, they refused to quit!! EL CERT was lucky enough to be the recipient of a $1000 award as well as having a great time volunteering for the event.
East Lake Fire Rescue Open House 4-14-12
Although the event seemed a little less hectic without the usual vendors the focus remained on home safety, fire safety, preparedness and learning about the many ways our Fire Department affects and protects us in our daily lives.
East Lake CERT had an opportunity to demonstrate some of the FEMA training provided by taking the CERT Basic Training Course. There was a mock extrication performed by our First Responders which was followed by a CERT triage, treatment demonstration. Bayflight arrived, as they would, to transport the most seriously injured.
Transportation to and from parking was provided by the antique fire truck and bus.
EL Fire Rescue HAM Station 4-7-12
The East Lake CERT Comms team spent the day practicing setup and testing transmission to the Pinellas County EOC. Repeater and simplex contact were successful from Station 57 and repeater from Station 58 but simplex from 58 failed. We will be pursuing options to correct this or at the very least set up a relay.
EL CERT Training Class 3-25-2012
As usual, we had a great group of people in this current class. They were interested, attentive, inquisitive and willing to learn. They sat through some hard, long class study with no complaints and went through a round robin of stations that included fire suppression, cribbing, lifts & carries and knots. One gentlemen traveled from Lake Placid Fl to take this class with the hope of getting a CERT team started in his community. A special "Thank You" goes to our volunteer victims, some of whom are repeat participants, for a job well done. DC Mark Teolis and Firefigher/Paramedic Rick Wendling did an outstanding job of making sure the trainees got the best training they could provide. A debriefing was held that included feedback from the teams themselves, the victims and the EL CERT instructors to get every perspective to be used for lessons learned.
Community Award
A Community Award, bearing one name, was accepted as an award belonging to the East Lake CERT team as a whole. If not for the team, with it's very special members, most of the accomplishments accredited to one would not have happened without the support of the many. This award is posted to this site as an acknowledgement of the service and efforts of those who are the heart and soul of The East Lake Community Emergency Response Team, you, the members.
East Lake CERT SAR Exercise 3-10/11/2012
The planning team spent Friday night camped in Starkey Park in preparation for exercise sign in on Saturday morning. The sign in didn't begin until 10:30 but help started arriving as early as 8:30 AM. Participants and mock victims arrived and forming teams, assigning tasks, developing a Command structure, setting up comms and setting up the scenario followed. Teams that included participants from numerous area CERTs, EM, ARES/RACES were sent out in search of the victims. As victims were found calls came in for medical direction and to request transport. Victims were brought in and treated in the appropriate area. Search #1 was followed by a debrief and preparation for Search #2. The process was repeated with a CAP (Shawn May) as IC. He was professional, in charge and in control. Positions were rotated to allow everyone to participate in a different task. The exerise was ended by a debriefing and mutual thanks to everyone for a job well done.
Sunday was one of the most interesting training of the weekend called orienteering. It consisted of compass reading, pace measuring and following directions to different markers in the field. From a starting point each team had to find their way from marker to marker (approx. 12-16) using only the headings/distances given to them for their team, a daunting task under any circumstances. A debriefing was followed by a limited search exercise, conducted by CAPS with CERT taking a back seat, in a designated area and limited to 15 mins. The debriefing that followed closed the training weekend on a high note.
It was a pleasure working with everyone and we hope to be able to do it again in the near future.
Bloomingdale/Riverview Exercise 1-14-2012
Thanks to all of you who braved the brutal cold this morning and took part in the Drill - Exercise hosted by Brandon/Riverview CERT.
The Hillsboro County Fire and Rescue were there, EOC, American Red Cross and CERT representatives from the State of Florida. Some of it was revisiting what we have learned but there is always something to be learned from our initial training.
The Search and Rescue portion was the only one where we were rated and all should be proud of the East Lake CERT Team as we came in - "On Top" - #1 in every aspect. We can thank our mentors Chief Teolis and Lt. Porch as well as members of our team who have gone above and beyond to improve our skills. Taking part in these exercises is so important as you put to use the skills you have been taught and determine where there is room for improvement.
I am looking forward to a great year with our new members and leaders.
Best regards,
Bonni Willett
East Lake CERT
Training - Chestnut Park 1-7-2012
A fruitful day including water distillation, purification methods, fire starting, use of a compass, radio procedure and use, bag check, distribution of medical supplies, a discussion of possible sanitary needs during an emergency and emergency food prep and tasting. There was input by members on what is necessary/desirable as part of our CERT bags. A magnifying glass was quick to start a fire but useless on a cloudy day. Dryer lint was the best starter and an array of strikers were tested. We did get our fires started, our water boiled and our food cooked and consider it time well spent.
YES! of America United, Inc. 10-6-2011
East Lake CERT participated as part of the communications team to insure the safety and well being of all attendees as well as the communication link between the organizers and volunteers. A very worthwhile effort to benefit the disabled, this was a display of goods and services that are available for a variety of physical disabilities. There were shows, food, music (some supplied by David M on the bongos) races, games and a general good time. You will see a "Thank You" to EL CERT in the YES! album below.
Ride With The Stars 12-3-2011
This is an event to benefit the families of injured and fallen Sheriff's Officers. There was a 5k foot race, 10k bike ride and a 25 mile bike ride. The cool morning helped bikers and walkers stay relatively comfortable and energized. East Lake CERT was again represented as part of the communications team responsible for keeping an eye on the safety and well being of the participants. There were games, climbing walls, food, music and Santa made an appearance to the delight of the children, big and small. Good use was made of the Pinellas County mobile emergency communications center.
September 11, 2011 "REMEMBRANCE"
We gathered at the Oldsmar Fire Dept. to remember, to be sad for those lost, be proud of those who serve, be thankful for our freedom, be united in our committment, stand strong in our beliefs and not yield to terrorism.
EAST LAKE CERT CLASS OF AUGUST 2011
In times as we are in it's important to be responsible for yourself in an emergency and knowing how to help those around you. And when called helping those in othere areas. I had a good time learning emergency response and realized how important it is to be prepared.
Attachments:
EL CERT Training Class 8/28/11
Today was our final day of training and finished with a 3 section drill in addition to hands on fire suppression. Drill section 1 involved an outdoor search and rescue, drill 2 was a ground level indoor search and section 3 was a second story gas leak/search and rescue as well as setting up a teatment area, head to toe and doing treatment. Section 1 allowed each member to switch roles and practice their skill at Command, organizing and triage tagging. Section 2 was ground level and had the team searching through a maze, triage tagging and lift and carry to treatment area. Section 3 involved a second story, possible victims and gas leak.
We had a great group of trainees who were attentive, willing to learn and anxious to participate in the drill. The volunteer victims (students and 1 CERT member) offered their thoughts at the debriefing following the drill.
Thank you Chief Teolis (lead trainer), Lt. Porch (lead trainer), David Ackerman (instructor) and Ralph Farmer (instructor) for a great learning experience.
Preparedness, Recruitment & CPR Registration 7-23-11
East Lake CERT, in conjunction with the East Lake Fire Dept, conducted an all out effort to inform, educate (preparedness) and register participants for CERT training and Heart Saver AED Classes. There were fire fighters, hats, tours of the fire engines, AED demonstrations, candy, stickers, children’ activity books, numerous Be Prepared Ready and Citizen Corps materials and CERT volunteers.
Although September is considered Preparedness Month we feel it is never too soon to stimulate awareness. People seemed quite surprised to find we did not want anything from them but rather wanted to give them something. This “something” we wanted to give was not just for them but for everyone in their communities. Being CERT trained or having CERT trained residents living amongst you might be the best survival advantage you have and preparing to survive the most important decision you can make.
ELFD Swearing In Ceremony/ CERT PPT Presentation 6/28/11
This was a very busy meeting which started out with the swearing in of Chief Jamison, Fire Marshal/District Chief Teolis, Deputy Chief May. Congrats to all! Randy did us (EL CERT) proud with his excellent presentation for the purpose of reintroducing the EL Board of Fire Commissioners to the mission and progress of EL CERT. The PPT highlighted goals, public outreach, training, drills, communications and the collective experience assets of the team. The East Lake Fire District and EL CERT will be working on strengthening their relationship for the benefit of the community at large.
POD Training 6-23-11
PODs...Something we hope we never need, something we should not be relying on, something that if needed means we did not do our job of preparing. What it takes to plan, supply, man and dispense on every level is mind boggling. Our job of preparing for any emergency/catastrophic event has to take priority for the sake of ourselves and our families. We can't afford to be apathetic with an "It will never happen to me" attitude. That is how you find yourself at the mercy of others if and when they can get to you. It is our responsibility to have 1-2 weeks of supplies, water, food, medication, cash, a tankful of gas, a way of communicating and the wisdom to evacuate when the time comes. None of this can happen without having a plan and sticking to it. In a worse case scenario, a POD could be a lifesaver for those who did not have or did not follow a plan. You do not want to be one of those.
Drill -Missing Children Search, Transport, Medical, Communications
May 21, 2 missing children, last seen in late afternoon, parents with Sheriff's Dept. A search was organized and began at approximately 6:30 PM. CERT responders set up a Command Post with the IC, communications, medical and supplies. There were 4 teams set up to search different trails. Found with injured ankle and head, 7:30 PM - Jeremy- 10 yrs.- caucasian - black shirt - blue jeans - brown hair - blue eyes - 4'9". Found 7:41 PM with broken leg - Nicholas- 11 yrs - caucasian - blue shirt - blue jeans - blonde hair - blue eyes - 4'9". Luckily, this mock search was successful and proved to be a great learning experience for those who attended.
Operation Prom Night 5-18-2011
East Lake High School again conducted a demonstration on the dangers of drinking and driving. It was a full on Prom Night scenario including the Fire Dept. Sheriff's Dept. Sunstar, a local funeral svc. and Bayflite. The volunteer victims are members of SADD (students against drunk driving) and did a stellar job of playing dead, critically injured and being the walking wounded. Moulage was provided by East Lake CERT which included lacerations, broken bones, bruises, bleeding and fatal injuries. If this causes just one student to have second thoughts about driving drunk, then it was a priceless effort. The students will be provided with cards containing a number they can call for a ride home, no questions asked. Be safe everyone!!
Rotary Car Show/ YMCA Fun Run 4-16-2011
Every year brings more.... of everything. More cars, more displays, more entertainment, more activities, more demonstrations, more people and more fun. East Lake CERT did their annual thing by directing traffic, running a CERT information booth and generally keeping an eye out for problem areas and the public well being. They are going to have to expand next year in order to accommodate everyone wanting to participate.
Ralph's Starkey Park Search/Rescue Exercise 2/12,13/2011
Those who attended enjoyed another excellent drill conducted by Ralph at Starkey Park. This was planned to be a two day event with 2 searches on Sat. and one on Sun. Noon Sat. we were given a briefing, maps and direction of what we were looking for. The Command Post was set up with an IC and communications (Base). Victims were located and a course of action was decided. The IC was kept informed of the locations of the teams and victims. A compass became necessary because of the lack of trail/road and landmark information on the map. Members rotated for search 2 with a new IC and base operator. Ralph, Steve and Barb camped out under the stars (in tents) with lots of clothes, blankets and sleeping bags. (Brrrrrr) Conversation around the campfire held some interesting options for future training. Stay tuned for something different.
Pinellas County CERT Disaster Drill 10-23-10
Members of East Lake, Lealman, DIRT, DVERT, Gulfport and Pinellas Suncoast CERTs attended their first joint effort today. The scenario was that a tornado hit the Calvary Chapel building while a teen event was taking place and there were multiple victims. It was months in the making but the Disaster Drill was well worth the wait. Responders had a chance to benefit from refresher classes that included ICS/communications, medical, triage,search & rescue and lift and carries. Members of the IC teams were selected from each CERT group and had the responsibility of developing an incident plan of action and designation of team leaders. The Safety Teams did their assessments and were followed by victim triage and transport to the treatment area where treatment was applied. The volunteer victims, students involved in theater, were outstanding in their makeup and acting. It was so realistic that it was difficult to remember it was a drill. This was a fantastic learning experience and it is hoped this planning group will join forces again for much needed practice and refreshers in all areas.
East Lake Fire Rescue Open House 10-2-10
Another year and another smashing success. More displays, more demonstrations, more games, more attendees and a lot more fun for everyone. This year East Lake CERT took a more active role in preparedness and safety as well as conducting a triage and treatment demonstration. Our information table included displays of an emergency Go-Kit, a child's Go_Kit, preparedness videos, Citizen Corps materials, CERT radios used for communications, CERT materials and Ready materials which included a child's Ready activities book. After our responders conducted a mock extrication using the jaws of life our volunteer "victims" were placed in the field to demonstrate what CERT training is all about. The students who participated were reluctant to give up their moulage injuries until they made the rounds to show them off.
East Lake CERT CPR/First Aid Class 7-17-10
This CPR/First Aid class was well attended and well done under Lead Instructor District Chief Jamison with the help of District Chief Teolis. This was also "on the job training" for EL CERT's 5 new CPR instructors. Even though the subjects were serious the mood was kept light and there were more than a few chuckles. You can never take this class too often since there are constant changes.
Coastal Cleanup/ CERT Exercise 5-22-10
There was a great turnout for a worthwhile project and training exercise. EL CERT, Oldsmar CERT and Dunedin DVERT joined forces to leave Key Vista Park in better condition while getting much needed communications practice. There was a command post and 7 teams comprised of members and some young guest participants. Radios and compasses were used to give their approximate location and what they found. All teams returned safely with their loot and lunch allowed a little social/compare notes time before returning home after a job well done. Thank you Ralph.
Chief Jamison "Defining the Suicide Bombing Threat"
We had an excellent presentation at our April 21 meeting by Chief Jamison entitled "Defining the Suicide Bombing Threat". He attended a course at the New Mexico "energetic testing area" and was gracious enough to pass some of the knowledge on to us. In these times, it behooves us to learn as much as possible about any and all threats we might have to face. There have already been 18 acts of terrorism around the country perpetrated by either foreign or homegrown terrorists. Different types, strengths of explosives were covered and the different ways in which they could be used. Any place that would extract an emotional toll is a potential target. Personal protection was covered with the use of the word RAIN. Recognize, avoid, isolate and notify. We were left with one thought, "never say never".
Ralph's "Survive With What You Have" Exercise
Sat. Feb. 27 East Lake and other CERT teams were activated and met at John Chestnut Park. While meeting and setting up multiple tornados hit the area. We became stranded with no way in and no way out. We knew we would have to survive until help could arrive which could take up to 3 days. It was time to pool our resources and work together to set up a base camp and try to communicate with First Responders. Wood was gathered, fires were built using more than one method, meals ready to eat were eaten, methods of water purification were discussed, use of a compass and stretchers (lift, carry, drag) was practiced. There was an interesting mix of traditional and alternative methods of treating injuries, wounds, bleeding or shock with some extremely organized CERT kits. Contact was made with District Chief Teolis using a HAM radio base station to discuss what types of information might be exchanged during emergency conditions. Many thanks go to Ralph for organizing and leading this excellent and informative exercise! Kudos to Commissioner Morningstar who participated in the cold rainy weather without complaint.
Dunedin Door to Door Canvas 2-6-2010
Dunedin CERT put out a call for help to canvas the adult residents of the Royal Stuart Arms adult community due to the water main break. The average age of residents is 80 years and there was a need to identify those with special needs.
Jo and Jan Simon, Bonni and Barb of EL CERT were on hand to give assistance to the Dunedin CERT team. There were 3 large buildings and numerous smaller ones to be covered. The upper floors had no water at all, the lower floors had a trickle and the hot water heater and faucets needed to be off. Bottled water was the hot item of the day and it was provided to those who could not attain it on their own. There were issues that were discovered and reported back to the IC to prevent the problem from worsening.
The relationship between East Lake CERT and the Dunedin CERT team is one of cooperation and support. We hope to never have the need to call on DVERT for help but know that they would come if needed.
East Lake Fire Rescue and Dunedin Fire Rescue were present and will remain 24/7 for fire protection and to help in any other capacity needed until repairs are completed and the problem is resolved. (See picture of EL crew)
Joint Field Day
Saturday June 27 our first Joint Field Day with the Clearwater Amateur Radio Society and East Lake CERT. The weather report had been threatening but we were able to conduct our exercise without incident. The scenario was that a mini tornado struck during field day and left victims in its' wake. Our S&R and medical teams organized to conduct search, rescue and treatment duties. There were also participants from Oldsmar CERT and Dunedin DVERT.