Eastern Madera County Emergency Preparedness Committee

Sierra Ambulance Training Headquarters – Oakhurst, CA 

Present: Paul Calkins, Bob Guldstrand, Janet Stanovich, Chris Dragoo, Ed Guzman, Stu Tanner, JoAnn Evans, Sharon Martinez, Mike Vaughn, Dave Wolin, Shirley Finneman, Jean Raven                                                            

Meeting called to order:  0740 hrs by Ed Guzman

Minutes:  October, 2005 minutes approved

Introductions

Discussion and Round Table:

Mention was made about the article written in the Sierra Star about the Volunteer Orientation Meeting that was held on November 2, 2005.

Chris Dragoo reported for Rhonda Catherina that the MCE drill planning committee met on 11/8/05, and that everything was on track.  The drill is scheduled for 12/8/05 at 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs.  

Ed Guzman further discussed sheltering in place and everyone keeping themselves okay for the many hours/or days without EMS aide due to road closures, etc.  He also gave an update on the change of dispatcher services to begin on December 5, 2005.

Dave Wolin reported on his trip to Florida – the emergency evacuation procedures: hotels and the evacuation routes seemed to run smoothly.

Other discussion about involving other community organizations and businesses was discussed – Yosemite Sight Seeing Buses (with handicapped capabilities), and Yosemite Visitors Bureau.  

Sharon Martinez supplied information regarding the American Red Cross and Pandemic Influenza Planning.  The Red Cross has worked with public health and medical entities as well as federal government partners in order to formulate the pandemic preparedness and response guidance in providing initial guidance to chapters.  Further reporting on the fact that 400-500 volunteers are now on board and being deployed to Katrina.  Shelters are still opened, but it looks like they will begin closing some down.  However, much work remains ahead.

Chris Dragoo reported that with the HRSA grant money, the equipment has been purchased and is in storage.  There is discussion about a common code for all emergency management services to have access in the event of an emergency.  This should be in place in the next few weeks. The Decon center will be available to set up at drills in the future, as well as community presentations (for example-emergency resource EXPO).  There are two satellite phones – not yet activated.                                                             

Stu Tanner reported about the installation of an antenna at the Mariposa Fairgrounds and perhaps a new one could be set up at their S.O. and Fremont Hospital .   Also, fairgrounds can be used for large animal evacuation plan if necessary and/or accessible.

Paul Calkins reported that state-wide planning is going forward (Bill #104) quarantine declaration regarding chickens and avian influenza. 

Mike Vaughn discussed the importance of evacuating well in advance – as soon as advised by CDF or law enforcement agencies.  

JoAnn Evans reported there was a deputy involved in an accident on Saturday.  

Next Meeting:   January 12, 2006 Sierra Ambulance Training Headquarters - 0730 hrs.

Meeting Adjourned at 0915hrs.  

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Stanovich