Attendees: Kim Gazella, Pam Kelly, Ryan Massie
o Ryan shared notes from RARSfest. Our table at RARSfest was staffed by Ryan , Pam and Wade and well attended. We obtained several new contacts of folks interested in learning more about Central Raleigh CERT. Pam sent invites to them to upcoming CERT meetings.
o Ryan showed the proposed official Central Raleigh CERT vest. Cost approximately $30. It looks great!
o Various ways of paying for the vests were discussed, either from the organization budget, and to be distributed only to those who completed CERT basic training or to be paid out of pocket by the CERT member. Further discussion is needed with more members present at meeting before a purchase decision is made.
o Ryan suggested that we all endeavor to increase our disaster preparedness training regularly, and share the information in upcoming CERT Meetings
o Ryan also recommended that CERT members take the following trainings from the FEMA Independent Study site:
ICS-100,200, 700, 800
o Ryan still has FRS radios available for CERT members. These come in handy to facilitate our communications at public events
o Pam did not get a chance to connect with Mark regarding the website, and will do so by next CERT meeting in May , in order to restore the group website presence.
· Pam attended the Wake Interfaith Disaster Team or March 5th to learn more about their purpose and goals. The WIDT discussed:
o Engagement of more individuals to serve on WIDT as representatives for their churches. To be a member on WIDT you need to obtain a letter from your pastor to establish you are approved to serve as your church’s liaison on the Team.
o Outreach to encourage more churches to serve as Point of Distribution Site. (I have attached the form for anyone with a home church that you might want to present this to)
o Wake Interfaith Disaster Team Meeting dates at 4:30 pm: 5/7, 6/4, 7/2, 8/6, 9/10, 10/1, 11/5, 12/3. This is quite early for most people to attend a meeting. Pam will check with Larry to make sure I have this time correct.
o Pam attended the 2 -hour training March 27th training at the Wake EOC at 336 Fayetteville St.
o Kim was surprised to learn that “citizen volunteers”, such as CERT members, are able to receive training to serve in the WAKE EOC during an at-risk event. In her past role as public information officer, only those in official emergency operations capacity were allowed to be trained to work in this center. (It was only through Larry Marks, who attended the February CERT meeting, that CERT members were invited to attend the WAKE EOC training.)
· Ryan, Kim, Pam discussed outreach to increase membership in Central Raleigh CERT
- Kim showed a list of the most current roster. It appeared to be less than 20 people. Many people do not wish to come to every meeting but are still part of Central Raleigh CERT, and come when a “training” is available.
- Ryan, Kim, Pam agreed that some type of “training” activity will help retain members and increase membership. These could be trainings relating to practical skills, such as best practices for when the power goes out, how to use a generator, how to use solar power devices, FRS/HAM Radio communications, etc.
- June is Pet Preparedness Month. Kim will reach out to Pet Supplies Plus to see if we can set up a table in June.
Action items
o Pam will work on website, and social media presence, Twitter/Instagram
o Kim will follow up on getting a table at Pet Supplies Plus
o Ryan will identify possible trainings for upcoming CERT meetings.
Next Central Raleigh CERT meeting , Thursday, May 3rd.
-----------If there's anything I mis-stated in the minutes, please clarify and copy all.Thanks!Pam KellyKM4WRN919.998.9349