The sad events in Haiti have brought out the best in people. Unfortunately, they have also brought out the worst. Earlier we heard about scams where criminals are trying to rip off people who just want to help the victims. In addition to all this, some people have started to circulate (once again) misinformation about earthquake response. I am referring to the so-called 'Triangle of Life'.
The slides for the Lamorinda Refresher Training are now online and can be found in our Documents section (see navigation column on the left). Here is a shortcut...
Last Updated ( Feb 05, 2010 at 02:53 PM )
911 Calls From Cell Phones
Written by Frans Hoffman
Feb 03, 2010 at 12:00 AM
Many of you may have had questions regarding the use of cell phones and 911 calls. As you know 911 calls from cell phones in the Bay Area go directly to the CHP Dispatch Center in Vallejo. Some have had varying experiences when calling 911 from their cell phones, such as long delays or no answer at all.
More Preparedness Tips on YouTube. Please put them on your web site!
Preparedness Tip
Written by Frans Hoffman
Feb 02, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Put these Public Service Announcements on your web site...
Moraga Treeline Triathlon
Written by Frans Hoffman
Jan 21, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Lamorinda CERT is looking for CERT graduates who are prepared to help out with the Moraga Treeline Triathlon. The event takes place on Saturday April 24th. CERT graduates will be asked to act as 'flaggers' to warn traffic about the participants when they do the bicycle race. You (and a buddy) would be asked to be at a particular intersection and use STOP / SLOW signs to facilitate safe passage for the bicyclists. The event begins at 7 am and ends around 11 am.
The earthquake in Haiti demonstrated once again how fragile life is. It is frustrating to see so many people hurt and without adequate help. The only thing we can do from here is to send money to the agencies that are bringing relief to the survivors of the quake.The American Red Cross has already pledged $1 million, but more, much more is needed. It is a race against the clock. Typically, 90% of quake survivors are rescued by other survivors, not by emergency services. In Haiti – a nation without any emergency infrastructure – there are few, preciously few trained volunteers available for rescue work. By the time enough people have been flown in from other countries, many of the survivors will have died. So, first of all, please donate to the relief efforts. Donate now! Money travels faster than people and with your donations tools, supplies etc. can be purchased to directly assist the living. What you can do next is to make sure that you are prepared for a similar or worse quake in the Bay Area. If you are a member of Lamorinda CERT, you probably realized how prepared you are for a catastrophe like Haiti because of your training.The Community Emergency Response Team is without a doubt the most successful (and important) FEMA program!
The Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team offers a free CERT training for residents of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Canyon and Saint Mary's College. The training takes place at Saint Mary's College and starts on February 3rd 2010. Graduates will be sworn in as Disaster Service Worker Volunteers. Classes begin on February 3rd. Please sign up now for this exciting training.
Lamorinda CERT is offering a unique day-time CERT training for residents of Lamorinda. The class will be held in Garaventa Hall on the main SMC campus in room 150 on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting January 5th and ending January 28. We will begin at 2:45 pm and end at 5:15 pm. Sign up here...
Disaster Preparedness Tip: On payday, pay yourself
Start saving for a rainy day. Stash away a little cash for a true emergency-keep it in your disaster supplies kit. Again, this doesn't need to be overwhelming task. We pay bills every month, consider your emergency funds among your debts and put a few dollars away for the future. Remember, this is not a savings account that you can dip into and you'll want to keep it safe and secure at home so it is easy for you to access when you need it.
The sad events in Haiti have brought out the best in people. Unfortunately, they have also brought out the worst. Earlier we heard about scams where criminals are trying to rip off people who just want to help the victims. In addition to all this, some people have started to circulate (once again) misinformation about earthquake response. I am referring to the so-called 'Triangle of Life'. 
Many of you may have had questions regarding the use of cell phones and 911 calls. As you know 911 calls from cell phones in the Bay Area go directly to the CHP Dispatch Center in Vallejo. Some have had varying experiences when calling 911 from their cell phones, such as long delays or no answer at all. 
Lamorinda CERT is looking for CERT graduates who are prepared to help out with the Moraga Treeline Triathlon. The event takes place on Saturday April 24th. CERT graduates will be asked to act as 'flaggers' to warn traffic about the participants when they do the bicycle race. You (and a buddy) would be asked to be at a particular intersection and use STOP / SLOW signs to facilitate safe passage for the bicyclists. The event begins at 7 am and ends around 11 am. 
