Resource Links

 I will have several categories to cover..

 All of these items I use. I am not paid to suggest them. I get nothing out of it. Most if not all the apps are free. 

 Websites for Information:

http://www.citizencorps.gov/cc/searchCert.do?submitByZip   - If interested in Joining CERT this site will help you locate the closest team to you and help you get into contact with them.
www.redcross.org  - The official site for the American Red cross
www.ready.gov - This site is controlled by Fema and Citizan Corp. A bunch of information, in a few important areas.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/  - For those who like to monitor the weather, and would like to know what they are looking at in a storm. This is a good starting point.
http://www.arrl.org/ares   - The Amateur Radio Relay League is one way to test for you license. The site here is a page talking about ARES. Amateur Radio Emergency Services.
http://callsign.ualr.edu/callsign.shtml  This site will help you locate people around you that already have their Amateur Radio License.

Applications for Smartphones:

As for smart phone apps for emergencies... There are so many out there that trying to cover them all for each type of phone I would never leave this computer. So I will tell you what I keep on my phone (I have an I phone).

Police Scanner Lite : Free
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5-0-radio-police-scanner-lite/id356336433?mt=8

I have one that is called: ICE (in case of emergency) it keeps all the important information someone trying to help you if you are unable to communicate.There are so many out there that do almost the same thing. Go with a free one.

Red Cross has a boat load of apps out there. Here are a few: Free
First aid by the Red Cross -FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-aid-by-american-red/id529160691?mt=8
Earthquake by the Red Cross-FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/earthquake-by-american-red/id557946227?mt=8
Hurricane (preparedness and tracker) by Red Cross -FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-by-american-red/id545689128?mt=8
Tornado's by Red Cross -FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tornado-by-american-red-cross/id602724318?mt=8
Shelter View by Red Cross-FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/american-red-cross-shelter/id419258261?mt=8

Weather based  applications:
Hurricane Trackers -FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hurricane-tracker-by-hurricanesoftware.coms/id382372588?mt=8
NOAA now: FREE
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/noaa-now/id425914352?mt=8
I would also suggest that you find an application based in your area for weather
DOT Placards
http://www.passtimesoftware.com/products/placardplus

Then there is the FEMA app.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fema/id474807486?mt=8

CERT application: (when I bought it, it cost $3.99)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/community-emergency-response/id371216321?mt=8
It is like carrying the basic CERT handbook with you. It has most of the chapters including Preparedness, Medical, Fire, Hazmat, Search and Rescue, Disaster Psychology and a scanner for emergencies.

There are so many apps out there that can be used to help in a disaster that you might even over look them.

Social Media sites offer help. This was first recognized during the earthquakes in Hatti. I keep the following on my phone:

Facebook: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook/id284882215?mt=8
Twitter: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/twitter/id333903271?mt=8


Websites links to companies that supply items for to go bags and apparel:


Stores that you might consider looking at for random items to restock your supplies or add to them: the biggest suggestion is Think Outside the Box, what else could simple products be used for.

Home Depot/ Lowes- Flashlights, Better Leather palmed Gloves, Duck Tape, Box Cutters, Simple Cheap Tools, Tarps, hand warmer's, Additional PPE that meets or surpasses standards but works for you, medical type gloves found in paint usually. Also during the holiday season they get in some cool items. Last year I found these small battery operated strobes that are intended to be used as Road Flares. After they were discounted I paid maybe $15 for 10 of them. They each are said to last up to 20 hours. Also Consider items like: 2x4's to use in Cribbing.

Walmart/Targets- Duck tape, Flashlights, replacement batteries, Glow sticks, FRS/GMRS 2 way radios.

Walgreens/CVS- Great for simple things for first aid: Band Aids, medical tape, gauze (2x2, 4x4, rolled), hand sanitizer for your use in the field, Sunblock.

Bass Pro/ Cabelas-  Consider: Sleeping bags, Reusable Water bottles, hand warmers, FRS/GMRS 2 way radios.. For those who are not worried about a budget think about: Tracking Devices with GPS locators should you group need to be located.


Other Blogs:

Other item you may want to consider for Deployment that I either have or am looking into getting:

Gym bag: Should you have to stay out more then a few hours needing fresh clothes and personal items. A normal gym bag works great. Keep in mind items like: Toothpaste, toothbrush, Soap, Soap holder, Toothbrush Holder, maybe even a suitcase padlock.

Tool Boxes: I have one for tools, and one fore some medical supplies.

Suitcases- Great for holding things like blankets, sheets, and cribbing supplies. (While I am thinking of it. When you get rid of old towels, sheets, or any material that could be used for warming individual of as medical items such as bandage, sling, or to tie a splint. I suggest not discarding them clean them and store them in a rubber made tote type or a rolling suitcase. Same thing for those of you who work with wood. Do not throw away the small scraps. They can be used in Cribbing and splints!)

Those Crutches in you garage you were gonna trash from like 10 years ago. Those could be used in an emergency.

If you might be deployed for days or weeks: Consider investing in things like: SPF clothing, Good Hiking boots, work boots. ( I try to stay away from steel toe and such for my own personal protection reasons.)

**This list is still being built at this time** 

Shelter in Place Kits

Shelter in Place Kits

• Tarps- To use to cover any window or doors that may have broke. If you place over the inside of a window and the window breaks you are less likely to be injured by the glass flying around or stepping on it.
• Duck Tape- used to secure many times and simple repairs
• Sheets of Plastic - Used to put on inside of doors to prevent any chemicals from outside coming in.
• Food - 3 meals a day for each person
• Water- 1 gallon per person or animal per day for drinking needs only
• Grill - Charcoal or Propane on hand, Grilling utensils
• Plates, Spoons, Forks, Knives (butter and steak), Cups (hot and cold) you can use throw away or Re-usable. Pro vs Cons: Throw away - more trash to get rid of later. Re-Usable - Requires cleaning and uses water. If water is in demand this could create issues.
• Entertainment- You will be stuck in the same spot for a while. Find things to do that do not deplete your resources including batteries. I suggest Board games, Card Games, Books, Acoustic Instruments.
• Battery Powered Radio- to listen to the progress of the situation 
• Extra batteries for everything in the kit
• Flash lights - 1 per person
• Candles
• Fire- A way to light the candles and grill such as matches, waterproof matches, lighter or Aim-n-Flames.
• A device with all important information and photos on it- Thumb drive , SD card, or CD/ DVD. I would store all family members photos on this, scans of: Birth Certificates, Insurance: Life, Health, Home and Car. Photos of the house inside and out. This provides a record of condition and belongings. Remember to re-shoot these ever year more so if you have painted, remodeled or bought new higher valued items. Store this device in side a zip lock bag. 
• Zip Lock bags
• OTC medications (Over the Counter) - like: aspirins, non aspirins, Antacids, Triple antibiotic, Allergy meds. 

**This list is still being built at this time**

Food and Beverage: Items to consider for Kits (basic ideas)

I am going to talk about items you should consider keeping in any kit that requires food. Any Items should have a shelf life for a Year. Also remember to keep a way to open the item you may need help with like cans and bottles. No... MRE's should not be ate 3 times a day every day. Even the Military knows this now. Last time I had information on this, I was told: Only 2 MRE's max a day for no longer then 5 days. As MRE's have high sodium, calories,  and protein intended for people who will be active and burning lots of calories.  So with that in mind, remember you need minimal of 72 hours (3 days) so 9 meals per person. I would really consider upping that to 7-14 days. Also at some point I will put this in a downloadable form.  Also keep the following in mind when making the meals while preparing: Who will be eating them? Think about their likes, dislikes, and allergies.

• MRE (Meals Ready to Eat- just add water)- If I were going this route. I would not use more then 1 a day. MRE also have a shelf life of 2-3 years if stored at 80 degrees. **I will get a downloadable list of MRE meals that can be purchased up soon**
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Fruit
• Different types of nuts: Almonds, Peanuts, Cashews and such.
• Prepackaged items like: pudding, jello, apple sause
• Graham Crackers
• Canned Vegetables / Baked Beans
• Protien Bars
• Granola Bars
• Soups - Either open and serve or add water type
• Ramen Noodles
• Spices or seasoning: pepper, ms dash, or what ever your family likes
• Chili
• Canned Meats such as Tuna and Spam
• Oatmeal
• Crackers
• Spaghetti O's  / Ravilo's
• Jerky (homemade or bought)

• Juice boxes
• V8
• drink packet (single serving that can be added to a 16.9 oz bottle of water for flavor. Several companies make these)
• Gatorade (possibly even more so if NOT using MRE) 

**This list is still being built at this time** 

Bug Out Bags and Get home Bags

In the event you have to evacuate or If you are at work and have to get home bags. What each should have.  Our next post will cover, Shelter in place kits. Keep in mind you should be able to carry your supplies on your own should a vehicle not be available.

Consider if you were told to evacuate or BUG OUT right now. How many people and what are there capabilities as far as being able to carry items. Plan appropriately. 

BUG OUT:

Any bag will work.
FOOD that will be enough for you for 72 hours (3 days) this should be for each person in the group needs that amount. Also think about weight. ( A separate post on Items to think about for this category will be coming soon)
Can Opener (Manual) , Church Key and Bottle Opener- To open any items you have brought with you to eat.
Water- Enough for at least 72 hours or 3 days (I try to keep enough for 2 weeks ready or accessible). I believe the minimum is at 1 gallon per person per day. Also if you  have pets, 1 gallon per day per pet. That being said. This amount is for drinking consumption. Does not leave room for items like MRE's, those prepackaged mashed potatoes and Macaroni and cheese. I like to keep commercially packaged bottle water available. For uses of hygiene and cooking consider either saving gallon and liter containers to re-fill with tap water you have boiled (distilled)  or Purchase the water in gallon jugs.
Sleeping items- Blankets, Sheets, Pillow. You are going to have to sleep at some point. You can store some items in rolling suitcases, or Rubbermaid type containers that could be carried by one or two people.
Clothes- 3 days minimal for each person. Again, I suggest at least a weeks worth.
Battery Powered Radio- You need a way to here news that does not require electricity.
Documents- Including things like: State Id's, Passports, Social Security Cards, Shot Records, Birth Certificates, Any License's you have,  Medical Cards (insurance), A list of any allergies (food or medicines), A list of any medications you take, If military at any time think of keeping a copy of your DD214. Also consider things like: Home Owners/ Renters Insurgency agreement, Car Title, proof of Car Insurance. I also recommend that 1 person carry photos or a device (flash drive, thumb drive, travel drive, jump drive or a SD card) to store photos of possessions in your home. I say this for 2 reasons. It document what your home looked like before what ever event took place. Also, documents the fact you had the possessions should your insurance ask for a list and photos yo have it. Also each person should have a photo in hand of each member of there party (including any pets) you are traveling with.
 Cash- If you can not use Credit and Debit then Atm's are out too. Keep a predetermined amount of Cash on hand to Cover you and anyone you may be responsible for 3 days minimum.
First aid Kit
Contact list- Each person should have a list of Names, addresses and Phone numbers for people like: Who would be notified if anything happens. Who to call to keep the rest of your family updated. Each member of your party/team. Primary Doctor.   
Whistle and Mirror- Signaling needs
Flash Light- with extra batteries: If you can find a nice LED light that runs on either AA or AAA batteries

Pets- If you have pets who will be evacuating with you think about things like:

• FOOD
• Leash or kennel
• Harness, Collar
• Shot Records
• Any Medicine
• Water Supply

***Consider these*** 

• Charging Cables for any Cell Phone
• Solar Charger for at least 1 Cell phone
• Survival Candle- Long burning
• Matches (waterproof) or a lighter or 2  

 Get Home bag

(These tend to differ, depending on how far HOME is)

A bag - I would use a gym bag or backpack. Stay away from any that would encourage someone to break in thinking a high value item is inside like a laptop.

Cash

Whistle & Mirror - signal for help

A knife- to cut items open or if need be defense (check your states laws on Legal Carry Knives)

Fire- Waterproof Matches or A couple lighters

First Aid Kit

**Road side kit** If you might be able to drive home. Keep tools in your vehicle that would allow you change a tire or get or give a jump using jumper cables. 

Mobile Phone Charger

Maps of local area and or GPS unit

**This list is still being built at this time** 

Also I will be trying to get these list's in a .pdf that you could download and print. I am hoping to have them up with in a month so mid December of 2013

To Go Bags

I am going to make a list of all Items you should have in your to go bag at all times. (This is a minimal list)

• PPE including: Helmet, medical gloves, Leather Gloves, Dust mask, Vest, Goggles or approved Sun Glasses.
• Pen and Paper
• Flash light and extra batteries
• Whistle
• CERT ID- if you team issues them. If not keep a state issued ID on you at all times.

Near by where you could get to them if possible: I keep a binder full of the ICS forms, and copies of all my training certificates. 

Intro

This blog will talk about different aspects of CERT (Community Emergency Response Team).  I will cover ideas such as:

•  Items to may want add to your TO GO bag
• Training Ideas
• New Classes that would benefit CERT members
• Any Applications for phones/tablets that might help a CERT TEAM
• Any Sources of Information/ knowledge I am aware of. This could consist of: Other blogs, Websites, Articles, books, podcasts ext.

In this post I will tell you a bit about myself as far as how I got involved with CERT.

In August of 2006 I was attending college and working at the college as a staff member. I volunteered for the Emergency Response Team at the college. From 2006-2008 I volunteered with the colleges team. At that point he main responsibilities were: Making sure students, staff, professors were informed of what safety protocol needed to be followed for both Fire, and Tornado's (later included shelter in place for active shooters). During drills we would look for people not following rules/guidelines. During real scenarios (Fire, Tornado's) we we grab our to go bags. That consisted of: a safety vest, flashlight, extra batteries, 2 pairs of latex gloves, a box cutter, and bull horn. Some of us were issued a walkie talkie that allowed two way communication between us and our team coordinator on the Campus Police. In September of 2008 we learned the city was offering the Citizen Corps Community Emergency Response Team basic training (317). I was one of the 3 members who signed up and attended. I finished my training on November 7, 2008 with a live drill conducted at one of the sister colleges.

Since that time I have taken additional training including: ICS 100, ICS 200, Introduction to Hazmat, CPR and AED, Skywarn basic and advanced (both east coast and midwest), I also earned my Amateur Radio License (technician) in September 2010. I have attended several advanced trainings or exercises. That taught many topics: Handling Public Relations in a Disaster, United States National Grid for Search and Rescue, Communications protocols.


The job I worked at the college often times had me work one on one with students as a tutor. That being said. I had the opportunity to work with physically, mentally, and learning disabled individuals. This taught me many important things that I carry over to CERT work. You may walk into an event that is unfamiliar or puts a barrier up. That could potentially cause a issue if allowed to get out of control. In high school, one of my electives I chose was psychology, I have take 12 college credit in psychology at this point.

My interest have varied over the years. My knowledge that I have gathered rather from being a "daddy's girl" helping fix/build things, or knowledge gained from a class or organization I have belonged to. I can take those lessons and knowledge and use them to benefit me in CERT trainings, and when I am out helping those in need.