2019 February Meeting

Hello Northgate CERTs. 
Please join us next week on Wednesday evening February 6 @ 7PM at the Mormon Church at 100 Northgate Rd.
SAVE THE DATE – Saturday May 11 – NG CERT area will host the Spring graduation drill. We need support from all our CERTs!
At the meeting next week we will refresh our SAR skills by reviewing search X markings and safe procedures, then quickly searching for victims inside the building. Please come help us! To play along at home, draw the X marking for these practice search markings – http://www.walnut-creek.org/home/showdocument?id=12923 and for the FTMFs examples here – http://www.walnut-creek.org/home/showdocument?id=18877

Some of the projects in need of volunteers – thanks to volunteers at the Jan. meeting, some projects are covered, as noted:

1. SAR route maps – create maps for both sides of Walnut Ave. and create a map index by outlining the SAR route areas on 4ft x 4ft NG-wide map for the CP. Patricia Goglia
2. Med Ops protocols – review existing protocol docs & update as needed. The Med Ops Guidelines doc definitely needs updates.
3. T-cards & board – need to design & implement prototype T-card holder board to replace the board made from vent covers that is awkward to use. Ian McGowan
4. Just-in-tiime training materials – ongoing project to create flash cards or similar training aids for quickly refreshing skills for SAR teams before deployment in disaster response. Joyce Steingass
5. Volunteer ‘thata way’ signs – we have metal frames and sign boards that need to be painted to point the way to the volunteer signup area during disaster response. Eagle Scout project

Butte County Recovers is still in need of volunteers. Please let me know if you are interested.
A plea to NG CERTs whose DSW registration expired at the end of 2018 – please participate in an approved activity to renew your DSW during the 2 month grace period!! We have 52 NG CERT members so everyone is needed. Remember that NG CERT area will host the Spring graduation drill and we need all hands on deck. The drill is a fun and educational activity. 
Spring classes in April – we always need help with the CERT basic training classes. Please help out and refresh your training while you’re there. This qualifies for DSW registration renewal for 2 more years. We need help with timekeeping at the classes, hands on training, setup and teardown of classroom space, and sign-in table. Or just join us to audit classes for free.Class schedule is here – http://www.walnut-creek.org/home/showdocument?id=19529

Lamorinda CERT has an interesting meeting in February – 
February 11, 2019: Evacuation from Wildfires – Chief Dave Winnacker, MOFD
https://lamorindacert.org/monthly-meetings/
You are welcome to attend, to sign up for any meeting go to the the link above, then find link to send email to their registrar with your name and phone number.

Upcoming CERT classes and events for 2019:

• Spring 2019 CERT Basic Training classes on Friday & Saturdays – April 12, 13, 27 
• Spring 2019 CERT graduation drill, Saturday May 11  – NG CERT will host the drill!
• Amateur (HAM) radio license test cram, Saturday June 1.
• Amateur (HAM) radio Getting-On-The-Air classes 1 & 2 – June 12 & July 10, 6:30PM – 9PM.
• Amateur (HAM) radio license test cram, Saturday October 5.
• Amateur (HAM) radio Getting-On-The-Air classes 1 & 2 – October 9 & November 6, 6:30PM – 9PM.
• Disaster Medical Hands On class – continuing education – Saturday November 2.