October 2026

Inside: Learn when to call 311 vs 911, behind-the-scenes photos of the Cortez Coast Guard facility, lithium-ion battery safety update, and so much more!

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As we move through another hurricane season, we say thank you to every member for their commitment to our community. Throughout the year, our members help enhance the safety, preparedness, and resilience of our community—and that service makes a real difference.

We can all be thankful that, so far, we have been spared a hurricane this year. At the same time, our team has continued preparing for whatever challenges may come.

One area of progress is our growing integration with other agencies and organizations involved in post-storm response. Building these relationships and understanding how we can work together will make our entire community better prepared when a major event occurs.

Please join us in acknowledging our first responders at the Manatee County Sheriff's Dept, East Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS on October 28th - and every day - for all they do to keep us safe.

Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)

President, LWR CERT

941.404.8606

RECAP: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez

by Kathie Neal

LWR CERT members toured the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Cortez on Saturday, September 26. It was an interesting and informative look at what goes on behind the scenes to keep our local waterways safe.

The tour gave an appreciation for the preparation and teamwork that goes into the Coast Guard's mission. We were able to see several areas of the facility, including the operational areas, eating and crew areas, gym, dorms, garage, and machine room.

We also learned more about the wide range of services the Coast Guard provides. Their responsibilities include search and rescue, boating safety, maritime law enforcement, and responding to emergencies on our waterways.

One of the most interesting parts of the tour was learning about the maintenance of the station's watercraft. The garage and machine room provide the capability to inspect, service, repair, and maintain their boats and equipment.

Station Cortez is part of the Coast Guard's network of small-boat stations serving Florida's west coast. Recent Station Cortez operations have included rescuing boaters from disabled vessels and responding to boating-related law-enforcement situations in the waters around Anna Maria Island and the surrounding Gulf Coast.

Thank you to Events Manager Gloria Schroeck for organizing this unique event and to Paulette Kessler-Westerman for photographing our experience.

Jerry Toner Honored at 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony

LWR CERT member Jerry Toner (Team 13) (right) was honored at the Lakewood Ranch 9/11 Commemoration event at Greenbrook Adventure Park for his service at Ground Zero. We honor all those impacted by the events of 9/11 and thank all first responders for their commitment to our safety.

Jerry (pictured on the right) was presented with a LWR CERT 20th Anniversary Challenge Coin by President Jim Emanuelson for his service. Jim served on the event 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony Planning Committee and also awarded LWR CERT Challenge Coins to members of East Manatee Fire Rescue who were in attendance.

LWR CERT AED Network Activated

The LWR CERT AED Network was activated the morning of September 7 in the Country Club, providing support for a neighbor in need of medical attention minutes before East Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County EMS arrived on scene.

The LWR CERT AED Network partners with the National Emergency AED + Resource (NEAR) Registry and is connected directly into the Manatee County 9-1-1 system, responding to alerts when an AED is needed nearby for a suspected cardiac emergency.

Our members who participate in the LWR CERT AED Network are CPR trained and have agreed to host an AED on their property and respond when alerted by the NEAR Registry app.

Manatee West CERT Coaltion

The Manatee West CERT Coalition will meet Wednesday, October 21 at 2 p.m. at Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue Training Center, 6601 53rd Ave W Bradenton.

Submit any agenda items to Steve Litschauer by 5 p.m., October 18.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Require a Different Response

A lithium-ion battery fire is not a typical household fire.



When a lithium-ion battery enters thermal runaway, it generates intense heat that can spread from one battery cell to another. A standard household ABC fire extinguisher may knock down visible flames temporarily, but it should not be relied upon to stop the battery’s internal thermal runaway. Even when flames appear to be out, the battery can reignite.



An ordinary household fire blanket is also not designed for a large lithium-ion battery fire, such as one involving an e-bike or scooter battery.

Specialized lithium-ion battery containment bags, enclosures and other fire-containment products are available for certain battery applications. If you are considering one, choose a product independently tested or certified for the specific type and size of battery or device you own. A general-purpose fire blanket or storage bag is not the same thing.

If a battery begins smoking, hissing, popping or burning:

• Do not pick it up or try to carry it outside.
• Get everyone out of the home immediately.
• Close the door behind you, if you can do so safely.
• Call 911 from a safe location.
• Tell firefighters that a lithium-ion battery is involved.

The best protection is prevention:

• Use certified batteries and equipment.
• Use only the manufacturer-approved charger.
• Stay nearby while charging.
• Never charge a battery while sleeping.
• Stop using any battery that becomes unusually hot, swollen, damaged or leaky, or that makes unusual sounds.

Small battery. Serious risk. Know when to get out.

Sources: U.S. Fire Administration/FEMA, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Fire Protection Association and UL Solutions.