Showing posts with label emergency preparedness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label emergency preparedness. Show all posts

Cascadia Rising drill: Did You Survive the 9.5 Earthquake?

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Field Day 2015
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Did You Survive the 9.5 Earthquake?                 
     
You and 8 million of your fellow northwesterners experienced a major subduction zone earthquake during the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 7. The 9.5 quake lasted five minutes and was centered off the Oregon Coast.  The Northwest was paralyzed and likely still would be paralyzed from Ashland, OR to Vancouver, B.C.
The major shake resulted in a 7.5 earthquake in Shoreline. I-5 was shut down.  No 911. No cell. No land line. No power. No water.  

Experts estimate that 20,000 of your fellow PNW citizens perished.

This was ‘just a drill’ -- called Cascadia Rising -- and a rehearsal for a real subduction zone event, which is believed to be in our future. Experts believe the ‘Cascadia Rising’ event is merely a question of when, not if.

How would you get word to your out of state contacts that you and your family survived? How would you get critical information in or out of your neighborhood?

In a disaster, the ACS vans and ham operators will be
the only means of communication


Eighteen Shoreline Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) volunteers participated for 10 hours on the first day of the Cascadia Rising drill, which focused on city, county, and statewide communications.

The drill emphasized training on passing hypothetical damage reports and resource needs from Shoreline fire stations to the Shoreline Emergency Management Coordinator in the Emergency Operations Center, and then to the King County Emergency Operations Center. Damage reports included collapsed and damaged schools, trapped kids, collapsed overpasses, and more.

Some 30 ACS volunteers staff the radio rooms at the fire stations for weekly tests, monthly training, and this annual international event, called Field Day.

These same volunteers will be demonstrating the art of long distance communications during the Shoreline Arts Festival at Shoreline Center soccer field, June 25th. 

Members of the Shoreline ACS will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise, June 25 – 26 at Shoreline Center. 

Look for the van at the Shoreline Center this weekend


Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Field Day to showcase the science and skill of Amateur Radio. 

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. If you are visiting the Shoreline Arts Festival this weekend please come and see us in action on the field located between the Spartan Rec. Center and Shoreline Stadium.

Field Day is an international competition to test the skills of your Shoreline ACS team and the stand-alone radio equipment necessary to connect with the world when all other means are destroyed or overloaded with traffic. The standalone equipment, most owned and donated to the cause for the exercise by the volunteers, includes generators, radios, antennae, and most importantly, dedicated, trained, skilled, and licensed radio operators. Even though the goal is to make as many contacts as possible during a 24 hour period, the real underlying goal is to be fully prepared to let the world know of Shoreline’s needs and welfare after a major disaster.

Shoreline ACS is a nonprofit. Donations and new members are always welcome.

We encourage Shoreline and nearby area Hams to check-in on our weekly net, 7:30pm every Monday on the Shoreline repeater (442.825+, 103.5). Or join us at our monthly meetings, second Saturday of each month from 10:00-12:00 at Station 61 (175th and Aurora). You can become part of the solution!



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Cascadia Rising - what if all the water mains break?

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Filling containers from the emergency water distribution system

Photos by Steven H. Robinson

Cascadia Rising is a region wide disaster drill taking place this week in areas throughout western Washington and Oregon.

The team gathers for a debriefing after the exercise
CERT members are volunteers

In planning for a year, the scenario is the aftermath of a large magnitude Cascadia Subduction Zone fault earthquake and tsunami - one of the most complex disaster scenarios that emergency management and public safety officials could face in the Pacific Northwest.

In this scenario, everything is disrupted. No cell towers, phone lines, internet. There's no power, and the tsunami has flooded all the lowlands.

The movement of the earth has broken all the water mains and disrupted the sewage treatment plants.

Testing the system

Tuesday evening in Kenmore at Kenmore Junior High School, personnel from the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (a partnership of the City of Kenmore, the City of Lake Forest Park, Northshore Fire District, and Northshore Utility District) ran an exercise to set up a simulation for the use of an emergency water distribution system.

Checking it out

Members of the volunteer CERT team were part of the exercise. These are local residents trained in basic emergency response who have volunteered to help their community during and after disasters.

The intent of the drill was to move the distribution hub as close to the damaged areas as possible to provide clean emergency water until repairs can be made to the regular systems.



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EMS and Trauma Care System seek volunteers

Thursday, May 19, 2016

CERT Training event

The State Department of Health recognizes first responders during the 42nd Annual National Emergency Services Week, May 15-21, and calls on more volunteers to serve.

"Emergency Services Week is an opportunity to recognize our first responders who provide lifesaving and medical services in our communities," said Secretary of Health, John Weisman. 
"Our Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care system are part of the very fabric of our communities, but they are in need of volunteers to continue providing these necessary services."

More than 16,000 EMS and TC system professionals are part of a network supported by local and regional partners.

The network includes eight regional EMS and Trauma Care councils work with local councils to develop and implement plans to ensure services are available across the state.

To learn more about becoming an EMS or TC system volunteer, contact your local fire department.

To find out more about regional councils and how to volunteer as a regional council member visit the Regional EMS and Trauma Resources webpage.

About four in 10 deaths from trauma occur within hours of injury. Since Washington’s EMS and TC system began, the death rate for trauma patients involved in traffic collisions has decreased.

The Department of Health's website is your source for a healthy dose of information.



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Register now for Spring Emergency Preparedness Workshop May 7th

Wednesday, March 30, 2016



The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition is sponsoring its Spring Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Saturday, May 7 from 9am-1pm at 7220 NE 181st, Kenmore. Lunch provided. 

During the workshop, you will learn basic emergency preparedness activities, such as: Fire extinguisher safety, basic generator operation, gripping and lifting, and more. 

Instructors are all certified CERT instructors and will pass along “tips and tricks” you can use at home and in your neighborhood.

The first 30 people to register will be guaranteed a spot in the class- email for more information.



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Volunteer for the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition

Wednesday, February 10, 2016


From LFP Police Chief Steve Sutton

The City of Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Northshore Fire Department, and Northshore Utility District have formed the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition.

One of the goals of this partnership is to better prepare our community for emergencies and to do that efficiently, we need your help. 
We are bringing together all of our area volunteers interested in helping to build a more disaster resilient community.  If this sparks your interest and you might want to be a part of our team, please join us for our first regular monthly meeting of all emergency volunteers. 

The meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of every month beginning on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. The first meeting will be held at Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore 98028, beginning at 6:30pm.

On the Agenda:

  • Welcome and Background
  • Emergency Volunteer Opportunities
  • Volunteer Structure
  • Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • What’s Next

For more information, contact Carl Lunak at 425-354-1744.



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CERT class in Kenmore starts Jan 21 - but register now

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition is sponsoring a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class beginning on January 21, 2016.

This course will meet on Thursday nights at the Northshore Fire Department Station 51 in Kenmore (7220 NE 181st St.), from 1/21 through 3/10.

CERT students will learn to extinguish small fires, provide life-saving first aid, conduct urban search and rescue, and perform other vital skills needed to help others after a disaster. All sessions begin at 7:00pm and conclude by 10:00pm.

The first 25 students will be giving priority seating. If you are interested in attending this course, please fill out and send in the following prior to the first class:
  • CERT Training Registration Form
  • The non-refundable course fee of $35 (Credit cards are not accepted, please make check payable to City of Lake Forest Park)
The mailing address is on the Registration Form. Receipts for your course fee will be provided upon request at the first class. All participants will receive a student manual and the safety gear that is required to participate in the CERT classes.

Whether you want a little more emergency preparedness information for yourself, your family or you are interested in helping your community in disaster, we look forward to meeting you when class starts.



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CPR Class at Anderson House cancelled

Sunday, November 22, 2015

An insufficient number of people registered for the CPR Class offered at Anderson House for Monday, November 23, so it has been cancelled. (see previous article)



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CANCELLED: CPR and First Aid Training being offered at Anderson House

Sunday, November 15, 2015

UPDATE: There were insufficient registrations to run the CPR class, so it has been cancelled.



CPR and First Aid Training being offered at Anderson House 

Anderson House in North City is offering CPR and First Aid classes at $25 per class (cash or checks please) at their facility at 17201 15th Ave NE Shoreline 98155.

CPR Training
Monday, November 23, 2015
9:00am

First Aid Training
Monday, November 30, 2015
9:00 am

You must register for these classes.

To sign up call 206-364-9336.



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CPR and First Aid Training being offered at Anderson House

Thursday, October 15, 2015


Anderson House in North City is offering CPR and First Aid classes at $25 per class (cash or checks please) at their facility at 17201 15th Ave NE Shoreline 98155.

To sign up call 206-364-9336.

CPR Training

Monday, October 26, 2015
8:30 - 4:00

First Aid Training

Thursday, October 29, 2015
9:00 am - 1 pm



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Spaces still available at the emergency management workshop Saturday in Kenmore

Monday, October 5, 2015

Spaces are still available for Lake Forest Park residents in the free emergency management workshop this Saturday, October 10 from 9am - 1pm at the Northshore Fire District in Kenmore.

They'll feed you breakfast and lunch and give you information about:

  1. basic emergency preparedness kits
  2. emergency communications
  3. water purification
  4. cribbing and lifting
  5. generator operation and safety
  6. fire extinguisher use
  7. CERT
  8. gas and water shutoff
  9. alternative heat
You do need to preregister by contacting Vickie Fountain 425-776-3722




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Reminder: Lake Forest Park Preparedness Fair Saturday

Wednesday, September 23, 2015


Anyone local involved in the field of preparation for emergency situations - flood, earthquake, volcanic eruptions, major storms - will be at the Preparedness Fair at Town Center on Saturday with information and free stuff.

Vans in the parking lot will take your blood or give you a mammogram.

Bring new socks to donate to the Union Gospel Mission.

10am to 2pm inside Town Center, intersection of Bothell Way and Ballinger Way in Lake Forest Park.



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Lake Forest Park Preparedness Fair, September 26, 2015, at Third Place Commons

Sunday, September 20, 2015



The Lake Forest Park Preparedness Fair will take place upstairs at Third Place Commons on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

This is a free event for the entire family, and includes hands-on activities, giveaways, a kid’s area, neighborhood safety information and much more! The Fair provides educational information and tips on how to prepare your family and yourself for small or large emergency situations.

Special Parking Lot Events

The EvergreenHealth mobile Mammography Coach has just been added to the Preparedness Fair. The coach will be parked at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, in the upper parking lot, and will be open from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

If you are interested in a specific time, it is best to call and make an appointment at 425-899-2831; otherwise, walk-ins are welcome. The average screening on the coach takes only about 20 minutes, including registration. Make sure to bring your insurance card to the screening.

The Bloodmobile will also be at the Town Center at Lake Forest Park from 10:00am to 4:00pm for those who wish to donate blood.

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission will be at the fair collecting donations of new socks.



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LFP residents - register now for Emergency Preparedness Workshop Oct 10

Thursday, August 20, 2015


Neighborhood Watch groups and other interested Lake Forest Park citizens are invited to attend an Emergency Preparedness workshop at the Northshore Fire station on Saturday, October 10.

Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Saturday October 10th from 9am-1pm at the Northshore Fire Station, Kenmore
Building Emergency Kits, Generator Operation and Safety, Fire Extinguisher Use, and more.

To register, contact Vickie Fountaine 425-776-3722.

If anyone would like more information or would like to volunteer in the future, contact Lake Forest Park Police Chief Steve Sutton, 206-957-2850.



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Amateur radio license courses starting September 21

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Shoreline ACS volunteers in the Communications Van
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Amateur or “ham” radio Technician course will be offered by the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) Monday evenings starting September 21st and will run for seven consecutive Monday evenings (It is not required to attend every class).

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exam is scheduled on Monday, November 9th.

The beginner level Technician license is required for entry into the fascinating hobby of “ham” radio. It’s all about getting on the air and communicating with a region-wide network of ham radio operators for fun or community service.

The course is held at the Brier City Hall from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at 2901 228th Street, SW, Brier, WA 98036.

There is no charge for the course with the exception of the Technician class book available through ESCA at a discounted price of $25 if ordered at least two weeks before the class begins (September 7th). The Federal Communication Commission’s fee for Technician and Extra exam is $15.00 paid to the examiners on the night of the exam.

For more information and/or to register contact Course Manager Vickie Fontaine, at 425-776-3722,

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency was created by the cities of Brier, Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Woodinville, and the Town of Woodway to provide city government disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery services.



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911 - What is your emergency?

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Ham radio team on 15th NE
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

Text and photos by Marc Weinberg

When an emergency occurs, do you rely on the ‘911 Operator’ for assistance?  

We see and hear this announcement and the welcoming “hello” on the home phone or mobile whenever we need it. We hear this on recordings every time a daily news show broadcasts a tragedy on our streets. We hear it on TV shows as well and we expect this will be the case for each of us in a time of need. So ‘yes’ I expect most of us in the Seattle area are assured this will happen.

We in the northwest don't see the hurricanes and storms that occur in other parts of the country. If you asked people in Florida, N. Carolina, or Massachusetts you would get a different answer, because they know what happens when cell towers go down and major power is cut off. Ask the folks who experienced 'Sandy' what is was like to not have communications.

Shoreline Communication Van
Field Day Exercise
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

If you want to be connected with family and friends and reach emergency services if needed, there is something you can do. Amateur Radio is alive and well and Shoreline has a team that coordinates communications during an emergency which could otherwise isolate you from needed information about conditions, get messages to your family both in the area and outside, and inform you about what to expect and where you can find help and a shelter (if opened by the Red Cross).

Shoreline's communication team is staffed with citizens like you who volunteer and train every week and month to be ready when needed. This team is called Shoreline Auxiliary Communication Service. You can be a valuable part of this effort too and your assistance is requested.

Field Day exercise runs 24 hours
Photo copyright Marc Weinberg

This is your invitation to find out what the team does and how you can participate. Come to the Annual International Event (US and Canada) called Field Day: a practice exercise at the Shoreline Center (sports field just east of the Spartan Gym) starting at noon Saturday, June 27 and ending 24 hours later at noon Sunday June 28. Talk with our members and there's a good chance you may have the opportunity to get on the radio and experience being a team member too.  

If you can't make this exercise, then please go to our website and find out more.



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Citizens learn emergency preparedness at ESCA workshop

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Patrick Ducey works with a participant
to put out a fire in a live fire exercise.
Photo by Laurell Sprague, ESCA
By Patrick Ducey

On May 9, the Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA) conducted a workshop on emergency preparedness at Northshore Fire Station 51. The workshop was a mixture of classroom and hands-on training on being prepared for when disaster strikes. ESCA team members demonstrated both how to be prepared for an emergency, and what to do after a disaster.

Kim Sharpe, Nathan Proudfoot and John Clark
demonstrate the proper method of lifting
 and cribbing fallen debris to safely extract a trapped survivor.
Photo by Laurell Sprague, ESCA

Probably the most significant disaster we should all be prepared for in this region is earthquake. We have all heard about the recent events in Nepal, and around the Pacific. This region could also suffer through the same fate. Making preparations now will help you and your family survive not only an earthquake disaster, but the more common events like windstorms, and power failures.

Tom Hawkins demonstrates how to shut off
household utilities during an emergency.
Photo by Laurell Sprague, ESCA

If you are interested in taking a class on emergency preparedness, the City of Shoreline offers a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class in the fall. ESCA conducts a CERT class three times a year. Contact your local City Emergency Management Office for details. ESCA is planning on another Emergency Preparedness workshop to be conducted in October.



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Emergency Planning workshop free to first 40 registrants

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Chief Sutton, the Police Chief of Lake Forest Park, has asked ESCA to conduct an Emergency Planning Workshop.

The workshop will be held on May 9, from 9:00am to around 1:00pm. The workshop is free and open to the first 40 people to sign up.

Classes will cover several topics including emergency kits, generator safety, and communication after a disaster. After the classroom portion there will be a live fire exercise with attendees using fire extinguishers to put out a fire and a lifting and cribbing exercise.

For more information, contact the Northshore Fire District PIO, Wendy Booth.



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Emergency Preparedness Kit Day at SCC Wednesday

Tuesday, April 21, 2015



On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, the 2nd Annual EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT DAY will take place in the main lobby of the PUB, Building 9000. The event occurs from 10:00am – 2:30pm and is open to everyone.

Back by popular demand, the event supports the idea that we hope we will never have to use the kit, but a number of things could happen in our daily lives that could cause us to need an emergency kit.

Stop by to learn how to better prepare yourself for an emergency incident at work, home, and on the road. See the many ideas and options available for pre-made kits, do it yourself lists, and emergency food and water storage preparation.  Take the short, fun quiz to test your knowledge on emergency readiness on campus.

Sponsors supporting this educational event include: Shelf Reliance – Thrive Foods, Costco, Sam’s Club, the SCC Safety Committee, Student Leadership, and SCC Emergency Management.

The college is at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, 98133. Campus maps here. Parking information here.



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ESCA offers FEMA disaster preparedness classes

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

A CERT practice drill
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

How will you keep your family safe and assist others in a disaster?

Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. As we have seen in the wake of SR 530 mudslide, Hurricane Sandy and other recent events, it may take hours to days for emergency responders to meet the needs of the public following a major disaster.

The Emergency Services Coordinating Agency (ESCA), located in the City of Brier, is offering disaster preparedness classes to King and Snohomish county residents. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training is about keeping yourself and your family safe and assisting others until help arrives.

Professional first responders, Emergency Managers and CERT Instructors teach students to extinguish small fires, provide life-saving first aid, conduct urban search and rescue, and perform other vital skills needed to help themselves and others after a disaster.

The course begins Thursday, April 2nd, 7:00pm –10:00pm and continues over eight consecutive Thursday nights. The last class on May 21st is a disaster simulation for students to practice what they have learned over the eight week course. 

Classes convene at the Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW, Brier.

ESCA is currently accepting CERT class registrations.  To register, contact Vickie Fontaine at 425-776-3722.




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Emergency Preparedness Workshop May 9 in Kenmore for LFP Neighborhood Watch groups

Thursday, February 26, 2015



The City of Lake Forest Park, in partnership with ESCA, the City of Kenmore, and Northshore Fire will be sponsoring a four hour Emergency Preparedness Workshop on Saturday May 9th from 9am-1pm at Station 51 in Kenmore. 

The workshop is limited to the first 40 applicants. Members of Lake Forest Park Neighborhood Watch groups are encouraged to participate.

 

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