BIG VALLEY CERT Training a Reality

A solid 18 persons attended the initial CERT training orientation and class held the 18th of March at the Spotted Horse Livery carriage house. This critical training is really the first real "community/neighborhood" CERT team in the area, despite the number of people we have trained over the past few years. If you recall, this was the area of tragedy last spring, when Jesse and Gloria Hornsby were lost in a rain swollen stream. Since that time this community has banded together to improve itself, with not only CERT training, but also the successful lobbying for bridge and low water crossing improvements. The Coryell County Citizens Corps is honored to have this opportunity to help, and will be assisted in this endeavor by the Copperas Cove CERT team members, the Copperas Cove Fire Department, as well as our own CERT team members. BIG VALLEY RULES!

Posse/CERT/SAR=successful search

The Coryell County Sheriff's Posse and CERT/SAR have been cooperating on joint training: first in January a 70 person class was held at the County Activity Complex, and then 8 March 08 a full day field exercise was held to trial joint and individual operations, as well as get the search management teams working in accordance with NIMS guidelines. Bob Adkison of the Sheriff's Posse secured the McMullin Ranch and its service building as an exercise area, and somehow talked Donlie and his son-in-law to prepare an amazing barbeque lunch, with all the fixins' helped out by some bring your own entree's and desserts.

The exercise revolved around a lost "tweenager" that was diabetic. The searchers skills were challenged by a multitude of clues placed by Mr. Adkison and his "posse". The clues led the searchers through a variety of terrain, culminating in locating the victim. nearly 100% of the clues were found, which is phenomenal.

The next training will be coordinated by CERT and is anticipated to occur in May-June time frame.

Severe Flood: Tragedy

IT WAS MAY 24, 2007 AROUND 9 IN THE EVENING WHEN MR. YARBROUGH RECIEVED A CALL FROM THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN COPPERAS COVE, TEXAS. APPARENTLY AN EDERLY COUPLE TRIED CROSSING A LOW CREEK CROSSING AND GOT PUSHED INTO THE RUSHING CREEK. WE HAD HAD A FAIRLY HUGE AMOUNT OF RAIN IN PREVIOUS DAYS ADN HAD RECIEVED MORE THAT DAY, SO THE CREEK WAS HIGH UP. THE ELDERLY COUPLE WERE IN A VAN AND WERE TOLD NOT TO CROSS BY AN RESPONDING SHERIFF FROM CORYELL COUNTY. WHEN MR. YARBROUGH SHOWED UP, THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND RESPONDING EMERGENCY DIRECTORS WERE ALREADY LOOKING FOR THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS FLIPPED ONTO ITS SIDE. WHEN THEY FOUND IT NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE, SO ASSUMING THEY WERE IN THE WATER THEY STARTED A CREEK BANK AND WATER SEARCH. MR. YARBROUGH SUPPLIED THE NEEDED ASSISTANCE IN THE WATER AND HAD HIS DAUGHTER WAITING FOR THE COREYELL COUNTY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM TO SHOW UP FOR AN EVALUATED SEARCH ON NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES THAT BORDERED THE CREEK. LOGIE AND CARLOS, DEPUTY SHERIFFS, AND MR. YARBROUGH CAME TOGETHER FOR A SWIFT WATER RESCUE TEAM. THEY HAD FOUND THE ELDERLY WOMAN ABOUT 800 METERS FROM THE VAN THAT NIGHT AND THE ELDERLY MAN THE NEXT MORNING ABOUT 30 METERS FROM WHERE THE HIS WIFE WAS FOUND. IT WAS A LONG AND CONTINOUS SEARCH THAT LASTED UNTIL ABOUT 3 IN THE MORNING ON THE NIGHT OF THE 24 AND CONTINUED AT 7:30 LATER THAT MORNING. THE FUNERAL SERVICES WERE HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2007, AT 11:30 IN THE MORNING.

MR. YARBROUGH JUST WANTED TO PERSONALLY THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR TIME AND HARD WORK ON THIS SEARCH. iT REALLY MEANT A LOT TO HIM AND TO THE FAMILY OF THIS COUPLE FOR EVERYONE'S HARD WORK. AND HE KNEW IT WAS COLD AND DRIZZLE, BUT EVERYONE SAVED A LIFE EVEN IF THEY PASSED.

FLASH FLOODS AND TORNADO DEMAND CERT TEAM ACTION!!!

CERT team from Evant, Gatesville, and Oglesby all were deployed for disaster related activities from 29 MArch 2007 thru 3 April 2007. It started Thursday with flash floods necessitating a couple of spectacular water rescues, in which Mr. Yarbrough assisted. Friday, when the bottom dropped out of the sky. Almost immediately, all public services were 100% extended, and the Evant and Gatesville CERT went into rescue and evaluation mode, a chainsaw team, medical team, and route search teams were deployed. They then spent the next two days operating damage assessment stations for the citizens of Bluestem and Kubick estates. Then Tuesday and Wednesday the Copperas Cove CERT kicked the dust off of there boots, sat up a station in Cove, and actually did door to door surveys to help out. The CERT teams were able to get over 140 persons documented, including 4 businesses. Hopefully these activities will allow those families to qualify for external assistance from the Small Business Administration. NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU UPDATE YOUR E-MAIL and TELEPHONE NUMBERES!!! Use the application button in the top left corner of the webpage.

STORMWATCH 18 January 1800-2100 in Gatesville at the City Auditorium!!!!

TORNADO in Oglesby: CCERT helps out

On Friday, 29 Dec 2006 a tornado swept from south of the Leon River north to and through 307 in Oglesby. Whe the stom hit Oglesby, ti damaged 9 mobile homes, 3 constructed homes, and 24 outbuildings. Luckily no one was injured. the CCERT assisted the Oglesby Volunteer Fire Department in tarping a number of trailers, and helped in the damage survey. Go to the pictures page for some action shots of CCERT in action!!

NOTE: We learned that adding a hammer, nails and tarpd are important, get you team together and decide who gets what.

AAEC Scores again!!!

Arnett Auxiliary Engine Company assisted the Levita Fire Department, and are helping them administratively with it. Through this program the Levita VFD is gettting SCBA gear, Bunker Gear, and Wildland gear. Way to go Levita

Get Ready for the next class;

Details for January's class will be up this weekend!!!!

 

CERT Class in Cove a BIG SUCCESS.

The Copperas Cove Fire Department hosted the Texas Equine Rescue Association CERT training program, the weekend of 17 and 18 June 2006. This class uniquely allowed completion of 18 hours of training in 2 days versus spreading the program out over a 6 week period, as is normally done with CERT training. Due to the desire of TERA to train its members prior to the next hurricane season, Coryell County Citizens Corps agreed to this format of teaching. The group of experienced equine investigators underwent disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, as well as a 2 hour version of the Coryell County Wildland Search training module. Many thanks go out to the Copperas Cove Fire Department, Capt. Young, Capt. Fleming, and Capt. Harmon; as well as the members of both shifts that worked during our class. The coffee was much appreciated! As well as the superb facility!!!

BCLS Training for CERT/CMRT

The AED grant includes funding for training in BCLS. The Coryell County Citizen Corps will join the Gatesville Fire Department, Evant ISD and CERT in an effort to train instructors for BCLS/AED, that will allow us to continue training our members for the next 2 years.

Coryell Emergency Response Team GETS CEDAP!!

CERT has received word that they have officially gotten the grant for the search and rescue set. This set of transponders is mated with a laptop computer communications system to identify the locations of searchers on a graphical image for planning and control purposes. This tool will be used by the CERT and all local public safety agencies. Training is tentatively scheduled for the July/August time frame.

Coryell and Evant CERT get AED Grant!!!

The Office of Rural Community Affairs awarded AED grants to the Evant CERT team and the Coryell ERT. Additionally, the Citizen Corps was able to help get an AED for EVANT ISD and Gatesville VFD. The grant will provide an AED and training for the team members. Overall the valuae will exceed $10000 to the Citizen Corps. Please contact admin for further details.

4Imprint Awards Grant to Coryell County citizen Corps

4Imprint, a promotional products company in Oshkosh, WI awarded the C5 a $500 grant for water bottles to give to CERTstudents. This critical need was identified early in our program, and 4Imprint responded to that need by donating the bottle. Each of the sports bottles will be white with a green lid, and the CERT emblem on the side. We extend a big thanks to 4Imprint for helping us "Prepare Coryell County"!!!

Coryell County Emergency Response Team

Still in the running for a CEDAP grant for a Search and Rescue set; that includes a computer with maps, and GPS transponders to locate individual searchers.

New CERT Class to be held on Cove for Lone Star Equine Rescue

Lone Star Equine Rescue, member of Habitat for Horses, has asked us to provide CERT training for its members to improve their disaster response capabilities. LSER responded significantly to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the Panhandle Fire. The 1st class on 1 April 2006 will be held at Five Hills Fellowship, right next to the County annex in Cove, and the next day of class will be held at the Copperas Cove Civic Events Center by City Park on 2 April 2006. This will be the first class to run concurrently and teach all subjects in a 2 day period, as opposed to over a 6 week period. As always the class is free, as are the manual and personal CERT kit.

Program for Smoke Detectors Big Success

The AFG program for Fire Prevention and Safety that was awarded to the Arnett Auxiliary Engine Company has proven to be extremely effective. Overall the program procurred 4600 smoke detectors, along with batteries and instructions, to be given to residents of Coryell County. Each of the local fire departments was given a portion, with Copperas Cove Fire Department receiving the most. Additionally the WIC offices have been doing a booming trade, dispensing many detectors and infant monitors as well. Members of the AAEC manned a display table at the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on the 23rd of March, accompanying members of the Gatesville Fire Department. This event generated a lot of excitement for the programs, and over 200 smoke detectors were issued.

Citizen Corps attains Non-Profit Status from the IRS

The Coryell County Citizen Corps Council recieved notification that they were approved for non-profit status this week. By having this status, it gives the corps a better chance of applying for and receiving grants from non-federal sources. In keeping with our charter, our focus is preparedness in terms of disaster for our county. If you, or someone you know wishes to donate, please send an e-mail to the site administrator at cccadmin@coryellcitizencorps.org

Search and Rescue field day at P.A.L. Ranch a Success!! Look at pics!!!

The Coryell Citizen Corps SAR program got off to a flying leap with a 7 hour program at the PAL Ranch in Star. The Police Activity League generously donated time for us to train a class of search technicians on the 18th of February. This superb facility helped us complete the class despite the icy, cold weather. There were 17 attendees to the class, with a special mounted component. The mounted team focused on hasty and route searches, while the ground team did type 2 and 3 searches. The group is planning on another training session in about 2 months.

AAEC Grant Received!!!!

The Arnett Auxiliary Engine Company, our Fire Corps unit, received a grant for Fire Prevention and Safety from the Assistance to Firefighters Program for approximately $86,000.00. This grant will be used to purchase and distribute 4,600 smoke detectors and 200+ infant monitors to the homes of seniors and those of families with children. If you would like to participate, please send an e-mail to the site administrator at cccadmin@coryellcitizencorps.org Please go to the AAEC website for more details!!!

EVANT CERT Class: BIGGEST YET!!!!! Click here for class schedule

46 people showed up for the first night of activities on 12 January 2006. The Evant Fire Department graciously hosted the first training session, and their support was wonderful. Excellent organization by the local organizer nearly overwhlemed our resources, and exhausted some of our supplies, but by the nights end, all was running smoothly. This class will be unique, because within the course itself, we will also begin teaching more advanced search and rescue theory. This is due to the community concern and need to establish a mounted search and rescue unit. By combining this with CERT, we can readily support this team with training and equipment. Please see the Picture page for Photo's and the CERT page for more class specific details.

Coryell Medical Reserve Team Gets Commendation From Surgeon General

Received a letter of commendation for the actions of its members during Hurricane Katrina and Rita from the US Surgeon General. Members of the CMRT provided assistance to shelters in Waco, Killeen, Copperas Cove, Houston, and Nagadoches. The service was noted as quite difficult, as most members juggled jobs and families to help those affected by the disasters. This is quite an accomplishment, given that the unit has been organized for less than a year, and it is attributable to the efforts of its volunteers. Currently the CMRT is organizing further, and developing plans for continued assistance in the community.

Arnett Auxiliary Engine Company Looking To Save Lives with Smoke Detector Grant

The AAEC is anticipating the receipt of a Fire Prevention & Safety Grant from the Assistance to Firefighters program, operated by the Department of Homeland Security. The grant, worth approximately $86,000.00, will provide over 4000 smoke detectors in a program focused on seniors and families with children. Although the AAEC will perform installations, it will also be distibuting the detectors to the various fire departments in Coryell County. Interested individuals may e-mail the administrator or contact their local fire department. A sign up sheet will be posted at the Gatesville Public Library, the Senior Center, and the WIC office in Gatesville.

CERT BOOTH AT BOOZAAR: Turns out everyone likes cotton candy, and hot chocolate wasn't too bad either. As the night wore on, we gave out 15 gallons of candy, about 100 CERT brochures, and signed up 10 persons for the next CERT class. Sales basically allowed us to break even on the cotton candy, sodas, and hot chocolate. Most of the kids really liked the Rescue Randy giving out candy. 9 people showed up to help, and for a little bit it seemed like that wasn't enough, but we persevered and finally finished up at about 9:30 PM.

 

CERT Works

Some of the CERT and Coryell Medical Reserve Team members after Shelter Patrol. Dale Butler (2nd from right) spent much of Friday and Saturday riding from shelter to shelter, trying to help and coordinate resources. Saturday, he got help from Barry, Elizabeth, Uriah, and Josh, as well as others. Primarily they were trying to support the WONDERFUL job done by all of the local churches, the Senior Center, and all the amazing volunteers. This turned out to be a spontaneous effort by the citizens of the community, to help people that were just trying to get away from the disaster area. Last thursday night, after a number of people were noted sleeping in their cars, the churches started opening their doors. By mid-day friday many were already in shelters, and Dale was out there in the middle of it all; carrying information from his visits to local officials, coordinating mattress and linen delivery, and generally just trying to help. Thanks Dale!! HURRICANE RITA!!! Flood of Evacuees passing through. Thursday night an estimated 300 persons slept in their cars in local parking lots. Noting that the City did not operate a shelter, a number of local churches have opened their doors as temporary shelter; Live Oak Baptist, Family Worship, United Methodist, First Baptist, and Church of Christ. Gateway Baptist had evacuees, as well as First Baptist in Evant. All totaled there were over 300 Friday night and 200 Saturday night. Sunday night there were still an estimated 125 in shelters. The Senior Center did an exemplary job, feeding over 200 on saturday, and over 150 on sunday. Hilltop and Lane Murray units of TDCJ loaned mattresses and blankets to Methodist and Family Worship. Lana Davidson is apparently our Salvation Army Rep, and she facilitated the donation of funds to keep the Senior Center feeding the evacuees.

SHELTER MANAGEMENT ISSUES!!!! The Coryell Citizen Corps is setting up a guideline for shelter management and evacuee assistance for Gatesville and Coryell County. This should greatly assist in situations like those of Hurricane Rita. This plan will offer a central registration point, prepared shelters, and an accounting system to help reimburse shelters for expenses from helping by FEMA. We are surveying each shelter right now to determine the capacity, needs for improvement, and determining shelter capacity. We hope to have this completed by 10 November.

GO TO APPLICATION BUTTON AT THE TOP TO VOLUNTEER!!!!!!!