Submitted by Don Janelle

This winter has been a real tough one! Although Manchester CERT has not had many requests for help, we did open the EOC a couple times – but just a skeleton crew. We did have a couple Snow Nets and we had a really great response to them. Although we didn’t have to activate, at least we knew our team members were safe and secure in their homes. If the Town needed our help, we were ready to go!

Once winter is over, we will have more training opportunities outside. Pete Beckwith, our new training coordinator, has many ideas on the drawing board. By the time you read this, Pete Vernesoni will have completed a SAR (search and rescue) training series. Also we have many other things actively in the works - we are planning the following:

A psychological first aid class;•Holly June Jacobs will hold a training class in self defense for women;•Paul Gibson and Dick Phelps will be conducting a basic ham operator class • – Technician; they will also be conducting an advanced ham operator class – General;Paul Gibson has offered to hold a CT Boating license class (dates/times TBD);•We plan on having an American Heart Association CPR and AED class;•We plan to schedule an electrical safety class – with a representative from CL&P;•Finally, Pete Beckwith will be leading some short, accelerated training classes• after each of the monthly CERT membership meetings. Some of the topics he will cover include ropes and knots, electrical safety, cold weather safety, etc. The list goes on and on…stay tuned for more!

We also have some major events coming soon. It’s time to mark your calendars…

April 6 (Sun) – Hockanum River Canoe Race – in conjunction with the Manchester Bears•April 6 (Sun) – MS Walk at Rentschler Field - if the East Hartford CERT team needs us.•May 13 (Tues), 5pm to 9pm – Taste of Manchester - same tasks as last year.•TBD in June – Heritage Day on Hartford Road - Fire Police & Emcomm teams needed.•August 3 (Sun) – Cruisin’ on Main Street – same tasks as last year•November 27 (Thu) – Manchester Road Race – in conjunction with the• Manchester Bears (same tasks as last year).

So, get ready team! We will be real busy the next six months with all of these planned events.

BTW, there could even be a few emergency call outs too.

Don J.

March/April, 2014Issue No. 32

From the Executive CommitteeIt Has Been A Rough Winter…

Manchester, Connecticut CERT operates under the direction of the Town of Manchester Emergency Management Agency.

Executive Committee

Manchester’s Community Emergency Response Team

1

Newsletter TeamJerry BujauciusEditorMatt CostaGraphic DesignJeff PlaskyStaffJim GregoryStaff

Al BelandPeter BeckwithKaren ClaingRich ClaingFrancene DianaAnita GillespieHolly JacobsDon JanelleBruce KramerChris MarvinMike PollackBill PringleDanielle SaffiottiScott Somes Jim ToddPete VernesoniAl WilliamsKathy Wilson

Submitted by Pete Beckwith

At the February CERT membership meeting, an additional training session was held after the general meeting. A list of “10 Essentials” was provided to answer a couple of basic questions for people who go out into the field: 1) Can you respond positively to an emergency or accident? and 2) Could you safely spend a night (or more) outside?

Packing these 10 items whenever you step into the woods or backcountry – even if it is just for a day hike – is a good habit to acquire. On a routine trip, you may need to use only a few of these items. But, over time, you will grow to understand and appreciate the value of having all of the “10 Essentials” nearby and handy when you truly need them.

Navigation – map, compass, even a GPS.1.

Sun protection – sun screen, sun glasses, lip balm.2.

Insulation – additional layer of clothing, blankets, sleeping bag.3.

Illumination – flash lights, head lamps.4.

First aid supplies – a pre-assembled first aid kit or a “make-your-own” kit.5.

Fire – matches, fire starter, flint & steel6.

Repair kit and tools – knives, multi-tools.7.

Nutrition – extra food.8.

Hydration – an extra water bottle or collapsible reservoir.9.

Emergency shelter – tent.10.

From the Editor - Can you think of any other items that should be on this list? Maybe emergency communication like a HT radio/transceiver or a cell phone? Are there others?

March/April, 20142

10 Essentials

It’s an age-old question:Should patients be discouraged from trying to quit smoking at the same time they are being treated for psychiatric disorders or addictive diseases? And could quitting cigarettes jeopardize their success in re-covery programs for these more immediate, potetially life-threatening conditions? New federally funded research indicates that smoking cessation may actually help rather than interfere with such treatment, by contributing to the improved mental health of the patient. If you’re being treated for a mental health condition or drug or alcohol addic-tion, and you also smoke, talk to your doctor first. Follow his or her recommendations. Source: www.wustl.edu (Search bar: “smoking and mental health”).

Smoking and Mental Health

March/April, 20143

Cold Weather Safety Tips

This winter has been unusually harsh in many areas of the country. Just as with driving your vehicle, the cold weather presents many challenges in and around your home, your office and other spots. Here are 20 tips to keep you and your family safe.

Wear appropriate foot gear.1.

Step DOWN, not OUT.2.

Walk like a Penguin.3.

Report unsafe conditions such as holes, slick spots, and leaks. Also, pot holes in the road!4.

New-fallen snow covers all the holes that you could see yesterday: Be careful where you step.5.

Use a 3-point contact when dismounting from equipment and vehicles.6.

Use salt, gravel, sand, oil dry, or whatever you have to cover slick spots immediately.7.

Don’t rush.8.

When carrying a load, don’t twist or make fast turns when the footing is slippery.9.

Don’t hurry.10.

Just as in driving, avoid distractions where the footing is slick or questionable.11.

Don’t run.12.

Clear walkways and keep them clear where possible.13.

Remember tracking in snow and ice from the outside presents additional hazards when the floor gets 14. wet and slick on the inside of a building.

Remember your mobile equipment and vehicles won’t stop on a dime in snow and ice. Leave yourself 15. plenty of room to get stopped.

Stay warm.16.

Make sure your portable heaters are away from material that will catch fire.17.

Secure propane cylinders used with portable heaters.18.

Be aware of potential exhaust fume build-up within closed buildings that are normally open.19.

Make sure your emergency exits are not frozen shut.20.

Note, although #8, #10 and #12 are similar, it is valuable to reiterate them - more than once!

4 March/April, 2014

THE CERT BIOName: Peter E. Beckwith

Training Director

THE BASICSName1. : Peter E. Beckwith Family Information2. : Married, 2 adult children, 4 grandkids.Employment3. : Retired in 1993 as Deputy Chief, Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS (32 years). Also, owner of Beckwith Fire Equipment Company, selling fire equipment and sales & service of fire extinguishers (25 years). How long with Manchester CERT4. : 5 yearsCertifications5. : Fire Fighter III, State Fire Instructor IISpecial Accomplishments6. : EMT 20 years (1st local state class 1974), Deputy Fire Chief. Elected to Connecticut Firefighter’s Hall of Fame in 2011 in recognition of 59 years of service and contributions to CT fire service.Education7. : Some college

THE FUN STUFFWhat is your favorite quote or saying1. ? – Have to live to be at least 95 as I don’t have time to die!! Too busy!What are your favorite hobbies2. ? – Listening to scanner and following fire department activities. What is your favorite sport or activity3. ? – Skiing, 25-30 days a year.What is the best trip or vacation you have ever taken4. ? – 3 month motor home trip to Alaska via Texas. Also, 13 day guided trip touring China. What is a fact very few people know about you5. ? – The summer after I retired, I worked on a Dude Ranch in Colorado as maintenance supervisor. What do you like most about your job6. ? – As of March 1st, retired for 21 years!What is your biggest dream7. ? – Live to be at least 95 with good health.

Also: Field Instructor for the CT Fire Academy for 12 years in the 70’s•Supervising Instructor for practical structural fire fighting classes at regional fire school in •Fitzwilliam, NH held 2 weekends a year for 18 years, 1967-1986National Ski Patrol, Senior Patroller, 35 years, 1958-1993•Still active in both the CT Fire Chiefs’ Association and the CT Fire Department Instructors’ •Association.

March/April, 20145

Microsoft’s Windows XP has been shown to be one of the most popular operating systems in computer history. At one point in time, it was the most used operating system on computers throughout the world. But, the popularity of Windows XP – once a blessing – has now become a bit of a curse.

So, what’s the problem? Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Windows XP was first released in August 2001. That makes Windows XP over thirteen years old – quite old for a PC operating system. The problem is that support for Windows XP from Microsoft is scheduled to end on April 8, 2014. This means Microsoft will no longer provide operating system updates for end users. Also, they will stop sending out security patches for new vulnerabilities that may develop.

So, what’s the big deal? 25% of all of the desktops in the world still use the Windows XP operating system. Why? Well, people like it! It’s simple, it’s very easy to use and it works. BTW, a lot of other important equipment uses Windows XP – like bank ATMs and point-of-sale registers in stores. The problem is that all of them will be at risk when the updates stop. When new vulnerabilities to Windows XP are found, Microsoft will no longer provide patches to fix them.

So, what can you do? The bottom line is that you need to use an operating system that is actively supported. Your best bet is to purchase a new PC with a more up-to-date operating system. Then, you can migrate your existing data files from the old PC to the new one. If you cannot afford a new PC, you can consider upgrading from XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8. However, older PCs may have difficulty supporting the newer operating systems. Windows 8 is Microsoft’s latest and greatest operating system. It is more secure but its interface is much different than XP. Windows 7 is more like XP and might be a less disruptive transition.

Finally, if you cannot buy a new PC nor upgrade XP, consider the following steps:

Use your Windows XP computer only for the applications you have to.•

Don’t use a Windows XP computer for financial activity such as online ba• nking or In-ternet purchases using credit cards.

Continued

COMPUTER SECURITYTHE END OF AN ERA - WINDOWS XP

March/April, 20146

Continued from page #5

Stop using Internet Explorer. Switch to a browser like Firefox, Chrome,• or Opera. Update it regularly and ensure the vendor supports it for XP.Stop using applications which open files from the Internet like Windows Media Player.•

Make sure any anti-virus software you have installed, is still actively • supported and main-tained for Windows XP.If your computer does not need to be connected to the Internet – i.e., • you only use it for word processing -- then disconnect it from the Internet.Regularly back up data on your Windows XP computer - in anticipation of that fateful day •when the problems start.

Of course, these are just stop gap measures until you can stop using Windows XP altogether. The real answer is to use a modern, properly secure operating system. Sooner or later, you will have to consider a new system.

How’s your cell phoneetiquette? Ninety per-cent of people sur-

veyed by Intel insisted seri-ous improvement is needed in people’s technology man-ners. Rule #1 is being aware

era uoy nehw ygolonhcet fo esu ruoy foaround others. Be with them, not the technology. Nearly all cell phone etiquette tips flow from this adage. We learn to keep el-bows off the table growing up. Is it time to begin to instill text, chat, and snap manners? For a list of technology social issues and etiquette advice, try http://www.emilypost.com/technology. Source: www.etiquettedaily.com (search “Intel Study”)

Tech-Etiquette A re you getting excited about spring? Take avantage of this time of

renewal and increased energy to plan events or participate in activities that cause you to look forward, create healthy distractions from work stress, and give you more balance in our life. Whether it is indoor germinating of garden seeds prior to planting, getting rid of stored junk in a weekend garage sale, or arranging short getaway trips so you avoid last-minute planning and lost weekends that fly by, these spring “tune-up” activities will lift your mood and provide feelings of accomplish-ment you will be thankful for later.

Getting Excitedabout Spring

COMPUTER SECURITYTHE END OF AN ERA - WINDOWS XP

March/April, 20147

The 91st edition of The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications celebrates the Centennial Anniversary of ARRL. For 100 years, ARRL has been one of the leading organizations for promoting technical advancement and improvements in radio operating practices. And, since 1926, The ARRL Handbook has helped to explain the latest innovations in the field of applied electronics and communications. It serves as a great technical reference source for hams of all interests and abilities. The Handbook is written by radio amateurs…for radio amateurs, experimenters, engineers and students.

The latest version of the book has over 1,300 pages of radio communication information and is divided into six major sections as follows:

Introduction – What is Amateur (Ham) Radio?1. Fundamental Theory – electrical fundamentals, analog & digital basics2. Practical Design and Principles – radio frequency, receivers, transmitters, repeaters3. Antenna Systems and Radio Propagation – radio signals, transmission lines, antennas4. Equipment Construction and Maintenance – techniques, accessories, test equipment5. Station Assembly and Management – safety, assembly6.

For this centennial edition, a special 39-page history of the Handbook – “From The Beginning” – has been written. This history includes graphics that show pages and illustrations from some of the Handbooks over the past 100 years. Also, many of the chapters have new or completely rewritten sections. Plus, they have included a brand new chapter on telemetry and navigation.

One of the biggest benefits of the Handbook is that it can serve as a great reference book for radio amateurs across the spectrum – both novice users and ham radio experts. If you want a basic refresher about electrical fundamentals, details about antennas or advanced information about ham radio stations, the Handbook provides it. Finally, although new versions of the Handbook are produced every year, this book should be good to use for a number of years.

Continued

BOOK REVIEWThe ARRL Handbook for Radio Communication

(Centennial Edition)

March/April, 20148

BOOK REVIEWThe ARRL Handbook for Radio Communication

(Centennial Edition)

Continued from page #7

One criticism some have mentioned is that the entire Handbook is produced in black and white. Although the coated paper used is high quality, some of the diagrams – like the US Amateur Radio Bands and a page of common schematic symbols – are better viewed in color. However, it is important to note that the entire book is included on an accompanying CD-ROM. Many of the drawings, tables, illustrations and photographs on the CD-ROM are in color. Finally, the Handbook does contain some advertisements from ham radio businesses. But, this may just be a “sign of the times” for the book industry in general.

Book DetailsSeries: ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications

Paperback: 1300+ pages, plus fully searchable CD-ROMPublisher: American Radio Relay League; 91st edition (October 1, 2013)

Language: EnglishISBN: 978-1625950017

Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 8.2 x 10.8 inchesShipping Weight: 5.6 pounds

List Price: US $49.95NOTE: The hardcover edition is officially SOLD OUT.

Car wrecks caused by young people drinking and driving are common, but many people (young and old) also die from other alcohol-related injuries including alcohol poisoning, asphyxiation resulting from aspira-tion while unconscious or asleep, or exposure. Asphyxiation is an especially hazardous risk of binge drinking, and some colleges have repeat incidents almost yearly. Typically, the drinker consumes a large amount of alcohol rapidly over a very short period. Even if consumption stops, blood alcohol level may still rise. The drinker may then wander off or pass out. A drinker tucked into bed by friends in this condition may later die by asphyxiation after vomiting while unconscious or asleep. Explain to young people the hazards of binge drining. Binge drinking is always unsafe, and of course illegal for those who are underage. The Web site www compelledtoact.com tracks incidents of alcohol-related deaths of college students. It can provide a strong reality check for those who need it.

Spring Break...Alcohol Abuse

March/April, 20149

www.SKYWARN.orgThe effects of severe weather are felt every year by many Americans. To obtain critical weather information, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, established SKYWARN®

with partner organizations. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

Although SKYWARN® spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, the main responsibility of a SKYWARN® spotter is to identify and describe severe local storms. In the average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes occur across the United States. These events threaten lives and property. Timely updates by people on the ground are vital to ensure public safety.

Since the program started in the 1970s, the information provided by SKYWARN® spotters, coupled with Doppler radar technology, improved satellite and other data, has enabled NWS to issue more timely and accurate warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flash floods.

NWS encourages anyone with an interest in public service and access to communication, such ham radio operators, to join the SKYWARN® program. Volunteers include police and fire personnel, dispatchers, EMS workers, public utility workers and other concerned private citizens. Individuals affiliated with hospitals, schools, churches, nursing homes or who have a responsibility for protecting others are also encouraged to become a spotter.

NWS has 122 local Weather Forecast Offices, each with a Warning Coordination Meteorologist, who is responsible for administering the SKYWARN® program in their local area. Training is conducted at local offices. The classes are free and typically are about two hours long. To find out when a SKYWARN® class will be conducted in local your area, contact your local Warning Coordination Meteorologist at: http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/contact.htm .

Check out SKYWARN if you want to learn more about the cooperative efforts between the National Weather Service and local communities.

Previous Websites You Should Know:

< www.w1brs.com

< www.makehartford.com

< www.arrl.org

< www.cdc.gov

< www.ctalert.gov

< www.ct.gov/despp

< www.ct.gov/demhs

< www.thehotspace.com

< www.getreadycapitolregion.org

< www.ccsar.org

< www.mbsar.org

< www.citizencorps.gov

< www.ready.gov

< www.CTrecovers.ct.gov

Websites You Should Know

Welcome

thehotspace

Manchester E. O. C.

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