HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitizens Emergency Response Team Training Courses Public Safety Academy at CODCITY OF PALM DESERT
RISK MANAGEMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Approve Recommendation to Appropriate Funds From The
Unobligated General Fund to Conduct Two Citizens Emergency
Response Team (CERT) Training Courses in Coordination With The
Public Safety Academy at COD and Purchase Training Equipment
SUBMITTED BY: Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager
DATE: June 9, 2011
ATTACHMENTS: (A) Course Outline
(B) Letters of Support
(C) Specialized Training Equipment
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, recommend that the City Council Appropriate Funds
($32,300) from the Unobligated FY 2011-12 General Fund to Conduct Two
CERT Courses at the Public Safety Academy and purchase the equipment
necessary to conduct the courses.
Commission Recommendation
The Public Safety Commission did not submit a recommendation at the time this report
was prepared. However, staff will provide an oral update if requested or if the
Commission did not approve staff's recommendation.
Executive Summary
Due to both the continuing outreach programs to encourage earthquake preparedness
in the City and public response to the significant disaster in Japan, the City is being
asked by many residents to provide CERT training so that they can form disaster
response teams within their communities. The City has funded CERT training in the
past, which was done in coordination with COD and held at the Public Safety Academy
using Federally certified Palm Desert Fire staff as trainers. The recommendation to the
City Council is to approve funding for two CERT classes of at least 30 people each in
FY 2011-12, and to purchase the necessary equipment and trailer so that these and
future classes can be held at that location easily and efficiently. The estimated budget
for the CERT classes is $8000 each ($16,000 for two) which will provide training for
about 30 students in each class. The estimated budget for the training equipment and
the trailer to house it is a one-time cost of $16,300. This results in a recommendation to
appropriate $32,300.
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 2
Alternatives to this recommendation are to seek partial cost recovery in the form of
student fees for classes, which would reduce the $8000 per class cost, and continuing
to borrow the trailer and equipment from the County Office of Emergency Services
which would eliminate the one-time cost of $16,300 making the appropriation for CERT
classes at $16,000.
Background
Due to both the continuing outreach programs to encourage earthquake preparedness
in the City and public response to the significant disaster in Japan, the City is being
asked by many residents to provide CERT training so that they can form well trained,
responsible and effective disaster response teams within their communities and for the
service of the City as a whole. CERT training is a Federal certified three day class that
requires significant commitment from the community members who volunteer their time
to participate in training and then be responsive in the event of disaster.
It is in the City's best interest to have as many certified CERT volunteers as possible
when disaster strikes. CERT volunteers exemplify the best community spirit and
support that can be offered and emergency managers everywhere seek to maximize the
number of people who are CERT trained, so that response is maximized and recovery
is speeded up. CERT trainees receive training in many aspects of first aid, light search
and rescue, and even in the psychology of remaining calm and focused on service in
the face of disaster and destruction. The course outline is attached (A).
The City has received over two dozen letters (Attachment B) and dozens of phone calls
from residents seeking Palm Desert sponsored CERT classes in the past two months.
CERT classes are currently being sponsored by most other local Cities including La
Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Desert Hot Springs. The County Office of Emergency
Services also puts on CERT classes, located at the Roy Wilson Training Center in
Thousand Palms.
Palm Desert currently sends all residents seeking CERT classes to the County program
in Thousand Palms. Since these OES-run CERT classes are open to all Coachella
Valley residents, Palm Desert residents are frequently shut out of classes and must put
off the training often for months. This leads to additional requests for CERT classes in
Palm Desert. It is appropriate that CERT classes sponsored by other cities reserve
class space for their residents, and only open up to non-residents if there are a few
seats available at the last minute.
By not sponsoring its own CERT program, Palm Desert is putting its residents at a
disadvantage when it comes to meeting their high level of volunteer spirit and interest
with securing a spot in these very limited CERT classes. In addition, many Palm Desert
HOA's wish to train a selected group of residents to lead their community response
team which is very desirable for the City's quality of response, but difficult to do when
class slots are so limited.
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 3
Another disadvantage of relying on County OES for CERT is that because of privacy
regulations, the county cannot provide the city with the names and personal identifiable
information such as address and phone numbers for the people who went through the
training with the County. This means that the City does not keep the list of County-
CERT trained individuals who live in our City, and in the event of an emergency, we will
need to coordinate with the County to communicate local information to the CERT
trained residents.
In 2009, the City funded a pilot project for CERT training done in coordination with COD
and held at the Public Safety Academy. The pilot program demonstrated Palm Desert
has a natural ally and partner with College of the Desert and the Public Safety
Academy. Acting as essentially a contractor to the City, COD can provide all of the
administrative elements, such as handling sign ups, securing and paying the certified
instructors, managing the handbook printing, acquisition of the CERT backpacks and
supplies, and utilizing the Public Safety Academy facility, which is perfectly suited for
performing this type of training and perfectly located for Palm Desert residents. COD
has expressed strong interest and enthusiasm for reviving an ongoing CERT training
program at the PSA.
The CERT training proposed here would be done "in house" with instructors Chief
Brooker and his training team, all PD Fire personnel working on off duty hours. They
have all attended National CERT Training Courses and are fully certified and very eager
to perform the training. This means that COD would have access to local certified
trainers and our residents will be training under Palm Desert Fire officials who will be
responding here in our City in a disaster.
Budget for CERT classes
The estimated budget for the training classes alone is $ 8000 each ($16,000).
The breakdown of the budget is as follows:
(i) $200/student, COD and trainers: $ 6000.00
(i i) $38/student CERT backpack: $ 1239.75
(iii) $15/student training manual: $ 450.00
(iv) Contingency 310.25
$ 8000.00
This budget is for 30 students and the costs would increase for larger sized classes
which are recommended to be 30 to a max of 45. Item (i) above is the cost of
administration and trainer labor. Item (ii) is a standard "CERT backpack" given to each
participant and which consists of tools and equipment to perform search and rescue,
first aid and similar tasks as covered in the training ($38 each plus tax). The training
manual covers all elements of the 20 hour course, and provides the trainee with
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 4
material to refresh their training on a regular basis going forward. The contingency is in
the event over the time period of this program the costs for the materials or
administration change or if demand for the class exceeds 30 and we wish to expand
one class to 35 students.
The budget presented here does not account for cost recovery. Some other city's
programs charge students $35-50 fee for the class, or charge the cost of back packs.
The County OES does not charge anything for its class. If Palm Desert believes
volunteers should pay a small fee for the CERT class, for example, a $50 fee would
change the cost of each class from $8000 to $6,500 for each class of 30. It is possible
charging a fee for the classes would be a deterrent for citizens who would otherwise
make the effort to become trained community responders, so that is not included in the
staff's recommendation.
The hands-on training portion of the classes requires the use of specialized training
equipment. (see attachment C) Typically the equipment is stored in a trailer so it can be
securely stored on site and on occasion the class can travel to another location. (COD
is willing to store the equipment at the PSA). In the past, Palm Desert has borrowed the
County OES trailer and equipment. Continuing this practice would cut $16,300 from the
proposed appropriation.
While borrowing the OES equipment trailer does reduce the cost of the request, there
are several drawbacks to doing this.
First, borrowing the trailer means we could only schedule the classes when the County
has the trailer available, which significantly limits the available weekends we can do
training and impacts the schedules of our in house training group. It would put us in
scheduling competition with other cities that borrow the equipment. Because a
significant portion of the training is done outdoors, it is difficult to schedule training in the
summer months, which cuts the annual calendar down by 1 /3. If we are seeking to use
our local firefighters as trainers, their off -duty availability also must be considered in
scheduling. Adding the restrictions to the calendar from borrowing the equipment adds
one more difficulty in finding the right time to offer the training.
Also, County OES rules require that if we use the County equipment we must allow
anyone in the Valley into our classes and could not reserve them for our residents. This
means we would be potentially funding CERT classes for residents of other cities, which
is not the goal of the program. Finally the county equipment has been through many
CERT classes and has had significant wear and tear and adding our classes to its use
will reduce the useful life of the equipment for the County.
These drawbacks suggest that Palm Desert strongly consider purchasing its own new
equipment and trailer which can be used at the Public Safety Academy for years. A
preliminary estimate and equipment list drafted by Chief Brooker attached as item C
indicates a budget of $16,300.
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 5
preliminary estimate and equipment list drafted by Chief Brooker attached as item C
indicates a budget of $16,300.
Conclusion and Recommendation
CERT classes are extremely useful for developing a large group of local citizens who
want to volunteer to assist in disaster response and recovery, and who want to have the
best training and information to do the best possible job for our City. Sponsoring our
own classes shows the community that the City cares about preparing for a disaster. It
will send a message that we understand our citizens are valuable assets for disaster
response, and their volunteer spirit is not only commendable, but valued by the City.
The recommendation is that the City Council appropriate $32,300 from the unobligated
general fund to: Fund 2 CERT training classes at the PSA in FY 2011-12 and purchase
the CERT equipment trailer to be used with these and future classes as specified in
attachment (C).
Fiscal Impact:
The recommendation is for a $32,300 appropriation from the unobligated general fund
for a project that did not have a line item in the budget. The recommendation is for a
one time appropriation. If the demand remains high, Risk Management may return to
the Council for consideration of additional CERT training at a similar level for classes
only in future fiscal years. This recommendation does not impact future decisions on
funding.
Submitted By:
Gary Rosenblum
Risk Manager
Paul Gibson, Director of Finance
e
John Nj, Ohlmuth, City Manager
Department H
Stdphen Y: Aryan
Assistant to the Manager
CITY COUNCIL ACTION.
APPROVFD 1/ DENTED
RECEIVED OTHER
MF.F,TING DATE
AYES:'
NOES:
ABSENT: None. -
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIEDBY- 1KQ lalryl
Original on File with City Clerk's Office
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 6
Attachment A
CERT COURSE OUTLINE
• DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Addresses hazards to which people are
vulnerable in their community. Materials cover actions that participants and their
families take before, during, and after a disaster. As the session progresses, the
instructor begins to explore an expanded response role for civilians in that they
should begin to consider themselves disaster workers. Since they will want to
help their family members and neighbors, this training can help them operate in a
safe and appropriate manner. The CERT concept and organization are
discussed as well as applicable laws governing volunteers in that jurisdiction.
• DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION: Briefly covers fire chemistry, hazardous
materials, fire hazards, and fire suppression strategies. However, the thrust of
this session is the safe use of fire extinguishers, sizing up the situation,
controlling utilities, and extinguishing a small fire.
• DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS PART I: Participants practice diagnosing
and treating airway obstruction, bleeding, and shock by using simple triage and
rapid treatment techniques.
• DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PART II: Covers evaluating patients by
doing a head to toe assessment, establishing a medical treatment area,
performing basic first aid, and practicing in a safe and sanitary manner.
• LIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS: Participants learn about search
and rescue planning, size -up, search techniques, rescue techniques, and most
important, rescuer safety.
• DISASTER PSYCHOLOGY AND TEAM ORGANIZATION: Covers signs and
symptoms that might be experienced by the disaster victim and worker. It
addresses CERT organization and management principles and the need for
documentation.
• COURSE REVIEW AND DISASTER SIMULATION: Participants review their
answers from a take home examination. Finally, they practice the skills that they
have learned during the previous six sessions in disaster activity.
During each session participants are required to bring safety equipment (gloves,
goggles, mask) and disaster supplies (bandages, flashlight, dressings) which will
be used during the session. By doing this for each session, participants are
building a disaster response kit of items that they will need during a disaster.
From: http:www.citizencorps.gov
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 7
Attachment B•
LETTERS FROM THE PUBLIC REQUESTING CERT CLASSES
Please see letters, attached
r '-
`.
OFFICE
Carla Dilley
222 Wagon Wheel Road 2011 MAY 23 PH 2: 19
Palm Desert, CA 92211
May 17, 2011
Attention: Mayor Jean M. Benson , 4 k, b -L
Mayor of the City of Palm Desert
Re: City funded CERT Training C {
CC: Gary Rosenblum
Dear Honorable Mayor Jean M. Benson and City Council: ,Fd
Please, I ask for your consideration in allocating the funds needed to offer Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT) training in Palm Desert.
I have been a member of The Lakes Country Club in Palm Desert since 1998. 1 have enjoyed full
retirement for almost four (4) years now. Prior to retirement I was employed by the City of La Verne
for almost eighteen (18) years as the Community Services Superintendent. Throughout the duration
of my employment, my responsibilities included Emergency Preparedness in which I gained
experience in activating shelters and had the opportunity to work directly with the city's Police and
Fire Departments as well as with the American Red Cross. I held Emergency Preparedness
community meetings twice a year as well as orchestrated a "Disaster Expo" following Hurricane
Katrina. Over fifteen hundred (1,500) residents were in attendance; the event was strongly endorsed
by La Verne's Mayor and City Council. I would have been a strong advocate if CERT training had
been available during my employment with the City of La Verne. In December 2010, 1 was appointed
the position of Emergency Preparedness Chair at The Lakes Country Club. On March 15, 2011 our
Club hosted our first Emergency Preparedness meeting for our members; over three hundred and
twenty-eight (328) attended — a great turn out for a club with nine hundred and two (902) homes (just
ask Gary Rosenblum — he was there!)
On March 18, 19 and 20, 2011 1 was CERT trained at the Roy Wilson Training Facility. It was
AMAZING! I strongly believe that everyone would benefit from CERT training. Since then, several
other Lakes members have attended CERT training, however all courses have been offered outside
of Palm Desert.
I can guarantee you that should CERT training be offered in Palm Desert, the classes will be
attended by members of The Lakes Country Club! I personally pledge to assist with promoting CERT
training both at The Lakes and other places I volunteer such as The Living Desert.
CERT training is an excellent investment in our community. Remember, it is everyone's
responsibility to be personally prepared!
Sincerely,
Carla Dilley
The Lakes Country Club Emergency Preparedness Chair
May 23, 2011
N
City of Palm Desert
cn
M X'"
73-510 Fred Waring Dr
a
Palm Desert, CA 92260
w
>
Attention: Mayor
N
m
Re: CERT Training
My wife and I have been residents of Palm Desert for 10 years and full-time since my retirement 5 years
ago. Since retirement, I have been active in my community at the Lakes Country Club serving on the
Finance Committee and this past year elected for a 3 year term on the Board of Directors. Our local
community has implemented an Emergency Preparedness Program in light of the many worldwide and
National emergencies. Recently, we have ramped up our preparations to be able support ourselves until
the City, County or other governmental agencies can provide appropriate assistance.
Several weeks ago I became aware of the CERT Training Program being sponsored by the City of Rancho
Mirage. I signed up for the program and just completed the 20 hour program endorsed by FEMA this
past Saturday. It was an excellent program and there were 20 participants, with 2 from Palm Desert and
the rest from Rancho Mirage. I would ask your support in providing this training in our city as it would
be very beneficial for the various gated communities, mobile home parks and other residential areas.
The class I attended also had several participants from public agencies. The cost was $87.50 and was
reimbursed upon completion for Rancho Mirage residents. The program was very beneficial and
provided a lot of common sense information as well as other information not readily available to
residents.
Thank you for your consideration in providing this program to City of Palm Desert residents. I have
enclosed the Circular and my Certificate.
Sincerely,
Donald P. Anderson
355 Bouquet Canyon Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92211
cc. Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager
�I
CITY OF R4NCKO MIRAGC'
CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING
If existing emergency services cannot meet all the immediate needs of our citizens and
communities following a disaster such as a major earthquake, what can government do to
prepare citizens to care for themselves and render assistance to others?
First, present citizens with the facts about what to expect following a major disaster since it will
take time for local, state and federal assistance to respond.
Second, deliver the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness.
Third, train them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer
safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
(That's what CERT is about)
Fourth, organize teams to be extensions of first responder services, offering immediate help to
victims until police and fire personnel are able to respond.
The Basic CERT Training Program includes 7 basic modules and consists of 20 hours of
classroom and hands-on training over a three day period.
CERT OVERVIEW
A 20 Hour
Federally Certified Course
For the Public
• Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire, medical and law enforcement
services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors such as number of
victims, communication failures and road blockages will prevent people from accessing
emergency services that they have learned to expect at a moment's notice through 911.
• People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and
life sustaining needs.
• One also expects that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees and
neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.
• This was the case following major disasters throughout the world, where untrained,
spontaneous volunteers saved hundreds of people. However, many people lost their lives while
attempting to save others. This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The City of Rancho Mirage CERT Course consists of the following seven modules to be held at
the Rancho Mirage Library, 71100 Highway 111:
l
MODULE I - DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
• Disaster Awareness
• Hazard Mitigation
\\
• Emergency Preparedness
• Terrorism Awareness
MODULE 2 - TEAM ORGANIZATION
• Organizing a Response Team
• Incident Command System
• Responding to a Disaster
• Planning and Priority Setting
MODULE 3 - DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS I
• Triage Principles
• Recognizing & Treating Life -threatening injuries
__---MODULE
4 - DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS - II
• Establishing Treatment Areas
• Treatment Area Management
• Public Health Considerations
5 - DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION
/MODULE
• Hazardous Materials Safety
• Identifying Fire Hazards
• Fire Suppression Tactics
• Portable Fire Extinguisher Use
MODULE 6 - SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS
• Assessing & Sizing -Up Damaged Buildings
MODULE 7 - DISASTER SIMULATION EXERCISE
• Utilizing CERT Techniques
COMPLETION OF ALL 7 MODULES IS REQUIRED FOR COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
2011 SCHEDULE:
SCHEDULE FORMAT AND HOURS:
1 Weekday Evening: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
1 st Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2nd Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
MAY
11 - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
14 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
21 - 8:00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
HOW: REGISTER AT RANCHO MIRAGE CITY HALL, 69-825 HWY 111
(CORNER OF FRANK SINATRA & HWY 111), 324-4511
COST: $87.50 (REFUNDABLE TO RANCHO MIRAGE RESIDENTS UPON COURSE
COMPLETION)
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for its 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you foryourconsideration,
S��- O(, g--q�
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration, )
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your sider tion,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
ank you foryourcons eration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
44-y- A
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resid nt
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
��IVtMV,,
Indian�4RiRi
dge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge
r�' si , nt
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resi ent
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for its 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
v4e,4
/��"
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
T nk you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
than Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for its 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your consideration,
Indian Ridge resident
April 1, 2011
To: City Council members, City of Palm Desert, California
RE: Earthquake Preparedness, CERT Training
I am writing to you regarding the lack of a CERT (community emergency response
team) program sponsored by the city of Palm Desert. The city has prepared some
excellent materials for major earthquake planning, but is relying on Riverside County to
provide training that is necessary for it's citizens to survive an earthquake of the
predicted magnitude. The city clearly states in it's Major Earthquake publication that
the Palm Desert Emergency Operations Center will be activated in the event of an
emergency to coordinate relief efforts, but Palm Desert residents and businesses will
need to be self-sufficient for up to a week or longer.
In reviewing the CERT website, the training learned in the classroom and during
exercises make a major difference following an event when professional responders are
not immediately available to help. There are over 1100 communities in CA that have
listed their programs on the CERT website... including Palm Springs (which has trained
over 1000 individuals), Indio and LaQuinta. By having the training given in and by the
local community, there is a ready list of trained individuals who can receive
supplemental training throughout the year. Gated communities, such as Indian Ridge,
which has set up an Emergency Preparedness committee and is currently setting up a
plan for it's 1000+ homes should have several residents trained in Cert classes. I
believe you will find there are many other communities that are doing the same thing to
prepare their neighborhoods for a natural disaster such as an earthquake, and would be
very interested in a local program that offers practical skills.
By relying on Riverside County, there are only 4 classes a year, and they are available to
the entire Coachella Valley, which means they are filled quickly by residents from the
other cities that do not have their own program.
Please consider giving funds to a Cert program for Palm Desert. I understand that
Congress has provided funds through the Citizen Corps program and grants from these
funds may be available to local communities to start CERT programs. The State Citizen
Corps are the point of contact for grant possibilities.
Thank you for your cpnsideration,
Indian Ridge resident
May 23, 2011
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Attention: Mayor
Re: CERT Training
My wife and I have been residents of Palm Desert for 10 years and full-time since my retirement 5 years
ago. Since retirement, I have been active in my community at the Lakes Country Club serving on the
Finance Committee and this past year elected for a 3 year term on the Board of Directors. Our local
community has implemented an Emergency Preparedness Program in light of the many worldwide and
National emergencies. Recently, we have ramped up our preparations to be able support ourselves until
the City, County or other governmental agencies can provide appropriate assistance.
Several weeks ago I became aware of the CERT Training Program being sponsored by the City of Rancho
Mirage. I signed up for the program and just completed the 20 hour program endorsed by FEMA this
past Saturday. It was an excellent program and there were 20 participants, with 2 from Palm Desert and
the rest from Rancho Mirage. I would ask your support in providing this training in our city as it would
be very beneficial for the various gated communities, mobile home parks and other residential areas.
The class I attended also had several participants from public agencies. The cost was $87.50 and was
reimbursed upon completion for Rancho Mirage residents. The program was very beneficial and
provided a lot of common sense information as well as other information not readily available to
residents.
Thank you for your consideration in providing this program to City of Palm Desert residents. I have
enclosed the Circular and my Certificate.
Sincerely,
Donald P. Anderson
355 Bouquet Canyon Dr
Palm Desert, CA 92211
cc. Gary Rosenblum, Risk Manager
F
N
N
O
CITY OF UNCRO MIRAGC'
CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING
If existing emergency services cannot meet all the immediate needs of our citizens and
communities following a disaster such as a major earthquake, what can government do to
prepare citizens to care for themselves and render assistance to others?
First, present citizens with the facts about what to expect following a major disaster since it will
take time for local, state and federal assistance to respond.
Second, deliver the message about their responsibility for mitigation and preparedness.
Third, train them in needed life saving skills with emphasis on decision making skills, rescuer
safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
(That's what CERT is about)
Fourth, organize teams to be extensions of first responder services, offering immediate help to
victims until police and fire personnel are able to respond.
The Basic CERT Training Program includes 7 basic modules and consists of 20 hours of
classroom and hands-on training over a three day period.
CERT OVERVIEW
A 20 Hour
Federally Certifed Course
For the Public
• Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire, medical and law enforcement
services will not be able to meet the demand for these services. Factors such as number of
victims, communication failures and road blockages will prevent people from accessing
emergency services that they have learned to expect at a moment's notice through 911.
• People will have to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life saving and
life sustaining needs.
• One also expects that under these kinds of conditions, family members, fellow employees and
neighbors will spontaneously try to help each other.
• This was the case following major disasters throughout the world, where untrained,
spontaneous volunteers saved hundreds of people. However, many people lost their lives while
attempting to save others. This is a high price to pay and is preventable through training.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The City of Rancho Mirage CERT Course consists of the following seven modules to be held at
the Rancho Mirage Library, 71100 Highway 11 l :
l MODULE 1 - DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
• Disaster Awareness
• Hazard Mitigation
\\ • Emergency Preparedness
• Terrorism Awareness
MODULE 2 - TEAM ORGANIZATION
• Organizing a Response Team
• Incident Command System
• Responding to a Disaster
• Planning and Priority Setting
MODULE 3 - DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS I
• Triage Principles
• Recognizing & Treating Life -threatening injuries
'-----MODULE --MODULE 4 - DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS - II
• Establishing Treatment Areas
• Treatment Area Management
• Public Health Considerations
/MODULE 5 - DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION
• Hazardous Materials Safety
• Identifying Fire Hazards
• Fire Suppression Tactics
• Portable Fire Extinguisher Use
MODULE 6 - SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS
• Assessing & Sizing -Up Damaged Buildings
MODULE 7 - DISASTER SIMULATION EXERCISE
• Utilizing CERT Techniques
COMPLETION OF ALL 7 MODULES IS REQUIRED FOR COURSE COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
2011 SCHEDULE:
SCHEDULE FORMAT AND HOURS:
1 Weekday Evening: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
I st Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
2nd Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
MAY
11 - 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
14 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
21 - 8:00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
HOW: REGISTER AT RANCHO MIRAGE CITY HALL, 69-825 HWY I I 1
(CORNER OF FRANK SINATRA & HWY 111), 324-4511
COST: $87.50 (REFUNDABLE TO RANCHO MIRAGE RESIDENTS UPON COURSE
COMPLETION)
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 8
Attachment C:
fF.RT F.nITPMF.NT AND TRAILER BUDGET
C.E.R.T Trailer Request
Total
Item Quantity Unit Price Price
Trailer 7X14 Enclosed
1
3,859.00
3,859.00
Generator Honda 1100
1
850.00
850.00
BullEx Fire Extinguishing Simulator
1
4,800.00
4,800.00
Orange Road Cones - 20"
4
30.00
120.00
Extension Cords - 100'
4
49.94
199.80
Extension Cord with Power Sure
1
69.40
69.40
Electric Twin Headed Tripod Halogen
2
160.00
320.00
Work Light 1000 w/ Stand Kit
Bolt Cutters - 30"
1
123.55
123.55
Gas Can 5gals.)
1
44.50
44.50
Alpha Lock Wheel Boot
1
139.95
139.95
Draw-tite Trailer Hitch
1
65.00
65.00
Folding Tables
2
324.25
648.50
Folding Chairs
4
18.63
74.52
Duct Tape rolls
5
11.61
11.61
Battery Operated Clock
1
15.00
15.00
Double A Batteries(pack of 24
2
17.58
35.16
Triple A Batteries(pack of 24
2
18.39
36.78
D Cell Batteries(pack of 12
4
16.09
64.36
Multipurpose Axe with Sheath and Handle
1
38.50
38.50
Pulaski Fire Axe
1
51.30
51.30
Hoe/Rake Fire Tool Combo
1
58.30
58.30
Shovel - square point
1
30.00
30.00
Staff Report
CERT Training Courses
June 9, 2011
Page 9
Pick/Mattock
2
53.35
106.70
Sledge Hammer
2
61.05
122.10
Crowbar
15
17.45
261.75
Tool Set with Storage Case
1
200.00
200.00
Fire Extinguishers ABC - 51b
6
49.50
297.00
Emergency Flares box of 36
2
69.99
139.98
Cribbing Materials
1
100.00
100.00
10'x10' Outdoor Carpet for trailer commandpost)
1
100.00
100.00
Ma Iite Flashlights
10
35.00
350.00
Work Gloves
10
15.00
150.00
Plastic Sheeting roll 8'4"x100'
1
35.00
35.00
Rope - 100'
2
100.00
200.00
AM -FM Construction Radio
1
65.00
65.00
Triage Management Tar 8'x10'
4
12.50
50.00
in the following colors: black,
red, green,yellow)
--
Triage Tags
250
1.25
325.00
Versatile Plastic Splints arm
10
7.99
79.99
Versatile Plastic Splints le
10
10.99
109.90
Exam Gloves - S, M, L, XL
8
16.99
135.92
D na Med Multi -Purpose Boards W1 straps
1
189..99
189.99
Medical Bag -complete
1
235.00
235.00
Hand Sanitizer packs box of 144
2
24.61
49.22
Sales Tax
1308.81
Contingency
33.41
TOTAL
$16,300