September is National Preparedness Month, an observance to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. We can be thankful that Saharan dust plumes continued to move off the coast of Africa through July and August. This interfered with severe storm development. If we do NOT have a newly named storm by September 3, we will set a new record for longest mid-season gap between systems. Please don’t let this cause complacency; for the safety of our families, we need to stay prepared.

Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)

President, LWR CERT

The simulated activation began at 9 AM Saturday, Aug 6 with 16 teams and 6 Hub operators participating. Teams that activated were assigned four scenarios. For each scenario, they were tasked with evaluating the situation and recording how they would respond in an actual situation. The LWR CERT Emergency Radio Communications Network (ERCN) was exercised by having all Group Leaders make radio calls required by their scenarios, which were relayed by the radio hubs to EMFR Fire Station #6.. 

Under the direction of Operations Manager Dave Cashbaugh, feedback from the exercise is being collated and analyzed. Resulting changes to activation policies and procedures as well as additional training opportunities are expected to be announced soon.

Thanks to Team 35 GL Brenda Nusbaum for the exercise photos.

LWR CERT's Pat Knowles shared his vast hurricane knowledge including why Saharan dust and La Nina are influencing this year's hurricanes, how to strengthen your home (consider adding hurricane-resistant windows and garage door hurricane braces), when to evacuate (at least 5 days before the storm), and supplies to have on hand before a storm arrives (at least 7 days of food, water and medicine for all people and pets). Visit lwrcert.org/hurricane for more hurricane prep information.

Mike Defferding, LWR CERT's Neighborhood Engagement Manager, shared the importance of neighbors helping neighbors and encouraged residents to consider joining a LWR CERT team in their neighborhood. Visit lwrcert.org/join for details.

Thank you to all the LWR CERT volunteers including our presenters Jim Emanuelson, Pat Knowles and Mike Defferding; Pam Biladeau and Maureen Corristan (registration); Dave Cashbaugh (photographer); Mel Davis, Jean Hritz and Brenda Nusbaum (Hurricane Prep); Sharon Defferding, Hilary Harter, Jan Kuhn and Cynthia Olcott (Neighborhood Engagement); Karen Emanuelson (event organizer); Alan Blair, Frank Giannone, Tony Gula, Sebastian Ilka and Tim Sherer (Radio Communications), Nigel Pilling (technology); and an extra thanks to Bruce Bedford and his family for their generous donation of the football-themed door prize.

Lakewood Ranch is always seeking new CERT members. LWR CERT, which covers the CDD area of LWR known as Phase 1, offers Basic Training for everyone in the LWR area.

The next LWR CERT Basic Training course at Town Hall begins Oct. 13. Registration and details at lwrcert.org/join. This will be the last LWR CERT Basic Training offered this year. The Training Committee is working on the 2023 Basic Training schedule.

By Bud Goetzinger (KG4BUD)

As manager of the RCC, I have been asked the above question several times. Operating the radio seems simple – you install the batteries, turn it on, set the channel and privacy code and you are ready to talk! So, why can’t you always hear your team or Group Leader?

There are several types of radio service approved by the FCC, and the rules vary for each.

As you can see, each radio has advantages and disadvantages. Price, range and licensing are considerations LWR CERT uses to decide what service to use for each role and we end up using 3 different types:

Radio reception is dependent on many factors -- atmospheric conditions, buildings and vegetation to name a few. Here are a few things to try to improve your radio success:

I hope this answers questions you may have about our radios. If you have more questions, let a member of our radio committee know or email Bud.

Tony Gula (KO4ZWX) has agreed to serve as Hub 3. Tony received his Technician class license in April and is a member of Team 17 in Greenbrook. Hub 3 serves teams 31-36 during activations.

Tony is replacing Bud Goetzinger as Hub 3. Bud will continue serving as Manager of the Radio Communications Committee.

Alan Blair (KQ4BOJ) as agreed to serve as Hub 5. Alan received his Technician class license in June and is a member of Team 8 in Summerfield. Hub 5 serves teams 1-6, 8, 23 and 24 during activations.

Thank you to retiring Hub 5 operator Nick Frederick. We appreciate your years of service to the organization.

LWR CERT members Mike Modisett, Hilary Harter, Frank Giannone and Brenda Nusbaum completed a three-day, 23-hour CERT Train-The-Trainer course. In addition to demonstrating their ability to present the CERT Basic Training course, they also learned effective teaching techniques including setting the environment, maximizing learning retention, conveying information and assessing student progress.

They join previous LWR CERT Train The Trainer graduates Jim Emanuelson, Karen Emanuelson, Bud Goetzinger, Pat Knowles and Nigel Pilling.

...you can have your Manatee County questions answered from 8 AM - 5 PM weekdays just by calling 311?

Happy September birthday to members Samuel Acquaviva, Pam Biladeau, Lenoire Bredt, Marty Burton, Barb Clemons, Bruce Costella, Marvin Crepea, Barb Davey, Connie Farmer, Barbara Hickey, Karen Lemley, Vijay Mahadeo, Todd Martin, Nigel Pilling, Michael Rogers, Susan Strahs, and Sheila White

Hydration Backpacks - At their August Board meeting, the Board voted to discontinue issuing individual hydration backpacks after the current inventory is depleted and instead offer each team a bathtub bladder to provide clean drinking water during activations.

Neighborhood Newsletter - Does your neighborhood have a newsletter? Want more neighbors on your team? LWR CERT sends special preview information to Neighborhood Newsletter editors each month, which they can include in their publications. Send your editor's name and email address to cert@lwrcert.org to have them added to our special distribution list.

Shop at Smile.Amazon.com, and Amazon can donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to LWR CERT, at no cost to you.