o John and Susan Stratton opened the meeting with a recounting of their experience in which they used their CERT Training. An elderly neighbor of theirs had fallen in her driveway. Luckily, they happened by and were able to answer her call for help. John removed her protective dog from the scene and went to inform the husband. Susan stayed with victim and contacted Security on the CERT radio that they keep in their golf cart. Once Susan indicated to Security that it was an emergency and the address, Officer Walter Melton was there almost before she was done transmitting information. Security contacted 911. When paramedics and daughter arrived, Susan remained with victim so that the daughter could give the paramedics all the necessary information. John kept the husband calm and away from the activity.

o Richard Becker had been made aware that kids were using a CERT-like radio and our 9-11 frequency to contact Security to say there was an emergency at the playground and other locations. It became obvious to Security that these were pranks, but it went on for three hours on a busy Sat. afternoon during Bike Week. Security was unable to determine who the kids were, as they would not reply when asked for their name or address. Although Security couldn’t prove that the pranksters were using a CERT-issued radio, they did ask that the CERT members be extra careful with their radios and who might use them.

o Thanks to a generous donation from the Octoberfest folks, Security now has a portable defibrillator in the roving truck. John Sluss and Ed Hickox were instrumental in getting this through the POA board. Thanks guys!

o There was also discussion about the drill we had in January. Below are some of the comments:

- Security has agreed that in an emergency they will contact one person in each Zone. With that procedure in mind, the group decided that the call tree should be set up by Zone with a cross over between Zones to maintain continuity. Dave McCarthy said he would do this.

- Next drill will be set up to allow CERT members to use and observe the operation of CERT command.

- CERT command persons should be qualified for radio use. There was no discussion on how to accomplish this.

o Some CERT members do not come to the meetings for one reason or another. Someone on the team should go through the call list to verify the posted information and establish the interest in and commitment to CERT of those who have not been attending meetings. The group agreed that while some members do not attend the CERT meetings, they are CERT trained and they would hopefully be around to assist in a real disaster. Others are concerned that the people who do not attend are lagging behind in training and preparedness.

o The Wings and Wheels booth drummed up ten folks interested in CERT training. Five need evening class and five need daytime. With these and the four others who were going to sign up for the evening class in January, we may finally be close enough to the magic # of ten for the Fire and Rescue folks to come in and do a class. If Officer Walter Melton can check with Capt. Gillespie soon, we may be able to have a class by the end of April.

o The meeting was concluded with a review of the CERT training Final Exam. If you would like the exam answers, tough luck! Seriously, if you’d like the answers, contact Susan.