The goal for the coming year, is to spread the word further regarding Parma CERT by increasing our speaking opportunities and continuing to work with media outlets to have information published. This was accomplished by using our website and a new facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Parma-CERT/146605114030?ref=ts) and continuing our work with the newspapers in the area.
Recruiting
To have two classes beginning in January 2009 and July 2009, and have at least ten new trainees in each class. Reached, two classes of eight members graduated from Parma CERT.
Training
For 2009, we plan on two CERT Classes in January and July, with a minimum of ten individuals in each. February will bring Adult and Child CPR / AED training, with openings for 80 individuals. Red Cross First Aid training, BERT training and Teen CERT will also be available.
Additional goals will include training with further cooperation of the Parma Police Department. We are also excited to work with the Northeast Ohio Regional Fusion Center, to bring awareness of potential risks and threats and critical infrastructure training. In 2009. Our goal is to also provide training events for the whole family. We recognize the importance of family involvement when it comes to acting in the event of an emergency.
2008 Goals:
Recruitment Goals Will be to again fill a January and July training class with a minimum of ten individuals. We will continue to use the above as opportunities for recruitment; additionally PACT TV is in production of a television program on Parma CERT, and a speaker’s bureau is in its infancy, and is also one of our goals in 2008.
Goal met - 23 new CERT members were recognized by Parma Mayor and City Council. Spoke to groups in 2008 and had two videos appear on PACT TV, the Parma City School District TV Station on Cox Cable
Training Goal Two CERT Classes a minimum of ten persons in each, offer CPR / AED, and Business Continuity Emergency Planning. We additionally look forward to joint training with other local CERT ‘s, discussions have already set this in action were Quarterly Training opportunities will be scheduled by area CERT’s.
Goal met, 23 new members went through training, in addition members of the business community participated in BERT Training.
Communications Goals In 2008 we would like to further develop parmacert.com to include all CERT forms including applications, also access to training modules. Because of our size and success, a cell phone for is a must. We must take greater advantage of all media opportunities, displaying our schedules and events regularly in and on the media.
Goal met - parmacert.com has all forms needed at this time available to visitors. A cell phone was issued by the City of Parma, for use by Parma CERT. We continue to work with the media outlets to get important information about Parma CERT to the public.
07/2007 Training Class completes search and rescue drill, graduating nine members.
9/6/07 Assist Cuyahoga County EMA with a presentation at Green Valley ElementarySchool on Pleasant Valley Road.
08/07/07 thru 08/10/07 assisted the American Red Cross by providing in excess of 300 manhours at the Shelter at Valley Forge High School. The shelter was provided for the residents of Parma whose apartments had been flooded by a heavy rainstorms. It was also the first time CERT Teams that CERT teams from multiple jurisdictions worked together.
07/2007 A fourth training class begins.
05/2007 Redevelopment of Parma CERT Phone tree with designated ward captains
Processing of background checks of current members and new applicants
Members of 2004 training class recertified of CPR/AED
Completion of ICS (Incident Command Structure) 100 class
04/2007 major donation from the Jacubic American Legion Post to allow CERT to purchase it's own laptop computer with power point projector and screen to be used for Training, Meetings and presentations to groups.
02/2007 During a major snowstorm in February, CERT was activated to assist the Fire Department by digging out fire hydrants. During this incident, two members, Rich Lynn and Scott Jones came across a man in distress, they performed emergency first aid and kept the man warm while waiting for the Parma Fire Department Emergency Squad. For their efforts Rich and Scott were named Parma Citizens of the month for the month of February.
01/2007 Eighteen additional residents began the CERT Training program in January 2007, ten of which completed a final drill on June 16, 2007
Achievements in 2006 were:
Development and implementation of Bylaws and Standard Operating Procedures
Opened independent checking account for Parma CERT in August 2006
Relocated from Schaaf Community Center to the Parma Senior Center
Implemented regularly scheduled training and Organizational Committee Meetings
Laid groundwork for hiring of part time coordinator
11/2006 - CERT held a cooperative training drill with the assistance of the Cuyahoga County Metroparks and the Parma Fire Department. The drill held at West Creek Preserve was that a 13 year old boy was missing. Thirty one team members braved forty five degree temperatures on a windy and rainy day. Members of the Parma Fire Department performed the rescue of the lost child, with aid of the CERT Team while the Cuyahoga County Metroparks Rangers provided logistical and informational assistance.
10/2006 - A fire in a high rise in Parma resulted in the activation of the CERT Team via the Code Red system. Thirty one members answered the call. The CERT Team was given the assignment of setting up and operating a shelter at Valley Forge High School located in Parma Hts
In the summer of 2006, Parma CERT was activated to assist with setup of a shelter at Normandy High School and to go door to door to check on residents who were affected by heavy flooding.
In the summer of 2005, Parma CERT was activated by the City of Parma's code red system. Thirty one members responded to aid in the search of a lost three year old boy in Brecksville.
In early 2005, the first graduating class consisting of forty two members completed their final drill.
In October, 2004 an Organizational Committee was formed that was to lay the groundwork for obtaining tax exempt status, drafting bylaws and standard operating guidelines and implement procedures to allow Parma CERT to become an independent unit under the direction of the Parma Fire Department.
In September, 2004 under the direction of the Parma Fire Department, City of Parma Community Emergency Response Team was created to assist first responders in time of emergency.
