Meeting Minutes and Team Notes

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- February 10, 2021

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 18:25:05 GMT

Outdoor meeting at Grand Haven Creekside

Steve Davidson started the meeting at 2:00 PM.

There were 26 member in attendance.

Items discussed during the meeting:

Steve began the meeting by r eviewing an email he wrote in 2006 announcing the formation of the Grand Haven CERT organization. That was fifteen years ago.

The group discussed the latest information concerning the COVID-19 virus. Several members shared their experience in registering and receiving the Moderna vaccine. Members are encouraged to continue efforts to schedule appointments. The virus is still spreading.

Flagler Volunteer Services is asking for volunteers. If you have any questions. Please email Judy Mazzella - judy@flaglervolunteer.org or Suzy Gamblain - suzy@flaglervolunteer.org or call (386) 597-2950. The immediate need is for volunteers for traffic control and clerical documentation.

Several people were first time attendees and others expressed a desire to join the group. Mike Wright provided several individuals with applications.

The group discussed the list of items in the standard Cert backpacks. They were referred to the organization website to review equipment lists, first aid items and pocket cards for use in the field. The link to information is on the Field Operations page of the Grand Haven CERT website .

The group was encouraged to review:

Field Operations and Triage
Reference Information
Radio Operations

The group participated in a discussion of broadcast frequencies and duplex and simplex radio equipment.

The main frequencies discussed:

Channel Frequency Location Priority

21 462.700 * Daytona State Collage Primary

20 462.675 Water Tower, Palm Coast Secondary

16 462.575 Grand Haven Community Center Out of Operation

* Flagler County Assist REACT

The license required to operate a GMRS radio costs $85.00. It can be acquired online from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The license is good for five years and covers your entire family. GMRS is an easy-to-use radio system. You do not have to be a radio expert to join the communications network. REACT conducts radio training each Friday at 7:00 PM. To learn more about Flagler County Assist REACT visit the website at www.react4800.org

Steve Davidson will provide additional information on obtaining a Federal radio license. Please contact him directly at: sdavidson13@cfl.rr.com

Chip Howden is updating information to order Grand Haven CERT clothing.

The next CERT meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM.

Beginning in June CERT will hold monthly meeting through Hurricane season.

Adjournment: 3:00 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- September 9, 2020

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 13:40:22 GMT

Zoom Meeting started by ChipHowden at 2:00 PM.

There were 13 members attending on Zoom and 1 by phone.

Items discussed during the meeting:

Chip Howden reviewed the status of medical supplies and the small number that need to be ordered after the beginning of next fiscal year Oct. 1
Chip Reminded the team to review the new Covid-19 procedures that are in the Field Operations section on our web site.
Chip reported that there is now a method to activate the team using AlertFlager and that he needed to get the training to do this. Mike Wright will need to work with the EOC to keep the call roster current.
Chip will also continue to investigate the new First Responder Tracking System. This is dependent on cell phone service.
The team reviewed the results of the last radio check. Communications was poor, even between newer GRMS radios, on the Grand Haven repeater [Channel 16 / 462.575 MHz / I-com 2]. Communications on the Daytona State Collage water tower repeater [Channel 21 / 462.700 MHz / I-com 7] was good between GRMS radios and transitions from GRMS radios could be heard clearly on FRS radios, but FRS transitions were not picked up by GMRS radios.
The Team discussed reviewing their own personal back packs to update any expired items, including flashlight batteries.
Chip explained why he could not continue as Incident Commander but offered to help support someone new and asked for members to seriously consider stepping up to lead the team. Several members asked if Dr. Davidson would consider coming back as leader when he is no longer on the CDD Board.
The Team conducted a radio check using the Palm Coast water tower repeater [Channel 20 / 462.675 MHz / I-com 6]. Communications was good between GRMS radios and transitions from GRMS radios could be heard clearly on FRS radios, but FRS transitions were not picked up by GMRS radios. The team discussed information on individuals purchasing GRMS radios and family radio licenses. Chip agreed to send out information on acquiring licenses.

Adjournment: 2:55 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- June 10, 2020

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 16:07:13 GMT

Online Zoom Meeting started by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM.

Items discussed during the meeting:

Discussed need to check personal backpack and replace any expired items. Particularly in the personal first aid kits.
Revised background for development of operating under Modified procedures due to Covid-19.
Will check on availability of masks from Health Dept.
Email will be sent asking for volunteers to preform radio checks.
Nothing definite, but hope to be able to meet in person in July.

Adjournment: 2:25 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- February 12, 2020

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 19:50:45 GMT

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM in the Grand Haven Room.

Members present: 16

Items discussed during the meeting:

Master Incident, Team Distribution Search/Sweep Sectors, and Communications Zones maps reviewed.
Grand Haven, and The Crossings Emergency Exits (AKA Fire Gates) are to be added to the Master Incident Map. Facilitator, certain Crossing residents and Chip Howden have the codes for the combination locks on these gates.
Chip Howden has a set of keys for a all facilities.
Denise Gallo, our own in-house CERT Certified Trainer, provided a multimedia overview of updated CERT Training materials focused on Disaster Medical Operations -Parts I and II, including a video of how to conduct a head to toe physical assessment of a Patient.
Link to updated CERT Basic Training Participants Manual
Training Schedule (many March thru June training has been cancelled)
How to register for future training events -- New registration training and volunteer sign up portal
Highlights of the New CERT Program

Chip Howden reviewed organization and set up of the Incident Center:

The first member to arrive at the Grand Haven Room Command location assumes the role of Incident Commander (hereafter referred to as IC) and begin setting up the room.
All forms, maps, and supplies are stored behind rectangular doors under the stage of the Grand Haven Room.
Arriving members immediately report to Desk 1 (one) and sign in. Desk 1 staff will obtain member profile card from file, verbally verify the name, log the member in and pass the card to Desk 3 (three). All members ending any CERT activity must sign out. If you end your CERT duties in the field, you must return to the IC to sign out.
Members move to Desk 2 (two) and present any Grand Haven Damage Assessment Card to report observations of damage, emergencies or questionable situations seen during their travel to the ICC. Desk 2 (two) staff will assure that the reporting member’s name and sufficient incident information is include on the card. All members should maintain a supply of cards with their equipment.
Desk 2 (two) will pass these cards on as follows:
- Life threatening emergencies to IC using blue vested runner.
- Road blockage by vegetation, after entering in the road blockage log, to CDD person present using blue vested runner.
- Other, pass to Desk 3 (three).

Adjournment: 4:20 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- October 9, 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 22:02:43 GMT

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:09 PM.

Members present: 17

Grand Haven Community demographics for purposes of discussions:

Population: ~4,600 .
Homes: ~1,800.

Guest Speakers: Palm Coast Fire Department

Eric Robinson-Firefighter/Paramedic
A firefighter in Palm Coast for 8 years, Eric has certified over 400 citizens in CPR. He is a pediatric, advanced life support instructor, part of the public education team, and team leader of the department’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. In 2017, he received the Emergency Medical Services Commendation Medal.
Patrick Juliano, M.P.A., Firefighter/Paramedic, & Fire Public Information Officer
In 2013, Juliano was named, “Career Firefighter of the Year”
Meeting Format: Speaker Eric Robinson initiated the presentation by asking thought-provoking questions such as, where are we now, identification of problem areas and learning something new.

Summary of Topics and Discussions Presented by Speakers

Discussion of past Grand Haven Cert Team Disaster Activations
• The last activation was ten or more years ago.
• After Hurricane Mathew, GH Cert had no communications network.
• 2019 Installation of Communication Infrastructure and Documented protocols.
Discussion concerning Grand Haven Demographics
• Identify residents with limited mobility.
• Identify residence requiring special services such as, air conditioning, oxygen, medications, etc.
Discussion concerning the Triage Process
Triage is the systematic process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition. The objective is to divide patients into those who cannot be helped, those in critical condition who need immediate transport to an emergency center, and those with less serious injuries.
Step 1: Stop, Look, Listen, and Think
Step 2: Conduct voice triage
Step 3: Start where you stand; follow
Step 4: Evaluate each survivor and tag and label as many victims as quickly as possible
Step 5: Treat “I” survivors immediately
Step 6: Document triage results
Discussion concerning encountering and observation of a victims
• If someone appears to be unconscious or unresponsive, begin by asking in a loud voice if he/she is okay.
• Check pulse (on neck not wrist.)
• Check breathing by tilting the head back, looking, and feeling for breaths.
• Control of excessive bleeding
• Arterial bleeding: bleeding from artery pumping out in spurts
• Venous bleeding: bleeding from vein characterized by oozing or running of dark colored blood.
• If necessary place the victim in a ” Recovery Position” in order to keep airway open.
Triage Levels and Color Coding -- The color-coded tagging method to categorize disaster victims in the field has been almost universally adopted and incorporated into existing triage systems. Upon completion of the initial assessment, each patient is labeled according to patient’s name, assessment findings, and identified according to his/her need for medical treatment and transport from the emergency scene. The fire Department suggests that we use the colored tags that are universally recognized by first responders.
• Black Triage Tag: Patients who are either dead or who have such extensive injuries that they cannot be saved with the limited resources available.
• Red Triage Tag: Patients whose lives are in immediate danger and who require immediate treatment.
• Yellow Tag Triage: Patients whose lives are not in immediate danger, but who will require urgent, not immediate, medical care.
• Green Triage Tag: Patients with minor injuries who will eventually require treatment
Contact the incident command center by radio and report needs for onsite medical treatment. Arrange transport for others from the emergency scene.
Discussion concerning transportation of victims
• Walking wounded and generally, ambulatory qualify for relocation to the Incident Command Center area or other designated locations.
• Two Cert members are to remain on site with the seriously injured until higher levels of professional care arrive.
Discussion of Search and Rescue and the GH team rule that a CERT member will never be left alone during a Search and Rescue assignment.
The Fire Department policy states that if two department members are working as a team, they can separate as long as they are in voice or visual contact with each other. Eric Robinson described such a situation as follows: “Two people moving around in the swimming pool area of the Community Center who remain in voice and visual contact would not be considered to be alone”.
If additional teams are needed in a specific area, contact Incident Command to request a dispatch of an additional team.
Discussion concerning checking a pulse over carotid artery: place your index and middle fingers on the neck to the side of your windpipe. When you feel a rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through the artery. If you wish to determine the heart rate look at your watch, and count the number of beats in 10 seconds. Multiply this number by 6 to get your heart rate per minute. CERT members checked their own pulse with this method during the meeting.
Discussion Concerning Treat for Shock
Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting sufficient blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Many organs can be damaged because of shock
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Capillary refill of greater than 2 seconds
• Failure to follow simple commands such as, “Squeeze my hand.”
Discussion Concerning Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest
• Heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked.
• Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating as a whole.
• Without CPR the survival rate the victim’s goes down 10% per minute.
• Do not stop compressions for more than 10 seconds until relieved or professionals arrive.
Discussion of Future Deployment and Procedures ( If Encountered)
Attempt to learn and amend protocols based on past performances, simulated training, virtual reality, and multi-disciplinary mock disaster drills
Discussion of Supplemental Command Center Locations
• Creekside or North Entrance Guard House
• South Entrance Guard House
• Wild Oaks Dog Park near entrance
Discussion of First Aid Kit Items
• All member kits should be stocked with similar items
• Gloves Purchase - bulk Medium and Large
• Emergency blanket for burns and to regulate temperature
• Masks – purchase in bulk Medium and Large
• Roller Gauze- purchase in bulk Medium and Large
• Large bandages for chest wounds, abdominal wounds and to cover and protect organs
• Consider adding Tourniquets to first aid kits
• Command Center First Kit- needs additional supplies
• Old bag in Command Center appear to have adequate supplies for team training.
Discussion concerning Tourniquets
• If you put a gloved hand on a wound and the bleeding will not stop, it is time for a Tourniquet.
• Tourniquets are placed about 2 inches higher than the wound. Vessels will retract.
• Tighten until the blood stops. Check for no pulse below the Tourniquet.
• Once installed the tourniquet is never loosened and only removed by medical professionals.
• Mark a “T” on the victims forehead and record the time near it.
Impalement Injury
• Stabilize object in wound
• Never remove the object unless it blocks breathing
• Victim should not be moved, unless it his/her life is threatened by the object
• Eye Injury: Stabilize with roller gauze and wrap both eyes (eyes tend to move together).
Discussion of downed power line(s)
• Do not approach
• Contact ICC
Discussion Approaching Propane Tanks
• Approach with caution
• Smell around the area. Propane gas has no odor.
• Propane companies add a harmless chemical - mercaptan- to give it its distinctive “rotten egg” smell.
• Turn off valve.
Future Training Discussion – Master the Basics and Periodic updates
• Set up a series of medical treatment stations and roll play activities using interactive medical procedure stations and scenarios.
• Consider future training on using Tourniquets and adding this device to first aid kits

November Annual member Luncheon

Hold the date: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 .

Adjournment: 3:30 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- September 11, 2019

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:46:25 GMT

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM.

Chip Howden opened the meeting by having everyone do a brief self-introduction.

Items discussed during the meeting:

Discussed possible input to the County with an After Action Report from the Team. The consensus was to report problems with when and how we got notification about lifting the evacuation order and curfew and the subsequent delay in notice to the team to assemble.
Discussed several inter-team communications by cell phone, e-mail and FLAGLERAlert, GRMS and FMRS radios. Chip is checking on use of ALERTFlager and the REACT Radio NET. We also talked about reception issues during the pre-Dorian radio check and the post-Dorian event.
NOTE: Grand haven CERT can use the REACT radio net to assemble the team. More details to follow. However, here is an IMMEDIATE change from our discussion; when you believe a storm is winding down please monitor Channel 21 (462.575), [the backup is Channel 20 (462.675)] for a possible .announcement about when and where the Team will assemble.
Discussed monitoring Channel 16 at the meeting.
Discussed difficulties in operation of our EOC after Dorian, particularly with documentation. We operated under a modified system after Dorian due to the nature of the event. Steve reminded everyone that the design of the EOC operation is for a LONG TERM event. And several members (including our trainers) discussed the importance of the documentation, even if it slows the process down .
The team concluded we need more instruction and practice on desk procedures and committed to spend part of each meeting on the procedures beginning next year.
The Palm Coast Fire Department will conduct First Aid Training at our last scheduled Regular Meeting on Oct. 9 .
Our November Meeting is tentatively planned as a get-together celebration.
We raised (and lowered) the antenna and disbursed in two different locations to check radios on channels 7 and 16. Some non-working radios were swapped out.

Adjournment: 3:45 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- August 14, 2019

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:30:28 GMT

TBD

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- July 10, 2019

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:29:12 GMT

TBD

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- June 12, 2019

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:27:45 GMT

TBD

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- April 10, 2019

Wed, 01 May 2019 18:24:49 GMT

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM.

Stephen Davidson requested a moment of silence in remembrance of Frank A. Benham III of Palm Coast, who passed away on March 12, 2019.

Frank was born on August 10, 1943, in Melrose, MA. Frank was a charter member and co-leader of the Grand Haven Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and served as chair on the Flagler County CERT Advisory Council. His wife, Pauline, survives him.

ITEMS DISCUSSED DURING THE MEETING:

Summary of March 30, 2019, training exercise, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

“The countywide CERT simulation exercise began with a scenario that could occur in a real community. Participants were informed that earlier in the day, the National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for all of Flagler County and surrounding areas. The storm quickly escalated into a category EF-1 tornado. A 911 operator informed CERT that the emergency responders might not enter the affected area at this time. Nevertheless, to stand by and “do what they can” to prepare for their arrival. The Grand Haven team immediately created a plan with the use of an aerial community map and took an inventory of the skills and training of the members present. The ISO divided roles and responsibilities among the members. The team planned the tactics, preliminary team movement, and documented the plan on the areal map. A chain of command established Greg Wilson as the ISO. In turn, the ISO appointed a scribe and alternate scribe. The group then proceeded to the major damage site.” ( Link to the March 30, 2019, Flagler County, FL Advanced CERT Training Exercises )

Chip Howden requested members who attended to identify the strengths of the GHCT during the simulation. Those strengths are as follows:

Grand Haven CERT (GHCT) members represented the largest single group for the exercise.
Greg Wilson acted as GHCT, Incident Commander (IC). Chip Howden recognized Greg for his leadership role.)
Formal classroom training and in-house practice, using the materials on the GHCT website, contributed to performance.
The SIZEU P phase gathered facts and established priorities resulting in an executable action plan.
GHCT’s capacity to achieve goals and objectives led to improved outcomes in later day exercises.

What should GHCT focus on for future training?

Promote flexibility in team member roles and responsibility
Improve skills necessary to make quick assessment of victim medical conditions, such as triage and transport
Ability to engage the “injured, but able ” in assisting other victims to Triage Locations
Faster evaluation of a building’s stability and which fires to extinguish first.
Using of onsite materials for cribbing.
Prior to future exercises, the IC should assess whether the assigned Flagler Alert Trainer has knowledge of all pertinent exercise details.

Future Training Plans

Finding and using materials for levers and cribbing with Flagler County Fire and Rescue at the fire tower. Tentatively at the June meeting.
Instructor-led, first aid training in the Grand Haven Room.
Disaster Documentation Training – Focus on documenting information on the correct Grand Haven CERT form and preparation necessary to review the facts with the first responders at the site.

CERT Recruiting – Grand Haven Memorial Day Event

John Polizzi will head up a committee to set up an informational center at the event. The planning requires contact with Robert Pickering to reserve the CERT tent, assembling educational material/forms and a schedule for members who will staff the event’s location.

Review of Grand Haven CERT Pack – Greg Wilson

It is the responsibility of each member to obtain the listed items. Chip Howden requests that each member inventory their bag and forward a list of needed items. Chip to research suppliers. After a review, the organization may be able to provide some of the items.
Basic First Responder Pack / Bag content list
Grand Haven CERT Kit -Recommended Additions
First aid Kits – Check for expired items in your kit. First aid Kits are available at Loews, Walgreens, and REI.
Print and resupply of GH CERT Damage Assessment forms, CERT Field Operating Guides, Triage Cards and Tape Wristbands.
Print and laminate more Community Search Zone Maps.
Grand Haven Command Center Trauma Kit - evaluation indicates that many medications are expired and there is a need for additional medical supplies.
Operating Protocols and user guides are posted on the Field Operations page under Reference Information.

CERT Radio Practice - Stephen Davidson

Protocol initiating and responding to a radio call:
Rule: To initiate a call speak the number of the person you are calling and then speak your Grand Haven number.
Example: Sender: “Grand Haven 01 this is Grand Haven 39 calling”
Person called: “This is Grand Haven 01 go ahead Grand Haven 39”
Repeat all information transmitted to confirm accuracy.
The command center will initiate contact with all teams assigned to field locations on a schedule, using Channel 16.
The members joined four groups at designated locations near the command center and were ordered to standby.
The command center initiated calls to each group to test reception. Grand Haven numbers identified each group. Team 1 GH 36, Team 2 GH 86 , Team 3 GH 3, Team 4 GH 10
Radio Operations and user guides are posted on the Field Operations page .

Search and Rescue Protocol

Two team members must remain with any victim too injured to transport.

Meeting adjourned 4:10 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- February 13, 2019

Sun, 24 Feb 2019 13:40:45 GMT

Pre-Meeting Activity

Approximately 1:00 PM, calls will be made by FLAGLERAlert Notifications to the residents and cell phones listed by each team member to announce the meeting. If requested, please acknowledge each call.

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:00 PM.

Items discussed during the meeting:

A list was circulated to identify members who do not have a yellow waterproof CERT Guide.
A list was circulated to identify members who did not receive the pre-meeting telephone. Members were also to list the phone number of received calls and if that phone number was, correct for all future notification contacts. Mike Wright will update the list with Flagler County EOC.
CERT training certificates and copies of current member ID’s are to be sent to EOC. EOC has records for members trained in 2018. Some veteran members records are unavailable and copies of their CERT ID badges will be used to document past training.
Chip Howden is following-up on with EOC and Flagler Volunteer Services on EOC issued identification. It appears there are many trained members who have not received credentials

Desk Operation

A white, covered plastic box contains all items needed to open up the incident command center. It includes all desk folders and a copy of the Incident Commander’s binder and supplies. The container has all the supplies needed to open operations in the event of an emergency.
A laminated wall map is added to aid in planning, and a white board will be used to recap desk activity. Both are designed for use with erasable markers.

CERT backpack and review of recommended items

The list of additional recommended is on the website under Field Operations: Grand Haven CERT Kit -- Recommended Additions . Members are encouraged to review this list and add items as needed. This list was updated on the web site following the meeting.
Laminated communication and zone maps are linked and members are encouraged to verify that copies of maps are in your backpack. Copies of these items are added to the backpack inventory. See Grand Haven Command Communication Zones (Map) for details.
Bring your backpack to the next meeting and Greg Wilson will assist with your personal inventory and replacement of needed items. The next meeting is April 10, 2019. Time: TBD. Volunteers are needed for this activity.
Schedule to review expired items in the trauma kits.

Team Roster

Members will receive a copy of the roster with contact information to place in back pack. Please do not share the roster with non-members.

Discussion CERT Marking of Damaged Properties

The members shared ideas on how to mark properties. The issue is how to mark properties involved with minor disasters verses major disaster damage.
Steve recommended that we write protocol that included how to mark properties.

Communication Mobile phones and Ham Radio Planning

With the generator, we will have the ability to charge mobile phones.
Training must to be developed for Grand Haven radio training. “Who What and When”. Who is assigned this task? This is a major concern of the members. In 2018, we were concerned if members have a license when in fact the concern should be who has radios, and whether or not they know how to use them. Add this activity to the next meeting agenda.
The committee is waiting for a bracket assembly to install the radio antenna. All permits for the antenna are in place.

CERT Awareness Marketing

John Polizzi repurposed two informational documents to be e-blasted to all Grand Haven residents in order to show the need for and solicit volunteers. The introduction document explains for what we are recruiting and the second document explains the timing, scope, and agenda for the upcoming Basic CERT training. Kevin Foley, Kathleen Fuss, and Leigh Jackson volunteered to assist in this activity.
EOC conduct training three times per year. Grand Haven CERT has two in-house trainers that are certified to conduct select training classes.
It is planned to announce the information at the March 4, 6:00 PM, Neighborhood Watch meeting.

Adjournment: 3:10 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- October 10, 2018

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 22:30:05 GMT

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 2:30 PM.

Items discussed during the meeting :

Congratulations to new CERT training graduates. Each member must complete all CERT training segments to graduate. If you are missing modules, please complete them during the next training sessions. Report completion all training to Mike Wright

Distribution of CERT equipment, hats, packs and radios

Review Desk Two Process to determine action needed for incidents involving blocked roads:

DESK # 2 receives Damage Assessment Cards (one incident per card)
All incidents are marked on wall map
Incidents involving road blockage are entered into the road blockage Log and sent to CDD representative (keep alert for duplicates)
All other incident cards are passed to DESK # 3

Rolls of activities that support Grand Haven CERT:

Flagler County Volunteer Services
- Flagler Volunteer Services (FCVS) schedules all training And maintains master training records. FVS will produce ID cards. These cards will carry CERT Completion date and will be use with a driver’s license for reentry. FVS is investigation funding opportunities.
County EOC Fire & EMT’s provide specialized training, will work on a FLAGLERAlert CERT Team notification process and will coordinate with Sheriff on area reentry and may be able to help with some specialized incident command center materials. Chip will forward ALERTFlager spread sheet to Mike Wright to load information.

FCVS would like to recruit interested GH CERT members to assist with other FCVS activities:

Shelters
Traffic Control
Other Emergencies

Consider CERT a recruiting activity at the Fall Bash:

Members are encouraged wear CERT clothing at the event
Review this with the Master Association
Possibly set up an information center at the event

Steve Davidson reported on meeting with City of Palm Coast regarding Grand Haven Capital Improvements:

Issues with city permitting
Tree removal issues
Antenna Issue was resolved and the antenna purchase order issued
Artistic Turtle monuments – No permit will be required.
The Palm Coast charges for storm water in The Crossings are under review.

Plans for Wednesday, November 11th Luncheon are under way

FCC- GMRS license holder report is incomplete and needs updating:

If you do not have a license please just listen. Extra radios are available for members
Radio questions – Contact John Woika, 386-246- 6351

REACT Radio Network Organization and Grand Haven Radio Net

Flagler County Organization
- Radio tests conducted Thursdays 7:00 pm/19:00 hrs
- Chanel 21
Grand Haven REACT
- When the antenna is in operation we will be conduct our own tests
- Greg Wilson appointed the Radio Net Operator.
- Channel 16

Grand Haven Net Communication Process

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- September 12, 2018

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 18:23:51 GMT

Disaster Simulation

Pre-Meeting Activity

1:30 PM a CERT radio test was conducted. All members were instructed to standby inside a building, turn to Chanel 16 and copy the code word phrase as a test of reception.
1:45 PM a similar test was conducted with team members positioned outside the building. NOTE: Neither test was satisfactory
Prior to 2:30 PM members were instructed to write down fake simulation damage observations witnessed during the drive to the Grand Haven Room.
At 2:30 PM members reported to the Grand Haven Room. Desk1 collected the cards and verifications from the radio test.
Members then signed in and proceeded to a staging area. The Damage Assessment Cards were then processed through the four desks. In addition, xx teams were formed.

Meeting called to order by Chip Howden at 3:35 PM. Upon Chip’s departure, Steve Davidson continued to chair the meeting.

Items discussed during the meeting:

At the discretion of the Incident Commander, three remote ICC’s may be set up as follows: North Gate, South Gate, and Wild Oaks.
The ICC Administration will assign on duty CERT members to teams using the GH CERT Damage Assessment cards to organize each team.
The IC Administration Team will track and record all team assignments using white boards to display all team activity once members leave the GH Command Center.
All PAR checks will be initiated in the ICC and will begin 15 minutes after a team leaves and each 30 minutes thereafter. Teams may radio in situational reports as necessary/.
Teams exposed to any utility power wires or FPL equipment must immediately contact the ICC. The IC will contact the EOC. Members must not approach the hazard.
Trees that are blocking roads are to be removed by the CDD designated common area hazardous waste removal contractor. The CERT chainsaw team may be called upon if the contractor is not available.
The focus of medical teams is, “Life Saving”. All injured persons require a medical assessment and conditions reported to the ICC. The team must determine if the injured require (I) Immediate Care, (D) Delayed Care, (M) Minor Injuries/walking wounded, etc. Based on D and M condition individuals may be transported to the IC facility. If the team cannot radio contact the IC, they are to call 911 if there is cellular service.
At a pre-storm meeting, the IC will prepare a list of members who intend to remain in Grand Haven and nearby locally. If you are out of town, please email Chip prior to the pre-storm meeting if you intend to remain in the Grand Haven vicinity during the storm.
The CDD Representative plans to meet with Palm Coast city officials concerning the Command Center radio antenna.
The IC will continue to investigate the availability of CERT identification badges.
We will continue to monitor the path of hurricane Florence and keep the Cert Team updated if a meeting is required. Expect an email blast Saturday or Sunday ONLY if necessary.
Adjourn 4:40 PM

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- August 8, 2018

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:49:29 GMT

No radio test was conducted at 1:00 PM as planned due to continued testing of the new system.

New CERT shirts were distributed.

We began the meeting by assembling all members present outside by the Grand Haven sign to take a new photo of the team.

Following the photo, we reconvened inside and Mike Frichol reviewed the new website, using examples projected on the screen. Every one seemed very please with the new functionality and no one had content suggestion.

We reviewed the EOC DESK 4 procedures and a number of changes were recommended. Questions arose about the possible need for another satellite Command Center for Wild Oaks. Lisa Mrackovcic and Frank Benham agreed to test communication between the North Gate and Wild Oaks. [Note: These were not successful . We will include procedures for setting up another Command Center in Wild Oaks. The area of the playground/dog park parking lot seems to be a logical location and with no structure available a vehicle may need to be used.]

Kathleen Fuss will make new Team Assignment Cards and Chip Howden will make corrections to the white boards, correct the Desk 4 directions and make a new Board for possible use at a fourth Command Center.

We reviewed the EOC room set up and Kathleen will draw a new layout also.

The team discussed notification, pre-storm meeting and other procedures. Kevin Foley will begin a draft of a procedure to address receptibilities and questions that arose.

We decided to do a full-scale activation exercise at the Sept. 12 meeting. If we can test radio communications at 1:00 PM before that meeting, instructions will be in the meeting announcement sent several days before the meeting.

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- July 11, 2018

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 15:13:17 GMT

With a number of new members, we began the meeting by having each person make a personal introduction with name and short background.

We discussed the upcoming Sept CERT Training with dates, location and helpful hints (like take your own computer or tablet for tests) and the need for members who have taken all the training in the recent past to attend the Sat. Exercise to complete the certification.

We discussed Mike Frichol’s report about the new web site and we did a brief view on screen. The Field operations section was the only one not recently revised. Chip aske all members to review the site (except Field Operations) and send him information if something appears to need further correction.

Chip gave a brief update on the new radio set up and Steven Davidson later went through the current efforts latter in the meeting. We will test radio reception at 1PM (outside) before the August 8 Meeting. An e-mail reminder will be sent. We also discussed PAR checks being initiated every 30 minutes from the EOC and reminded members to report serious problems they observe while in the field by radio.

We discussed room set up as an EOC, (and who has Keys), how notification to assemble can be made (we need to update the call roster process), and went through details of Desks 1, 2, & 3. We reviewed each process and contents of the instructions and forms for each desk and agreed upon changes and materials need. Desk 4 will be reviewed in the future. Following are our decisions:

Desk #1. Need new cards (new headings on back) and master list – Mike W

Retype instructions and add runner assignment - Chip

Desk #2. Retype instructions to include map posting, use of markers not dots, delete long posting sheet -Chip

Secure new maps (several options being investigated) and markers

Desk #3. Need new report forms – Kathleen

Purchase carbon paper

Retype instructions with key - Chip

Website updates and information -- July 11, 2018

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 15:00:11 GMT

MikeF consolidated all the presentations from the 6/14 disaster preparedness meeting into one consistently formatted and edited GH Community Disaster Preparedness document. Bonnie Umphreys posted it on the CERT website 6/28.
Steve got email blasts from the CDD and Amenity offices to all residents informing them of the availability and download links for the Community Disaster Preparedness document.
While Bonnie had her old system running to update the CERT website, she agreed to do a number of additional updates, including:
- CERT roster by village
- Training info
- Volunteer info
- 6/13/18 meeting minutes
- Contact info
- Flagler EOC info
- etc.
Although there are more changes / updates to be done, Bonnie is done and the current website is now frozen.
MikeF has delegate administrator access to the old website, but can't update it because the code was generated by an obsolete Apple application.
MikeF has signed up on behalf of CERT for the Website Builder & Manager with 1&1 Web Service Provider (instead of current provider GoDaddy). We got a huge special offer discount for the first year $11.88 vs. $119.88
MikeF has started preliminary work on the new website setup and design.
A key feature of the new website is 'Responsive Design' -- this means the same website code and content will automatically and dynamically reconfigure itself for any device -- i.e. desktop/laptop browsers (most common types), tablets, phones, Android, Apple, etc. At some point I'll need some testing help from people with different devices.
As MikeF works through transferring content, data and documents from the old website to the website, he'll do some editing and request updates as needed.
Once the new website starts taking shape, he will send a link for a limited number of CERT team members (need some volunteers) to start reviewing and testing the new website on the non-public development server.
In the meantime, we need CERT members to review the content / data / documents on the existing website to identify needed updates and send information to Chip.
Also, if we need any new / additional content on the website (e.g. radio communications) have the relevant person(s) send that to Chip.
Photos -- the team and other photos on the website are old. We need some new photos. We should designate some members to regularly take photos of meetings, events, groups of members, etc.

Grand Haven CERT Meeting -- June 13, 2018

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 01:43:35 GMT

Meeting minutes

17 members attended.

The meeting convened at 2:00PM in the Grand Haven Room.

Chip welcomed our newest member Gregg Wilson. The Operations center was set up by the group with the new CERT table arraignment and the new set up for community organization representatives.

Steve mentioned how we will miss Frank Benham as he is not currently active due to personal medical issues.

Chip and Steve discussed the new lack of active involvement by Flagler County Emergency Management and the current support of Flagler Volunteer Services. There is no more FEMA funding and while we have 2 CERT Trainers on the team, FVS will coordinate training in the county and will seek funding sources for materials. The EOC committed to help with fire and medical portions of the training and will work with us with the Sheriff on reentry identification and the Property Appraiser on damage assessments. It appears that our current CERT Badges will no long serve to grant us reentry before the general public.

Steve reported that the generator is operational and will supply electricity for the kitchen and café lighting and air. It will also supply electricity for the lights and fans in the Grand Haven room which will be used as an emergency operations center for the District after storms or certain other incidents. It will also supply electricity for the bathroom lights and water heaters. The group discussed the importance of residents knowing that the café will only be used as a comfort center after storms and not a shelter. The café plans to have food available for sale (cash only), if the bathrooms are working (health regulations).

Steve, also reported that the new radio repeater was still set up in its temporary position pending instillation of the permanent planned telescoping antenna. That antenna will be raised for broad cast before the storm, lowered during the storm, and raised again after the storm for emergency communications.

The current designated team roles were reviewed and new names and roles added:

Co-Founder and CDD representative – Steve Davidson

Primary Incident Commander – Chip Howden = backup - Jenny Scott

Records and Communications – Mike Wright

Radio equipment -John Woika

Radio Net Administrator – Kevin Foley = backup – Gregg Wilson

Web Master – Mike Frichol

Trainers – Denise Gallo & Kathleen Fuss

Chainsaw Team Leader – Turner Lett

Quarter Master (purchasing) – Gregg Wilson

The team was reminded of the upcoming Community Disaster Information meeting Thursday at 6 PM and the NIMS 100 and 700 courses.

Chip asked anyone wanting a shirt or hat to see him after the meeting.

The next meeting will be Wed. July 11 at 2in the Grand Haven Room.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM