BRADD Citizens Corps Council Newsletter

Transcription

1 In this issue: Citizen Corps Program Updates CERT: It s Not Just for Disasters The BRADD MRC Spring Event May: Pet Preparedness Month June: Lightning Safety July: Heat Wave Awareness Upcoming Events Calendar Upcoming Events Calendar (cont.) BRADD Citizens Corps Council Newsletter Volume IIl Issue II May 21, 2013 Citizen Corps Contact information: General Information Schedule or signup for classes call, Janarae Conway, Ext. 155 Newsletter content comments call, Janarae Conway, Ext Announcements 10 Citizen Corps Program Updates for the First Quarter BRADD MRC 217 Members, some not as active as others. MRC Training and IS 100 in Hart County on January 12. There were 15 in attendance. The MRC unit Leader spoke at the Hard of Hearing support group on March 5. The BRADD MRC had a spring event on March 19. This event was more as a get together. They had about 45 in attendance. One member spoke about Pet Preparedness, and we played Family Feud. Allen County CERT Allen County CERT is at 217 members. Allen County met with residents at the Housing Authority to hopefully get enough interest in CERT. There wasn t enough interest for a class. Simpson County CERT The Simpson County CERT set up an information booth at the Simpson County Diabetes Day Out program on March 16. There were about people who took part in the program and stopped by for information on disaster preparedness. Glasgow VIPS They currently are up to 13 members. Approximately 322 hours were volunteered for this quarter. This includes time for finger printing, I.D. Card making, traffic control, Special events, training, and patrol. Barren County CERT/MRC Barren County had another CERT Class. They had 8 people graduate. Barren County has about 30 CERT members who can be considered active. Metcalfe County CERT/MRC Metcalfe County CERT/MRC members were asked by the Emergency Manager to participate in a countywide school shooting exercise. They were asked to assist at the reunification site. Hart County CERT Hart County has started its second CERT class. There were 27 signed up and 12 showed up for the first night, March 21.

2 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 2 CERT: It s Not Just for Disasters Article Submitted by Christy Davis Has your CERT training been effective in everyday life? Have you ever been called on to put your skills to the test, possibly saving a life? Many of Allen County s CERT members have faced just such occasions, here are a few of their stories. Before the ink was dry on her CERT certificate of completion, Allen County CERT member Brenda Lane was the first person on the scene of a tragic car accident. Brenda quickly assessed the scene determining her training was not sufficient to render aid to the driver of the car. Moving on quickly she correctly diagnosed symptoms of shock in the auto s passenger. She asked the young man to sit down she covered him up to keep him warm and assured him help was on the way. Brenda was able to pass vital timesaving information on to EMS when they arrived. Brenda s quick thinking and calm manner could be responsible for saving that young man s life. While relating her story at her CERT graduation she said she remembered the words of various CERT instructors ringing in her head as this drama played out before her eyes. DJ Herrington witnessed a hit and run accident. He called 911 giving the dispatcher a d escription of the fleeing vehicle and the direction of travel while making his way to the victim of the accident. DJ suspected the driver may have sustained a neck injury, after identifying himself he asked the victim to remain still and told her help was on the way. When Police and EMS arrived DJ helped with traffic control. DJ said he didn t even have to think about what he was going to do, his CERT training just came naturally. Jacob Woodruff was at work one day when a motorcycle crashed right in front of him. Jacob quickly sprang into action. While bystanders called 911, Jacob did a head to toe assessment of the injured rider. The rider had sustained injuries Partnership of the Year; Allen County Drug Court Jacob knew he couldn t handle, however he was able to keep the man calm and control major bleeding applying pressure bandages until help arrived. Jacob preformed life saving first aid with a large audience watching. He engaged the bystanders help by asking them to bring him necessary materials to use as bandages. The victim was taken to the hospital by helicopter where he did survive. Jacob contributes his quick reaction to the life saving training he received during CERT training. Continued on page 3

3 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter CERT it s Not Just for Disasters (continued) Page 3 The day before their final exercise, CERT members Todd Higdon and Billy Richardson were building a porch when Billy fell, breaking his leg. Todd called the ambulance and helped make Billy as comfortable as possible until help arrived. Todd was able to apply skills he had been taught in CERT to immobilize the injured leg. Although Billy s injury was not life threatening, the comfort of having a trained friend and fellow CERT member to aid him was priceless. For Todd, having the training and being able to help his friend brought a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Fresh out of their Disaster Medical training class, Tim York and his wife Tina were enjoying an evening at home with friends and family. After all the guest had gone home for the evening Tina began to feel ill. She lost all color in her face and passed out. Tim rushed to her and found she wasn t breathing. He instructed a family member to make the call to 911 and started working with Tina. He was able to get her to breathe and he lifted her legs, treating her for possible shock. When EMS arrived at their home, Tina had regained consciousness but was still disoriented and taken to the hospital. Tim was quoted as saying That CERT stuff works! to the EMTs who responded. Tim and Tina attribute the positive outcome of that scary night to their CERT training. There are many more stories of everyday heroes who learned the skills they used in a CERT class. Keep in mind whether traveling local highways, engaging in a home improvement project or just hanging out at home you never know when your CERT training could save someone s life.

4 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 4 The BRADD MRC Spring Event: March 19, 2013 Article Submitted by Ann Bray On Tuesday evening March 19 th the BRADD MRC came together to enjoy a great meal, fun, and education; there were 33 members in attendance. The counties represented were Barren, Butler, Hart, Logan, and Warren. The evening started off with Health Educators Joyce Adkins and Kelsey Carter offering screening for blood pressure, height, weight, and body fat percent to all in attendance. Then a blessing was offered by Arnold Blakley, Chaplin for the Barren County Citizens Corp Council for the delicious meal that was provided by Diane Thurman s Catering and sponsored by the Citizens Corp. Our guest speaker was Paula Thorne. Paula is a veterinarian who works at All Cats Veterinary Hospital and is a member of the BRADD MRC. The presentation was on the importance of pet preparedness. We were given many good suggestions on how to keep these important members of our family safe during a disaster; such as having a go kit with food, water, leash, sanitary items, and first aid kit ready to take with us if we need to evacuate. Paula also recommended that we plan for a place for our pet to go in the event we cannot keep them with us, as most shelters will not allow pets. After the presentation three door prizes geared toward pets were given to lucky members. The luck did not stop there as we played a rousing game of MRC Family Feud where the survey did not always say what we thought it would. We ended the evening with information on upcoming events and more drawings for preparedness supplies. It was a great evening and I look forward to our Annual Training and Awards Luncheon in the fall.

5 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 5 May Pet Preparedness Month: Animals in Disasters Many of us have pets that are a part of the family. In planning for disasters, we need to plan for our animals. Fortunately, many of the items you need in your pet s disaster kit are also needed in your disaster kit. Don t forget to have a three day supply of food and water in their kit. Pack canned dog food instead of dry; your pets will drink less water because they will get some water from the food. Don t forget to pack bowls for their food and water. To help with messes they may make, pack pet litter, paper towels, plastic bags and bleach. During a disaster, your animals will be stressed just like you. Have a leash in their kit. This way you can use it to keep them with you rather than them running away. If they do get away from you, have a picture of you and your pet to show rescuers, this way they can keep an eye out for your animal and get it back to you. You may want to make sure to pack paper work; registration records, adoption papers, vaccination records, etc. When putting together supplies for your pet, take into consideration their age. What medications are your animals on? Talk to your Veterinarian about extra medicine for a disaster supply kit. Most first aid supplies can also be used for your pets. The Red Cross has a first aid kit just for your pets. You can order it at their website Having a kennel for them will be helpful if there is an outdoor shelter provided for animals, but keep in mind that most shelters don t allow pets inside and many will not have a shelter set up for animals. You need to make arrangements for your pets. Consider asking family and friends if they would be willing to take in you and your animals. Locate ahead of time hotels who will allow animals, and research boarding facilities who could take your animals during an emergency. Pack familiar items for them; favorite toy, bedding, treats, etc. For more information on preparing your pets for disasters go to,

6 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter June 23-29is Lightning Safety Week Submitted by Janarae Conway Page 6 Lightning is very serious. More people die from lightening than from tornadoes. In 2012, there were 28 deaths due to lightning. However, in 2007, 45 people died. Few people understand the dangers of lightning. I want us to be in the minority that does understand. Before going outside, check the weather forecast. If rain is predicted, keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of lightning, or increased wind. Listen for the sound of thunder. If you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching or your hair stands on end, seek shelter immediately. Many deaths occur before the storm because people wait until the last minute to seek shelter. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike in the area. Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities and death. All lightning is dangerous and all thunderstorms have lightening. SAFETY TIPS: Postpone outdoor activities when weather is threatening. If you do get caught outside, seek shelter inside a completely enclosed building or a hard top vehicle. Stay away from trees and tall objects, Lightning strikes the tallest object. If lightning is in the immediate area and there is no safe location nearby, stay at least 15 feet apart from other members of your group so the lightning won't travel between you if hit. Lightning Myths and Facts Myth: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning. Fact: Lightning will strike anytime there is a build up of charges in the atmosphere. It can occur 10 miles from where it is raining. The sky can be as clear and blue as a beautiful spring day. Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck. Fact: There is NO protection from lightning. The steel frame of a hard top vehicle can protect you, if you are not touching metal. You are safer in your car than outside. Myth: People struck by lightning are carrying an electrical charge. Fact: They do not and they need medical attention immediately. Myth: Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days. Fact: This is a term used to describe lightning that is from a thunderstorm to far away for thunder to be heard, but lightning can still strike. When thunder roars, go indoors. Sitting or crouching on the ground is NOT safe and should be a last resort if an enclosed building or vehicle is not available.

7 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 7 July: Heat Wave Awareness Submitted by Janarae Conway The BRADD Citizen Corps chose to focus on Heat Wave Awareness during July instead of August because typically our hottest months are July, August and September. For more information visit As for any weather emergency, it is important to know the terms. Excessive Heat Outlook means that the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3 5 days. Excessive Heat Watch means conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next hours. Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory means an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. Know the warning signs of heat related illnesses and how to treat them. Heat cramps are painful spasms usually in muscles of the legs and possibly the abdomen. Heavy sweating is also a symptom. Treat immediately by getting into a cool area, and drinking sips of water. If you do not stop and cool off, you run the risk of going to the next heat illness, Heat Exhaustion. The symptoms of heat exhaustion is heavy sweating, weakness, and cold, pale and clammy skin, thready pulse, temperature possibly normal, fainting and vomiting. If these symptoms are noticed, treat immediately by getting victim out of the sun. Lay them down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths, and fan or move victim to air conditioning. Also, have the victim sip water. If victim is not treated, they run the risk of getting heat stroke. Heat Stroke is the same thing as sunstroke. The victim s temperature will be high. They will also have hot dry skin, rapid strong pulse, and could possibly become unconscious. If these symptoms are noted, get victim to a hospital immediately. DELAY CAN BE FATAL! Never leave children or pets in a hot vehicle. Even if it is in the shade and the windows are open. Don t do it! Cool Tips Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a wide brim hat. Avoid too much sun and use sunscreen that is at least 15 SPF or better. (For those of you who want to get a tan, use SPF 15.) Avoid getting sunburned as this reduces your body s ability to cool off. Spend at least two hours a day in air conditioning. If you don t have it, consider installing a window air conditioner in one room of your home, or go to a public building during the hottest time of the day. (Make sure to check on family, friends, and neighbors- especially the elderly- that live alone and don t have air conditioning.) Close any floor heat registers, if they are not used for your central air, and use a circulating or box fan to spread the cool air. Cover windows that receive morning and afternoon sun (I just realized that I am going to need to change my morning ritual of opening the blinds to the morning sun!). Consider keeping storm windows up year around. Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil on cardboard, to reflect the heat back outside. Be sure that weather-stripping is still intact on doors and window sills to keep the cool air in.

8 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 8 May: Older American Preparedness Month Article Submitted by Janarae Conway While each person s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment. Write down and share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your support network. Make sure everyone knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will ago in case of a disaster. Make sure that someone in your local network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies. Teach those who will help you how to use any lifesaving equipment, administer medicine in case of an emergency. If appropriate, discuss your needs with your employer. Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your network. Seniors should keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for service animals and any other items you might need. Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require. Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration. Make arrangements for any assistance to get to a shelter. If you take medicine or use medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer, and make sure you take it to your safe place during a Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado warning. Keep copies of your prescriptions, over-thecounter medications and orders for medical equipment, including dosage, treatment and allergy information in your emergency kit. Also consider keeping electronic copies of this information on a flash drive. This could be useful for others even if you don t personally use a computer often. If you are able to obtain an emergency supply of prescription medications or consumable medical supplies, be sure to establish a plan for rotating your supply so it remains up-todate. If you can t easily obtain a emergency supplies, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you can do to prepare. If you are unable to obtain an emergency supply, be sure to always fill prescriptions on the first day you become eligible for a refill, rather than waiting until the day you run out. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers and incorporate them into your personal support network. Make sure you have copies of any important documents in your supply kit such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank accounts information and tax records. Also, have copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards. Make sure friends or family members also have copies of these documents. Include the names and contact information of your support network, as well as medical providers. If you have a communication disability, Make sure your emergency information includes the best way to communicate with you. Keep all documents in a water proof container.

9 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 9 Upcoming Events, Mark Your Calendars! CERT/MRC Trainings and Other Events Date and Time Event and topic to be covered May Preparedness Theme National Older Americans Awareness and Pet Preparedness Shopping List Contact Janarae Conway at janarae.conway@barrenrive rhealth.org or , x. 155, for information to give out or send out. May 23, pm May 24, 2013 May 30, pm June Preparedness Theme Lightning Awareness Week June 23 29, 2013 June 1, PM Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness Contact Bob Palmer at or Where Your neighborhood BRADD Citizen Corps Facebook page National Heat Awareness Day Your Neighborhood BRADD Citizen Corps Facebook page Unit 2: Fire Safety Contact Bob Palmer at or Lightning Awareness Contact Janarae Conway at janarae.conway@barrenrive rhealth.org or call , x. 155 For information to give out or send out Unit 3 & 4: Disaster Medical Contact Bob Palmer at or Your neighborhood BRADD Citizen Corps Facebook page

10 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 10 Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendars! CERT/MRC Trainings and Other Events Date and Time Topic to be covered Where June 6, :30 PM June 13, PM June 13, :30 PM June 15, PM June 20, PM June 22, AM 5 PM Unit 5: Light Search & Rescue Contact Bob Palmer at or Unit 6: CERT Organization Contact Bob Palmer at or Barren County Citizen Corps Council meeting Partnership of the Year; Allen County Drug Court Unit 3 & 4: Disaster Medical Contact Bob Palmer at or Unit 7: Disaster Psychology Contact Bob Palmer at or Medical Reserve Corps Training Contact Janarae Conway at janarae.conway@barrenrive rhealth.org or call , x. 155 If interested. Barren County Health Department 318 W. Washington St, Glasgow, KY

11 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 11 Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendars! CERT/MRC Trainings and Other Events Date and Time Topic to be covered Where June 29, PM July Preparedness Theme July 4 th, 2013 July 11, :30 PM July 27, AM July 27, PM Simpson County CERT final Contact Bob Palmer at or Heat Wave Awareness Your neighborhood BRADD Citizen Corps Partnership of the Year; Facebook Allen County page Drug Court Fireworks at Barren River Lake State Resort Park Barren County Citizen Corps Council meeting Regional CERT training Formidable Footprint tabletop on Flooding, register at and call Janarae Conway at , x. 155, or at janarae.conway@barrenriverhealth. org. Regional Citizen Corps Council meeting following the Regional CERT training Barren County Health Department 318 W. Washington St, Glasgow, KY Barren River District Health Department 1109 State Street Bowling Green, KY Barren River District Health Department 1109 State Street Bowling Green, KY

12 BRADD Citizen Corps Newsletter Page 12 Announcements 1. The BRADD Citizen Corps Council will be promoting Preparedness items to include Pet Preparedness in May, Lightning Awareness in June, and Heat Wave Awareness in July. For information to hand out to family, friends and neighbors, please contact Janarae Conway at , x. 155, or , 2. Newsletter deadline for the next newsletter is June 7, Please send all training dates, articles and any other items to Janarae Conway at , x. 155, or , 3. It s official. The BRADD Citizen Corps has a Facebook page, There will be a drawing for a weather radio for the first 100. We are at 70 likes! 30 more and we will draw for that weather radio. CHECK IT OUT! 4. Sorry the Newsletter is so late. We have been busy at BRDHD. If anyone would like to help with the newsletter, please contact Janarae Conway at , x. 155, or , janarae.conway@barrenriverhealth.org.