WWW.WSCERT.NET
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006
January - February - March 2013
ELMA / WEST SENECA SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006
JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH 2013
elma Ed Sauer - Emergency Manager (716) 652-7635 cert@elmanewyork.com meetinGS - 7:00 pm 2nd Wednesday of the Month • January 9th • February 13th • March 13th Training and meetings are held at the Elma Senior Center unless noted. Elma Senior Center Bowen Rd. Elma, NY 14059
* Town Hall 3007 1600 Bowen Rd. Elma, NY 14059
The ability to access emergency services by dialing 911 is a vital component of public safety and emergency preparedness. It is imperative that consumers of telephone service be able to reach emergency services regardless of the technology used to place a 911 call. E911 systems automatically provide to emergency service personnel a 911 caller’s call back number and, in most cases, location information.
direct the closest emergency personnel to that location. They also often can automatically identify your telephone number so that they can call you back if you are disconnected.
Since VoIP service works differently from traditional phone service, consumers who upCominG aCtivitieS use it should be aware that VoIP 911 service • Gardening Classes may also work differently from traditional • CERT Class 911 service. VoIP service providers, in reVoIP (voice over internet phone) service al- sponse to FCC action, are making progress • HAM Radio lows you to make and receive calls to and in eliminating these differences, but some Check here for updates from traditional phone numbers using an of the possible differences include: www.elmanewyork.com/oem/ECert.htm internet connection. It can be used in place • VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the of traditional phone service. While you may PSAP, or may improperly ring to the WeSt SeneCa choose to use VoIP service from a single administrative line of the PSAP, which location, like a residence, some VoIP serJohn Gullo - Emergency Manager may not be staffed after hours, or by vices can be used wherever you travel, as (716) 558-3238 trained 911 operators; long as a broadband Internet connection is jgullo@twsny.org available. The most commonly used VoIP • VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the correct PSAP and may be routed to a meetinGS - 7:00 pm providers locally are Time Warner, Vonage VoIP provider’s 911 call center. The 3rd Monday of the month and Magic Jack. call should then be directed to the cor• January 21st Traditional phone services usually have asrect PSAP by the provider’s call center, sociated a particular phone number with a • February 18th but it may delay response time. fi xed address. Portable VoIP service enth • March 18 ables consumers to take their home or busi- • VoIP 911 calls may correctly connect to the PSAP, but not automatically ness phone service almost anywhere. This Unless noted Training and Meetings transmit the user’s phone number and/ portability raises a number of challenges for are Held : or location information; the emergency services community. There West Seneca Kiwani’s Center are differences between VoIP E911 and tra- • VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the 50 Legion Parkway ditional E911 service, so there are things West Seneca, NY correct PSAP if the address/location that consumers need to know. information is not accurate. CusaCtivitieS tomers should take care to provide When you call 911 from a traditional tele• CERT Class jurisdiction (city, town, village, etc.) phone, the call in most cases is sent to a • Critical Infrastructure Survey information rather than your mailing Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that address, if they differ, to their VoIP proCheck here for updates is responsible for a particular geographic viders. Customers need to update this www.wscert.net area or community. PSAP personnel often information if they change locations, can automatically identify your location and
WWW.WSCERT.NET Continued from page 1 for their VoIP 911 service to function properly; • VoIP service may not work during a power outage, or when the Internet connection fails or becomes overloaded. Tips for Subscribers to VoIP Service If you have or are thinking of subscribing to a VoIP service, you should: • Provide your accurate physical address to your VoIP service provider to ensure that emergency services can quickly be dispatched to your location. It is important to be aware that mailing addresses do not always correctly correspond to emergency services jurisdictions. The VoIP provider should be given the correct jurisdiction (city, town, village, etc.) information rather than your mailing address, if they differ. • Be familiar with your VoIP service provider’s procedures for updating your address, and promptly update address information in the event of a change. • If your power is out or your Internet connection is down, be aware that your VoIP service may not work. Consider installing a backup power supply, maintaining a traditional phone line or having a wireless phone as a backup. If you have questions about whether the phone service you are receiving is a VoIP service, contact your service provider for further information. If you have questions about how your VoIP E911 service works, contact your service provider and ask for an explanation of the 911 routing provided by their company.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006
Generator Safety Tips When there are downed utility lines, power company blackouts, storms that may lead to power outages and you go to use a generator please follow some of these basic safety tips.
January - February - March 2013
Shoveling Safety
Winter weather has finally reached us here in the Western New York. A number of accidents arise from trying to clear snow and ice from roads, walkways and cars. Back strain, muscle • Never run a generator within a basesoreness and sometimes ment, garage or any enclosed or partially enclosed structure as this will Heart Attacks have been lead to a dangerous and often fatal attributed accumulation of carbon monoxide. to shovelNever position a generator too close ing snow. to your home’s windows and doors. Below are a few tips • Use battery-operated carbon monon how you can keep yourself safe oxide alarms. Test and change the and healthy while you clear off your sidebatteries at regular intervals. walk or driveway. • Never connect a generator directly Warm up your muscles before going out to to your home’s wiring unless your shovel. Stretch all of your muscles home has been wired for generator use. Improper connections can cause back-feeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs. It is recommended that home owners have a licensed electrician install the proper equipment.
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords. Make sure extension cords are free of cuts or tears and the plug has three prongs. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage. • Ensure your generator is properly grounded before turning on. • Never overload a generator! A portable generator should only be used when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances. • Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down. • Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface under an open structure. • Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby. • Never fuel a generator while it is operating. Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.
Dress in layers and wear appropriate gear (ie. Hats, scarf, gloves, snow pants) Avoid caffeinated products as they can raise your heart rate, cause your blood vessels to constrict, and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. If you are looking to drink something warm drink hot chocolate or herbal teas instead of coffee. Use proper form when shoveling. Try to lift with your legs, not your back and separate your hands on the shovel to increase leverage. A shovel with wet snow can weigh up to 15 lbs so try to use a smaller shovel and pace yourself. Rest as often as you needed during shoveling. If you are clearing a large driveway or side walk break it into sections. We hope these tips keep you healthy and safe.
HAM Radio Class
Saturday Morning Classes starting on April 6, 2013 9am - 1:30pm for 4 weeks
EMPact America
7615 Seneca Street, Elma, NY (716) 435-7873 Sign-up online at www.PrepareHub.org/RadioClass
WWW.WSCERT.NET
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006
Winter Water Tips
West Seneca CERT News
With winter here we need everyone to remember, water freezes. If you use heat tape on any of your plumbing, make sure it is operational. The heat must not be turned off in an empty house to avoid frozen pipes that could break. Be aware that non-insulated pipes are not near a window that has been left open.
January - February - March 2013 Elma-Marilla-Wales Boys and Girls Club, Elma CERT, and West Seneca CERT.
West Seneca CERT held a holiday celeEMPact America would like to thank all the bration during the December meeting volunteers, participants, and Western New During one of the fall meetings the team Yorkers who made this event such a sucparticipated in group training that included cess! a staged search and rescue, shelter operations and an EMS refresher course. Ten New Amateurs from
Elma Class
If the fire hydrant is on or near your proper- Fist Annual Zombie ty, keep the area clean. During a fire, time Preparedness and Spookcounts. You do not want firefighters wast- tacular Safety Fair ing time digging the nearest fire hydrant A Success out of a pile of snow before they can start to put out the fire. If not clear, they may not Steuben Foods and EMPact America sponsored their first Zombie Preparedness even know the hydrant is there. and Spooktacular Family Safety Fair this When snow is on the ground, watch for past October. Despite the stormy weather, bear spots on the grass where your water the Halloween-themed event was a huge line is located. Leaks cause the snow to success, drawing a crowd of over five hunmelt so you may have a problem. dred people. If you leave the area for an extended time, The event was inspired by the Centers for turn your water off at the meter valve or Disease Control’s “Zombie Preparedness” the first valve in your home to limit the initiative, which launched in 2011. Dr. Ali damage of a rubber hose on your washer Khan, Director of Public Health Preparedor dishwasher bursting and flooding your ness and Response, stated that, “If you home when no one is home. are generally well equipped to deal with a
The Elma technician class, sponsored by West Seneca CERT, Elma CERT, and EMPact America, concluded on December 4th. Ten passed the amateur technician license examination: • Brandon Bodkin KD2DFH • William Hanson KD2DFI • Gail Kaminski KD2DFJ • Steven Kondrak KD2DFK • Carmen LaFalce KD2DFL • Timothy Lynch KD2DFM • Michael Pfohl KD2DFN • Mark Press KD2DFO • Joseph Sajdak KD2DFP
• Mettieirene Wagner KD2DFQ As any other time of year, keep a supply of zombie apocalypse you will be prepared Led by Keith Patterson, KC2DGC, the at least three (3) gallons of water per per- for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake, or instructors in-cluded Conrad Barrick, KCterrorist attack.” son available in case of a water outage. 2WRY; Jim Beck, W2SV; Tomm Dean, Remember in an emergency, Elma resi- This creative campaign comes in the midst KA2NXY; Linda Jablonski, KC2YMM; and dents will be notified through the CodeRed of a surge of zombies in popular culture. Bob Koster, KA2WYE. system. If you have moved or changed Television shows like The Walking Dead VEs were Jim Starr, N2TFA; Ed Patton, your phone number from land to cell only, and movies like Dawn of the Dead have N2ING; Linda Jablonski, KC2YMM; Tomm you will need to sign up with the new in- increased “zombie awareness” among the Dean, KA2NXY; John Czuba, W2IV; Shane American public. formation. Brady, WB2WPM; Jim Beck, W2SV; and The preparedness fair included fun ac- Conrad Barrick, KC2WRY. tivities for all ages; kids enjoyed the outElma CERT News door 30-foot zip-line, obstacle course, and Successful Pressure During the October team meeting training bounce house. The zombie-mode Call of Canning Demonstration covered was signing and communications Duty tournament attracted many young by Elma CERT Members techniques for hearing impared individu- people, as well. But most importantly, The Friday, November 9th demonstration als. The training was provided by Pamela event-goers had the opportunity to learn class on canning went exceptionally well Rohring and Rosellen Peek from Deaf valuable information about emergency with a number of participants in attenpreparedness and safety. Adult Sservices. dance. Instructors for the demonstration The hot water bath and pressure canning Participating business and organizations were Greg and Deborah Merriam. included the Amanda Hansen Foundaclasses were discussed and planned. tion, Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shel- Greg gave a demonstration on the steps During the November team meeting new ter, Buffalo Red Cross, Elma CERT, Erie used in pressure canning including prepaofficers were nominated for the 2013 term County SPCA, Girl Scouts of Western rations and safety. and upcoming gardening series of class- New York, Elma Fire Department, East Students were able to take home a variety es. Also discussed was plans for 2013. Aurora Fire Department, Oogie Games, of literature to help with canning at home. It was also noted that keeping your training Red Dragon School of Martial Arts, Sonwil The response from class attendees were certificates updated in CERT and to make Distribution, Town of Elma Office of Emer- positive and they look forward to future gency Management, West Seneca CERT, classes in a variety of subjects. a copy of your certificates for the files. West Seneca Rotary, and many more. All donations and proceeds benefited the
WWW.WSCERT.NET
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006
What iS Cert?
Winter Car Safety tipS
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fi re safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. To join a team or to fi nd out more, visit www.wscert.net, facebook page West Seneca Cert or contact a member at one of the numbers listed in this newsletter. If your business or organization would like to have a presentation, contact John Gullo at jgullo@twsny.org. To join or to receive more information about the Elma CERT group visit their facebook page at Elma Cert or contact at the information listed on the front page.
January - February - March 2013 • Replace windshield-wiper fl uid with a wintertime mixture.
You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have Add some survival and emergency gear to maintenance service on your vehicle as your car’s storage area. Some examples often as the manufacturer recommends. In you can include are: addition: • Regular or emergency blankets • Have the radiator system serviced, • Flashlights with extra batteries or check the antifreeze level yourself • Bottle of water with an antifreeze tester. Add anti• Snack foods that won’t go bad easily freeze, as needed. • Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires. Tires lose air pressure when it gets cold. Put on snow tires if you have them
• First aid kit • 5 in 1 hammer safety belt tool • Road Map and compass
• Check your brakes fl uid and calipers to make sure they are working properly.
• Paper towels
• During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Make sure to test your heater while its still warm so that you can have time to get it serviced before cold weather sets in. • Have your battery checked and clean off contacts and posts. If there is excessive corrosion on the terminals your battery might need replaced. • Check your spark plug wires. Cracked plug wires affect performance, gas millage and reliability.
• Moist wet wipes • Snow brush • Refl ective triangles and /or road fl ares If You Become Stranded... • Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation. • To attract attention, light two fl ares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
• Make sure your emergency fl ashers are working be checking them every so often
• If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• Fix exhaust leaks as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if you are sitting idle somewhere for too long.
• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
• A good rule is to replace your windshield wipers in the fall and spring.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
elma Code red notifiCation
WeSt SeneCa niXle notifiCation
In Elma sign-up for Code Red to be notifi ed by your local emergency response team in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Signup for Code Red by visiting the town website at: www.elmanewyork.com
Sign up for emergency and non-emergency alerts for up-to-date information during an incident or anytime from the offi ce of Disaster Preparedness. Nixle will provide the same EAS message to every one who signs up. To register visit www.nixle.com