By Robin Swain
Chief Todd Hesse informed us that the Rockaway Beach Fire & Rescue Department will have a Full Functional Exercise during the Oregon ShakeOut 10/17 at 10:17am. Chief Hesse explained, “The purpose of this is to test our department, CERT and Emergency Preparedness Team in the event of a natural disaster.” There is a countywide effort for the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill – Tillamook County adds “Move Out” – to encourage folks to practice their earthquake preparedness and the tsunami evacuation. Rockaway Beach Fire & Rescue is utilizing this opportunity to activate all resources just like a real emergency.
What is a Full Functional Exercise?
Captain Grace told us, “It is the coordination of Fire & Rescue, Radio Net, CERT and Emergency Preparedness. Each group is trained in specific areas.” Chief Hesse added, “ An incident command post will be set up. CERT will set up and manage medical triage. Radio Net will practice on their radios, information relays. Emergency Preparedness will set up supplies. A team will do building damage assessment.”
This is also a good test for each of us. Do you have a Go Bag? If you do have one, did you remember to grab your medicine? Do you have GO Bags for your pets? Carriers, harness and leash for your cats and dogs? This is a good time to make sure you and your family are Fully Functional in case of a natural disaster. Do you have a neighbor that is disabled or in poor health? What is your neighborhood plan?
Chief Hesse added, “Our goals:
- Setting up incident command.
- Assigning tasks per the training the teams have received.
Our overall goal is to see where the strengths and weaknesses are in our process. Where do we need more training? What equipment and supplies do we need to buy? Gathering this data for our community is very important.”
Captain Grace stated, “Keep in mind this is just the initial phase of the incident. Be prepared! The best way to do that is to be trained. Join Emergency Preparedness, CERT, Radio Net or the Fire Department.”
In conclusion on 10/17 at 10:17am
DROP! COVER! HOLD! After the shaking stops (2 to 5 minutes), grab your GO BAG and then make your way to your Evacuation Assembly Area, you have 15 minutes. GO! GO! GO!
For more information, tsunami evacuation routes, tips for go bags, https://corb.us/emergency-management/
