Author: Aroostook EMA

Caribou Tech & Aroostook EMA

Members of the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency visited students of the Caribou Technology Center today to discuss Hazardous Materials Awareness and First Responder Awareness Training. Students from Mr. Alther’s Fire Service Class and Mrs. Baker’s Criminal Justice Class spent a few hours learning about Haz Mat precautions, procedures, and terminology. They also spent some time covering what EMA does exactly for our community.  The Class discussed everything from what the numbers and symbols on DOT placards represent to Unified...

Generator Safety Tips!!!

Generators are emergency equipment that provide a secondary source of power when there is an electric failure. Generators can be helpful during a power outage, but they present serious health and safety concerns. Safety Tips Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the generator. Carbon monoxide poisoning ​​​​​​​Electrocution or electric shock ​​​​​​​Fire

Chimney Fires Destroy Homes

Creosote buildup may not look dangerous, but it ignites at a mere 451 degrees F, and once it starts burning, it expands like foam sealant. In less than a minute, it builds to more than 2,000 degrees F and can engulf your entire chimney and destroy your home. Even if you clean your chimney regularly, you should still have it inspected by a qualified chimney sweeper once a year. Certified chimney sweeps are trained to recognize chimney deterioration and venting problems and can assess your fireplace...

Meet Kim Champagne, AKEMA’s new Finance – Planning Associate

Kim received her BS-Accounting from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. She has 30 plus years of public accounting experience. Her and husband of 30 years, relocated to Caribou in 2017.  When they are not working, they like to spend their time with their son and their animals, both enjoy a quiet lifestyle.

Meet Derrick Ouellette, AKEMA’s new Deputy Director

Derrick comes to Aroostook EMA excited to provide assistance to its citizens and other public safety entities. At a young age he always had an interest in public safety, because of the exposure he had from family members involved within it. He began volunteering and gaining work experience when he joined the county CERT team almost 10 years ago. He then started volunteering for FIRE and EMS departments eventually leading to Full time status. Derrick, originally from Fort Kent now...

Caribou School Reunification Drill

The Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency would like to thank the Caribou Community School and the Caribou High School for allowing us to participate in their first practice of a full scale evacuation of students and staff.  AKEMA staff observed the loading of students and staff onto buses and the unloading at the school’s relocation sites, to practice attendance and the reunification process. It was a very successful practice run and both students and staff did a great job. The Caribou...

FAMILY SAFETY PLAN

A home safety plan is an essential tool for keeping your family safe, as it establishes what to do in case of an emergency. All families should prepare for fire safety, natural disasters, power outages, extreme heat and cold. Families should have a plan to take care of any contingency. First you should Identify two safe meeting areas in your home! Choose the two safest spots in your house: One as your primary meeting spot, and the other as your backup....

Food safety tips for packing lunch box:

Before beginning any food preparation, always wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and dry with a disposable paper towel or clean hand cloth. Clean food contact surfaces (e.g., countertop, cutting boards, utensils, etc.) often, between tasks, and if they become contaminated. Wash food contact surfaces with hot, soapy water and either air dry or use a clean cloth, or disposable paper towel to dry. Sanitizers can be used for added protection. Clean lunch boxes often...