This Citizen Corps News Digest is provided by FEMA's Individual & Community Preparedness Division to highlight community preparedness and resilience resources and activities recently announced by federal agencies and Citizen Corps partners.

DHS and FEMA Updates

Individual and Community Preparedness Awards Announced

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced the winners of the 2011 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Awards. These annual awards recognize the innovative practices and achievements of organizations and individuals across the nation working to make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.

Winning applications demonstrated significant innovation and creativity in preparing their communities for any disaster or emergency event. For example, the San Manuel Band of Serrano Mission Indians developed a “Send Word Now” system which provides SMS text, email and voice alerts to tribal members during emergencies. Other winners such as the New York City Citizen Corps program, which collaborates with more than 60 community organizations, government agencies, private sector organizations, and volunteer programs, distinguished themselves by engaging the whole community.

Several were exemplary in their ability to train and educate community members. The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago trained more than 55,000 youth and their families in over 20 low-income neighborhoods. And the Earthquake Country Alliance successfully hosts the Great California ShakeOut, an annual statewide earthquake drill involving millions of participants – a concept that has been replicated in other states and countries.

Congratulations to all winners! A complete list of this year's award recipients, including descriptions and those applicants receiving honorable mentions in each category, can be found at: http://www.citizencorps.gov/councils/awards/2011/awardwinners2011.shtm

National Test of the Emergency Alert System

On November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern, FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test.

Although the EAS is frequently used by State and local governments to send weather alerts and other emergencies, there has never been a national activation of the system. In fact only 50 percent of Americans report familiarity with alerts and warning systems (source: Personal Preparedness in America: Findings from the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey).The purpose of the November 9, 2011 test is to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system and identify incremental improvements to better serve our communities in the preservation of life and property.

During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that “This is a test.” Although the EAS Test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests that most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. This will continue to cascade down through all different levels until the national alert has been distributed throughout the entire country.

ShakeOut, Don't FreakOut!

Join us and help spread the word about the Great California ShakeOut happening Thursday, October 20th . ShakeOut is an earthquake drill, involving community leaders like you and members of your community, emphasizing the importance of how to stay safe during and after an earthquake. Even if you don't live in California, you can register for a drill near you.

The California ShakeOut is an event for everyone and one that can be replicated in every community. There are many additional ways for individuals, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, scouts and others to participate in the ShakeOut. Click here for more customized ideas for what you or your organization can do.

Supporting School Safety through Teen CERT

Significant progress is being made to ensure all of our nation's schools are safe, secure and productive; and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for teens is just one initiative helping to make the difference. Teen CERT, part of the National CERT Program, is directed at making our schools and communities safer by having educated / trained youth capable of preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies.

Under the direction of school and local emergency responders, Teen CERTs offer schools, individuals, and communities critical support by providing assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster when professional responders may be delayed or limited. Teen CERTs also support schools year-round by helping with school safety issues, peer mentoring, emergency management exercises, preparedness outreach, fire safety education, and home safety. Many schools are utilizing trained members to enhance their school response plan.

No matter where you live, who you are, or your age, we all have a role in hometown preparedness. For more information about Teen CERT and how to establish one in your local area, contact your area or state CERT program. For the program nearest you, please visit the CERT website.

Citizen Corps Partners and Affiliates Updates

Encouraging Preparedness through Social Media

Social Media is a communication vehicle most tend to under utilize when communicating key messages; however according to internet world statics, nearly 80 percent of Americans regularly access the internet. Social media tools including podcasts and video clips are great vehicles for raising awareness about preparedness efforts and supporting those making our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency or disaster event. Below, are two examples for how Clark County, Nevada's Citizen Corps Council utilized social media to draw attention to the importance of preparedness, while highlighting local partnerships, activities, and efforts.

http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/admin_services/oem/Pages/PodcastVideo.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cxdovhw0FY

Upcoming events to consider promoting through social media include, the November 9 National Test of the Emergency Alert System, Veteran Preparedness, and Winter Storm Awareness.

Are you Registered?

FEMA encourages all new local Citizen Corps Councils and CERT Programs to register in the National Citizen Corps Council and CERT Program Registries. The registries collect and display contact information for each Council and Program making it easier for individuals to learn more about safety and security in their community and get involved in local activities.

To register a Council now, click HERE.

To register a CERT Program now, click HERE.

To learn more about the registries, visit the Registration Support Page.

If you're already registered with us, update your information NOW! Your profile is intended to reflect current information and can be updated at anytime. Login HERE to update your profile today!

The National Office of Citizen Corps
FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Division

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.