From Volunteer Center of Racine County

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Southeast Wisconsin Citizen Corps (SEWICC) consists of volunteer programs such as CERT (Community Emergency Response Training), VIPS (Volunteers In Police Service), MRC (Medical Reserve Corps), WisTAP (Wisconsin Terrorism Awareness Program), Fire Corps, Neighborhood Watch, and SERT (School Emergency Response Training).

These programs work in conjunction with each other to provide community-based disaster readiness training and awareness as well as personal empowerment and the tools citizens need to keep themselves and their families safe in the event of an emergency or disaster. They are funded by the office of Justice Assistance, administered by the Wisconsin Citizen Corps Council, and in partnership with Racine and Kenosha Counties Emergency Management.

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If you are interested in volunteering with any of these programs or are interested in training, please feel free to contact Cathy LaFaive-Markstrom at the Volunteer Center of Racine County at 262-886-9612 or cmarkstrom@volunteercenterofracine.org

Contents

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New Citizen Corps Bulletin Now Available Online

Greetings Partners in Community Preparedness,

The latest edition of FEMA's Citizen Corps Bulletin is now posted:


http://www.citizencorps.gov/pdf/newsletter/January_2009_Citizen_Corps_Bulletin.pdf

Sincerely, The National Office of Citizen Corps FEMA Community Preparedness Division


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New Year, New Emergency Kit?

Greetings Volunteers! Now that the holidays are behind us it is time to catch up on work and get prepared for the long winter months ahead. Why not start your new year with an emergency kit for your family? While we hope we never have to use it, it’s a good idea to have “just in case”.

Here is the list of what we recommend you should have:

  • Water, at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days.
  • Food, at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food items.
  • Battery powered, or preferably hand-crank radio, a NOAA Weather Radio and flashlights (extra batteries if you are using battery-powered).
  • First aid kit.
  • Whistle to signal for help.
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting & duct tape for sheltering-in-place.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
  • Local maps & family emergency plan.
  • Household chlorine bleach & medicine dropper (dilute 9 parts water to 1 part chlorine or 16 drops per gallon of water, DO NOT use scented or color-safe bleach).
  • Matches in a waterproof container.
  • Books, games, activities for children.
  • Paper & pencil.
  • Fire extinguisher.


There is much more you can add if you would like. A complete list is available at the Volunteer Center or at www.ready.gov as well as the Volunteer Center’s website at http://www.volunteercenterofracine.org/index.php/SEWICC .

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Red Cross Needs CERT Trained Disaster Action Team Members ASAP!

Red Cross volunteers needed in the areas of Disaster Action Team members, Fire Surveyors, and Caseworkers. If interested contact Danielle Ferguson, DAT Coordinator at fergusond@wi-redcross.org or at 1-800-236-8680.

The worst time of year for house fires starts with the first cold snap of the year (that is already here) and goes until the end of February. DAT members assist with handing out blankets, food, etc at the scene of fires around the county and the Red Cross would like DAT members to have CERT training for safety reasons (remember, you will be on the scene of fires assisting victims) and they are already in need for the winter!


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Special Thanks from Dave Maack for Boy Scout CERT in October

For over fifteen years, Racine County Emergency Management has offered emergency preparedness training for scouts during the Teachers Convention break in October.

On October 30-31st, 60 scouts and adult leaders gave up two days of "vacation" to attend Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training held at CATI in Sturtevant. During this highly interactive training, these scouts learned about disaster preparedness and gained skills in search and rescue, fire suppression, first aid and CPR/AED. The highlight of the training was the mock drill in which the scouts responded to a simulated "disaster" and put their new skills into practice. In addition, to learning new skills the scouts also completed requirements towards various merit badges including First Aid, Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

There was no charge to attend this training. Funding was provided through a grant from the Office of Justice Assistance, in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative. In addition, the Kiwanis Club of Racine donated the CERT ID Badges and provided the lunch on both days. Various branches of the military provided water bottles, pens and lanyards. In return, the scouts were asked to bring canned goods which would be donated to the Racine County Food Bank. Thanks to the scouts who attended, they donated 122 pounds of food, valued at $140.30.

For those who might be interested, we had 43 Boy Scouts, 10 Girl Scouts and 6 Adult Leaders. Boy Scouts from all three districts were represented.


David L. Maack, CEM, CPM Racine County Emergency Management 262.636.3515 e-mail: david.maack@goRacine.org www.racineco.com/emergencymanagement "Building a Disaster Resistant Community-Making Disaster Resistance a Way of Life"


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Upcoming Events

  • January 10, Kiwanis Lights Take-down at the Zoo
  • February - Randall CERT class
  • April - Career, Safety & Health Fair @ UW-Parkside - CERTS NEEDED
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Links for More Information

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