About the Orem Mock (Faux!/Pretend!) earthquake event on April 20th, 2009 (involving several professional and volunteer organizations - including UCARES members and other radio volunteers, CERT teams from Orem and Eagle Mountain, Red Cross Sheltering, 2 LDS Stake Centers, Orem Fire, DHS, Hazmat decontamination unit, Medical Reserve Corp, representatives from Provo, and the media)
The following links are articles and videos on the mock exercise. This was front page of the Daily Herald, also in the Deseret News, and were covered by Channels 4 and 13.
- ABC 4 News Report
- Deseret News Report - Rich Harris, Spanish Fork Press
Sara Isrealsen-Hartley, Deseret News - Daily Herald Report - Ace Styker, Daily Herald,
- Fox 13 Now Report - Brett
- Daily Herald Video
“Hospitals and disaster teams throughout Utah County are preparing for the “big one.” Representatives from the Utah County Health Department said they want to simulate as much of a real earthquake as possible. That means medical teams and emergency crews throughout Utah County are going to practice how well they respond to mass casualties in a series of hazardous situations.” by Brian Carlson ABC 4 News.
Fox 13 Video:
Deseret News’ Slideshow and sound: You can hear Tyler N7TTP (NCS) and Jarom KE7YUP (Hazmat/Decon) on this news report. Nice audio slideshow with radio clips
The leaders of these agencies express big thanks for the radio operations we did.
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ICS (Incident Command System) is a good model for interagency and response work. It works when people understand it. That’s why FEMA, Red Cross, City EMS, etc. are endorsing it for all response efforts.
Also, and excellent earthquake preparedness brochure that was an insert in the Deseret News 2 weeks ago:
http://ussc.utah.gov/publications/roots_earthquake.pdf (hi res, 16 MB)
http://ussc.utah.gov/publications/roots_earthquake_low.pdf (low res, 5MB)
We need to do more of these - to help different agencies, churches, and volunteer organizations practice working together. There’s no substitute for testing plans and regular practice. We learn and improve each time.
Important note: in a real world emergency situation with possible hazmat/biohazard issues (blood-borne pathogens) we as radio operators & responders need to remember to use extra care, size-up the situation, not exceed our training or ability in a situation, (CERT has some good training on this) and have basic PPE (personal protective equipment) with us - gloves, N95 rated mask, goggles are good to have in your pack.
Be Safe out there.
Information above has all been provided by Cory KE7NRV
Event Comm Director and Operations NCS
