Top, CERT group in Pine Mountain studies their emergency assessment sheets and maps before heading out to the field to practice making their rounds. Bottom left, Chief Randy Coleman (ret.), coordinator for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), instructs his Pine Mountain trainees about the Great ShakeOut drill on Thursday, Nov. 13. CERT team members look for damage to areas with flammable liquids, such as gas stations or fallen power lines (bottom left).
The Great ShakeOut
By Patric Hedlund
“Are you ready to Shake- Out?” asked Assemblymember Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) this week. She was reminding us that earthquakes are an inevitable part of our future—as they have been a part of our past. In 1857 the largest earthquake in California history was centered near Fort Tejon—rupturing a 15-foot wide scar, 250 miles long. The shaking is said to have lasted for a full minute, or up to three. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says a major shaker is overdue for the San Andreas Fault that runs through this region, literally— you can see the fault from Frazier Mountain High School and from most of our own patio decks.
“We must act quickly to ensure that disasters do not become catastrophes,” Fuller said, referring to the need for everyone in California to get prepared. Although millions are expected to participate in Southern California, about 106,000 people in Kern County registered to participate in the November 13 drill. Frazier Mountain High School and El Tejon School students prepared for “duck, cover and hold” drills. Kern County firefighters said they would be observing at the schools.
In Pine Mountain, about 33 trained and certified Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members met on Saturday, Nov. 8 to distribute their backpacks, gear, helmets, goggles, maps and emergency assessment sheets.
The group has gone through intensive training about how to assess and secure hazardous areas before the arrival of first responders, checking for people who might be injured or trapped as teams move through their assigned areas.
CERT members are taught to activate their team phone tree, then report in person to central command for deployment by their team leader.
They will work in teams of three to scout assigned areas, filling out CERT Damage Assessment forms for each area and watching for people in need of rescue or medical assistance while scanning for specific dangers that should be sealed off.
The locations of power master switches, gas valves and water mains at the PMC clubhouse, maintenance yard and Pine Mountain village were documented.
Emergency supply trailers with tents, cots, first aid kits, antiseptic, generators, blankets and 55-gallon drums of water were inventoried.
“We hope nothing happens but we want to be prepared as best we can,” CERT Assistant Coordinator Tom Yancey said. “The first thing a CERT member does is check that their own home and family are safe. CERT teams do not do CPR. We triage and prepare an area for first responder personnel.” CERT training for others on the mountain is being planned for next spring.
At your own home, secure your space by strapping topheavy furniture, water heaters, and other items to walls or tabletops. Strengthen your building walls and foundation if necessary. Have resources to protect yourself and others should assistance be slow in arriving. Fourteen days worth of water for each person, non-perishable food, a fire extinguisher and first aid supplies should be ready and stored.
This is part of the November 14, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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