WWW.WSCERT.NET SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006 January - February - March 2013

ELMA / WEST SENECA

elmaEd Sauer - Emergency Manager(716) 652-7635cert@elmanewyork.com

meetinGS - 7:00 pm2nd Wednesday of the Month• January 9th

• February 13th

• March 13th

Training and meetings are held at the Elma Senior Center unless noted. Elma Senior Center * Town Hall 3007 Bowen Rd. 1600 Bowen Rd.Elma, NY 14059 Elma, NY 14059

upCominG aCtivitieS• Gardening Classes• CERT Class• HAM Radio

Check here for updateswww.elmanewyork.com/oem/ECert.htm

WeSt SeneCaJohn Gullo - Emergency Manager(716) 558-3238jgullo@twsny.org

meetinGS - 7:00 pm3rd Monday of the month• January 21st

• February 18th

• March 18th Unless noted Training and Meetings are Held : West Seneca Kiwani’s Center 50 Legion Parkway West Seneca, NY

aCtivitieS• CERT Class• Critical Infrastructure Survey

Check here for updates www.wscert.net

SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006 JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH 2013

The ability to access emergency services by dialing 911 is a vital component of pub-lic safety and emergency preparedness. It is imperative that consumers of telephone service be able to reach emergency ser-vices regardless of the technology used to place a 911 call. E911 systems automatical-ly provide to emergency service personnel a 911 caller’s call back number and, in most cases, location information.VoIP (voice over internet phone) service al-lows you to make and receive calls to and from traditional phone numbers using an internet connection. It can be used in place of traditional phone service. While you may choose to use VoIP service from a single location, like a residence, some VoIP ser-vices can be used wherever you travel, as long as a broadband Internet connection is available. The most commonly used VoIP providers locally are Time Warner, Vonage and Magic Jack.Traditional phone services usually have as-sociated a particular phone number with a fixed address. Portable VoIP service en-ables consumers to take their home or busi-ness phone service almost anywhere. This portability raises a number of challenges for the emergency services community. There are differences between VoIP E911 and tra-ditional E911 service, so there are things that consumers need to know. When you call 911 from a traditional tele-phone, the call in most cases is sent to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that is responsible for a particular geographic area or community. PSAP personnel often can automatically identify your location and

direct the closest emergency personnel to that location. They also often can automati-cally identify your telephone number so that they can call you back if you are discon-nected. Since VoIP service works differently from traditional phone service, consumers who use it should be aware that VoIP 911 service may also work differently from traditional 911 service. VoIP service providers, in re-sponse to FCC action, are making progress in eliminating these differences, but some of the possible differences include:• VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the

PSAP, or may improperly ring to the administrative line of the PSAP, which may not be staffed after hours, or by trained 911 operators;

• VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the correct PSAP and may be routed to a VoIP provider’s 911 call center. The call should then be directed to the cor-rect PSAP by the provider’s call center, but it may delay response time.

• VoIP 911 calls may correctly connect to the PSAP, but not automatically transmit the user’s phone number and/or location information;

• VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the correct PSAP if the address/location information is not accurate. Cus-tomers should take care to provide jurisdiction (city, town, village, etc.) information rather than your mailing address, if they differ, to their VoIP pro-viders. Customers need to update this information if they change locations,

WWW.WSCERT.NET SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006 January - February - March 2013

for their VoIP 911 service to function properly;

• VoIP service may not work during a power outage, or when the Internet connection fails or becomes over-loaded.

Tips for Subscribers to VoIP Service If you have or are thinking of subscribing to a VoIP service, you should:• Provide your accurate physical ad-

dress to your VoIP service provider to ensure that emergency services can quickly be dispatched to your location. It is important to be aware that mailing addresses do not always correctly correspond to emergency services jurisdictions. The VoIP provider should be given the correct jurisdiction (city, town, village, etc.) information rather than your mailing address, if they differ.

• Be familiar with your VoIP service provider’s procedures for updating your address, and promptly update address information in the event of a change.

• If your power is out or your Internet connection is down, be aware that your VoIP service may not work. Consider installing a backup power supply, maintaining a traditional phone line or having a wireless phone as a backup.

If you have questions about whether the phone service you are receiving is a VoIP service, contact your service provider for further information.If you have questions about how your VoIP E911 service works, contact your service providerandaskforanexplanationofthe911 routing provided by their company.

Generator Safety tipSWhen there are downed utility lines, power company blackouts, storms that may lead to power outages and you go to use a gen-erator please follow some of these basic safety tips.• Never run a generator within a base-

ment, garage or any enclosed or partially enclosed structure as this will lead to a dangerous and often fatal accumulationofcarbonmonoxide.Never position a generator too close to your home’s windows and doors.

• Use battery-operated carbon mon-oxidealarms.Testandchangethebatteries at regular intervals.

• Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. Improper connections can cause back-feeding along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in con-tact with them, including line workers making repairs. It is recommended that home owners have a licensed electrician install the proper equip-ment.

• Useheavy-duty,outdoor-ratedexten-sioncords.Makesureextensioncords are free of cuts or tears and the plug has three prongs. Overloaded cordscancausefiresorequipmentdamage.

• Ensure your generator is properly grounded before turning on.

• Never overload a generator! A por-table generator should only be used when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances.

• Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.

• Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface under an open struc-ture.

• Alwayshaveafullychargedfireextin-guisher nearby.

• Never fuel a generator while it is operating.

Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Never cut corners when it comes to safety.

ShovelinG SafetyWinter weather has finally reachedus here in the Western New York. A number of accidents arise from trying to clear snow and ice from roads, walkways and cars. Back strain, muscle soreness and sometimes Heart Attacks have been attributed to shovel-ing snow. Below are a few tips on how you can keep yourself safe and healthy while you clear off your side-walk or driveway.Warm up your muscles before going out to shovel. Stretch all of your musclesDress in layers and wear appropriate gear (ie. Hats, scarf, gloves, snow pants)Avoid caffeinated products as they can raise your heart rate, cause your blood vessels to constrict, and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. If you are looking to drink something warm drink hot chocolate or herbal teas instead of coffee.Use proper form when shoveling. Try to lift with your legs, not your back and sepa-rate your hands on the shovel to increase leverage. A shovel with wet snow can weigh up to 15 lbs so try to use a smaller shovel and pace yourself.Rest as often as you needed during shov-eling. If you are clearing a large driveway or side walk break it into sections.We hope these tips keep you healthy and safe.

Continued from page 1

Saturday Morning Classesstarting on April 6, 20139am - 1:30pm for 4 weeks

EMPact America7615 Seneca Street, Elma, NY

(716) 435-7873Sign-up online at

www.PrepareHub.org/RadioClass

HAMRadioClass

WWW.WSCERT.NET SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006 January - February - March 2013

Winter Water tipSWith winter here we need everyone to re-member, water freezes. If you use heat tape on any of your plumbing, make sure it is operational. The heat must not be turned off in an empty house to avoid fro-zen pipes that could break. Be aware that non-insulated pipes are not near a window that has been left open.Ifthefirehydrantisonornearyourproper-ty,keeptheareaclean.Duringafire,timecounts.Youdonotwantfirefighterswast-ing time digging the nearest fire hydrantout of a pile of snow before they can start toputoutthefire.Ifnotclear,theymaynoteven know the hydrant is there.When snow is on the ground, watch for bear spots on the grass where your water line is located. Leaks cause the snow to melt so you may have a problem.Ifyouleavetheareaforanextendedtime,turn your water off at the meter valve or the first valve in your home to limit thedamage of a rubber hose on your washer ordishwasherburstingandfloodingyourhome when no one is home.As any other time of year, keep a supply of at least three (3) gallons of water per per-son available in case of a water outage.Remember in an emergency, Elma resi-dentswillbenotifiedthroughtheCodeRedsystem. If you have moved or changed your phone number from land to cell only, you will need to sign up with the new in-formation.

elma Cert neWSDuring the October team meeting training covered was signing and communications techniques for hearing impared individu-als. The training was provided by Pamela Rohring and Rosellen Peek from Deaf Adult Sservices.The hot water bath and pressure canning classes were discussed and planned. During the November team meeting new officerswerenominatedforthe2013termand upcoming gardening series of class-es. Also discussed was plans for 2013.It was also noted that keeping your training certificatesupdatedinCERTandtomakeacopyofyourcertificatesforthefiles.

WeSt SeneCa Cert neWSWest Seneca CERT held a holiday cele-bration during the December meeting During one of the fall meetings the team participated in group training that included a staged search and rescue, shelter op-erations and an EMS refresher course.

fiSt annual Zombie preparedneSS and Spook-taCular Safety fair a SuCCeSSSteuben Foods and EMPact America sponsoredtheirfirstZombiePreparednessand Spooktacular Family Safety Fair this past October. Despite the stormy weather, the Halloween-themed event was a huge success,drawingacrowdofoverfivehun-dred people.The event was inspired by the Centers for DiseaseControl’s“ZombiePreparedness”initiative, which launched in 2011. Dr. Ali Khan, Director of Public Health Prepared-ness and Response, stated that, “If you are generally well equipped to deal with a zombie apocalypse you will be prepared for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake, or terroristattack.”This creative campaign comes in the midst of a surge of zombies in popular culture. Television shows like The Walking Dead and movies like Dawn of the Dead have increased“zombieawareness”amongtheAmerican public.The preparedness fair included fun ac-tivities for all ages; kids enjoyed the out-door 30-foot zip-line, obstacle course, and bounce house. The zombie-mode Call of Duty tournament attracted many young people, as well. But most importantly, event-goers had the opportunity to learn valuable information about emergency preparedness and safety.Participating business and organizations included the Amanda Hansen Founda-tion, Buffalo Paws and Claws Animal Shel-ter, Buffalo Red Cross, Elma CERT, Erie County SPCA, Girl Scouts of Western New York, Elma Fire Department, East Aurora Fire Department, Oogie Games, Red Dragon School of Martial Arts, Sonwil Distribution,TownofElmaOfficeofEmer-gency Management, West Seneca CERT, West Seneca Rotary, and many more.Alldonationsandproceedsbenefitedthe

Elma-Marilla-Wales Boys and Girls Club, Elma CERT, and West Seneca CERT.EMPact America would like to thank all the volunteers, participants, and Western New Yorkers who made this event such a suc-cess!

ten neW amateurS from elma ClaSSThe Elma technician class, sponsored by West Seneca CERT, Elma CERT, and EMPact America, concluded on December 4th. Ten passed the amateur technician li-censeexamination:• Brandon Bodkin KD2DFH• William Hanson KD2DFI• Gail Kaminski KD2DFJ• Steven Kondrak KD2DFK• Carmen LaFalce KD2DFL• Timothy Lynch KD2DFM• Michael Pfohl KD2DFN• Mark Press KD2DFO• Joseph Sajdak KD2DFP• Mettieirene Wagner KD2DFQ

Led by Keith Patterson, KC2DGC, the instructors in-cluded Conrad Barrick, KC-2WRY; Jim Beck, W2SV; Tomm Dean, KA2NXY; Linda Jablonski, KC2YMM; and Bob Koster, KA2WYE.VEs were Jim Starr, N2TFA; Ed Patton, N2ING; Linda Jablonski, KC2YMM; Tomm Dean, KA2NXY; John Czuba, W2IV; Shane Brady, WB2WPM; Jim Beck, W2SV; and Conrad Barrick, KC2WRY.

SuCCeSSful preSSure CanninG demonStration by elma Cert memberSThe Friday, November 9th demonstration classon canningwent exceptionallywellwith a number of participants in atten-dance. Instructors for the demonstration were Greg and Deborah Merriam.Greg gave a demonstration on the steps used in pressure canning including prepa-rations and safety.Students were able to take home a variety of literature to help with canning at home.The response from class attendees were positive and they look forward to future classes in a variety of subjects.

WWW.WSCERT.NET SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 2006 January - February - March 2013

What iS Cert?The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates peo-ple about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skillssuchasfiresafety,lightsearchandrescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assistothers in their neighborhood or work-place following an event when profes-sional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.Tojoinateamortofindoutmore,visitwww.wscert.net, facebook page West Seneca Cert or contact a member at one of the numbers listed in this news-letter.If your business or organization would like to have a presentation, contact John Gullo at jgullo@twsny.org.To join or to receive more information about the Elma CERT group visit their facebook page at Elma Cert or contact at the information listed on the front page.

Winter Car Safety tipSYou can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition:• Have the radiator system serviced,

or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add anti-freeze, as needed.

• Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires. Tires lose air pressure when it gets cold. Put on snow tires if you have them

• Checkyourbrakesfluidandcalipersto make sure they are working prop-erly.

• During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines

• Make sure to test your heater while its still warm so that you can have time to get it serviced before cold weather sets in.

• Have your battery checked and clean off contacts and posts. If there is excessivecorrosionontheterminalsyour battery might need replaced.

• Check your spark plug wires. Cracked plug wires affect performance, gas millage and reliability.

• Makesureyouremergencyflashersare working be checking them every so often

• Fixexhaustleaksastheycancausecarbonmonoxidepoisoningifyouaresitting idle somewhere for too long.

• A good rule is to replace your wind-shield wipers in the fall and spring.

• Replacewindshield-wiperfluidwithawintertimemixture.

Add some survival and emergency gear to yourcar’sstoragearea.Someexamplesyou can include are:• Regular or emergency blankets• Flashlightswithextrabatteries• Bottle of water• Snack foods that won’t go bad easily• First aid kit• 5 in 1 hammer safety belt tool• Road Map and compass• Paper towels• Moist wet wipes• Snow brush• Matches in a waterproof container• Reflectivetrianglesand/orroadflares

If You Become Stranded...• Do not leave your car unless you

knowexactlywhereyouare,howfarit is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

• Toattractattention,lighttwoflaresand place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

• Ifyouaresurethecar’sexhaustpipeis not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.

• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.

• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

elmaCode red notifiCationIn Elma sign-up for Code Red to be no-tifiedbyyourlocalemergencyresponseteam in the event of emergency situa-tions or critical community alerts. Sign-up for Code Red by visiting the town website at: www.elmanewyork.com

WeSt SeneCaniXle notifiCationSign up for emergency and non-emer-gency alerts for up-to-date information during an incident or anytime from the officeofDisasterPreparedness.Nixlewill provide the same EAS message to every one who signs up. To register visit www.nixle.com