Hurricane Check List and Storm Drains

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Clubside - CERT Emergency Communications

Last corrected: 16-Jul-2010

Vineyards Radio Network  Clubside Two-Way Radios  State  Pinellas

Introduction

CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. We have five CERT graduates at Clubside: Jack Cane, Pete Farley, Tony Piasecki and Ralph and Patsy Webster. The Clubside Reserve CERT Committee, working with the Board, handles emergency operations at Clubside Reserve.

General: Advance Preparation and Planning

This page is primarily about communications. However, we would like to remind everyone of the importance of being prepared before any hurricane even THINKS about forming. We know that you are impacted by dozens of media-driven announcements and presentations. Still, the members of your Committee want to impress on you the importance of advance preparation, would like to provide a good, additional reference, and commend it for your attention and guidance.

Hurricane Preparation Planning Note: this excellent guide published by Pinellas County is a great resource for anyone.

In every hurricane seminar that we have attended, the need for an individual family protection plan is always stressed. Please see this Pinellas County location for a good starting point for anyone, anywhere, to develop a plan.

In addition, the State has just deployed an additional resource. It will help you to get started on your disaster plan. This is an interactive site that lets you fill in the blanks and create your own, individualized disaster plan.

Communications Plan at Clubside Reserve

Introduction

In times of emergency we have three separate means of radio communications. All of our radios are battery-powered, and are not dependent on any landline telephone or cellular services. Each of our radio systems is briefly described on this home page, with more details on linked pages.

1. Clubside Two-Way Radios

Effective communications form the backbone of any emergency plan. Within Clubside Reserve, we have established a network of short-range, hand-held radios or handsets with which the Board, the Committee, and unit owners keep one another informed of conditions and requirements. In order to be ready when needed, we conduct occasional radio communication exercises.

All unit owners are encouraged to purchase two-way radios and keep in touch during an emergency. A number of these radios are in the hands of Clubside members. Anyone can have one. See details here.

2. Vineyards Radio Network, Inc. (VRN)

VRN is a Florida corporation offering paid memberships to communities within the Vineyards. Its purpose is "communication throughout The Vineyards and beyond the gates...In times of emergency, the radio will provide emergency communication among Associations as well as communication with the... [CERT] Captain who can provide EMS, Fire Department and Police Services when needed..."

Disclaimer by VRN: "The Vineyards Radio Network and the [VRN] Emergency Net Controllers are not responsible for the timely or untimely fashion that an agency is notified or responsible for that agency's response."

Clubside has purchased a paid membership in the VRN. We have taken possession of a UHF two-way radio for this purpose. Please see illustration at right. Ralph Webster or in his absence, Pete Farley or Jim Kelly, will have custody of the VRN radio. That person will exchange information between Clubside and VRN as necessary in times of need. That person will also assume the duties of Net Control within Clubside Reserve, in order to be fully informed of activities on both networks (Clubside and VRN). Should traffic become excessive, the VRN radio holder may delegate duties of Net Control on the Clubside network, for the period necessary.

VRN has the ability to communicate with both Fire Station 45 (Veterans Park, North Naples) and the Collier County Emergency Operations Center. Consistent with operating procedures promulgated by VRN, in an emergency the holder of Clubside's VRN handset should be able to communicate with either of these entities.

The Emergency Operations Committee emphasizes the importance of keeping in touch and keeping the Net Control informed of important conditions or situations within Clubside that require assistance from outside our community. We will do all in our power to request assistance and provide information to facilitate same.

Please see VRN Operating Procedures for further details.