C.E.R.T. TRAINING WILL BEGIN IN HUMBLE

Posted by Cchambers on May 24, 2012 in News | 0 comments

Mark your calendars for the Humble area CERT training to begin in the City of  Humbleon September 18, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening for eight weeks. Training will be held at the Phillip Cezeaux Center, 100 North Houston Avenue, Humble Texas, this is the brown brick building right next door to the Humble public swimming pool. PRE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED DUE TO SEATING LIMITATIONS.  Contact via email Carole Chambers at cchambers@cityofhumble.net to register.  Registration will close September 14, 2012.

You will receive a pack back full of emergency supplies, vest, ID tag and a certificate upon completion of the eight week course. It is all FREE! You will be trained in fire suppression, medical procedures, search and rescue, how to recognize terrorism, disaster psychology and disaster preparedness.

Call our office for more information 281.446.4928 ask for Carole.

Class starts:  9.18.12 Tuesdays 6:30 to 9:30 pm. every Tuesday for 8 wks.

www.harriscountycitizencorps.com

NEWS RELEASE MAY, 2012

Posted by Cchambers on May 24, 2012 in News | 0 comments

The Community Response Task Force (CRTF) – serving the Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Huffman and East Montgomery County area – hosted two speakers at its most recent bi-monthly meeting.

U.S. MARSHALS

The first speaker was U.S. Marshal Alfredo Perez. Perez showed a Power Point presentation and explained the many duties U.S. Marshals are called upon to perform. Those duties include the transport of prisoners, protection of federal judges, serving court documents, and conducting SWAT operations. In 1995, the air fleets of the US Marshals Service and the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) merged to create the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS). Managed by the Marshals service, JPATS is one of the largest transporters of prisoners in the world, handling about 977 requests every day to move prisoners between judicial districts, correctional institutional and foreign countries.

The U.S. Marshals Service provides for the security, health and safety of government witnesses and their immediate dependents whose lives are in danger as a result of their testimony against drug traffickers, terrorists, organized crime members and other major criminals.

AVFD AMBULANCE BUS

The second speaker was EMS Chief Sean Conley of the Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD). Conley showed a Power Point presentation about the SETRAC AMBUS (Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council –Ambulance Bus). SETRAC is a state regulated organization put in place to aid Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and hospitals prepare for disasters. SETRAC also coordinates large event response and supports active events.

The bus is 40 feet long and 9 feet wide. It has been reconfigured with seats that convert to patient beds. The bus can hold up to 26 patients sitting or 12 lying down. The bed system was constructed separately so a mix of beds and seats can be used simultaneously. It is ideal for firefighters’ rehabilitation at large fire incidents. It made history this past summer by being the first AMBUS in the state of Texas to be deployed to a wildfire at Bastrop.

The bus is equipped with an oxygen delivery system for each bed and features carbon monoxide detectors as well as radiation detectors. Each time the bus deploys, it will be staffed with a medical strike team consisting of a strike team leader and three paramedics.

The AMBUS is maintained by AVFD personnel and housed at AVFD Station 2 on Atascocita Road. It is the only AMBUS in the region at this time. There are plans to add another one in the near future.

CRTF was formed in 2005 by the Humble Office of Emergency Management and several other agencies, including HAAM, Homewood Suites owner Philippe Cras and several churches after the Katrina /Rita hurricanes in the area.

“We quickly saw and were made aware of the need for instant help for citizens during disasters and not the promised 72-hour waiting period that government has promised before help will arrive,” said CRTF spokeswoman Carole Chambers. “Government does a wonderful job of getting aid out to people fast, [but] what the average citizen doesn’t realize is the work that goes on behind the scenes to make that aid happen. The Office of Emergency Management in Humble does an awesome job of getting help out to our citizens, but it takes volunteers and neighbors to do the real work. That is why we formed the CRTF.”

CRTF is a networking group of emergency management agencies, fire departments and hospitals, as well as local, county and state government, businesses, churches, schools, organizations, CERT members, ARES Radios and volunteers.

“We work together, share resources, have plans, and are ready for when that next disaster hits our area,” Chambers said.

CRTF meets every other month on the second Friday of the month, at 1 p.m. at Homewood Suites, in Kingwood. It is free to join.

Spring Time Severe Weather Awareness

Posted by SSharp on May 10, 2012 in Alerts, News | 0 comments

Be Aware Of Spring Time Severe Weather 
Consider Safety in Advance

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  Over the last few weeks states throughout the country have been affected by deadly tornado outbreaks.  State emergency management officials in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee have reported damages from tornadoes in some areas.  Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and those whose lives have been affected by the storms. 

According to the Storm Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the tornado conditions in portions of the South are likely high today.  FEMA, through our regional offices in Kansas City, Mo., Chicago, Ill. and Atlanta, GA, is closely monitoring conditions in the Midwest states affected by this severe weather, and FEMA stands ready to support the states as requested. FEMA also remains in close contact with our federal partners at the National Weather Service, especially since these storms can sometime occur unexpectedly with little to no warning. As we approach the Spring season, it is important to remember that springtime often brings severe weather including thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.

“Severe weather can strike when you least expect it,” says Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “Remember, no matter where you live, it’s important to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news and to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings, and follow instructions of state and local officials.”

There are simple steps we can do to be prepared.  FEMA urges families to have a plan for what you and your family will do if there is a disaster, and prepare an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for power outages or impassable roads.  It’s important to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings and follow the direction provided by local officials. Be sure to check your homeowner or renter insurance.  Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Most everyone can purchase flood insurance – including renters, business owners, and homeowners.  Individuals can learn more about their flood risk, and how to get their flood insurance policy, by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov. 

If you have severe weather in your area, keep in mind these safety tips:

• Continue to monitor your battery-powered radio or television for emergency information.

• Injury may occur when people walk among disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.

• Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.

• If a flood is likely in your area, be aware that flash flooding can occur.  If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground.  Do not wait for instructions to move.

• Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.

• After a disaster, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you. 

When natural disasters strike, such as tornadoes, the emergency responders and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups in the local areas are the first to provide much needed assistance.  During this time, FEMA continues to coordinate closely with state and local partners to monitor what needs may arise as a result of the storms. 

More information on tornado preparedness and flooding is available at www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov.

$1000.00 DONATION FROM HUMBLE AREA ROTARIANS.

Posted by CRTF on Dec 14, 2011 in News | 0 comments

The Community Response Task Force accepted a $1000.00 donation from the Rotary Club of Humble Intercontinental. The donation was awarded during the Rotarians December meeting at the Humble Civic Center. Community Response Task Force Board members were on hand at the meeting and President Rodney Bryant accepted the donation check for the group.

Texas Emergency Management Conference

Posted by CRTF on Nov 29, 2011 in News | 0 comments

The Texas Division of Emergency Management hosts a variety of events and training programs throughout the year. The most comprehensive event is the Texas Emergency Management Conference which will be held April 2nd-5th at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio Texas.

Hurricane Ike: Days of Misery

Posted by CRTF on Oct 25, 2011 in Videos | 0 comments

This video shows damage that we (and others) encountered from the day after to two weeks after hurricane Ike. Thanks to Margaret for transportation, Matt and Catherine for their photos, and Matt and Laurie for acting as guides on the photo shoot on the Bolivar Peninsula, resulting in the pics Margaret and I have posted on the page.

Volunteering and Good Health

Posted by CRTF on Oct 25, 2011 in News | 0 comments

Volunteering May Be Good For Your Health

Could volunteering be good for your health? A new report that draws from the results of more than 30 studies on the topic says yes. According to the report, older people who volunteer enjoy longer lives, higher functional ability, and lower rates of depression and heart disease.