RBCERTAA is a non-profit organization created to organize and maintain the skill levels of CERT graduates. We accomplish this by supporting and attending ongoing emergency response training. Members are encouraged to achieve a high level of preparedness and provide volunteer support to the Redondo Beach Fire Department when a major disaster strikes, or when activated by the RBFD in the event of an emergency.

RBCERTAA Board Members:

Marcelle McCullough (Pres.)

Mike Grady (V.P.)

Montgomery L. Ruth (Treas.)

Rochelle Kelley (Sec.)

Jeff Adam

Jennifer Adam

Bob Applegate

Lily Gonzalez

Bob Kumler

Sandy Marchese

Latest Redondo Beach CERT Class Graduates

Redondo Beach CERT class #35 successfully completed its graduation exercise on July 28^th at Redondo Beach Fire Station 2.

The day-long effort included training in fire suppression, first aid, and search and rescue. The exercise was capped off with a simulated disaster. This simulation was caused by an explosion.

The Redondo Beach Fire Department makes every effort to assure that the exercise is realistic - volunteers from the El Camino Fire Academy act as victims. The Medical Reserve Corps was there with nurses and a doctor. Moulage was applied to create realistic looking wounds.

This CERT class found itself confronted with a disaster scene that was filled with screaming "victims", smoke, and realistic chaos. All in an effort to prepare this team to respond effectively if and when the real thing occurs.

Training Exercise at El Camino Fire Academy

RBCERT graduate conquers the 35’ ladder at the El Camino Fire Academy. Instructor Isaac Yang looks on from below.

RBCERT alumni recently attended an intensive all-day training session at the El Camino Fire Academy. Sessions included CERT activation protocols, hose handling technique (included the very exciting 2½ inch line!), ladder climbing, turn out fitting, using an air breathing system, USAR training and finally the live fire demo. A great time was had by all.

Handling the large fire hose was quite exciting. Unlike the much smaller hose used in the CERT graduation exercises, can really produce quite a wallop as it pushes against whoever’s trying to control the hose.

Climbing the ladder was also pretty exciting; from 35’ up, the ladder seems much higher than it does from the ground!

Many thanks to RB firefighter Isaac Yang, Captains Dan Bliss and Rick Martinez, and Chief Whitaker and his skilled El Camino Fire Academy staff for their incredible efforts in presenting this training exercise. Chief Whitaker’s staff should be particularly praised for “going the extra mile” to make our visit comfortable!

The day was capped off with a “live fire” exercise. The class was outfitted with breathing apparatus and turn out gear, and then we sat on the floor as a corner of the concrete room was set ablaze. It was all very controlled, but not without some risk. We were warned not to stand up during the exercise, as the temperature near the ceiling approaches 1000°F! This gave us a “hint” at what our firefighters regularly face. Now add a fire axe, breathing apparatus, small hand tools, and a chain saw, then take away the safety harness and that’s how THEY do it!

New RBCERTAA Board of Directors Elected

RBCERTAA President Marcelle McCullough swears in new board member Lily Gonzalez.

The yearly RBCERTAA Board of Directors elections were held last month. Board President Alisa Zells, Secretary Bob Heil and board member Noble Smith stepped down and as a result three new members were elected. The new members were Bob Applegate, Bob Kumler and Sandy Marchese, all graduates of CERT class #34. Many thanks to the departing board members for their selfless contributions to the safety of South Bay citizens!

The current board, including new officers, are Marcelle McCullough (Pres.), Mike Grady (V.P.), Montgomery L. Ruth (Treas.), Rochelle Kelley (Sec.), Jeff Adam, Jennifer Adam, Tania Amaral, Bob Applegate, Lily Gonzalez, Bob Kumler and Sandy Marchese.

Tania Amaral is moving out of the area and has stepped down from the board. Garth McWhorter has been nominated to replace her and the position will be filled at the September 11th board meeting.

RBCERTAA Yearly Goals Announced

The RBCERTAA Board of Directors announced its yearly goals for the organization:

1. Communication

Improving communication so that we have an increase of 30% in new student and alumni participation in trainings, board meetings and community events.

2. Community Involvement

Participate in a minimum of six community events a year (i.e. block parties, Relay for Life, etc.)

3. Funding

Raise $10,000 by the end of this term, with a recommended disbursement:

a. $3000 for communication/radios

b. $1000 for fire suppression equipment

c. $3000 operating expenses

d. $3000 to remain in the bank

4. Training

Continue our quarterly training events with the RBFD.

Please feel free to communicate your thoughts or suggestions regarding these goals to the RBCERTAA board of directors at RBCERTAA@aol.com.

Volunteer Opportunities

RBCERTAA needs your help! The strength of this organization is the willingness of CERT graduates to step up and work together for the common good. Don’t worry, it won’t take too much time! The following volunteer opportunity exists within RBCERTAA:

Communications Committee

The Communication Committee is looking for help in redesigning the RBCERTAA website. We have a pretty good idea of what we want, but we need help in implementation. Once constructed, we can maintain the site ourselves, if necessary. A great opportunity to be an integral part of a vital RBCERTAA tool!

Equipment Committee

The Equipment Committee needs at least four volunteers to help Mike Grady determine equipment needs and maintenance.

They’ll help maintain the trailer and container. They’ll check and organize equipment quarterly on a Sunday (half-day). They’ll also assist in the yearly inventory and equipment check. This would occur on a Sunday and take a full day.

They should be able to pull the trailer and display the equipment when the board or fire department asks for it and Mike is not available. This takes one or two persons and they should know that Mike is not available on Saturdays.

Community Involvement Committee

The Community Involvement Committee’s goal is to increase the visibility of Redondo Beach CERT to the residents of Redondo Beach. Displaying cooperation among CERT members during non-disaster times creates bonds of working together which would be beneficial when we are called upon for an emergency.

Thank you for those that attended the recent committee meeting and showed interest in being a part of the Community Involvement Committee. This is a great way to serve the community and get to know other RBCERTAA members.

Volunteers are needed for the 23rd Annual Calif. Coastal Cleanup Day, AYSO Opening Day Ceremonies and the Safety Fair & Police Department Open House. See details in the Events Calendar, below.

Volunteers interested in assisting with the Community Involvement Committee can email Sandy Marchese at SRedondoBeach@aol.com or leave a message on the RBCERT Hotline at 310-217-7682.

There are many other ways to get involved! Please contact RBCERTAA if you’d like to volunteer for any of the above opportunities, or have any ideas on how you’d like to help. If you don’t have time to spare, we’ll take cash donations (remember, they’re tax deductible)!

Redondo Beach Firefighter Spotlight

This month’s spotlight falls on Capt. Dan Bliss, the new RBFD liaison to RBCERTAA. Dan is a fourth generation firefighter and 21 year veteran of the RBFD. He’s been involved with RBCERT since its early days.

After he started his career, Dan quickly advanced to a paramedic with the department and spent 15 years as Vince DiPane’s partner (a department record). He was promoted to Fire Captain last year.

Capt. Bliss is currently assigned to C-Shift Station 1 Engine 61.

Dan is also past president of the Redondo Beach Firefighters Association.

Captain Bliss brings a wealth of experience to the task and it’s clear that he’s dedicated to helping the RBCERT graduates attain and retain a high skill level. His expertise makes his thoughts on fire safety and preparedness invaluable. RBCERTAA is proud to have him working with us!

Events Calendar

9/6 CERT class #36 starts

Redondo Beach Main Library

303 N. Pacific Coast Highway

2^nd Floor, Room A

Every Thursday (eight meetings)

6:30pm - 9:30pm

9/11 RBCERTAA Board of Directors meeting

Note: the date/location for the September board meeting has been changed. The September meeting will be held at:

The Beach Cities Health District

514 N. Prospect Ave.

The Redondo Room downstairs

Social starts at 6:00pm, with meeting called to order at 6:30pm.

All RBCERT alumni are encouraged to attend!

9/15 23rd Annual Calif. Coastal Cleanup Day

Meet in front of the "old library building" in Veteran's Park at 9:30am

Event starts at 10am and continues until noon

Please wear RBCERTAA shirt, if possible, and your work gloves.

9/15 AYSO Opening Day Ceremonies - CERT Booth

Alta Vista Park

8:00am - 2:00pm

9/17 Redondo Beach Safety Commission Meeting – Focus on CERT

City Council Chambers 7:00pm

RBCERT Alumni are encouraged to attend to support RBCERT

10/2 RBCERTAA Board of Directors meeting

10/7 Safety Fair & Police Department Open House – CERT Booth

Activities begin at 10:00am and conclude at 3:00pm. Event features tours of the Police Station, static displays of police equipment and fire apparatus, safety and crime prevention exhibits, free gun locks, entertainment and food free of charge to the public.

10/27 CERT class #36 graduation

Course review and disaster simulation.

Redondo Beach Fire Station No. 2

2400 Grant Ave. @ Mackay Lane

10:00am - 3:00pm

CPR Protocols Changed – Recertify Now

If it’s been over a year since you were certified in CPR, it’s time to get recertified! The American Red Cross and American Heart Association have both updated their CPR protocols. Don’t be left out – you can get recertified in CPR and first aid at no extra cost by attending RBCERT class #36 on the following dates: 9/20, 9/27 & 10/4.

Preparedness Tip of the Month

This month’s tip is about your most indispensable preparedness supply – water. You can survive without food much longer than you think, but you won’t last long without fresh water. Sources commonly recommend one gallon per day, per person.

Don’t forget that in an emergency your pets will also need water!

If you’ve bottled the water yourself, it needs to be rotated every six months. Commercially bottled water will last for a very long time (years), but some folks feel that rotating your water provisions helps keep the taste “fresh.” Buy a little more each week if you can. Your goal should be at least a three week supply of water for each member of your family. Also remember to keep a supply of water in your car and at work. Avoid caffeinated drinks, which act as diuretics, causing you to lose fluids. Best bet: check out solar stills – turn ocean salt water into fresh distilled water. For more details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_still.