Yep, it’s truly winter when we have to start issuing these warnings. But being the first legit snowfall of the year, the northern Illinois peeps ought to take stock in the winter hazards and warnings from our friends at the National Weather Service Chicago.

Tracy with the…with the Honda? #Oops – because it’s usually the first big snowfall that catches some people off guard and they forget how unforgiving Mother Nature really is.

Trying not to sound like your father, with all this snow and ice stuff, it would be a great time for you to slow down and drive slower and safer please.

Trust me, you don’t want to hit it.

From your favorite PIO…

@rusnivek

Despite a lack of free time, we as professionals need to continue to feed our brains, continue to read about past disasters, and learn from the gaps, and of course improve on the response to our ongoing situation.

Rats – I must find time to read more stuff!

So here’s a nice courtesy reminder of the streets: The Black Rat (aka Rattus rattus) is the species of the rat that carried #fleas infected with the bubonic plague.

The bubonic plague killed 75 million people worldwide from the 1300s to the 18th century.

While not exactly our current situation in 2020, the same dangers still exist and we need to be omnipresent of other impending dangers that could affect our communities we protect.

Rats, why did it have to be rats.

@rusnivek

Tried to get my mind off of work…so exercise!

I tried to exercise but I did a terrible job in layering. Now feeling kinda loopy with loss of feeling in all my digits and appendages.

I’m an idiot as I could have done a better job preparing. Duh.

Just another way that 2020 sucks donkey balls.

@rusnivek

Starting my 4Q reading a bit later than usual.

Wait, doesn’t everyone read on a Saturday night? Like you got anywhere else to go?!?!? #StayHome

So far, I’m only through a couple of chapters. Author seems to be lamenting on the Great Chicago Fire with O’Leary’s cow. I hope there’s more historical depth.

@rusnivek

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Hey Ards, trust me, 2021 is goign to be a waaaay better year. I promise!

@rusnivek

Explosion in Nashville (TN) at 0700.

Eyes up.

Be safe out there peeps.

@rusnivek

We woof you a merry Christmas…

Yeah, I’m still covering for a bunch of our staff in this holiday season.

Crossing my fingers that no news stations call for interviews tonight. Maybe I could give Kacy the interview. Besides, I am sure the news stations would love her camera presence better than me.

Besides, Santa seems to be the talk of the town this year as they track his path across the world thanks to our friends at NORAD.

If you need the link, follow their Santa Tracker magic along here: https://www.noradsanta.org/

@rusnivek

As we continue down our online meetings, its tough to get to know people. While we are all fully immersed in our work activities, I am fully aware that our Federal partners from CDC and HHS as well as our state partners sometimes don’t really smile that much…or even have their cameras turned on during our coordination calls.

Well, I decided to change that today…with a little holiday spirit.

Cracking a few holiday Dad Jokes usually brings a smile to a few faces.

Glad to be in the middle of this vaccine distribution with our partners as their collaborative work on critical messaging, response actions, and on social media have been spot on.

Working the holiday magic as we continue to share the message of

Wash your hands

Wear a mask

Keep 6ft apart

Avoid large holiday gatherings

And of course, keep it small this year…so we can have a big celebration next year.

@rusnivek

Your best protection from COVID will be a combination of getting a COVID19 vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6ft away from each other’s, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often.

No one tool alone is going to stop the pandemic.

Learn about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination so you’lll be ready when a vaccine is recommended.

#SleeveUp

@rusnivek

This week is the final week before the big Christmas holiday. Many families are on the move as they travel to their extended families homes for the Christmas celebrations.

TSA is reporting larger numbers as we surpass the pre-COVID traveler numbers at airports.

I wonder if people are flaunting their COVID fatigue. Their IDGAF to Coronavirus.

I CAN tell you that this is the kind of activities that put others in jeopardy…so please reconsider your options.

As we push out our reminders and pleas to the general public, we want them to be cognizant of the ramifications of their actions.

Most importantly, we want them to make to Christmas.

Don’t believe me? My Mother, Father, and Daughter have all tested positive for COVID. I’d like all of them around for many more holidays. Please.

@rusnivek