2001 Volume 3 Number 1
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CERTS WORKING AND THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX After the CERTS complete their initial training courses, CPR training, ARC courses and disaster drills, etc. how do you maintain the groups' interest? Edgewater CERTS utilize their training as a group to become involved in community activities. |
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The CERT leader was contacted by New Smyrna Beach High School about having the senior class interviewing them to share their occupation and life experiences. The CERT members listed their occupations and were paired up with a student who was interested in their occupation. The students had a list of 15 questions they asked the CERT members. This was a very successful program and is conducted each year. We are developing a CERT program to teach the senior class to help them prepare for and cope with disasters. We have some CERTS who were in top management positions. They conducted a role-playing interview with the students looking for a job. The students and the CERTS enjoyed these two programs. One statement that was frequently made by the CERT members was, "The student's participation was excellent." They showed respect and discipline. We were amazed at how well they conducted themselves and the confidence they had about the future and what they wanted to do. We were proud of being able to participate in these programs. We saw the youth of our nation expressing and preparing themselves to go forth and assume leadership roles that are so important to our way of life. Communication between the Fire Department and the CERT teams is a critical aspect during a major emergency and disaster operations. The Fire Department purchased 12 VHF/UHF transceivers. We have two extra frequencies assigned to the Edgewater Fire/Rescue, and pre-set the radio to these frequencies. We developed guidelines for radio terminology used by the CERT members and fire personnel. This has greatly increased the transfer of information between the CERTS and fire personnel. It has added to the realism when conducting drills. During an actual emergency the descriptions of conditions and prioritization of the needs for resources and help will be greatly enhanced. These radios are used at all of our drills and other type events to maintain the CERTS skill. We have trained them to "THINK" of what they want to say before pressing the transmitting button. The drills have paid off. They have become real professional with the radio; the messages are precise, clear and right to the point. |
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| The City of Edgewater presented each CERT member with a Certificate of Appreciation for all they have done to make Edgewater a safer city to live in and become more disaster resistant. Mayor Donald Schmidt realizes the value of this human resource that has proved to be a great asset during major emergencies. The event was a morale booster for the CERTS. The Certificates of Appreciation and dinner given by the City of Edgewater was greatly appreciated by the CERT members. |
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Each year the Edgewater Fire & Rescue Association holds a recognition dinner for the career and volunteer fire personnel. This year we included the CERT members. Plaques were awarded to members who did something outstanding to make our Fire Department and CERT operation more effective and efficient. The CERTS conducted a street fair to raise money for CERT equipment and repairs to the Fire Department mobile kitchen trailer. One of the highlights of the affair was a chili tasting contest. We had ten different types of chili; each one was a credit to the chef. |
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As you can see, there are many events to keep your CERTS active. I have listed only a few. One recent event was the installation of a CERT sign at the entrance to one of our large housing developments. The sign was installed to (1) designate Edgewater Landing as a CERT neighborhood, (2) to recognize the 77 members of Edgewater Landing CERT teams, and (3) to promote awareness of the CERT program. |
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