CERT Class -- Starts June 17th (Register Now!!)

Ojai Valley CERT is extremely pleased to announce an upcoming CERT class

Next Training Class Starts
June 17th, 2009

Supervisor Steve Bennett’s office is registering Ojai Valley residents for Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). The 7-week course, sponsored by the Ventura County Fire Department, covers basic skills that are important to know in a disaster when emergency services are not available. CERT participants receive training, practice and learn how to work as a team in their neighborhoods. No prior experience or training is necessary, and there is no fee for the program.

Classes will begin on Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM and will run the following 5 Wednesdays. The last (7th) class will be held Saturday July 25th from 10 AM- Noon where drills associated with CERT training will take place

Classes will be held in the multi-purpose room at the Oak View Park and Resource Center, 555 Mahoney, Oak View.

To register call Supervisor Bennett’s office at 654-2703.

Ham Licensing Opportunity - June 6th (Santa Paula)

Get your FCC Amateur Radio Operator’s Technician License in ONE day using our proven System

When: Saturday June 6th 2009
9:00 am – 3:00 pm (Sign in, Study & Snacks)
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Exam)

Where: The Santa Paula Community Center
540 Main Street
Santa Paula CA 93060

Sponsors: Santa Paula CERT Group
Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club
Ojai Valley CERT

Contact: Sean Kellythorne KI6MGI@yahoo.com

Cost: $21.00 covers snack and expenses.
Bring $4.00 cash for Exam fee.

Pre-registration required!!!
Registration is limited. Reserve your space now!
Mail a $21.00 check to:
Sean Kellythorne
133 Don Felipe Way
Ojai CA 93023
Study materials and directions will be emailed on receipt of your check.

PodCast Interview with Capt Steve Lazenby (CERT Instructor)

http://1400localsonly.podomatic.com/player/web/2009-05-15T12_27_32-07_00

Ojai Valley CERT Organization Map

I'm trying out this web-based mind-mapping tool:

Please go to this link to see the Ojai Valley CERT Organizational Structure.

This map will, over time, display all the rendezvous points and CERT teams.

List of Ham Radios to consider

Thanks to Sean Kellythorne (KI6MGI) put together this list of Ham Radios to consider for your first/next purchase.

OVN article on Ojai Valley CERT

Ojai Valley News posted an article I wrote on our recent CERT Graduation and Exercise.

Ojai Valley CERT class graduated on 4/4/09

The most recent Ojai Valley CERT Graduation was April 4th, 2009.

Ojai Valley CERT continues to grow as another class of 40 students held their final class, graduation ceremony and drill exercise Saturday, April 4th.

A last minute venue change required the class to complete their training at the New Wine Harvest Fellowship Church in Ojai -- thanks to Pastor Diane Bailey (KI6VCN), the East City Ojai CERT Neighborhood Area Coordinator.

A major addition to the group’s assets is access to the City of Ojai’s Mass Casualty Unit Trailer (MCU). The CERT group provides frequent inventory checks, basic maintenance, and cross-trains Ojai CERT members in equipment and supplies. Several CERT Ventura County Auxiliary Communications Service members are prepared to relocate the trailer on a moment’s notice, under the direction of Chief of Police Chris Dunn in event of emergency/disaster. Ventura County Fire Department provides the MCU training. Administrative oversight, maintenance and supplies are provided by Mike Culver, Ojai Director of Public Works.

The trailer was towed to the New Wine Fellowship Church grounds by Ken Williams (KI6VDT) and Paul Garth (KI6USA). Ojai CERT graduates set up the emergency equipment, tent; generator and floodlights. Stretchers, triage tarps, flags and other supplies were put in place during their final class. The new graduates have the experience of using real emergency equipment in a controlled training.

Brian Brennan, Executive Aide to Ventura County District One Supervisor Steve Bennett presented each graduating CERT member with a Certificate and Go-Bag. Brian offered encouraging remarks, and delivered a message of goodwill from Mr. Bennett.

Each CERT new graduate was introduced to their Neighborhood Area Coordinator and integrated into their team. During the drill the CERT graduates maintained their neighborhood groups, as they rotated through the various exercises, which allowed them to work together and form partnerships.

The purpose of the CERT Drill is to review the various practical aspects of the training which includes: Incident Command System; Communications; Search & Rescue; Cribbing & Lifting; Fire Suppression; and Medical/Triage. The exercise was a simulated earthquake affecting the site.

Kate Nelson (KI6YBB) volunteered as the Incident Commander and established the response teams.

Fire Captain Lazenby managed the Fire suppression exercise with Jake Bailey (KI6VCO). Kathlyn Miller (KI6VDI) assisted with Medical/Triage. Diane Bailey (KI6VCN) assisted with Search & Rescue. Beth von Gunten (KI6YBL) managed the cribbing & lifting drills. Ken Williams (KI6VDT) provided the Incident Commander with communication support. Paul Garth (KI6USA) assisted with Logistics. Sean Kellythorne (KI6MGI) ensured Safety during the drill.

The Ojai Valley CERT leadership team are all Ham Operators, supported by the Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club. Twelve CERT graduates earned their Ham Radio licenses the prior Saturday.

Congratulations to all CERT graduates. Look for us in the 4th of July Parade, and please contact Cindy Cantle at (805) 654-2703 to register for upcoming CERT classes.