Get This Done This Year

What Are Emergency Ribbons?

                       What are Emergency Ribbons and why do we need them?

These are Emergency Ribbons.  They would be used if there were a wide spread emergency that caused damage to your home or family, like an earthquake or other natural disaster.

After checking your home and securing your family so they are safe, you would post the applicable ribbon of your circumstance on the doorknob,  light fixture or light post so that your Block Captain would see what is happening in your household.

This is our Emergency Ribbon Supplier
 

Custom Caution Tape
1-813-715-1314
www.customcautiontape.com
 sales@customcautiontape.com

Tie it on your doorknob

Tie it on your light fixture

 The Block Captain reports your ribbon color you post to the Precinct Comms (Communication Person) via walkie talkie, HAM radio, or by foot, where it is recorded. 

Then the Precinct Comms reports to the District Comms. The District Comms reports to the City via HAM Radio, Packet,  D-Star or any other system they have set up.

Emergency Ribbon status being reported in your Precinct

In your neighborhood, this information is very useful.  As the information is received at the Command Post already set up in your neighborhood by your Precinct Leader and Precinct Comms (per your neighborhood emergency plan already in place), it is clear to see what areas of your neighborhood is hit the hardest and which ones are ok.  

The information will be used to dispatch your your neighborhood CERT Search and Rescue Team by the Precinct Leader and Comms.

Take a CERT Training Course

Take a HAM Radio Class

Remember.....

You may be on your own for the first 5 days    following a large scale disaster or event.

When the information gets to the city, via HAM Radio, it will populate a map that the GIS Specialist of the City has already set up.  Through the process of receiving that information, areas hit the hardest will populate the map of the city.  Dispatch priority will be clear.

Calling 911 will not be an option, as lines will be jammed.  Responsibility lies with each individual family, neighborhood (Precinct).

On a family level, preparations for your Grab 'n Go Bag is vital.

Also, storing a month's worth of extra food for your family is always a good idea.
Store water in your home with the ability to filter it for usage.
Get to know your neighbors. You may even want to volunteer to become a Block Captain for your neighbors.

Take a CERT Training Course to be part of your Neighborhood CERT Search and Rescue Team.
A First Aid Class or a CPR Training will be of great value in an emergency no matter where you are when any emergency happens.

The City of Cottonwood Heights has taken the responsibility of purchasing supplies for  Emergency Ribbons for it's residents.

Emergency Ribbons will be distributed to Cottonwood Heights residents through their District and Precinct Leader from the City Manager
Block Captains will receive Emergency Ribbons from their Precinct Leader.

Block Captains will deliver Emergency Ribbons to all the neighbors on their block explaining their usage.

Block Captains may check with the Precinct Leader to obtain ribbons for new move ins.

Emergency Ribbons will be used every year for Shake-Out currently held in April.  Precincts may use them for practice drills so be sure to keep them.

Store your Emergency Ribbons in a ziplock bag and tape it to the inside of a kitchen cabinet that you see all the time and will remember in the event it is needed.

Emergency Ribbon Use

In Cottonwood Heights
Our city supplies the Emergency Ribbons for it's residents, we use them for our practice Emergency Drills, like Shake Out. They would also be used in case of a true emergency.

Block Captains can see from the road each neighbor's status and then report it to the Precinct Comms who will send the information up the ladder to where it needs to go for appropriate help

The City Manager distributes the Emergency Ribbons to the District Liaison who then has each Precinct Leader pick up the supplies and make enough ribbons to distribute to their Precinct.

This can be done by joining forces with the Block Captains who will then bag them up and deliver them to the residents in their block educating them on how they are to be used, when and why.

These are the instructions that go with the Emergency Ribbons for each household.

Home Occupant

Enclosed are four ribbons

Display the top priority color ribbon concerning your status in front of your home visible from the street in case of a natural  disaster or area emergency so your Block Captain and CERT Team members can report and respond to your status

Put this packet in a easy to remember area, like taped in a zip lock bag inside a kitchen cabinet door, one that gets used a lot so you know right where it is located in the event of an actual event. 

You may be drilling with your Neighborhood Precinct Team,  Shake- Out exercises or in the event of a natural disaster

Red: A Life threatening situation in your home

Yellow:  A medical problem, but not life threatening

Green:  Display when there are no medical situations

Black:  A death in your home

If you move, please contact your Block Captain to let them know so your ribbons may be replaced for the new occupant

You can print off a copy below under Printable Instructions For Emergency Ribbons

Earthquake Checklist After The Shaking Stops

Check Your Home

If you are in bed and wearing your night clothes, pull your 72 second kit (jeans, shirt, sweatshirt, socks, boots or shoes,  leather gloves, flashlight or headlamp) out from under the bed and get dressed quickly  

On your way out of the house, notice damage severity to your home    
 Locate family members or roommates and pets as soon as possible, go outside to your meeting area hopefully aftershocks are over 
 Check on:
Water heater     
 Broken pipes    
 Electrical panel  
 Check the foundation of your home for cracks, inspect the chimney  
 Take photos of damage

Place the Emergency Ribbon that applies to your situation out for your Block captain to report     

If you are a Block Captain, and your family, home and pets are secure. Report your Block's Emergency Ribbon status.  Report that information to the Precinct Comms.   Get your pack, helmet, vest and gloves.   Report to your Precinct (Neighborhood) Staging area for dispatch or to volunteer to be on one of your neighborhood emergency teams

What is CERT?

WHAT IS CERT?

Copyright 2013 Debbie Mackintosh www.chgetready

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the city of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985.  They recognized that citizens would very likely be on their own during the early stages of a catastrophic disaster.  Accordingly, LAFD decided that some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive until responders or other assistance could arrive.  The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California.  Further, it confirmed the need for training civilians to meet immediate emergency needs.  As a result, the LAFD created the Disaster Preparedness Division with the purpose of training citizens in the CERT concept.  As of 1993, more than 8,000 people and 225 teams had been trained.

The training program LAFD initiated proved to be so beneficial that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) felt the concept and the program should be made available to communities nationwide.  The Emergency Management Institute (EMI), in cooperation with the LAFD, has expanded the CERT Materials to make them applicable to all hazards.  The goal of the training continues to be preparing people to help people.  Seeing the value of CERT, FEMA is committed to supporting the training of local CERT teams across the nation.  These teams too can assist with saving lives and protecting property in the event of a major disaster.

Those who benefit from the training should thank the LAFD for their vision and initiative in developing CERT, and for their willingness to support FEMA’s effort to share this program with communities across the nation.

If available, emergency services workers are the best trained and equipped to handle emergencies and you should use them. However, following a catastrophic disaster, you and the community may be on your own for a period of time because of the size of the area affected, lost communications, and un-passable roads.

CERT training is designed to prepare you to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors in the event of a catastrophic disaster.  Because Emergency services workers will not be able to help everyone immediately, you can make a difference by receiving the training to help save lives and protect property. This training covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available.  You will want to help.  With training and practice and as a team, you will be able to do the greatest good for the greatest number after a disaster, while protecting yourself from becoming a victim.  

  Contact your Local Fire Dept for training and more information.

Salt Lake Area

CERT Training http://www.unifiedfire.org/services/registration/default.asp?e=6&t=66093.18

Sandy CERT/First Aid/CPR Training

Herman CERT Drill

CERT Trailer

Why Do You Need a CERT Trailer?

A CERT Trailer is also known as a Neighborhood Cache

CERT Trailer                          CHGetReady

It is a place for your neighborhood to gather and store Emergency Supplies that you will use in the event of an emergency.

Because you know, in the event of a large disaster.......911 does not have the capacity to respond to the individual.  They will be going to schools and other places where large numbers of people are housed or gathered.
Emergency Responders are limited in number and so you will be on your own.

You may not see them for up to 5 days.  Therefore, the neighborhood must prepare themselves, have emergency rescue equipment and supplies, a plan to rescue and care for themselves.

Block Party                CHGetReady

Some Neighborhoods are preparing by holding neighborhood  block parties where everyone donates money for the food being served, and also bringing pot luck.

Most of the donations collected will go towards purchasing and filling their CERT Trailer. They will fill it with supplies like Medical Equipment, bandages, backboards, splints, blankets.  Lots of First Aid Supplies, a couple of porta potties, hygiene kits, paper products, garbage bags, disinfectant etc.


Also, rescue supplies like shovels, ropes, pics sledge hammers, ladders, hand tools, flashlights and Command Post Equipment and Supplies, like folding tables and chairs, overhead lighting, maybe a generator and extension cords.

Some Neighborhood's even choose to include helicopter landing lights and solar chargers.

Begin by educating your neighborhood why you are motivated to create your CERT Trailer.  When people understand it will be for them, they usually choose to be a part of the effort.

The Precinct Leader may lead this effort.  Consider having a neighborhood party where you get to know one another.  Start the process, let them see it grow as you purchase your trailer first. Then begin to fill it.

Ask for donations of used, clean sheets and towels. We had a Rip Roll and Bag Night where we gathered together in a back yard,  summertime on the clean beautiful green grass.  Putting chairs in large circles where we could visit as we measured, ripped, rolled and bagged clean, donated sheets and pillowcases into 4 and 5 inch wide bandages.  We later sanitized and re-bagged them. We also sewed two large towels together to use as blankets.

It won't take long to fill your trailer as you work together to make it happen.  Invite everyone in your neighborhood to participate.  Friendships created will be the foundation of your success and survival.

 CLICK BELOW FOR A PRINTABLE CERT TRAILER LIST

Can You Sleep While The Wind Blows???

             I love this story, it puts things in perspective

             Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast.,  He constantly advertised 
               for hired hands.  Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. 
               As they dreaded the awful storms that raged wreaking havoc on buildings and crops.

             As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job,  he received a steady stream of refusals.

              Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good 
               farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” 
               answered the man.

              Although puzzled by his answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.  The man 
                worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk.  The farmer felt satisfied  
                with the man’s work.

             One night the wind howled loudly in from offshore.  Jumping out of bed, the farmer 
               grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters.  He shook 
               the man and yelled,  “Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!”

            The man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir.  I told you, I can sleep when the 
              wind blows.”

              Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot.  Instead, he 
              hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

            To his amazement, he discovered all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins.  
              The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred.  
              The shutters were tightly secured.  Everything was tied down.  Nothing could blow away.

            The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also 
              sleep while the wind blew.

            Natural disasters are happening all around us.  Earthquakes,(Wells, Nevada)  floods,  
              hurricanes,  fires, loss of employment, illness, accidents.  We cannot deny we are 
              experiencing some interesting and turbulent times.

            We have been admonished to prepare our home and family for unforeseen by our 
              state, city, and religious leaders.  It is a voice of warning to all of us. 

            As we accept responsibility for our family and loved ones by making preparations to 
              take care of ourselves by storing food, water, fuel, warm clothing and extra clothing, 
              shelter, and some form of communication so that if something were to happen tonight 
              or tomorrow, we would not panic.  We put systems in place that work.

            It is not any one event that we are preparing for, but a way of life we create that will 
              give us peace of mind,  conscience, and heart.   We will be able to handle whatever
              comes our way.

            In preparing, we learn that sometimes we need to give up something that we want now

              for something that could save our lives and those we love later.  We learn the principle of
              personal sacrifice.

            Giving up a movie, dinner out,  television programs could mean extra food on our shelves, 
              water stored, a tent,  all our preparation supplies over time.  It really does add up.

            As we practice going without heat, electricity and discover alternative ways to cook and 
              heat our homes for short periods of time, we gain skills.   Gathering our families around 
              us to learn valuable skills together.  We create valuable and different family time.

            Your neighborhood Precinct team has been working diligently to develop emergency 
              plans for your neighborhood.

            Be sure to gather water containers and fill them up,  make a sanitation kit, and 
               laundry kit, store seeds for a back yard garden and plant them,  Grab 'n Go Kits, 
               72 second kit, car kit, office kit, school kits for your children,  purchase a water filtration 
               system so you can clean the water you have stored and have it safe for drinking,  
               store food,  and know how to prepare it, save some money and learn to live within
               your means.

           Get prepared for the many situations that may come your way, like loss of a job or family  
              member, power outages,  natural disaster etc.

           We hope you will take advantage of every opportunity to prepare.

           Get to know your neighborhood Precinct Team, including the Precinct Leader,  Comms,  
               your  Block Captain, CERTS. 

            Maybe you will want to be part of the Precinct Team in your neighborhood, maybe your
              will want to start one.
    
            You will find great helps to get you started both at home and for your neighborhood.  Take
               a look at this website.  We hope you find the support you are seeking.

   

           We are all in this together.   Your preparations are valuable just like the farmer valued 
               the hired hands preparation, he also learned great lessons on personal preparedness.

           When you choose to be part of the solution, you shift yourself from being part of the 
               problem.  You now can help others rather than needing to be helped.

                                             NOW IS THE TIME TO PREPARE!!

                                         Can You Sleep When The Wind Blows?????

         CHGetReady.com

HAM Radio Information For Training

HAM Radio Testing Dates

1/27/15, 2/24/15, 3/31/15 -  SLC   Eugene McWherter, N7OVT   (801)541-1871

2/7/15 - SLC   Gordon Smith, (801)582-2438

HAM License Testing Resources

QRZ.COM (You don’t need a call sign but you do have to register I made up a UserID)

Go to www.qrz.com  (not a hyperlink) Then Select “Resources” and chose one of the below choices.

Practice Amateur Radio Exams

Ham Radio Trivia Quiz

Ham Radio Books License Study Guides and SWL info http://qrz.com/page/site.html

EHAM.NET Go to www.eHam.net (not a hyperlink) Then Select “HAM Exams” Under the “Resources” Heading in the left side gold banner.

AA9PW Go to www.AA9PW.com (not a hyperlink) select and take test of choice.

RadioExam.org Go to www.RadioExam.org (not a hyperlink) select information or take test of choice.

Copasetic Flows Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_V5rfwsXmE (not a hyperlink) Watch the video explaining www.copaseticflows.appspot.com or just go to www.copaseticflows.appspot.com then select country and test of choice.  Also has Amateur Radio Satellite information.

HAMRadioLicenseExam.com Go to www.hamradiolicenseexam.com (you do have to register) The site is a little clunky and they want to sell you stuff.

HAMexam Go to www.HAMExam.org (you do have to register) Choose and take test.

Should You Register With FCC Before the Test?

It may be advantageous for you to register with the FCC before taking your first license test. It will save you from having to give your social security number to the VE team and it will pave the way for later on-line filings for such things as address changes and license renewals.

Records of amateur licenses are kept by the FCC in a computer system called the “Universal Licensing System” or ULS. ULS makes it possible for people who hold licenses to make filings on-line without the need to obtain paper forms and mail them back. ULS will accept applications for address change, renewal, or vanity call signs.

In order to use ULS, you must be registered. There are two ways this can happen: manually and automatically. Manual registration can be done on-line by going to the FCC's web site. Auto-registration happens any time you file a paper application with the FCC (such as at an examination session) and are not already registered.

If you register manually on-line, you will have the opportunity to choose a password. You can then use this password for any future on-line filings you wish to make.

If you are registered automatically, the FCC will assign a password and should mail it to you after your license is issued.

If you already hold a license, you may or may not be registered depending on how recent your last FCC filing was.

If you are not sure if you are registered, one way to find out is to do a search for your own license and notice if you have an “FRN” assigned. Go to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls and choose the search for licenses. Enter your callsign in the appropriate box on the form that comes up next. Press the “Submit” button. When a listing comes up showing your callsign, notice if there is an entry in the field called “FRN.” If there is, you are already registered.

If you find you are registered but you do not know your ULS password, you can request that your password be reset by going to https://esupport.fcc.gov/password.htm.

Registering is done on-line and is reasonably quick and simple. It entails giving the FCC your Taxpayer Identification Number (which for an individual is your social security number) and connecting it with any license(s) you may now have. To register, go to http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls and look for the “REGISTER CORES/CALL SIGN” link near the top of the page. Just follow the link and follow instructions. If you have trouble, it may be helpful to read the detailed instructions available on the ARRL web site at http://www.arrl.org/universal-licensing-system. You can register with ULS even if you do not yet hold a license. During registration, you will be assigned an “FCC Registration Number” (FRN), a 10-digit number. When you attend a test session, you can enter this number in lieu of your social security number on the application form.

HAM Testing “To Do” List

Preregister: See POC contact information for date location of intended test selection.

Bring:

• Two forms of ID, one of which is photo ID
• Original of any current license
• Photocopy of any (signed) current license
• Other documentation if required for credit for an element taken earlier
• Test fee ($15.00 during 2014)
• Pen (for signing documents) and Pencil (for taking test)

Bring (optional):

Calculator (If the calculator is programmable, you must demonstrate that program memory is cleared.)

HAM Testing Location/Contact Information

Testing Location 1

---

City:	Salt Lake City	Contact Person:	Gordon Smith, K7HFV 632 University Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
VEC:	ARRL	Home Phone:	801-582-2438
		Bus. Phone:
		E-mail:	K7HFV@arrl.net
Sponsor:	Utah Amateur Radio Club	Web site:	www.xmission.com/~uarc/Exams/
Testing Location:	Salt Lake County Complex, North Building Room N3005 2001 S. State Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84190
Schedule:	First Saturday of Feb., Apr., June, Aug., Oct. and Dec. Come any time between 8 and 8:45 A.M.
Notes:	Preregistration is required. Preregistration speeds the session and gets licenses on the way faster after the session. It takes only a few minutes by phone or on the air. Gordon usually monitors 146.62.

Testing Location 2

---

City:	Salt Lake City	Contact Person:	Eugene McWherter, N7OVT 536 E. Leland Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
VEC:	W5YI	Home Phone:	801-541-1871
		Cell Phone:	801-541-1871
		E-mail:	N7OVT@arrl.net
Testing Location:	Senior Center in the Columbus Center 2530 S. 500 East Park on west side of building; Come in west entrance; Take first door on the left.
Schedule:	Last Tuesday of each month except December, 7 P.M.