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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

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Emergency Services

Second and final day of #ICS 400

Posted on March 30, 2017 by rusnivek

Second and final day of ICS-400!

Actual proof! Seee, I told you that people smile 😄 during my ICS classes. #booya

Great class with lots of dynamic discussion on prioritizing rescue/recovery efforts and future planning for building more partnerships with All-Hazards agencies across the state.

Advanced ICS has several in-class activities to help facilitate the embodiment of SMART objectives, strategic planning, and outside-the-box thinking which enhances coordination for any large event or disaster/emergency.

NIMS ICS in the hizzouse!

@rusnivek

Teaching ICS-400 today

Posted on March 29, 2017 by rusnivek

Who’s ready for some ICS-400 action?

ICS-400 aka Advanced Incident Command System (ICS) is going to be fun!

Hoping to showcase a few successful incidents (like NBA Championships, 2016 World Series, Hurricane Sandy, and of course the Republican National Convention).

Reporting live from the Health Department!

@rusnivek

Planning for tomorrow’s ICS-400 class y’all

Posted on March 28, 2017 by rusnivek

Lots of discussion today as we finalize the details for tomorrow’s ICS-400 class.

Area command, incident complex, MACs, etc…some planning on upcoming IMT courses too. PSC, RESL, SITL, and of course IC.

As instructors, we pride ourselves in tailoring this Advanced ICS class to participants knowledge and skill set…esp since large incidents seem to happen more often these days.

My RBF cause I forgot my cowboy hat.

Also, I just don’t think I could pull off that cowboy hat thing.

Me just trying to be cool with Spectacles

@rusnivek

Reflecting on this past week with the rest of my EA peeps

Posted on March 26, 2017 by rusnivek

A Sunday morning just reflecting on this past week’s activities.

Great time with so many of my fellow External Affairs pros from FEMA HQ.

The opportunity to serve all these great states again will be an honor.

@rusnivek

Demob on a Saturday

Posted on March 25, 2017 by rusnivek

Demobilization is an important part of any activation.

The Plans Section is responsible for demobilization plan – an act that quietly starts when you first check-in (more information, reference ICS-300).

Remember, without proper demobilization, you might not get paid.

@rusnivek

Whoa, that went well… #AlohaFriday

Posted on March 24, 2017 by rusnivek

Whoa….whoa…..whoa……

After getting reassigned from the JIC to the FCO, I was evaluated on my performance.

So yeah, that went well.

Great to support the FCO as well as the FEMA Region-1 Incident Management Team (IMAT) this week.

Trust me, without the support of countless PIOs and numerous External Affairs peeps, we could not have accomplished our tasks assigned.

My hope is that we continue to increase our knowledge and expand on ways that we can serve each of our communities daily as well as during any disaster or emergency.

We must relentlessly pursue knowledge from educators who are willing to share their craft with others.

Listen to all of our communities and share kernels of knowledge with others in an open forum so that other PIOs can learn and make good decisions.

It is incumbent upon us to coordinate the response effort for those who have nothing.

And most importantly, it is our duty to serve this great nation.

Demobing now.

Great week.

@rusnivek

Terrific to terrible weather in less than 24-hours

Posted on March 24, 2017 by rusnivek

It’s still 2017 National Severe Weather Preparedness Week!

Despite the spectacular summer weather we are experiencing today in March, it is likely that conditions can rapidly change.

While we see this today…

…we might see this kind of weather in the next 24-hours.

Of course we need to be prepared for these types of situations so I usually have a few of these emergency panchos stashed away in my vehicle.

While not fashionable, they provide some refuge and partial coverage in case I or my fellow PIOs get caught in some severe weather incident – we are somewhat protected.

And yes, having more than one is advisable as you likely have other family, friends, and/or people that might get wet too.

For more info on how you could better prepare yourself for severe weather, check out the list of preparedness stuff from my friend Jana and her team at Ready.Gov on a kit or an family communications plan.

Be safe and dry peeps!

@rusnivek

Few pet preparedness tips for 2017 severe weather preparedness week

Posted on March 23, 2017 by rusnivek

It’s still 2017 Severe Weather Preparedness Week – today’s topic: pets!

Cold weather affects humans. But think about having to put more than just your two shoes into the snow…think about 4 paws.

I know your pet loves being outside in the snow, soooooooooo:

Keep their time outside to a minimum.
Consider brushing off their paws before coming into the house.
Examine the de-icing salt used for your driveway as some may contain harmful chemicals.
Harmful edibles or poisonous mushrooms are often buried under fallen snow.
Due to large snow embankments, cars on the road may not see you/your pet on a walk.
Flashlights or reflective gear at night will increase your chances of being identified by passing motorists.

Rain or shine, keep your pets warm and well dressed for the weather outside.

For more trusted information on your local weather, check out www.weather.gov for official weather predictions.