OVERT Hosts 1st Annual Potluck - Food, Fun and Emergency Preparation

Feb. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- The Ojai Valley Emergency Response Team (comprised of: Ojai American Red Cross, Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club and Ojai Valley CERT) held their first Annual Potluck and Presentation on Saturday, October 30th at the New Wine Harvest Fellowship Church.  

After registration, using standard principles of Incident Command System (ICS), we were treated to an in-depth discussion and demonstration of the ideal 72-Hour Disaster Preparedness Kit presented by Jimmy Harvey (KI6VDA).  You cannot believe the quantity of items stashed in his portable toilet bucket.  Carol Wade provided additional valuable information by reviewing a multitude of Herbal Alternatives to place in a kit, including how to treat various symptoms.  

The City of Ojai's Mass Casualty Unit Trailer was brought on-site to aid discussion of the various features and contents available during disasters and emergencies.  

Ojai Valley CERT is embarking on an elaborate project to locate Cribbing Materials and Lifting Poles throughout The Ojai Valley in approximately 50 locations.  This material is used by trained CERT volunteers to lift extremely heavy objects using principles of physics (Mechanical Advantage).  High-powered saws made short work of chopping down lengths of wood into regulation 4 by 4, 2 by 4 and wedge pieces.  

The day concluded with all participants enjoying each other's company, networking, and sharing some of the best potluck ever.  Please visit ojaivalleycert.org for more information.  

Paul Garth (KI6USA)

# # #

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) teaches self-preservation skills to be of service to ourselves, family, neighborhood and community. Ham Radio can effectively communicate actionable information from the field to the Emergency Operations Centers.