Disaster Preparedness: 10. Get Involved

Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) |
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) |
Wildfire Risk Assessment Program (WRAP) |
Other Training and Volunteer Opportunities

MYNMap Your Neighborhood (MYN)

  • Before a disaster: a neighorhood group of ~18-24 households meets with a MYN Facilitator
    to learn about preparedness and 9 response steps,
    and to share information with each other -- contacts, needs, skills, resources
  • After a disaster: neighbors follow 9 response steps and assist each other.
  • The MYN program continues to provide community outreach through the nine steps to preparedness.
    Community members have the opportunity to partake in the free program
    adopted and administered locally through the CERT program.
  • MYN encompasses small neighborhood disaster planning and response, incorporating the
    individual neighbors' skills and expertise and equipment inventory into planning for a catastrophic event.
  • The MYN program promotes readiness and action among neighbors through the response planning process.
    Neighbors taking advantage of the planning program identify individual needs of families with
    small children, pets, elderly, and infirm to formulate plans regarding appropriate actions
    as necessary to respond to these neighbors in a disaster.
  • bookletAshland/Talent: to learn more or sign up: ashland.or.us/myn
  • For other areas, check with your Fire Department.
  • Brochure; Overview of Program (slides)
  • Workbook .pdf (ignore non-CERT contact info)
  • 9 Steps (slides): All Hazards; Wildland Fire
  • MYN Crossword [below right]
  • CERT team members alerted MYN neighbors in Talent Mail Tribune; 11/2/2020

xwdOverview of a MYN Meeting and the 9-Step Process

  • A Neighborhood Coordinator -- HOA leader or any motivated resident,
    gauges interest of neighbors in attending a MYN meeting, and suggests possible dates.
  • Coordinator contacts CERT: ashland.or.us/myn
  • CERT helps define boundaries of "the neighborhood", usually ~18-24 households,
    and finds a MYN Facilitator available on one or more of the proposed dates,
    who then finalizes a date and location with the Neighborhood Coord.
  • Larger HOAs could meet initially in a large group,
    then break into smaller neighborhood subgroups.
  • The MYN meeting is normally hosted at a neighbor's home;
    however, it could occur outdoors (patio, park) in good weather -- or on Zoom.
    A positive side-effect: get to know more of your neighbors! snacks or potluck optional
  • The Neighbor Coordinator and/or MYN Facilitator distribute
    meeting invitations to households before the meeting, and request RSVPs.
  • Did enough households RSVP 'Yes' to the Coordinator?
    if not, go back to select a different date.
  • Neighbors meet together with MYN Facilitator
    for 1-2 hours to learn about preparedness and response steps,
    and share information -- contacts, needs, skills, resources
  • Although each household's info can be exchanged
    during the meeting, e.g., writing directly into booklets,
    sharing info digitally before or after the meeting
    is less time-consuming, more legible and makes updating easier
    with new residents or when a household's situation changes.
  • Types of information to be collected via Household Intake Form: .docx, .pdf:
  • Neighborhood Map ("Where's what?"): houses, with utility shutoff locations;
    Gathering & Care Centers identified & labeled
  • Household Contacts & Needs ("Who lives here?"): address, residents, phones, emails;
    identify any children, seniors, special needs, pets
  • Household Skills & Knowledge ("Who can do what? Who knows what?"): e.g.,
    First Aid; Child Care; Elder Care; Crisis Counseling; Languages; Coordinating and Organizational;
    Plumber; Carpenter; Electrician; Search & Rescue; HAM Operator; Fire Fighting; Military
  • Household Equipment & Supplies ("Who has what?"): e.g.,
    First Aid Kit (Terri's list); Tents / Spare Bedding; Chainsaw; Generator; Fire Extinguisher; Camp Stove;
    NOAA Radio; Walkie-Talkie; Ladder; Crow Bar; Strong Rope; Lighting
  • A neighborhood scribe can collate the collected information into Neighborhood Summaries:
    (customizing these templates as needed)
  • Household Info Template: .xlsx, .pdf
  • Skills & Knowledge Template: .xlsx, .pdf
  • Equipment & Supplies Template: .xlsx, .pdf
  • Distribute summaries to each household to print and insert
    into the MYN booklet -- stashed in under-the-bed kit
  • The information and processes could help in many disasters,
    e.g., knowing who might need to be informed for a wildfire evacuation;
    checking on and helping each other after a flood or major winter storm,
    and especially the upcoming Cascadia earthquake.
  • Outline of the 9 steps (more details: Workbook) that neighbors would follow
    in the critical ("golden") hour after a disaster:
  1. Take care of your loved ones
  2. Dress for safety -- use your under-the-bed kit: eyewear, gloves, shoes,
    hardhat, flashlight, MYN booklet, etc.
  3. Check the natural gas or propane at your home -- shut off if necessary
  4. Shut off water at the house main -- to trap clean water in your home's pipes
  5. Place the Help or OK sign on your front door or window
  6. Put your fire extinguisher on the sidewalk -- to share with neighbors
    (MYN facilitator demos fire extinguisher: videos: 2:01; 5:12;
    PASS: Pull pin, Aim nozzle, Squeeze handle, Sweep nozzle at base of fire)
  7. Go to the "Neighborhood Gathering Site" (on Neighborhood Map) -- to organize and share info
  8. Form Teams at the Neighborhood Gathering Site (walkie-talkies are useful):

    Team 1 will listen to the Emergency Alert System (AM/FM radio), or to a NOAA Weather Radio
    and keep neighbors informed of what they learn. section Be Informed: NOAA

    Team 2 will check on neighbors who are elderly, those disabled, or homes where children may be alone
    -- perhaps help them relocate to the "Neighborhood Care Center" (on Neighborhood Map).

    Team 3 will check all natural gas meters and propane tanks (identified on Neighborhood Map),
    and shut off the gas as necessary

    Team 4 will check on all homes with the “Help” card displayed (Step #5), or with no card showing.
    Be prepared to give first aid. Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, stay out
  9. After your Team has completed its work, go back to the Neighborhood Gathering Site.
    Share what you have learned / done with the rest of your neighbors. Plan what to do next.

benthamCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT)

  • 1. When a disaster occurs, a CERT member’s first responsibility is to:
    A. Join the CERT in disaster response efforts
    B. Help professional responders
    C. Ensure personal and family safety
    D. Do the greatest good for the greatest number of people

    [CERT Basic Training Final Exam: Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness: Question 1]
  • "Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many
    outweigh the needs of the few." ~Mr. Spock, The Wrath of Khan, 1982
  • victimThe CERT training educates individuals about
    disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and
    trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as team organization,
    fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.
  • Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises,
    CERT trainees understand how to effectively help their families, neighbors,
    and entire community following an incident where response personnel
    are overwhelmed, or otherwise not immediately available.
  • They receive knowledge and practical skills that allow them
    to effectively help others -- "the greatest good to the greatest number" --
    without harming themselves or further injuring others,
    i.e, acting within their training and ability.
  • clinicCERT's competency is preparing our community to endure disasters.
  • CERT is a nationwide program: ready.gov/cert
  • Ashland's CERT program was started in 1999 (after the 1/1/1997 flood)
    and has trained over 910 volunteers to be better prepared
    to survive and assist others after a disaster.
  • CERT has been mobilized for various mission activities:
    evacuating residents during wildfires, assessing damage, staffing call centers,
    parade support, radio communications, managing emergency shelters,
    medical triage, treating injuries, turning off utilities if necessary,
    assisting Jackson County Search & Rescue (SAR),
    and supporting vaccination clinics [above right: 3/10/2021]
  • xwdAshland CERT has 125+ active members currently, grouped into 6 "bases":
    Briscoe, Grove, Lincoln, Oak Knoll, Terra -- plus Talent,
    which could serve as distributed command posts for disaster response.
  • It is the only program in the Rogue Valley still supported -- but only partially.
    Ashland trainings are open to the local public, and to unaffiliated CERT members,
    e.g., Medford, Central Point, Jacksonville, Illinois Valley.
  • ashland.or.us/basic CERT Basic Training overview
  • Training has been previously offered twice each year, Spring and Fall, over four evenings and two Saturdays.
  • However, due to Covid, some portions were offered via Zoom, with in-person training deferred until it's safer.
  • ashlandcert.org
  • CERT Crossword [on right]

Paul and SteveOverview of CERT Basic Training and Volunteering

  • Ashland CERT's training follows the FEMA curriculum:
    ready.gov/cert: CERT Participant Manual .pdf, 8/2019
  • An online Hybrid CERT course (from Univ. of Utah; videos: all) covers these topics:
  • videos: Unit 1. Disaster Preparedness
    What is CERT? Evacuation The 10 Minute Challenge; Importance of a Disaster Plan;
    Connecting Community Organizations During Disaster; High Rise Evacuation;
    On Preparedness; Preparing Makes Sense; CERT in Action
  • Unit 2. CERT Organization and Incident Command System (ICS) -- TBA
  • videos: Unit 3. Disaster Medical Operations, Part 1
    Arterial Bleeding; Venous Bleeding; Capillary Bleeding; How to Use a Tourniquet;
    How You Stop Bleeding;How to put someone into the recovery position;
    Jaw Thrust to open airway; Why do we open airway? Bandaging and Splinting;
    How to Immobilize an Ankle; Soft Splint; How to Apply a Sling & Swathe; Anatomic Splint
  • certmobilevideos: Unit 4. Disaster Medical Operations, Part 2
    Head to Toe Assessment; Proper Disposable Glove Removal
  • videos: Unit 5. Disaster Psychology
    Disaster Psychology; Psychological First Aid; Brené Brown on Empathy
  • videos: Unit 6. Fire Safety and Utility Controls
    Fire Safety Roles; Fire Chemistry; How To Turn Off Electricity; Shut off Gas;
    Fire Size Up; Fire Extinguishers; Fire Dangers; Fire Don'ts; Grease Fire Safety
  • videos: Unit 7. Light Search and Rescue
    Cribbing; Survivor Lifts & Carries
  • videos: Unit 8. CERT and Terrorism
    Recognizing 8 Signs of Terrorism; RUN HIDE FIGHT - Surviving an Active Shooter Event
  • videos: Natural Disasters / Hazards
    Earthquakes; Floods; Heatwaves; Hurricanes; Landslides; Nuclear Power Plants; Pandemic Flu;
    Thunderstorms; Tsunamis; Volcanoes; Wildfires; Winter Storms; Tornadoes
  • videos: Supplemental Unit. Triage
    Mass Casualty Triage Sequence; Head to Toe Assessment; Proper Disposable Glove Removal
  • in-person exercises (when safe): cribbing, fire suppression, first aid, radio communication
  • extricate 235The training is fun and challenging.
  • People with previous experience in emergency response will learn new techniques to be more effective.
  • People with no previous experience will likely find they can do more to help
    in the community during a disaster than they ever thought possible.
  • Hands-on segments include (deferred during pandemic) :
  • Real-life Disaster Simulation: small teams apply all the skills they've learned:
    keep safe, organize and communicate effectively, locate and extricate victims, classify and treat injuries.
  • fire 235Extrication: CERT volunteers use cribbing and leverage to stabilize debris and safely extricate a victim.
    Working in teams, volunteers must organize themselves with a crew leader, safety person, and crew members
    who can listen carefully and follow directions. The class is taught by firefighters who make it a challenging
    but fun exercise while emphasizing the importance of rescuer safety. video: cribbing
  • Fire and Hazmat: CERT classes offer classroom and hands-on instruction in fire suppression,
    taught by firefighters from Ashland Fire and Rescue. Topics are covered first in the classroom,
    then you will practice hands-on use of a fire extinguisher. Participants need protective gloves,
    goggles, long pants and closed shoes for this exercise. video 2:01;
    PASS: Pull pin, Aim nozzle, Squeeze handle, Sweep nozzle at base of fire
  • For Hazmat (hazardous materials) the CERT standard equipment includes binoculars
    to recognize and get away or STAY AWAY from hazmat incidents,
    so that they do not become victims themselves.
  • Disaster Medical: CERT volunteers spend several hours in the classroom learning disaster triage,
    how to set up a medical area in a mass casualty incident, how to do basic first aid,
    and how to safely transport injured victims out of the disaster area. You are trained
    med 234to take care of the injured and keep track of them until they are transported by ambulance.
    All medical classes are taught by firefighter-paramedics.
  • Radio Communication: Learn to operate CERT-provided handsets and FRS radios effectively.
    Communicate clearly and concisely between teams and/or command posts
    using the 3 Cs template: Contact, Communicate, Confirm.
  • After completing a written classroom test,
    an online FEMA course: IS-317.A: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team,
    and an all-day disaster simulation, congratulations you've completed Basic Training
    -- the knowledge gained should be invaluable to you and your family.
  • After Basic Training, in order to become a CERT volunteer and assist the larger community,
    complete a city background check, and more FEMA Independent Study (IS) online courses:
    IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) and
    IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
  • team 1117Active CERT members are issued a CERT photo badge and
    identifying gear: helmet, vest and cap.
  • Gradually assemble a "ready bag" with basic supplies and PPE
    (personal protective equipment).
  • Maintain active status by attending several meetings or
    refresher mini-trainings each year.
  • When mobilized (and available), contribute to CERT missions,
    -- activation usually via CERT Nixle message group or backup hotline: 541-552-2378 (-CERT)
    e.g., damage assessment [on: right: Almeda, 9/8/2020],
    disaster simulations, call center, parade support, etc.
  • hamsEven more ways to contribute to CERT:
  • assist at or manage training sessions
  • volunteer as a victim -- with moulage and acting role -- for disaster simulations
  • learn leadership skills
  • take FEMA courses, e.g., IS-200.C: Basic ICS for Initial Response;
  • Ashland: Disaster Training Opportunities;
  • outreach to the community: Nixle signups, MYN Facilitator,
    teach preparedness classes;
  • update member and training materials;
    maintain supplies at bases around town;
  • study for your Ham license and join the Ham Radio group;
    tune into the CERT Ham weekly practice net: each Mon eve
    at 19:45 (7:45 pm) on the Mt. Baldy repeater (K7JAX) 146.840 (-.6; PL 123.0)
    near Phoenix, OR; supported by JC ARES

Wildfire Risk Assessment Program (WRAP)

  • Ashland Wildfire Safety Commission recently (3/1/2021) developed a
    volunteer-based Wildfire Risk Assessment Program (WRAP): ashland.or.us/wrap
    in collaboration with Oregon State University Extension and regional partners.
  • WRAP will train volunteers to conduct one-on-one residential wildfire risk assessments.
  • Volunteer training involves six weeks of online course work, a background check,
    field testing and 100 hours per year of assessment service.
  • Volunteer instructors will include Rogue Valley fire experts and national partners.

redcrossOther Training and Volunteer Opportunities