Montgomery CERT CPR Instructors Greg St. James, David Schwartzman and Jennifer St. James, as well as our outreach coordinator (Kevin Barth) participated in a very important hands-only CPR demo on Friday, February 7th at Bohrer Park Community Center in Gaithersburg. As a highlight of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Xi Sigma Omega Chapter’s Pink Goes Red Community Impact Day. It was exciting to see members and guests learn new skills and knowledge that can truly be life-saving for family, friends, neighbors and co-workers in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County CERT CPR Instructor Team (David Schwartzman, Jennifer St. James and Program Manager Greg St. James) pictured with members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Greg St. James teaches the importance of hands-only CPR and how it can save lives in our community. Jennifer St. James teaches the importance of doing high-quality chest compressions to members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

I hope this new year finds you healthy and safe and ready to learn and grow with us. We have a busy and exciting 2020 ahead . Here are some things to look for: FEMA has issued a revised CERT curriculum. MC CERT is working to integrate the changes and roll them out in our spring CERT Basic Class (most likely in early April 2020). MC CERT is planning more Friends and Family CPR /AED trainings, both at the PSHQ and at an outside location. We are purchasing additional equipment and plan to introduce Infant CPR classes this year.  Watch this website for dates and registration info. We are also launching a Hands Only CPR outreach component. Our first such event is Friday February  7 at 7:00 pm, at Bohrer Park Activity Center in Gaithersburg, Room C. In 2020 MC CERT team members will have the chance to take certain courses at the PSTA (The Academy) as we mature and integrate our organization with the MCFRS. This summer CERT will put in service CERT 700, a re-purposed ambulance to serve as our CERT command and outreach vehicle. MC CERT will also start using space at the Community Service Building for storage, training, and meetings. This will be a significant improvement for our group. Details soon. MC CERT will add equipment and uniform items as funds allow this year, look for opportunities to improve our gear and our PPE as we train. MC CERT will also increase our Continuing Education opportunities for members locally and nationally. We hope to send a group to the national CERT conference in Missouri in July. 2020 will also see MC CERT take part in more NCR CERT activities including CERT CON 2020 in Fairfax VA in November 2020. So keep your calendar at hand there are many CERT activities this year that I know you will want to participate in!

Happy Holidays to you and yours from all of us here at Montgomery County CERT. December has proven to be a busy month with the CERT annual Holiday Party, Teen CERT,  a Friends and Family CPR class, and continuing work on new FEMA CERT training standards for 2020. FEMA says they will release the new course updates in early January.  Look for more information from our CERT Training committee also in January. Our CERT January general meeting will feature an informative presentation and firsthand account about the events of 9-11 at the Pentagon from John Lamme.  Please join us January 9, 2020 at 1900 at PSHQ.   On December 11, 2019, the Montgomery County Community Emergency Response Team and I received a 2019 Mission award from Homeland Security Today.  Kristina Tanasichuk (seen here presenting the award) is the Executive Editor of Homeland Security Today and CEO of the Government Technology & Services Coalition. Each year, Homeland Security Today honors shining stars in the community who are making their own unique, invaluable contributions to advance the mission of keeping America safer from myriad threats. Kristina Tanasichuk & Greg St. James Greg St. James receiving the 2019 Mission Award On a personal note, 2019 was a roller coaster year for me: two significant health challenges that I have overcome, and a marriage celebrated. On behalf of Jennifer and I and our family: we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful new year!  Greg & Jennifer St. James

Here are some great winter tips from FEMA. Happy and safe Holidays to all: Greg St. JamesCERT Program ManagerMontgomery County Fire and RescuePSHQ 2nd Floor100 Edison Park DriveGaithersburg, MD 20878240-777-2407Greg.St.James@montgomerycountymd.gov Preparing for Winter Weather With winter approaching, be sure to look through your emergency kit and add supplies specific to winter, such as: Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. (Remember that these products can be harmful to dogs, so be sure to choose a non-toxic brand if you or your neighbors have pets.) Sand/gravel to improve traction. Snow shovels or other snow removal equipment. Heating fuel. If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, keep a supply of good, dry wood for heating in case you lose power. Adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm, including coats, sweaters, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, etc. Keep your NOAA Weather Radio in your kit to receive broadcast alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency.Before the storm hits, download free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, which provides information about finding shelters, providing first aid and seeking assistance for recovery.Be prepared to bring your pets/animals inside in the event of a winter storm. Move animals and livestock to a sheltered area with non-frozen drinking water. Include medications and assistive technology devices. America\’s Prepareathon. Be Smart. Take Part. Prepare. Plan your Travel during Winter Weather Carefully During a winter storm, minimize your travel by car. Even if winter weather conditions aren’t obviously present, conditions like black ice can cause vehicles to lose control. If you plan on traveling by vehicle during the winter, make sure to winterize your vehicle. Check (or have a mechanic check) the following items in your car: Ensure that antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing. Ensure your battery and ignition are in top condition and battery terminals are clean. Check for wear and fluid levels of breaks. Check for leaks and crimped pipes in your exhaust system, and repair/replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually there is no warning of its presence. Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing. Ensure your heater and defroster are working properly. Check your lights and hazard lights to ensure they’re working properly. Check your oil level and weight. Heavier oils can congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well. Repair any problems with your windshield wipers and maintain proper washer fluid levels. Install good winter tires with adequate tread. Remember that some jurisdictions may require vehicles be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs. Keep a winter weather supply kit in your vehicle, including: Shovel Windshield scraper and small broom Flashlight Battery powered radio Extra batteries Water Food Matches Extra clothing and blankets to keep warm, such as coats, hats, socks, mittens, etc. First aid kit  Medications Tow chain or rope Jumper cables Road salt and sand Emergency flares Florescent distress flag Build an Emergency Supply Kit for your Car If you’re traveling overseas, remember to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans. By enrolling, the U.S. Embassy can contact you in an emergency, whether a natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency. Take a look at the U.S. Department of State’s Traveler’s Checklist too, where you can get helpful tips about safety and security, crisis planning, health precautions and money matters. Be Informed Know the below terms and what actions to take. Be alert to weather reports and tune in for specific guidance when these conditions develop. Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating acoating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines. Sleet: Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery. Wind Chill: Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The NWS provides a wind chill calculator to show the difference between air temperature and the perceived temperature and the amount of time until frostbite occurs. Winter Weather Advisory: The NWS issues a winter weather advisory when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used, these situations should not be life-threatening. Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. The NWS issues a winter storm watch when severe winter conditions, such as heavy snow and/or ice, may affect your area but the location and timing are still uncertain. A winter storm watch is issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a potential severe storm. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, TV, or other news sources for more information. Monitor alerts, check your emergency supplies, and gather any items you may need if you lose power. Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area. Blizzard Warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer. Frost/Freeze Warning: Below freezing temperatures are expected. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide-related deaths are highest during colder months and are likely due to increased use of gas-powered furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources used inappropriately indoors during power outages. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating, or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fires. Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you. Winterize your home Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk during the winter, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.