[SaraHap] SARA Happenings November 2011

[Chris Hoare]

Hi All: 

SARA Happenings is issued to foster communication within the Search and Rescue community in Alberta. It is going to 237 e_mail addresses that are listed as the primary contact of SAR Alberta member groups or which were requested to be added to the mailing list.

Subscription and unsubscription information is at the end of the newsletter. 


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SARDAA NEWSLETTER

The current newsletter is now on the SARDAA site - http://www.sardaa.ca/Scent%20Dog_Jun_Aug2011_final.pdf

The website is updated with our newest photo and a report on our recent Casino event; go have a look.

WWW.SARDAA.CA

Michelle Limoges udcdoberman at shaw.ca SARDAA Secretary & Dog Handler 


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AEMA SYMPOSIUM NOVEMBER 2011

It was great to have the opportunity to attend the symposium this year. The focus was around the Northern Alberta Fires. The first presenter was the mayor of Slave Lake, her Worship Karina Pillay-Kinnee. She shared with us a unique perspective on the advance of the fires, the subsequent evacuation and the ongoing rehabilitation of Slave Lake. 

It was very interesting to hear the evolution of the situation from the inside. Her Worship was transparent in describing the reality of their situation both from a logistical standpoint and from an emotional perspective. The gravity of the situation progressed so rapidly that there was no time to process, everyone just reverted to their training and relied on instinct. There were many instances of services and equipment spontaneously arriving at the right time. Social media was used to keep evacuees updated and the media were extremely respectful and cooperative. The volunteers that went up to assist on several levels were appreciated for their fresh attitudes and unwavering commitment. 

The breakout sessions were informative as well. Not all of them were directly related to the Northern Alberta Fires, however they were thought provoking and presented unique challenges of their own. There was one common thread throughout, and that was passion. All parties involved in mitigating disasters/incidents in Alberta are unfailingly committed and passionate about their contributions. It was impressive to see a group of both volunteers and professionals who are equally passionate about their ability to assist and provide relief when asked, and sometimes before they've been asked. 

There was one point of interest that peaked both Daryl and myself, and that was the absence of SAR groups in the planning stages as well as deployment during actual events. Daryl had the opportunity to address the participants during an afternoon session and I think there were many officials attending who were unaware of the broad range of services SAR groups are capable of providing. It stood out to me how important it is for every SAR group in Alberta to take the time and opportunity to participate and attend meetings and events in their respective communities. Alberta Search and Rescue has been gradually working on bringing their recognition to a higher level. We certainly appreciate the efforts that each and every one of you makes to present yourselves and your SAR groups in a professional manner, fostering a growing awareness of the value we bring to Alberta Emergency Management efforts. 

There were many power point presentations and I'm working on getting copies to post on our web site. If there is any particular topic you are interested in receiving more information on please contact me and I'll see what I can do.

Have a great Christmas if we don't talk to you before then. Be sure to hug your families and let them know that Alberta Search and Rescue appreciates the support they give you to be a part of this great organization!

Sheri Easterbrook - sheasterbrook at shaw.ca 

Secretary Alberta Search and Rescue 


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SARA HAPPENINGS SUBMISSIONS 

Our regular publication date for mailings of SARA Happenings is the middle of each month. Please note that the deadline for material is the 14th of each month. 


Does your group have an event posting for the SARA Happenings mailing? If so, please send information 1_1/2 months prior to the dates you wish advertised. It will then give ample time for those reading it to respond. 

Please send all material to the editor; Chris Hoare at choare at shaw.ca PLEASE DO include contact information for members to gain further information. PLEASE DO NOT send me any .docx files; thanks.

To subscribe or unsubscribe visit http://castrov.dyndns.org:8080/cgi_bin/mailman/listinfo/sara_happenings enter your e_mail address and click on "Edit Options". Automatic subscribers will need to click on "EMail My Password to Me". You can subscribe and unsubscribe on the same page. 


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