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Minutes 11-15-01MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2001 AT 6:30 P.M, Present Ron Washam, Chairman Beth Miller, Vice Chairman Anne Centi Joy Currier Eddie Mitchell Hansome Jones, Alternate Dan DeCarlo, Neighborhood Specialist Absent Michele Costantino Blanche Girtman Brenda Lee Williams Juanita Summers Stuart Heyer, Alternate Chairman Washam welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the members of P.A.T.C.H. for assisting with the arrangements for the meeting. Chairman Washam noted that the Community Relations Board is an advisory board to the City Commission. The purpose of the Board is to keep the Commission apprised of what is taking place in the community and what issues need to be addressed. In 1962 when the Board was first formed, it acted as a race relations board, in 1972 the name was changed to the Community Relations Board. The first Board Chairperson was Ms. Blanche Girtman, who is still a current member of the Board. I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. Vice Chair Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Sister Lorraine Ryan led everyone in the singing of "My County 'Tis of Thee." II. Roll Call - regular members and alternates The roll was called and a quorum was present. Relationship of Community Relations Board and P.A.T.C.H., Beth Miller (addressed out or order) Special Meeting MinUtes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 15, 2001 Vice Chair Miller thanked the Board for sponsoring the meeting and recognized the P,A.T.C.H, members in the audience. Approximately two years ago the Community Relations Board was informed that there was a need in the City for a health clinic and was asked to help. The Board toured other facilities throughout the County to become acquainted with the P.A.T.C.H. organization. People in the community were polled to determine what they would like to have in the community. P.A.T.C.H. now has a Steering Committee and is applying for not- for-profit status. II1. Introduction' Mayor Gerald Broening Mayor Broening expressed his appreciation for the work being performed by the Community Relations Board and welcomed P.A.T.C.H. to the community. Mayor Broening spoke on the importance of government's role in providing public safety to its citizens and how the events of September 11th have affected the Country. IV. Recognition of Visitors Chairman Washam recognized Assistant City Manager Wilfred Hawkins and Mr. Dan DeCarlo, the City's Neighborhood Specialist. VI. P.A.T.C.H. Overview; Angela Girtman, President of the P.A.T.C.H. Board of Directors Ms. Girtman read the mission statement, purpose, vision and commitment of P.A.T.C.H. The purpose of P.A.T.C.H. is to provide a program to help the community' evaluate, plan and implement health education and disease prevention programs. It is a partnership of concerned citizens and organizations to provide a forum in identifying health problems in order for the community to plan and conduct intervention programs. Their ultimate goal is to have an actual facility in the community to provide services, referrals, and resources to promote and maintain a healthy community. Two immunization fairs have already been sponsored. Members of P.A.T.C.H. are Ralph Conca, Vice Chairman; Brian Edwards, Secretary; Beth Miller, Treasurer, Sister Lorraine Ryan, Elizabeth Jenkins, Sgt. Lee Thompson and Rick Ross. Their meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month in Conference Room C, City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Additional members are being recruited and anyone interested in joining would be welcomed. Chairman Washam acknowledged Ms. Elizabeth Jenkins, who was also an original member of the Community Relations Board, who served on the Board for over 25 years. 2 Special Meeting MinUtes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida N°vember15,2001 VII. Introduction of Featured Speakers: Beth Miller Division Chief Russ Accardi, Delray Beach Fire Department Dr. Stanley Feist, LMHC Edward Houck, Ed.S., LMHC VIII. Program Vice Chair Miller thanked Sister Lorraine Ryan and the Women's Circle for providing refreshments that will be served after the meeting. Division Chief Russ Accardi from the Delray Beach Fire Rescue was introduced. Chief Accardi has 19 years of service in the Fire Department and is the team manager for the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team, South Florida Task Force 2 and has just returned from leading a rescue mission at Ground Zero in New York City. Chief Accardi explained that the Urban Search and Rescue Teams are comprised of 28 teams throughout the Country and deploys with 62 personnel, even though most teams consist of over 200 people. The time for deployment is between four to six hours. The teams are trained to deal with finding and rescuing people that have been trapped as a result of all types of disasters. The teams consist of trauma surgeons, structural engineers, communication specialists, firefighters, medical specialists, and rigging specialists, as well as search dogs. All these people have been cross-trained to perform rescue work. There are two teams in Florida and he is a member through the City of Miami Fire Department. Members of the team are from Broward, Palm Beach and Dade Counties. There is also a member on the team from Boynton Beach. Chief Accardi presented a moving slide show on what transpired in New York City frOm a personal perspective and shared some of the personal tragedies that took place as a result of the destruction and collapse of the Twin Towers. Chairman Washam thanked Chief Accardi for sharing his experiences. Vice Chairperson Miller introduced Dr. Stanley Feist, a licensed mental health counselor and supervisor. Dr. Feist was instrumental in developing the Disaster Mental Health Service for Palm Beach County Red Cross and was also in New York to offer his expertise in crises intervention to other mental health professionals. Dr. Feist is also a national instructor for the Red Cross Disaster Services. Dr. Feist stated he was present tonight to inform people how the Red Cross becomes involved in disasters. Congress has charged the Red Cross with being 3 Special Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida November 15, 2001 responsible for the emotional wellbeing of survivors of major disasters. The Red Cross also assembles teams, which act as a backup to other rescuers. Dr. Feist distributed a pamphlet entitled "Preparing for the Unexpected." Dr. Feist spent a great deal of time explaining (1) how to create an emergency communications plan, (2) establishing a meeting place, (3) assembling disaster supply kits, and (4) checking on the school emergency plan for parents with school-age children. All of this information is contained in the pamphlet attached to the minutes of this meeting. Next reviewed was what to do if disaster strikes, weighing the possibilities of what could happen and, lastly, what to do in the event you are required to evacuate. Also discussed were the various ways to deal with stress resulting from disasters. Chairman Washam thanked Dr. Feist for his informative presentation. Vice Chair Miller welcomed Mr. Ray Adams of the Palm Beach County Health District who is the Director of all the P.A.T.C.H. Chapters in the County. Next introduced was Mr. Edward Houck, a licensed mental health counselor in marriage and advanced family therapy. Mr. Houck is also a Board Certified Hypno-therapist. Mr. Houck spoke about post-traumatic stress and trauma. Mr. Houck stated that hehas been working in the field of post-traumatic stress and trauma since the mid-seventies with Vietnam Veterans. He has also worked with Korean War Veterans, survivors of murdered family members, train and plane crash victims and hurricane survivors. Mr. Houck explained that when a person becomes stressed there are 2400 separate chemical reactions in the human body. He presented ways on how to recognize and deal with stress. Exercise through walking or performing some kind of aerobic exercise three to four times per week for about 45 minutes will metabolize the effects of stress. Also relaxation, reading and "getting away" are very good relievers for stress. Mr. Houck also pointed out that any kind of spiritual belief is very important. IX. Questions and Answers Chairman Washam thanked Mr. H°uck and invited the speakers back to the podium to field questions from the audience. A question and answer period followed. 4 Special Meeting MinUtes Community Relations Board BoyntOn Beach, Florida November 15, 2001 X. Correspondence and Announcements Ms. Currier announced that 1,500 families will be served turkey dinners on Tuesday at 12 o'clock noon. The meals will be cooked at Headstart and delivered to the needy families by the Police Department. Xl. Adjournment The meeting concluded by signing "America the Beautiful" led by Sister Lorraine Ryan. The meeting properly adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (three tapes) (November 16, 2001) 5 American Red Cross Together, we can save a lfJ:e www. redcross.org American Red Cross Disaster Services A1366 Oct. 2001 An American Red Cross mobile service center stationed atthe Pentagon Sept. 18 is one small part of the caring relief services you can expect from the Red Cross in any disaster, Dew, stating acts, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, have left many concerned about the possibility of future incidents in the United States and their potential impact. They have raised uncertainty about what might happen next, increasing stress levels. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to prepare for the unexpected and reduce the stress that you may feel now and later should another emergency arise. Taking preparatory action can reassure you and your children that you can exert a measure of control even in the face of such events. Children should know their family members' phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The information should be carried with them to school and easy for them to find at home. WHAT You I-:.AN Dn Tn PREPARE Finding out what can happen is the first step. Once you have determined the events possible and their potential in your commu- nity, it is important that you discuss them with your family or household. Develop a disaster plan together. 71. CREATE AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS PLAN. Choose an out-of-town contact your family or household will call or e-marl to check on each other should a disaster occur. Your selected contact should live far enough away that they would be unlikely to be directly affected by the same event, and they should know they are the chosen contact. Make sure every household member has that con- tact's, and each other's, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (home, work, pager and cell). Leave these contact numbers at your children's schools, if you have children, and at your workplace. Your family should know that if telephones are not working, they need to be patient and try again later or try e-mail. Many people flood the telephone lines when emergencies happen but e-mail can sometimes get through when calls don't. 2. ESTABLISH A MEETING PLACE. Having a predetermined meeting place away from your home will save time and minimize confusion should your home be affected or the area evacuated. You may even want to make arrangements to stay with a family member or friend in case of an emergency. Be sure to include any pets in these plans, since pets are nor permitted in shelters and some hotels will not accept them. 3. ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT. If you need to evacuate your home or are asked to "shelter in place," having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable-- [] Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy- to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can. [] Include "special needs" items for any household member (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each person, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery powered radio or television and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools. [] Ir is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit. Copies of essential documents--like powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, insurance policies, life insurance beneficiary designations and a copy of your will-- should also be kept in a safe location outside your home. A safe deposit box or the home of a friend or family member who lives out 'of town is a good choice. For more complete instructions, ask your local Red Cross chapter for the brochure titled Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit (stock number A4463):"' 4. CHECK ON THE SCHOOL EMERGENCY PLAN OF ANY SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN YOU MAY HAVE. You need to know if they will keep children at school until a parent or designated adult can pick them up or send them home on their own. Be sure that the school has updated information about how to reach parents and responsible caregivers to arrange for pickup. And, ask what type of authoriza- tion the school may require to release a child to someone you designate, if you are not able to pick up your child. During times of emergency the school telephones may be overwhelmed with calls. For more information on putting together a disaster plan, request a copy of the brochure titled Your Family Disaster Plan (A4466)* from your local American Red Cross chap- ter. You may also want to request a copy of Before Disaster Strikes... How to Make Sure You're Financially Prepared (A5075)* for specific information on what you can do now to protect your assets. Documents are available at www. redcross.org/disaster/beprepared/ At the American Red Cross Family Assistance Center near the Pentagon, a Red Cross volunteer comforts the family member of someone killed in the attack. If DISASTER STRIKES [] Remain calm and be patient. [] Follow the advice of local emergency officials. [] Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions. [] If the disaster occurs near you, check for injuries. Give first aid and get help for seriously injured people. [] If the disaster occurs near your home while you are there, check for damage using a flashlight. Do not light matches or candles or turn on electrical switches. Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards. Sniff for gas leaks, starting at the water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly. [] Shut off any other damaged utilities. [] Confine or secure your pets. [] Call your family contact--do not use the telephone again unless it is a life- threatening emergency. [] Check on your neighbors, especially those living alone, elderly or disabled. A WORD ON WHAT COULD HAPPEN As we learned from the events of September 11, 2001, the following things can happen after a terrorist attack: · There can be significant numbers of casual- ties and/or damage to buildings and the infrastructure. So employers need up-to- date inforroation about any medical needs you may have and on how to contact your designated beneficiaries. · Heavy law enforcement involvement at local, state and federal levels follows a terrorist attack due to the event's criminal nature. · Health and mental health resources in the affected communities can be strained to their limits, maybe even overwhelmed. · Extensive media coverage, strong public fear and international implications and consequences can continue for a prolonged period. · Workplaces and schools may be closed, and there may be restrictions on domestic and international travel. · You and your family or household may have to evacuate an area, avoiding roads blocked for your safety. · Clean-up may take many months. EVACUATION If local authorities ask you to leave your home, they have a good reason to make this request, and you should heed the advice immediately. Listen to your radio or TV, follow the instructions of local emergency officials and keep these simple tips in mind-- · Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes so you can be protected as much as possible. · Take your disaster supplies kit. · Take your pets with you; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative's or friend's home, or find a "pet-friendly" hotel. · Lock your home. · Use travel routes specified by local authori- ties-don't use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or dangerous. · Stay away from downed power lines. Listen to local authorities. They will provide you with the most accurate information spe- cific to an event in your area. Staying tuned to local radio and television, and following their instructions is your safest choice. If you're sure you have time: · Call your family contact to tell them where you are going and when you expect to arrive. · Shut off water and electricity before leav- ing, if instructed to do so. Leave natural gas service ON unless local officials advise you otherwise. You may need gas for heat- ing and cooking, and only a professional can restore gas service in your home once it's been turned off. In a disaster situation it could take weeks for a professional to respond. - A disaster supplies kit, with items like those shown and a radio and extra batteries, is an essential resource in times of emergency. SHELTER IN PLACE If you are advised by local officials to "shelter in place," what they.mean is for you to remain inside your home or office and protect your- self there. Close and lock all windows and exterior doors. Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems. Close the fireplace damper. Get your disaster supplies kit, and make sure the radio is working. Go to an interior room without windows that's above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. Using duct tape, seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in spe- cific areas at greatest risk in your community. ADDITIONAL POSITIVE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE Raw, unedited footage of terrorism events and people's reaction to those events can be very upsetting, especially to children. We do not recommend that children watch television news reports about such events, especially if the news reports show images over and over again about the same incident. Young children do not realize that it is repeated video footage, and think the event is happen- ing again and again. Adults may also need to give themselves a break from watching disturbing footage. However, listening to local radio and television reports will pro- vide you With the most accurate information from responsible governmental authorities on what's happening and what actions you will need to take. So you may want to make some arrangements to take turns listening to the news with other adult members of your household. Another useful preparation includes learning some basic first aid. To enroll in a first aid and AED/CPR course, contact your local American Red Cross chapter. In an emer- gency situation, you need to tend to your own well-being first and then consider first aid for others immediately around you, including possibly assisting injured people to evacuate a building if necessary. People who may have come into contact with a biological or chemical agent may need to go through a decontamination procedure and receive medical attention. Listen to the advice of local officials on the radio or tele- vision to determine what steps you will need to rake to protect yourself and your family.- As emergency services will likely be overwhehned, only call 9-1-1 about life- threatening emergencies. FIRST AID PRimer If you encounter someone who is injured, apply the emergency action steps: Check- Call-Care. Check the scene to make sure it is safe for you to approach. Then check the victim for unconsciousness and life- threatening conditions. Someone who has a life-threatening condition, such as not breathing or severe bleeding, requires imme- diate care by trained responders and may require treatment by medical professionals. Call out for help. There are some steps that you can take, however, to care for someone who is hurt, but whose injuries are not life threatening. CONTROL BLEEDING [] Cover the wound with a dressing, and press firmly against the wound (direct pressure). [] Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart if you do not suspect that the victim has a broken bone. [] Cover the dressing with a roller bandage. [] If the bleeding does not stop: - Apply additional dressings and bandages. - Use a pressure point to squeeze the artery against the bone. [] Provide care for shock. CARE FOR SHOCK [] Keep the victim from getting chilled or overheated. [] Elevate the legs about 12 inches (if broken bones are not suspected). [] Do not give food or drink to the victim. TEND BURNS [] Stop the burning by cooling the burn with large amounts of water. [] Cover the burn with dry, clean dressings or cloth. CARE FOR INJURIES TO MUSCLES, BONES AND JOINTS [] Rest the injured part. [] Apply ice or a cold pack to control swelling and reduce pain. [] Avoid any movement or activity that causes pain. [] If you must move the victim because the scene is becoming unsafe, try to immobilize the injured part to keep it from moving. BE AWARE OF BIOLOGICAL/RADIOLOGICAL EXPOSURE [] Listen to local radio and television reports for the most accurate information from responsible governmental and medical authorities on what's happening and what actions you will need to take. [] The Web sites referenced at the end of this brochure can give you more information on ho,v to protect yourself from exposure to biological or radiological hazards. REDUCE ANY CARE RISKS The risk of getting a disease while giving first aid is extremely rare. However, to reduce the risk even further: [] Avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids. [] Use protective equipment, such as dispos- able gloves and breathing barriers. [] Whenever possible, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water immediately after giving care. It is important to be prepared for an emer- gency and to know how to give emergency care. Supplies for rescue workers at the Pennsylvania crash site on Sept. 13. The Red Cross quickly mobilizes food, beverages and other relief supplies to almost any location for as long as they are needed. MORE INFORMATION All of these recommendations make good sense, regardless of the potential problem. For more information on how to get ready for disaster and be safe when disaster strikes, or to register for a first aid and AED/CPR course, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter. You can find it in your telephone directory under "American Red Cross" or through our home page at www. redcross.org under "your local chapter." For information about your community's specific plans for response to disasters and other emergencies, contact your local office of emergency management. For information on what a business can do to protect its employees and customers as well as develop business continuity plans, see www. redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared or request a copy of the Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry and/or Preparing Your Business for the Unthinkable from your local American Red Cross chapter. For more information about the specific effects of chemical or biological agents, the following Web sites may be helpful: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www. bt.cdc.gov U.S. Department of Energy www. energy, gov U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www. hhs.gov Federal Emergency Management Agency www. rris.fema.gov Environmental Protection Agency www. epa.gov/swercepp