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Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Information

A Message from the ema coordinator

EMA 2010 2nd Quarter Report

EMA Leadership

Palatine Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has two new leaders at the top of their organizational chart. With the concurrence of the Village Manager, the Fire Chief and the EMA Coordinator, effective June 11, 2010, Kevin Thomas was appointed as Assistant EMA Coordinator- Planning Specialist and Joe Lance, was appointed Assistant EMA Coordinator-Logistics Specialist. These volunteer positions are expected to enhance EMA capabilities in responding to, and planning for, an emergency and/or disaster.

Kevin and Joe have been involved in emergency management for many years here in Palatine and have held numerous leadership roles during that time. Both are local volunteers who have distinguished themselves in response and planning activities. These appointments fill a gap identified in the “line of succession” in the EM department which is outlined in our Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Both positions have equal authority on the organizational chart for the EMA and will report to EMA Coordinator, Tom Smith.

Team Activations

Palatine volunteer teams were busy during the second quarter of the year in training and activations. On May 4th, the Fire Rehab Team (FRT) was invited to provide rehab services to over 40 fire fighters training in closed space and high rope rescue during an all day exercise at the NIPSTA facility in Glenview. The MABAS Division 1 departments represented were Palatine, Des Plaines, Palatine Rural, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights. The FRT provides hydration and nourishment to fire fighters who must take breaks while fighting fires or otherwise engaged in their activities.

Our Emergency Response Team (ERT) was activated for flooding in the Village on Thursday May 13. Eleven ERT members responded to the PW facility and assisted with sand bagging operations. IC was established at the scene as well as a Safety Officer and Communications Officer were both assigned to the team. A radio “net” was established between the sandbagging team, police dispatch and the activated EOC. In all, 56 hours of volunteer time was logged in the EOC and in sand bagging operations.

Also on Friday June 18, a late afternoon storm roared through Palatine sparking a fire from a downed power line at the WINGS Resale shop at the corner of Northwest Hwy and Rohlwing Road. Because of the need to close a major intersection, the Palatine ERT was called into action to help with traffic direction. Twelve volunteers responded and helped out the PD. While this fire was being engaged by the FD a second fire at the Winslowe Apartments occurred. Our FRT was activated and they assisted with rehabbing fire personnel at this location. Fire fighters from seven different jurisdictions fought this apartment fire. Water and snacks were distributed to all. Once that task was completed, the FRT was requested at the first fire that the ERT was assisting with.

EOC Technology Grant

Palatine EMA recently received notification that they have been awarded an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Technology Grant from the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association (IESMA). The grant in the amount of $70,074.06 will be used to add needed technology in our current EOC in the Village Hall. Items being considered include the purchase of laptop computers, big screen monitors, video projectors and upgrades of wireless technology.

2010 Impact Award

On April 12, with many local volunteer agencies and over 75 volunteers in attendance, Palatine Emergency Management Agency was recognized by The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago as the Volunteer Program of the Year. Mary Fitzgibbons, Director of the Center presented the award to EMA Coordinator Tom Smith with the Village Manger Reid Ottesen, Mayor Jim Schwantz and several volunteers in attendance. The award was presented, “In recognition of programs for outstanding achievement in utilizing volunteers to address a community need”.

 

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