Affiliations

In This Issue

1. MERCury Update
2. Training Opportunities
3. What if there is an earthquake today?
4. How You Can Help
5. Next Meeting

1. MERCury Update

MERCury has ridden the wave of awareness and response that developed since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. In a few short months we have gone from concept to a functioning organization with more than fifteen riders undergoing training at the moment. A very capable group of organizers has stepped forward and offered their time and expertise to make the Motorcycle Emergency Response Corps a real resource for the people of San Francisco.

Projects now underway include an upcoming Mission, Vision, and Operations Conference; delineation of the MERCury Skill Set; and logo design. All of these have been the result of individual initiative. Thanks go to Tracy Schmidt, James and Stephanie Robinson, and Thomas Hundt for work on the Conference concept, Scott Nelson, James Robinson, Flash Gordon, Chip Goodrich, and Serenity Enriquez for their work on the Skill Set, and Jim Serfass for his logo designs. Bob Lehto has also assisted on a variety of projects. (Forgive me if I've forgotten anyone!)

The first group of MERCury riders completed their Fire Department/NERT training this past Saturday. Several times during the training, which spanned three Saturdays, MERCury and the CDRT (the bicycle couriers) were lauded by firefighters for their unique and innovative contributions to disaster preparedness. The message was clear: they're already counting on us!

There are no other groups like MERCury in the world that we know of, so we are inventing much of the organization from whole cloth. It's exciting to create a model that will likely be replicated around the Bay Area, around California, and beyond, but it takes a lot of effort. If you see a need you can fill, just step forward and the job is yours. If we can spare one, we'll even give you a corner office.

—Tom Henning

2. Training Opportunities

MERCury training is a continuous process, and takes place in three major skill areas: Mobility, Communication, and Rescue. Below are a few of the many opportunities that you have to increase your readiness and prepare you for serving as a MERC. Most are free or low-cost.

Mobility

None listed, currently.

Note: Doc Wong riding clinics are four-hour-long rides in the Santa Cruz Mountains that are fun and very educational for new and experienced riders. They are also free. Each begins on a Sunday morning at 8:00 am at 1391 Woodside Road, Suite 200 in Redwood City. For more information, visit http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/index.htm

Communication

None listed, currently.

Rescue

None listed, currently.

Note: NERT Training consists of six two-hour modules. MERCs must attend all six, but can do so in any order. To sign up, you can: (1) Register via e-mail at sffdnert (at) sfgov (dot) org

3. What if there is an Earthquake Today?

Answer: Ride your motorcycle to the nearest NERT staging area.

In the event of an earthquake or other citywide disaster, MERCury plans to be deployed from four MERCury staging areas around the city and by radio; those operational plans are now being developed. In the mean time, motorcyclists who wish to respond to a disaster should report to their nearest NERT staging area. Contact NERT for information. Every MERC should know where the staging areas nearest their home and workplace is!

4. How You can Help

We have specific needs for people with the following expertise:

• Media Relations
• Grant Writing
• Fundraising
• Motorcycle Repair
• Legal Accounting
• Government Relations

We also have needs for funds to support our rapidly growing organization. Contact Tom Henning at thenning (at) mercurysf (dot) org if you can assist in this way.

5. Next Meeting

Remember:

Motorcycles Save Lives!