Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council Provides Comments to National Response Framework

The National Response Framework (NRF) was open for public comment.

Summary of Comments Provided:

The framework includes awareness and training for Citizen Corps Council programs. There is also a section on managing spontaneous volunteers. However, there is limited guidance on how the trained emergency response volunteers (CERT, MRC, VIPS, etc.) will deploy, how they will work with affiliate programs (such as the Red Cross or Volunteer organizations), how they will coordinate with government entities, etc.

From: FEMA-NRF [Fema-NRF@dhs.gov]
Subject: RE: National Response Framework Comment

Thank you for your comment submission regarding the National Response Framework and/or its supporting documents. DHS/FEMA appreciates your input toward improving the nation's emergency management response capabilities.

Pictured above, members of the Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participated in Alexandria CERT's first annual full scale exercise.

Also participating in the exercise were members of the Arlington CERT program, volunteers from the Red Cross, and students in Fairfax County Public School's Fire and Emergency Medical Sciences program.

The exercise was held to test the emergency response of Alexandria Community Emergency Response Teams 203, 205, and 207, in conjunction with the Alexandria Office of Emergency Management.

It provided a chance for multiple teams in the National Capital Region (NCR) to be victims in a simulated mass casualty environment and an opportunity to meet and work with local CERT members.

For additional information, visit the Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team blog.

Citizens Participate in Military Exercise

Members of the Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) participated in an emergency response exercise at Fort Belvoir.

"The installation tested its response to a terrorist incident involving chemical biological nuclear and high- yield explosives."

The Citizen Corps Council was featured on the front page of the Belvoir Eagle.

Fairfax County Citizen Corps Receives Ready Campaign Thank You

Dear Coalition Members,

The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign would like to thank you for your support and efforts during National Preparedness Month 2007. The impact on the American public is evident by the record number of 1,800 organizations and the more than 1,000 events and activities that took place educating citizens on emergency preparedness in their communities and businesses. To learn more about some of the events that took place across the nation, please visit the NPM Journal.

The Ready Campaign values our relationship with your organization and we hope you will continue your efforts year round. Throughout the coming year, the Ready Campaign will be sharing with you upcoming events and activities. In the coming weeks, Ready will launch a new feature on our Web site called “Share Your Story.” This will allow us to capture Americans stories on personal preparedness. We look forward to sharing this with you.

We wish you great success in the coming year and look forward to working with you again in September 2008!

Sincerely,

The Ready Campaign

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Fairfax County might not see a lot of snow, but thunderstorms are prevalent.

Some tips can help you stay safe during the next thunderstorm. Use the 30/30 lightning safety rule.

If you see lightning and you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors and stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm; plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity. If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible, but do not lie flat on the ground.

Listen to (NOAA) Weather Radio for information: a thunderstorm watch means there is a possibility of a thunderstorm in your area; a thunderstorm warning means a thunderstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon.

If you are advised to take shelter, do so immediately. For more information, visit Fairfax County Emergency Information.

Fairfax County and CDC to Conduct Preparedness Exercise

Fairfax County Citizen Corps Council Attends National First Responders Conference

Members of the Fairfax County Volunteers in Police Service/APO, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) attended the National First Responders Conference.

A major focus of several sessions was on "Recognizing and Responding to Terrorism".

Information about the conference can be found on the conference website.

There was no cost to attend this conference.