New Page 2

	JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS CERTS AID IN DISASTER RELIEF Rita Hoffman, Emergency Management Coordinator, Olathe Fire Department On Sunday May 4^th the Kansas City Metropolitan area was devastated by numerous tornadoes. Two of the tornadoes in the immediate Metroplex were rated at F4. One death was recorded in Kansas City, Kansas (Wyandotte County). An effort to determine how our CERT teams might be utilized was initiated by Olathe Fire Captain Bill Schneider. Coordination meetings were attended and a county-wide effort ensued. As the organizational efforts progressed additional volunteers outside of the CERT programs were encouraged to join the effort. Volunteers included Olathe Firefighters, members from the Olathe FD Explorer post, Fire Chief Florence and Dep. Fire Chief Randy Hill from Leawood, the City Attorney from Leawood, the Civil Air Patrol, HAM Radio Operators, CERT team members and spontaneous citizen volunteers.

Participants signed in at two muster points at 7:30 Saturday AM May 10^th - Olathe Fire Department Administration Building, and for those in Northern Johnson County at the Merriam Fire Department. After signing volunteer forms and waivers provided by Wyandotte County we convoyed to their Command Post to receive assignments and the assistance of a guide from Wyandotte County Unified Government. A secondary level staging area was established at the Washington High School at 7200 Leavenworth Rd. All private vehicles, tools and trailers reported to this area. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was assigned the task of “transportation”. They used the CAP vehicles to shuttle volunteers to the two assigned sites. Capt. Schneider pulled the CERT trailer to a logistical staging area at 7349 Barnes. Two CERT team members were assigned logistics. All equipment was pooled and assigned out as needed to the two sites. All equipment was relocated to site 6 for the afternoon work. An incident Command structure was utilized throughout the relief effort.

	Team 5 worked in the area of 73rd and Barnes Ave. They removed debris and cleaned up approx. 20 large trees. Team 6 reported to 7436 N. 74th Street. This site had heavy damage to the house and was condemned due to structural damage. Three out buildings were completely destroyed. Up to 40 large trees were down over the property. Team 5 completed their site work by noon. We thought we were in for some severe weather of our own around noon when the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for the Kansas City area. Lunch was provided by the Salvation Army. Approximately 30 members were released after the break. The remainder of the group reported to the 74th Street site, re-grouped and continued with the debris removal.
The owner of the property on N.74th Street could not express how much he appreciated our assistance. Olathe FD video taped the work and also interviewed the homeowner on N. 74 St. The afternoon site was visited by Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Marinovich and Kansas Congressman Dennis Moore. Congressman Moore even rolled up his sleeves and help with debris removal for about an hour.
Leawood Fire Department’s Deputy Chief reflected in a letter written to a local paper later, “My son Chaz told me on the way north that morning that the sign of a true citizen is someone who does good deeds with no concern for recognition. Well that’s true so I’ll keep it simple. "Thanks to everyone from Teams 5 & 6 for making me proud to be from Johnson County!"
CERT is not just for responding at the time a disaster is happening. Many CERT training topics were teaching points during this recovery effort, including team organization, disaster psychology, and medical support. Our CERT trained citizens are very valuable assets to our communities. We are very proud of each and every one.


Return to *THE CONNECTION*