2015 - 1st QTR Elma West Seneca CERT Newsletter

JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015

ELMA / WEST SENECA SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006

ELMA Edward R. Sauer Emergency Manager (716) 652-7635 oem@elmanewyork.com

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RESILIENCY BEGINS NOW

Submitted by John Gullo

MEETINGS - 7:00 PM 2nd Wednesday of Month Training and meetings are at the Elma Senior Center unless noted.

Elma Senior Center 3007 Bowen Road Elma, NY 14059 Web: elmanewyork.com/oem/ECert.html Facebook: Elma Community Emergency Response Team, Inc.

WEST SENECA John Gullo Emergency Manager (716) 558-3238 jgullo@twsny.org MEETINGS - 7:00 PM 3rd Monday of the month Training and meetings are at the West Seneca School’s Ebenezer Building W. S. School Ebenezer Bldg.

900 Mill Road West Seneca, NY 14224 Watch website and Facebook for training and meeting locations.

Web: www.wscert.net Facebook: West Seneca Cert

When it comes down to it, the ability to respond, mitigate and recover means being resilient.

We often talk about long-term recovery but the ability to recover from a disaster really means developing that resiliency beforehand. Whether talking about the threat of a catastrophic winter storm or the trends for greater concentrations of water from storms, the concept is similar; it takes partnerships, collaboration and forward thinking.

Resiliency can be an all-encompassing term. However, we will define it as a preparedness method that can be incorporated by individuals, communities, institutions, businesses. A method that as a community, we can survive, adapt and grow no matter what kinds of chronic stresses and acute shocks they experience.

Such shocks and stresses vary across the country and range from earthquakes, to hurricanes and winter storms. There are innovative efforts to develop

CURRIED CHICKEN & ARTICHOKE SALAD from Recipes for Disaster: An Emergency Preparedness Cookbook.

Ingredients 1 can (10 oz) chunk whitemeat chicken, drained 1 jar (6 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1/2 cup raisins 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Directions Toss chicken, artichoke hearts and raisins in a medium bowl.

Separately blend oil, vinegar, curry powder and garlic powder and gently stir into chicken mixture. Serve For more recipes and ideas www.getreadyforflu.org/RecipesForDisaster.htm See Story on inside about what food to store.

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plans to help minimize the effects of these uncontrollable events in the different segments of the community.

Why do we mention these incidents and planning? In preparing for the unknown, we implement different strategies to help us develop an all hazards mitigation plan. Remember as you read, the all hazards plan is for residents, businesses, non-profits and the government. We look at different sectors including transportation, banking, education, medical facilities and the utilities, all which need to be up and running as soon as possible after an emergency.

Besides the storm we just encountered, you may remember the October Storm in 2006. That storm enabled Emergency Management Coordinators to collaborate and devise plans to help minimize the effect on residents and the infrastructure.

Regarding local school districts, we know that it is imperative to get the schools re-opened as soon as possible to restore some semblance of normalcy. We call this the new normal. Certain plans include keeping the public aware of the plans. The more preparation and collaboration between entities and neighbors, the more resilient the community will be.

The Town of West Seneca & the Town of Elma has CodeRed to help when a disaster or event occurs and what steps they can take to minimize the impact of such. See box on back page to sign up in your community.

Is the business community ready? To survive and rebuild after an event occurs, plans should be in place.

There will not be time or resources available to just pull it together on the fly. Emergency responders will have their normal duties and will be charged with more responsibility and will need to collaborate with different entities at the onset of these incidents.

Although the types of incidents and stresses vary across the board, we challenge everyone to become more resilient. Start with your personal emergency plan and reach out to your neighbors to start the conversation on being prepared. For more information or discussions feel free to contact my office to speak to me.

BEST FOODS TO STOCKPILE FOR AN EMERGENCY Submitted by Amy Thompson

Fueling your body during an emergency is different from your everyday diet. You will expend more energy than you normally would, you should eat high-energy, high-protein foods.

And because you’ll have a limited supply, the higher-quality foods you eat—and the less of them—the better. “In a disaster or an emergency you want those calories,” says Barry Swanson, a food scientist at Washington State University. “You want some nutrients and some fiber— something to keep your diet normal.”

What to Always Keep in Your Pantry Items listed here have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time. Make a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every 6 to 12 months to keep things fresh. And don’t forget to have a can opener on hand at all times—all that food won’t be of any use if you can’t open it.

• Peanut butter - A great source of energy, full of healthful fats and protein.

• Whole-wheat crackers - Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts (check the box for expiration dates), but the extra fiber pays off when you’re particularly hungry.

• Nuts and trail mixes - Stock up on these high-energy foods—they’re healthful and convenient for snacking.

• Cereal - Choose multi-grain cereals that are individually packaged so they don’t become stale after opening.

• Granola bars and power bars - Healthy and filling, these portable snacks usually stay fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re an excellent source of carbohydrates. “You can get more energy from carbohydrates without [eating] tons of food,” says Andress.

• Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer potassium and dietary fiber.

“Dried fruits provide you with a significant amount of nutrients and calories,” says Swanson.

• Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey - Generally lasting at least two years in the

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pantry, canned meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf life but will last at least six months.

• Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas - When the real deal isn’t an option, canned varieties can provide you with essential nutrients.

• Canned soups and chili - Soups and chili can be eaten straight out of the can and provide a variety of nutrients. Look for low-sodium options.

• Bottled water - Try to stock at least a threeday supply--you need at least one gallon per person per day. A normal active person should drink at least a half gallon of water each day • Sports drinks - The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help you rehydrate and replenish fluid when water is scarce.

• Powdered milk - Almost all dairy products require refrigeration, so stock this substitute for an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D when fresh milk isn’t an option.

• Sugar, salt, and pepper - If you have access to a propane or charcoal stove, you may be doing some cooking. A basic supply of seasonings and sweeteners will improve the flavor of your food, both fresh and packaged.

• Multivitamins - Supplements will help replace the nutrients you would have consumed on a normal diet.

WHAT IS CERT

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 fire 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 find out more, visit www.wscert.net or contact a member at one of the numbers listed below.

John Gullo - Town of West Seneca (716) 558-3238 Ed Sauer - Town of Elma (716) 652-7635

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ELMA CERT DURING STORM Submitted by Cindy Minnich

As the several feet of snow blanketed the South Town region during the historic November Storm, Elma CERT members were called into action.

With local fire departments, such as the Jamison Volunteer Fire Company, being transformed into warming shelters for stranded motorists and others affected by the storm, the demands of the first responders grew and Elma CERT members provided assistance where needed. Members helped set up the shelter space, cooked food at a local fire station and worked to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for those affected by the storm and assisted in preparing meals for the firefighters and those staying in the shelter.

As the storm persisted a decision was made to create a regional Red Cross Shelter at the Iroquois Middle School. Elma CERT members assisted the Red Cross in setting up the shelter, by helping with admissions, and providing a comfortable.

The Salvation Army provided meals for lunch and dinner daily. Mennonites also assisted after the storm to help clear roofs and pathways.

When the snow subsided and the roads cleared, people began to head back to work and to their business. Evidence of the storm could still be seen in a variety of ways. Fallen trees and collapsed roofs were some of the indicators, but something else was also apparent. There was a feeling of gratitude for services rendered shared by all involved.

Those individuals who utilized the shelters were grateful for all efforts and didn’t hesitate to share their appreciation to all helpers involved. The

Jamison Volunteer Fire Company and the Red Cross expressed their appreciation to the Elma CERT team for the services provided. The Town of Elma also acknowledged the efforts of Elma CERT and first responders.

Elma CERT was appreciative of the opportunity to work with the seasoned first responders and disaster relief helpers and learn how to better assist our community. As Thanksgiving day was quickly approaching, it seemed everyone could find something for which to be grateful.

The November Storm brought many things to the Western New York South Town region. Along with the snow and the stories that will be shared for years to come, it brought many opportunities for community services to collaborate, learn from one another and forge relationships that will only make our community stronger in the future.

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WEST SENECA CERT DURING STORM

It was Tuesday December 18th at 1:30 in the morning. I looked out the window to discover an snow event like no others. It took me 2 hours to get to the West Seneca Emergency Operations Center, fighting all the elements. Once the EOC was opened I placed the call out for CERT members to respond to the EOC. A few members started to arrive around 8 am.

The morning went so fast we lost track of time, looking back the entire week went the same way.

During the day a few more members sporadically arrived. Some with snow shoes, skies or even walked in.

The West Seneca EOC fielded phone calls that were transferred by the West Seneca 911 Dispatch center. or direct were dialed in. As the storm progressed in the team manned the radios and attempted to contact truck drivers and direct them to park in designated locations, team members fielded calls, including residents in need of food, medical, wellness checks, furnace and general questions regarding the storm. Tasks completed by the West Seneca CERT Team included working with the Erie County Emergency Operations Center; Sheltering some individuals in the EOC; performing quality of life checks; documenting tasks completed by all volunteers in town and assisted in the creek watch with the possibility of impending flooding.

We placed Dlan tickets for resources from Erie County, that included high-lifts, sandbags and more. While working in the EOC we established a few key positions such as logistics and EOC Operators. With the storm it was challenging to

Submitted by John Gullo

get replacement staff into the EOC due to the storm and the team not having transportation.

The West Seneca EOC also hosted VOAD a faith based volunteer operations group who helped to coordinate getting paths opened and some roof racking. On average we took in approximately 200 phone calls a hour. All total we have 1350 volunteer hours from the team for the week. Some more than others, either way it was a great team effort.

Efforts that have been recognized from the town board to FEMA and I am proud of the team. The team worked as they never did before and came through shining. FEMA representatives were impressed with the information and efforts.

Thank you letters and pins were given to members who volunteered. Shown below is Jake Hall receiving his letter and pin.

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A FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN Your family may not be together when a emergency or travel ban could happen so it is important to plan in advance: • What do you need if stuck in your car?

• How will you contact one another?

• How and when will you get back together?

• Who will let Fido out and feed him?

• Who will check in with grandma?

Emergencies could include being stuck at work or elsewhere in a severe snow storm with white-out conditions or flooding and you are unable to travel home in a timely manner.

Meet and talk with your family about the need to prepare for various disasters in your area. Emergency situations can be stressful and confusion can happen.

Identify trusted contacts whether it be a friend or relative. Having both a local contact and a contact that lives out of your area or state is very helpful. Be sure every family member knows the number and the contact knows you are using them. If you have a cell phone create an “ICE” contact. “ICE” stands for In Case of Emergency.

Pick 2 locations to meet. First location is outside of your home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire. Outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home or are asked to leave your neighborhood. Everyone will need to know the address and phone number of the location. Also discuss what do if you are asked to evacuate. Make arrangements to stay with a friend or relative and if you have animals make sure to include them in your plan. Make sure to share the route you would take.

Have an emergency communication plan in the event that family members are separated. With parents at work and children in school, separation is a real possibility.

Have an emergency plan for your pets. If you go to a shelter you could be turned away if you have a pet. More and more locations are trying to be more pet friendly. Make sure dogs have their leashes and cats are contained. All animals should have their vet papers, food, water and any medications necessary.

You should also inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time and at work.

ELMA Sign up for Code Red to be notified by your local emergency response team in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts.

Sign-up for Code Red by visiting the link

Sign up for Elma Code Red by visiting the town website at: www.elmanewyork.com

WEST SENECA

Code Red sign up will start in August. Check westseneca. net, wscert.net and facebook page

UPCOMING TRAINING & EVENTS CALENDAR January 14 Elma CERT meeting 19 WS CERT meeting February 11 Elma CERT Meeting 16 West Seneca CERT Meeting March 11 Elma CERT meeting 12 EID Counterterrorism Workshop - Cheektowaga 16 West Seneca CERT meeting

Check the West Seneca CERT and Elma CERT, Inc. websites for updates and upcoming events.

Anyone interested in training provided by SMART must pre-register at: www2.erie.gov/smart. Some trainings may have prerequisites.

For more information on HAM Radio classes visit South Towns Amateur Radio Society Online at: http:// stars.thefruths.com

CERT TRAINING COMING SOON CERT & Basic Preparedness Training will be coming this spring. Watch for the upcoming trainings on EMPact America and the Elma and West Seneca CERT Facebook pages for more information.

Empact America facebook.com/EMPactAmericaInc

Elma CERT facebook.com/ElmaCommunityEmergencyResponseTeam

West Seneca CERT facebook.com/WestSenecaCERT West Seneca Disaster Preparedness facebook.com/WSOfficeDisasterPreparedness For story ideas or contributions email editor Amy Thompson at amy.thompson25@gmail.com