Minutes:  November, 2005 minutes approved – No meeting held December 2005

Introductions  

Discussion and Round Table: 

Barry Thorn reported that OES is under Homeland Security.>The reverse 9-1-1 system is still being setup; needing a GIS component to initiate.

There was a lack of sand bags after this past storm.  Every county is given sand bags (5000-1000 on pallets); free sand bags for the unincorporated areas.  Residents need only show their ID and are given about 20 bags; residents are responsible to fill bags themselves. 

Barry also has 5 projects in the works- among them the Resource Volunteer list- what  we need to do now is keep up the interest and involve these people through newsletter communications and emergency preparedness training programs. 

Chris Dragoo reported on the “after-action-report” from the December 8, 2005 Disaster Drill Exercise.  From the medical side: a great job with the table top exercise.  As the exercise developed, communication was unavailable from IC Command Post.  The IC Center had moved from the staging area.  Something to look at in future exercises. 

The storage center survived the heavy rains and storm-like conditions.  They have not  yet moved the equipment into it.  Running electricity from the container to the building – HRSA money/State may pay for it.  A cooling system could run $8000 to install.

    Now that we have the equipment – the next step is to train EMS personnel on how to use the equipment.

Roger Simms reported on the sand bags issue also- a supply of bags are given to Station 12 and 19 for the fire crews.  There needs to be a policy and procedures program set in place regarding the sand bag issue.  Putting the bags at maintenance yard is a consideration; however, closest county yard is located in North Fork . Keeping the culverts and streams clear of debris is necessary (a project initiated by B. Thorn).

Regarding fire breaks:  they have not yet been started, but are expected to run from Miami Mountain westward to Potters Ridge, etc.; it is an 18 month grant proposal –  which can use private crews – property owners with heavy equipment (ex- bulldozers) are paid to work their private properties.

Regarding fire stations:  things are still being worked out on this issue.  Tulare lost a CDF contract – and we may absorb some of those personnel to help in staffing stations.

Paul Calkins:  The State is not responsible for the sand bag issue or water issues. The Homeland Security monies looks as though those counties smaller than L.A, will not be getting any monies.  We are still waiting on the EMS program grants.

MARAC meeting will be held January 18^th at the Clovis PD. EOC on coastal areas have been activated for flood damage- Stanislaus County to Siskyou County .

Sharon Martinez reported on how the American Red Cross is organizing the volunteers. They are separating the new volunteers in their respective counties in training as DAT Teams (Disaster Action Teams). Different locations are being researched for the ARC emergency shelter trailers.  A check was received by Sierra Telephone from the Smokey Bear Run – the beginnings of getting a trailer placed in the Oakhurst area.  The check was written for the amount of $2000.  The trailers are approximately 16 feet, with a bumper hitch, and store 100 cots. The ARC Heroes breakfast will be held in March 29, 2006 at 0730 hrs.  The ARC is looking to the community to supply names of heroes in all categories.  Persons are also being sought to sponsor a table for 10 at $125 per person.

P.J. Grant reported that she is working on an emergency disaster plan / equipment list (Sierra Telephone).  They are picking up new equipment such as a snow-cat, which is now stored in the Sonora area. They are concerned with OSHA / heat illness and providing shade and access to medical agencies.  Every Sierra Telephone employee goes through medical training classes. 

Jerry Thompson reported that the RACES group experienced a few problems during the December Drill Exercise- the radio operators learned from them; and were able to work around those problem areas.

Dick Rekart reported that ARES group is looking at installing an antenna drop at the Mariposa:  Fairgrounds, hospital and Sheriff’s Office. Stu Tanner is heading this project with the Mountain ARES group.  

Janet Stanovich reported on the Disaster Drill and Shelter Operations.  The process flowed fairly well.  The Shelter Operations crew was given the opportunity to test their skills and abilities in running a shelter at the Seventh Day Adventists Church.

The crew has been previously trained – but are looking forward to having some refresher courses in disaster services and shelter operations.  We also learned from this exercise that animal rescuers will need to incorporate a   consistent paper trail to incorporate both small and large animals, along with the shelter operations crew.

The question was brought up about participating in another Resource Volunteer Expo late in the year (maybe around October) – this will be discussed at the February meeting.  

Dave Wolin reported for Ed Guzman that the EMS Dispatching Med 14 change over seems to be going well.  There will be a “field trip” in the near future with Sierra Ambulance and OCMC to test this new system. 

Dave will be participating in the CERT program offered in Fresno County in the coming month. 

A newsletter is being worked on to keep the Resource Volunteers informed.  This is something we want to get going on ASAP.

Tom Burdette reported that he will be the representative for the SPCA for future meetings to cover the small animal component in an emergency.

Next Meeting:   February 9, 2006 Sierra Ambulance Training Headquarters - 0730 hrs.

Meeting Adjourned at 0830hrs.

Respectfully submitted,