The Source Emergency Management Department Sit Stat and Intel

Issue 07 / July 2018 the source Emergency Management Department sit stat and intel

County disaster EMD pulls down Coachella Valley ordinance update Workplace Wellness Award

Is your desk secured and ergonomi- promote employee health and wellness We’ve been working diligently the cally correct? Do you report trip and in the Coachella Valley. According to last several months with County fall hazards when you see them, or HARC, winners of the Workplace Well- Counsel and the Executive Office even better, fix them yourself? ness Awards represent some of the to update the existing County Or- best places to work in the region. We dinance 533.5. Time for a break? Get outside and couldn’t agree more. join one of our many walking groups. This local ordinance is the govern- ing document of the emergency EMD’s safe and healthy culture led management structure for the to special recognition from Health County, it also ensures the conti- Assessment and Research for Com- nuity of government during sig- munities (HARC). EMD is the proud nificant incidents. Continuity of winner of the Coachella Valley Work- government is acheived when the place Wellness Award in the Safety programs directly related to the and Environment category. County of Riverside’s constitution- “We were very thankful to receive al, democratic form of government this award on behalf of EMD, which survive following a catastrophic in- recognized our success in workplace cident. wellness,” said EMD Health Education Some of the key changes I’ve been Assistant II Carol Gonzalez. working on for Ordinance 533.5, EMD places a high value on motivat- include elevating the Disaster ing safe and healthy behavior among Council to a policy level member- personnel. Between Gonzalez and ship. This also sets the Operational Safety Officer Martin Baxter, EMD is Area Planning Committee as the kept up to speed on the latest health technical advisory group to the Di- competitions and safety training in- saster Council. formation. Gonzalez loves to chat In addition, we’ve recently rein- about optimal nutrition and Baxter vigorated the Inter-Department plays a mean game of air hockey. Emergency Management Com- “Winning the award motivates me to mittee (IDEMC) among coun- live up to the spirit of the award and ty departments and agencies. further improve our programs this year,” said Baxter. Carol Gonzalez (left) shows off the Desert Sun CONTINUED ON PG. 2 Organizations were selected based newspaper ad naming EMD as the Workplace on exemplary work to protect and Wellness Award winner. Martin Baxter [safely] balances the award on Carol’s head. Page 2

EMD adds four new team members to BRUCE, CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 the roster Spring was in the air. Flowers were plans to care for his dog, Bosco, while blooming and four new personnel listening to some good tunes. After all, The IDEMC was formed in 2014 sprouted in the EMD family. his dog and music are two items he’s aimed at achieving the goals and sure to have ready when the big one objectives born from the former In REMSA, Lizette Cisneros is the Emergency Management Task- division’s newest Office Assistant hits. force. II. Lizette recently moved to East- Also new to Preparedness is Melissa Moving forward, IDEMC will fo- vale from Carson and comes to us Hooper who is the division’s new Office cus on plan development and from RUHS - Behavior Health. Liz- Assistant III. Melissa has lived in River- implementation, including the ette adds to the office football ri- side for most of her life and has been Emergency Operations Plan, valries by supporting the Green Bay in the Army for 12 years. Her daughter Continuity of Operations (COOP) Packers. She and her husband enjoy Isabel will start preschool in the fall, Plan, and county department travel and delicious food. In a disas- while Melissa transfers to Cal Poly Po- COOP Annexes. In addition, em- ter, Lizette will look after her Terrier, ployee mobilization and employ- mona to continue her education. Me- Lucas, armed with her flashlight and ee training are also key areas of lissa enjoys American muscle cars and focus at the IDEMC. The collabo- batteries. drag races. She says two of the most rative work of the IDEMC will be The Preparedness Division added important things in her emergency kit aligned to support these efforts, two new members. Jose Garcia is are her daughter’s favorite book, Lla- EMD’s Strategic Plan and our de- ma Llama, Red Pajama, and a first aid partment work plan. the department’s first Emergency Management Educator and comes kit. Thanks to the work of the stra- from Washington D.C. where he Rounding out the list of new additions tegic planning team, led by Bri- was a lieutenant for a university is Erik Ramirez with the Operations Di- an MacGavin, EMD’s first 2018- police department. Jose grew up in 2021 Strategic Plan is complete. vision. Erik will keep the department’s Southern California before attend- You can read it online at www. operations well supplied as our new ing Fresno State and working in law RivCoEMD.org, under the About Support Services Technician. Com- enforcement with the Fresno Coun- Us section. ing from the oil and gas industry, Erik ty Sheriff’s Department. Jose has a worked on offshore supply boats in the Master’s degree in emergency and Gulf of Mexico. Married with two boys, disaster management from George- Regards, Erik says two key elements in his emer- town University and is fluent in gency kit are a generator and a supply American Sign Language (and occa- Bruce of medicine. sionally Spanish). In a disaster, Jose EDITOR’S NOTE:

The Source is produced by EMD personnel. Submit story ideas to EMDPIO@ rivco.org. Brooke Federico Editor,Writer Shane Reichardt Writer,Photographer Mary Valterria Writer Carol Gonzalez Writer Teri LeBouthillier EMD’s newest employees (from left): Lizette Cisneros, Melissa Hooper, Jose Garcia and Erik IT Writer Ramirez pose for a picture between the two Riverwalk Towers. Page 3

World Series champ motivates EMD to set sights high, make plans to get there

Mr. Marlin himself paid EMD a visit in his goals – relentless work ethic and May. Retired Major League Baseball inherently knowing there’s always (MLB) player and extreme adventur- room for improvement. “I look at life er, Jeff Conine, took time out of his like a huge window,” said Conine. “I family visit to Southern California to make the most of the opportunities share his approach to personal moti- I have.” vation and mental resiliency. From left: Michelle Kelly (EMD), Frank Kams (San Some of the opportunities that Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department), Jenni- Conine is a two time MLB World Se- Conine has taken advantaged of fer Smith (EMD), Tamica Foots-Rachal (CA State ries Champ, both with the Miami include competing in the Ford Iron- Council on Developmental Disabilities), Dennis Marlins. For 25 years, he and his wife man Championship in 2008 and Day (EMD) and Mark Bassett (EMD) receive Cindy Conine have helped to accom- the World Marathon Challenge this Autism Hero Awards at the Autism Society’s Hero modate families of children receiving year. The challenge consisted of sev- Walk on April 22. treatment at the Joe DiMaggio Chil- en marathons in seven continents dren’s Hospital in Hollywood, FL. To- over seven days. Autism Heroes gether, the Conines run the nonprof- Team EMD partnered with the Autism it, which has housed many families How does a single human being across the country. achieve so much success? “Set a Society’s Hero Walk on April 22 to fa- goal, have a plan to get there, and cilitate the Inland Empire’s largest-ever, Conine also has close ties to Renee don’t let anything deter you,” said disaster preparedness expo specifically Poselski, EMD’s Contracts Analyst. Conine. for the autism community. “He’s my little brother,” Poselski clari- Conine further explained that re- fied. The pair’s father was even in the More than 2,000 attendees listened as audience for the discussion. fusing to be deterred allows him to quickly bounce back after obstacles emergency management professionals “Seeing the dynamic between Jeff, that would defeat many others. spoke about lifesaving disaster pre- Renee, and their father was really When he was training for the Iron- paredness tips for disabilities, access powerful,” said Office Assistant - Ver man, Conine was hit by a car and and functional needs (DAFN) communi- na Liles. “It was nice to see the gen- broke his shoulder and collarbone. ty members. One hundred families also erations coming together and giving He lost valuable weeks of training, received hands-on fire extinguisher back to the community.” but was able to make up the time training throughout the day. missed by increasing the intensity Conine addressed how he’s achieved of his training and adjust- During the event, EMD team members ing his food plan. Jennifer Smith and Dennis Day were recognized as Autism Heroes for their Conine also shared his favorite memory from play- leadership in the areas of disaster and ing in the majors. Late in emergency preparedness for the DAFN one of his all-star game community. appearances, Joe DiMag- gio stayed past his sched- “It was an honor to be recognized by uled departure time to such an important organization,” said watch Conine bat. Conine Smith, who develops plans and collab- hit a solo home run for the orates with the DAFN community. The win and was later named event resulted in renewed dialogue be- Most Valuable Player in tween emergency management, first the game. DiMaggio kindly responders and agencies serving the signed a commemorative DAFN community throughout the In- All Star ball for Conine. land Empire. “To Jeff, Left the ballpark after your thrilling home “It’s so rewarding to teach the whole World Series Champ and extreme adventurer Jeff Conine run in the All Star game. community how simple, yet critical stands with his sister Renee Poselski of EMD/Business and My Best, Joe DiMaggio” steps could save their life in a disaster,” Finance Division during his visit to EMD. said Day. Page 4

Healthy motivations July 28 is World Hepatitis Day Viral Hepatitis is one of the biggest global health threats of our time and causes 1.34 million deaths every year. Astonishingly, 300 million people living with viral hepatitis are unaware they have the disease. A cure for hepatitis C, as well as treatment and vaccine for hepatitis B exists. Get checked today. August is National Breast Feeding Month Breast milk contains everything the baby needs for their first six months of life. Colostrum, which is expressed the first few days after the baby is born, is often referred to as “liquid gold,” be- Players in the Corona Regional Medical Center exercise address how they will move 20 percent of cause it is loaded with antibodies that their patients within 90 minutes. helps babies fight off viruses and bacte- ria. It also helps develop the newborn’s Gone in 90 minutes immature digestive tract. Corona Regional Medical Center, Nursing units contacted patient fam- The act of breastfeeding promotes with assistance from EMD, con- ily members explaining the drill and bonding between mom and baby. ducted a Coalition Surge Test (CST) asked, “If this were a real event, could Breastfeeding also burns up to 500 cal- to evaluate the hospital’s ability to you pick up your family member?” ories a day. accept a large number of patients. At the end of the 90 minute surge September is National Preparedness Within 90 minutes, the hospital Month identified the beds it could make exercise, Corona Regional evacuated available, match patients to those well above the 20% target mark and Your neighbor may have to rely on beds, and identified transportation successfully evacuated 67% of their you during an emergency. Will you be resources appropriate for each pa- patient census. Corona Regional Med- ready? Do you have enough water and tient. This resulted in evacuating 20 ical Center partnered with the City of food stored to last your family for three to seven days? Knowing how to shut off percent of their total patients. Corona police and fire departments, Mission Ambulance, American Medi- utilities like gas, water and electricity is The CST is designed to assist health cal Response, Cavalry Ambulance, Co- key after a disaster. Preparing the fam- care coalitions identify gaps in rona Health Care Center, Inland Valley ily for an emergency is as simple as a surge planning through a no-notice and Temecula Valley Medical Center. conversation over dinner. Teach your exercise. The exercise’s foundation kids how to turn off the utilities too. Other facilities playing in the exercise comes from a real-world health • Build a kit care system disaster challenge— included Hemet Valley Medical Center, the evacuation of a healthcare fa- University of California Irvine Medical • Make a plan cility. Center, Palm Terrace Corona, Vista Cove Corona and Kindred of Ontario. • Sign up for Alert RivCo EMD monitored the evacuation Get started at www.rivcoready.org portion of the drill. Although, no The Corona Regional Emergency De- patients were physically evacuat- partment, as well as all other hospital ed from the facility, hospital staff services, continued normal operations completed all physical paper work throughout the exercise. Corona Re- needed for patient evacuation, in- gional Medical Center is a 238-bed cluding calling local hospitals to community hospital network consist- survey bed availability and ambu- ing of a 160-bed acute care hospital lance companies to assist with the and a 78-bed rehabilitation campus. transfer of patients. Page 5

By the numbers REMSA hits the streets for EMS Week

Paramedics, emergency medical tech- the type of situations they encounter.” nicians (EMT) and mobile intensive • 10 people on average die EACH care nurses (MICN) often see commu- The Riverside County EMS system is the nity members when they are at their fourth busiest in California in terms of DAY from unintentional drowning. worst. The sick, the injured, the odd, call volume, which is expected to grow emergent cases. within the next two years and become • The 5th leading cause of uninten- the third busiest. Visit www.REMSA.us Medics, EMTs and MICNs provide criti- for more information on REMSA’s cre- tional injury and death in the U.S. is cal pre-hospital care to safely transport dentialing program. drowning. thousands of Riverside County residents and visitors each month. • 3,536 unintentional drown- Every year, EMD/REMSA says thank you to our county’s 3,400 licensed ings occur each year in the U.S. for paramedics, EMTs and MICNs as part of non-boating related incidents. National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week by providing care packages • 50 percent of drowning victims to field staff, dispatchers and support personnel. This year, REMSA visited treated in emergency departments every permitted ambulance provider and five basic life support companies require hospitalization or medical during EMS Week. transfer for additional care. Com- “I went on a morning ride-along with pare this with only 6 percent for all Riverside County Fire Department during EMS Week,” said Reyshawn unintentional injuries. Bobo, Administrative Services Assistant with EMD/Preparedness. “The oppor- • 1 in 5 who die from drowning tunity gave me the chance to see first- From left: Dan Bates (REMSA), Steve Jensen hand the people in the community our (Preparedness), Josh Parsons (AMR) and David are children aged 0 - 14 years. medics and EMTs help every day. It also Olquin (AMR) celebrate EMS week with a barbe- allowed me to gain an appreciation for que at AMR’s headquarters in Perris. • 7 children have died from drowning in Riverside County between January and July of this year. CPR Week call for action, learn to save lives *Statistics from 2005-2014 Centers for When the heart stops beating, cardio- time advocate for CPR awareness. Serra- Disease Control and Prevention data pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life no provided the following tips: and REMSA. Visit www.capriverside.org saving measure that can double or tri- ple the chance of survival. CPR is such • Scene safety – Always make sure you to find out more about low cost swim a vital tool, that there is a whole week are safe before helping anyone. lessons. dedicated to CPR and automated exter- • Always call for help – Make sure you nal defibrillator (AED) awareness. or someone else calls 911 for help.

CPR week was June 1-7. This year, the • Get the AED – Grab an automated ex- American Heart Association debuted a ternal defibrillator, if available. new campaign highlighting the importance of bystanders taking action and • Push hard and fast – compress the being willing to perform CPR during a victim’s chest hard and fast, aiming cardiac arrest emergency. for the center of the chest. “The importance of learning and In addition to these helpful tips,- Ser performing CPR cannot be stressed ra urges EMD staff to take advantage of enough,” said REMSA EMS Specialist the CPR training that is held quarterly by Ralph Serrano, who has been a long- American Medical Response (AMR). Teach children to swim at an early age. Page 6

EMD celebrates EMD nurses talk inspiration for nursing Administrative National Nurses Week was May 6– touch. Nursing takes all the soul 12. The annual recognition spotlights and spirit combined to reach the Professionals Day EMD’s nurses for the profound impact people who need it. My role of they have on our department. In their bringing nursing into emergen- Administrative Staff in the Emergency own words, EMD’s nurses share how cy management connects pa- Management Department (EMD) were nursing impacts them. tient care to regional resources. honored during an April 25 stand up - K.C., Registered Nurse III meeting in the conference room. The • I went into nursing because I liked recognition was in observance of Ad- caring for people; it always made • I got into nursing, because my ministrative Professionals Day, which me feel like I made a change in mom said I could go anywhere highlights the importance of Adminis- someone’s life. My role in EMD and that appealed to my wan- trative staff to the organization. brings nursing into an entire system derlust, plus it appealed to my approach for specialty and trauma enjoyment of the biosciences. During the meeting, administrative care throughout Riverside County. Gravitating to EMD made a very staff were presented with decorated - Shanna Kissel, Assistant Nurse smooth and logical transition, be- candy jars. These tokens of apprecia- Manager cause I routinely interface with tion were put together by Nadine Hays EMS crews receiving patients. of the Business and Finance Division, • I love the people and the human - Karen Petrilla, Emergency Medical with the cost of supplies being shared Services Specialist by managers and supervisors. • The professional “It’s always fun to create things for code of ethics for people who are always giving of them- nursing speaks most selves,” said Hays. “It warms my heart to me about my drive to see the joy on their faces!” for the profession. Nursing holds that Hays wasn’t alone in her excitement. health is a universal Dana Lagunas of Preparedness said the human right. I feel gift was very creative and the presenta- fortunate to do what I tion was an unexpected surprise. do every day with my “I felt appreciated,” said Lagunas. “It nursing skills in EMD. was like there was a spotlight on us and - Scott Moffatt, Emer- that made it feel special.” gency Medical Ser- EMD nurses pose outside of the Riverwalk garden. From left: Karen vices Specialist Deputy Director Victoria Jauregui Burns Petrilla, Karen Craven (K.C.) and Shanna Kissel. Not pictured: Scott led the meeting and handed the gifts Moffatt. out to each recipient. In addition to the candy jars, a continental breakfast was served for all to enjoy. Who wore it better? You pick. “It was our way of saying thank you for all the great work and support for EMD,” said Jauregui Burns.

Dana Lagunas (left) receives a gift from Victoria Everything is just peachy! From left: Renee Safety first! Orange you glad Martin is as con- Jauregui Burns for her hard work all year long. Poselski, Martin Baxter and Bertha Vaca. cerned with our well-being as this safety cone? Page 7

Victoria ready to soak up the sun in retirement

Victoria Jauregui Burns, Emergency Management Department (EMD) Dep- uty Director, is retiring. Burns has been with the department for three years and has been a leader and mentor to staff. Before coming to EMD, Burns was new- ly retired from the Department of Pub- lic Health, where she served as a Pro- gram Chief to the HIV/AIDS branch. In total, Burns has worked with Riverside County for 33 years. “It’s exciting to be part of a department that is the first of its kind,” said Burns. “I’m going to miss everyone.” Victoria Jauregui Burns (bottom center) receives a proclamation from the Board of Supervisors (top Burns explained that she really enjoyed row) for her 33 years of service to Riverside County. RUHS Director Kim Saruwatari (bottom left) and her time at EMD, especially watching EMD Director Bruce Barton (bottom right) stand beside her. everyone join together and adjust to a new dynamic - becoming one team, in- tage of senior citizen discounts at movie ful things in her retirement,” said stead of three. matinees. Reese. Although there are projects that she’d Burns wasn’t alone in her feelings of sep- Burns said EMD staff won’t have to miss like to stay and see through, Burns aration. EMD Secretary Annette Reese her too much, as they are welcome to said she is looking forward to spending said that Victoria’s absence would be felt. reach out her anytime they want. She’s more time with family and engaging in just a phone call away. more creative pastimes. She also men- “I’m going to miss her and I tioned that she plans to take full advan- wish her happy and wonder- Congratulations and best wishes!

Praise given to EMD volunteer cadre and standout stars They give tirelessly of their time. They tive,” said EMD Preparedness Manager don’t wait until disaster lands on their Ramon Leon. “Some have volunteered doorstep. They are busy now. for more than 20 years and this was their official recognition ceremony.” Annually, they spend hundreds of hours providing training and advocat- Acclaim was given to the Radio Ama- ing for better plans and equipment. teur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Meet EMD’s volunteer squad – each an group, designated as the Volunteer Or- expert in their own right and willing to ganization of the Year. RACES volunteers be of service to Riverside County. Maureen Hiemstra and Harold Witten accepted the award on behalf of the “Volunteers make us better,” said Jen- group. Standout RACES star Mark Utley nifer Smith, Volunteer Program Coordi- also received the 11th Hour Volunteer nator. “From amateur radio operators Hero Award. Medical Reserve Corps to nurses, they profoundly enhance (MRC) volunteer Sparrow Greene re- our ability to respond and recover from ceived the Community Service Award emergencies and disasters.” for being a champion in both training On April 30, EMD gave much-deserved and recruiting members. praise to members of Disaster Corps, “Our volunteers are dedicated to the Jennifer Smith (left) and Dana Lagunas (right) during the first-ever volunteer recogni- cause,” said Dana Lagunas, Volunteer present the 11th Hour Volunteer Hero Award to tion brunch. Programs Administrative Services As- Mark Utley (center) of RACES. “All of the volunteers were so apprecia- sistant. “They have big smiles and even bigger hearts.” Page 8

Private sector partnerships key to response plans on their own. Assistance from nonprof- its, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and businesses is essential to reach everyone in need. This is why EMD brought a highly anticipated training course to town for emergency managers and private sector agencies. After launching the Business - Emer gency Operations Center, EMD’s Angie Johnson established relationships with the businesses and organizations that will have the ability to provide resources to residents following a mass conse- quence event. “Bringing this FEMA workshop to our county was a great way for us to edu- Angie Johnson (left) of EMD/Operations Division, and Sonia Brown (right) from the California Of- cate some of our potential partners and fice of Emergency Services perform an activity during the public-private partnership training. for everyone to network,” said EMD Reality check: the government can’t Helping the community during a large- Operations Manager Mark Bassett. help everyone in need after a disaster. scale event requires significant assis- The workshop covered two days and Unfortunately, some think the govern- tance from any number of organizations. the attendees represented a wide ment can (or should) provide every- When it comes to response and recovery, range of interests from the nonprofit thing needed following a catastrophic public-private partnerships are key com- and education sectors to local, state event. In emergency management, we ponents to a comprehensive plan. and federal government. Attendees at know this expectation can never be the training were guided through real met. Public-private partnerships highlight the fact that the government can’t do it all world scenarios. The diverse audience made for productive discussions. Handle Microsoft Excel like a pro Keep Column or Row Headings Visible before and after the hidden column, or C and F above. Right click and selet When a worksheet becomes wider or- Unhide. longer than a screen view, you can’t see the column or row headings as you Note: Find the Hide/Unhide feature on scroll. You might need these headings the Home ribbon, under the Cell group- to enter data - you need Freeze Panes. ing. The Format drop-down menu also has a Visibility Hide/Unhide, Rows, Freeze Panes is found under the View Columns and Sheets. ribbon, in the Window grouping. There are three options: Give your Worksheet a Name Hide columns • Freeze Top Row: Keep the top row An Excel Workbook can contain several visible while you scroll down Select the column/row to hide. Right- Worksheets, which are numbered by click from the mouse on the selected default, Sheet 1, Sheet 2, and so on. • Freeze First Column: Keep the first column or row and select Hide from column visible while you scroll the menu. You can easily give your worksheets a across name that is more appropriate - and honorable - by right-clicking the Sheet • Freeze Panes: Keep both rows and # tab located directly above the Status columns visible as you scroll. First Example: Columns D and E are missing. bar, select Rename from the menu. The click below the needed row and the column separator becomes thick- name appears highlighted. Type a new one column to the right. (See illus- er. To bring the hidden column or rows name, then press Enter. tration) back into view, select the column Page 9

Service Awards Service awards are for total service to Jose Torres – 11 years Jose Torres was promoted to Support the County of Riverside. Anniversaries Services Supervisor. Jose is always will- below are for May 2018 – July 2018. Kim Dana – 12 years ing to help. While he primarily works out of the warehouse taking inventory Thank you for your dedication to public Laronte Groom – 18 years service. These anniversaries represent and locating in demand supplies, he’s 117 years of service to the County of Brian Mac Gavin – 20 years no stranger to the Riverwalk location. Riverside. Let’s give it up! You can always find Jose lending a hand Karen Petrilla – 24 years to anyone in need. Henry Olson – 1 year Michelle Kelly was also recently pro- Ralph Serrano – 1 year moted to Emergency Management Su- pervisor. Michelle most recently served Jennifer Dominguez – 2 years Moving on up! as the Emergency Services Coordinator Joe Barron – 3 years Lead for the last seven months. She is We’ve had three recent promotions in often seen supporting the jurisdictions Donna Mayer – 3 years EMD/Operations! within Riverside County, including the City of Indio, along with all of District 2. Alecia Wagner – 3 years Verna Liles was promoted to Office As- sistant III. She supports the Operations Remember to congratulate Verna, Jose Misty Heyden – 4 years Division with scheduling, ordering sup- and Michelle on their well-deserved plies and other important administra- promotions next time you see them Stacie Kelly – 4 years tive tasks. She’s often found juggling around the office. Misty Plumley – 4 years paperwork, phone calls and answering questions from across the room – all at Congratulations, ladies and gentleman! Mark Bassett – 7 years the exactly the same time. We’re proud of you!

Parting shot

CALFIRE’s helicopter drops water on a fire in the river bottom of Riverside last summer. Community members are reminded to stay vigilant of fire activity, or anything that could spark a fire, throughout the summer and fall months.