TOWN OF MAMMOTH LAKES CERT

Mammoth Lakes CERT members directed traffic on 9-10-09 at the Mammoth Lakes Main Street Fire House for the ROTARY Clubs “Heroes Luncheon” an event held to honor those who have or are putting themselves in harms way to protect our country and our community.  First responders, U.S. Marines, local law enforcement agencies, SAR, local fire departments, Para Medics, Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol and retired first responders were invited as were members of the Mammoth Lakes community.  This event is held to show respect the first responders who gave their lives on 9-11.

CERT members were thanked by ROTARY Club members and first responders for our assistance.  It feels wonderful to part of events such as this.  When asked what CERT’s roll was in the community we responded that we were second responders, volunteers who support the first responders however we can during an emergency or civic event.  CERT members are trained to provide first aid, CPR and employ an AED should they be first at the scene.

After the event I receive a call from a Vietnam era Navy fighter pilot thanking me for services provided by our CERT members.  This thank you was directed to all CERT members not just the four Barbara Richter, Lanee Beardsley, Dave Beardsley and me, who worked today we merely were the visible CERT members.  Locals came up to us and said we saw you at the KIDSAPOOLOSA, the 4^th of July events and the Jazz Jubilee, thank you.  Our team is getting recognized in our community.  Thank you all for serving.

Harry

Harry R. White
Mammoth Lakes CERT PIO

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome members of CERT graduating class 3. Over the past three Saturdays you received instruction in various areas of disaster and emergency preparedness along with information on the Mammoth Lakes CERT organization. Hopefully, each of you may have given some thought as to how your current and past employment, hobbies or additional skills or talents may play into or contribute to the team. We depend on each of you to play an important part in the overall growth of the organization and to make our CERT team one of the best in the nation.

Over the coming months, I will be asking each of you for some input as to how you would like to contribute during times of disasters or emergencies. Some suggestions may include; Red Cross Shelters, EOC staffing, Field Operations, Medical Operations or all of the above. Non-emergency events and activities continue to occupy the majority of the CERT team function and we encourage each member to volunteer their time whenever possible during these scheduled events..

With that stated, I would like the new members to begin the background process. Upon completion of the background you will then be issued a Town of Mammoth Lakes ID card. Additionally, I would like all of you to begin taking the on-line IS 100 and 700 courses through FEMA. Once completed, I would ask that you submit your certificate to me or CERT member Cara Isaac. New members will be notified through email by CERT member Kathy Watkins regarding the Red Cross Shelter Training and Red Cross First Aid/CPR course.

Steps needed:

• Call 934-2011 and ask for Renee Placensia to arrange a time to come in and get your fingerprints taken.
• Begin the on-line IS 100 and 700 courses. www.traifemaning..gov/IS/
• You will be notified through email of the Red Cross Training for Shelter and First Aid/CPR
• Attend General CERT meetings 3^rd Monday of the month at Main Street Fire House.

At any time you have any questions concerning the CERT program, please feel free to contact me or any of the board members.

Sincerely,

Jim Short, CERT Director