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2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
New program could give Austin's 1st responders more help during emergencies
AUSTIN (KXAN) — When disaster strikes, first responders and their resources can become stretched thin. A new pilot program could help alleviate that pressure through community volunteer efforts. During a severe storm at the end of May, the Austin Fire Department responded to more than 700 emergency calls during the first hours of the severe weather. One person died and others were injured in a series of water rescues during those storms. AFD: 700+ emergency calls made during first few hours of severe weather Wednesday Agencies hope a new pilot program that trains volunteers in emergency preparedness and response will ultimately save lives. The city of Austin's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) said it's launching the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) pilot program this summer. CERT programs offer volunteer training that first responders can rely on during disasters, according to HSEM. These programs are in all 50 states and have expanded to include specialized programs for teenagers, college campuses and workplaces. The three Austin CERT basic courses this summer will focus on fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, shelter management, team organization and disaster preparedness. People who complete the course and training exercise will receive a certificate and CERT kit, which includes a number of preparedness and response tools and items, and a CERT helmet and vest to identify volunteers on-site during response activities, according to HSEM. The launch of the CERT pilot was made possible through a grant, originally written and submitted by HSEM staffer Cindy Hood. HSEM said Hood died after a battle with cancer, and the pilot program is dedicated in her memory. CERT classes will be offered three times this summer as part of the pilot program. Details can be found at The basic classes include 24 hours of instruction over multiple days. HSEM asks that people only sign up if they can commit to finishing the course. Registrants must have a FEMA Student Identification Number (FEMA SID). If you don't already have one, you can register to get a FEMA SID online. Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register HERE Monday-Thursday, 1-7 p.m. Register HERE Friday-Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register HERE HSEM said participants who complete the courses and exercises will get a certificate and CERT kit, which includes preparedness and response tools, a CERT helmet and a volunteer vest to be worn during response activities. Although not required, HSEM said students are encouraged to take the free, online FEMA Independent Study IS-317: Introduction to CERT course, which will provide some more background to CERT and examples of what CERT volunteers can do during emergencies, HSEM said. Local first responder agencies have been facing struggles with staffing for the last several years. Some Austin-area first responder agencies have reported this year that they're finally slowly recovering from staffing shortages. The Austin Police Department's new chief, Lisa Davis, told KXAN in April that things were going in the right direction in terms of staffing, and she expected vacancy rates to drop significantly over the next few years. A city audit released that month tracked vacancy rates and strategies from 2020 through 2024. During that time, the vacancy rate increased from 7.4% to 18%. Davis said she expected vacancy rates to drop significantly over the next few years. APD hopeful about staffing despite audit claiming ineffective recruitment practices Austin-Travis County EMS Chief of Staff Wesley Hopkins also told KXAN in April that vacancy rates within that department were the best they've been in years. However, later that month, in a document obtained by KXAN, ATCEMS Chief Robert Luckritz said that the agency continues 'to innovate and challenge the status quo of EMS deployment' but that its current mode of operations are 'not sustainable.' Austin-Travis EMS temporary pilot program could free up ambulances 'The department has become increasingly dependent on the use of overtime, on-call pay, and calling employees into work on their days off. As the department approaches full staffing, this model is not sustainable,' he wrote. In the document, he said that a temporary program would be piloted to alleviate pressure on emergency services. The program had ATCEMS start using more 'single paramedic responder vehicles' instead of ambulances on most calls. Single responder vehicles are faster than an ambulance, but can't transport patients. 'I am excited to see Austin HSEM offering advanced emergency preparedness training like CERT to the public,' HSEM Director Jim Redick said in a press release. 'A prepared community is a resilient community. CERT is another way for us to connect with the public and help them ready themselves and their neighborhoods for disaster.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Austin HSEM talks about how to prepare for any natural disaster
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management recommends everyone have a plan to stay prepared in case of a natural disaster. Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with David Wiechmann, Acting Public Information and Marketing Manager for Austin's HSEM, to learn more about the resources HSEM offers. House: What items should viewers gather for a go-bag in case of a natural disaster? Wiechmann: Well, thank you for having me, and thank you for the question. A lot of people worry about preparedness and what they need to have in case they need to evacuate their home or hunker down during a natural disaster. Some of the key things to have in your kit include a gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food for everyone in your household, blankets, and hand tools, like a multi-tool. You also want to include personal documents that are irreplaceable, such as your marriage license, birth certificate, and social security cards. Make sure these are stored in a waterproof bag in case of flooding. And don't forget about your pets – make sure you have their leash, collar, a collapsible bowl for water, and their food. We have great information on our website, where you can find guidance on what you need in your kit. We also offer downloadable checklists, which you can print and keep handy. You can grab a copy of these checklists at our monthly emergency preparedness pop-up events, held on the third Wednesday of every month. We even have magnetic versions that you can stick on the side of your fridge to easily check what you have in your kit. As far as your non-perishable food goes, be sure to check the expiration dates regularly. Keep track of when they expire, and when the expiration date is approaching, use it for dinner. On your next grocery run, replace it so your emergency kit stays fresh and ready. We don't want you to find yourself in an emergency with expired food. House: Is there a website, app, or specific page people can visit to learn more about all of this? Wiechmann: Yes! On our website, you can click on the 'Get Prepared' tab. There, we have the four steps of emergency preparedness: Make a plan, build a kit, know your neighbor, and stay informed. If you click on the 'Build a Kit' section, it'll give you all the information you need to create your kit. You can download checklists, as I mentioned. We also give out basic supply kits to the first 25 people who attend our monthly pop-up events. These events are held at public libraries across the city. Our next event will be on February 19 at the Pleasant Hill Branch in District 2. We rotate locations every month so we can visit all 10 city council districts and share important preparedness information and tips with people all around our community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
