Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams
Proudly Serving York County PA
On Saturday, October 27, 2007 the York County Animal Rescue Team (CART) went all out with a live animal drill. The drill was held at the 4H Clucb facility located in Stoverstown PA. Team President Stan Walters (Unit 56) joined with HAMs from YARS (York ARES/RACES SKYWARN) to provide Safety communications for the drill. Stan was assigned to the Fire unit which became Incident Command. Everythinmg was going along fine during the morning scenario. A traffic accident involving pickups pulling animal trailers needed clearing. Did you know they have horse maniquins? I did'nt!
In the afternoon, the scenario involved hazardous materials with animals in the "hot" zone. The YARS HAMs suddenly found themselves in the limelight when when drill personnel decided to simulate a radio failure on all county radios. Stan suddenly had the Incident Commander asking him to pass movement orders to EMS, HAZMAT and CART groups. It was very educational and exciting. The CART team worked hard to coral several turkeys that got loose. The drill was a huge success and lots of great things came out in the "hotwash", the post drill de-briefing.
More than a couple of cars had to be slowed down by waving coned flashlights. Neighorhood streets were packed with Trick-or-Treaters and their parents. Some had safety flashers while others were invisble in the dark. Fortunately, REACT was there!
Stan and Tim also utilized personal safety flashers as part of their safety gear as well as orange mesh vests and the new headgear.
Another CERT class graduated from training held at the LDS church in York. Doug, York County REACTer 58 graduated making 7 REACTers with CERT training. Stan Unit 56 along with new Junior member Tim and his dad came to "help" the CERT trainees by making their graduation drill as "real" as possible.
