I stepped up my game and made a few presentation style changes.

Seems like the 2016 tweaks are going over well.
More changes coming. Thanks to those who have provided feedback.
Strive to be better…because your participants deserve it.
I’ve said it about a million times now.

Bringing my best emergency management stuff today.
Teamwork brings success.
As I look outside, it’s snowing +3 inches and looks like the planet Hoth.
However, I wish I was in Hawaii because the Eddie Aikau.

Here’s a link from World Surf League to watch the action live.
If you didn’t know, the stories about Eddie Aikau’s dedicated Lifeguard service at Waimea Bay to the City & County of Honolulu and final selfless act from the Hokule’a to get help is pure hero stuff.
#EddieWouldGo
Dear #ZikaVirus : Welcome to Cleveland (Ohio)!

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Health is reporting Ohio’s first case of Zika virus in a returning traveler from Haiti, a 30-year-old Cuyahoga County woman, city of Cleveland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was reporting 35 cases of Zika virus in 12 states and the District of Columbia prior to Ohio’s case.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite, and there is no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact. CDC has confirmed a U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler after the person’s sexual partner returned from an affected country and developed symptoms.
“Prevention of mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission is the same as prevention of any other mosquito-borne diseases,” Dr. DiOrio said. “This includes taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites – such as using insect repellents, limiting exposure where and when mosquitoes are most active, and removing breeding sources such as containers that collect standing water.”
For more information about the Zika virus, visit www.odh.ohio.gov/zika
My desk is a mess with course information, participants manuals, IGs, post-tests, classroom activities, etc…and as we start to plan out the rollout of the new PIO G0290 for Ohio.

I do enjoy popping new classes.
You guess it, February has just reared it ugly head. But don’t worry-

Me too. I got a very positive attitude about this.
Looking back at a few pictures this morning, I realize that a PFD (Personal Flotation Device aka “life jacket”) makes me look about 70lbs heavier.

Or I have a barrel chest. (No I don’t have COPD).
Last week, I had the chance to present in front of the leaders of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach at the 2016 South Carolina Business Disaster Recovery Symposium.

It was a packed house! (Photo credit: A. Hardin)
It is outstanding to see everyone, especially private industry building partnerships with governmental agencies. I talked a ton about the use of social media and communications.

Just me, standing on chairs dancing away.
Of course all the news media was there too…

WMBF News (NBC Affiliate)
PIO interview skills in 3…2…1…

“We must work in tandem with our partners in public safety…” (Photo credit: A. Hardin)
And the reporter?

Trust me, the WPDE (ABC affiliate) News reporter Liz Cooper was hilarious. (Photo credit: A. Hardin)
At this Symposium, not only were they talking about preparedness…

Gahhhh, I love preparedness! My favorite month is……. (Photo credit: A. Hardin)
…we talked a ton about response and RECOVERY!

Because it isn’t as sexy, the recovery phase in Emergency Management does not have the same visibility when compared to the Preparedness phase or the Response phase. So this symposium is a perfect opportunity to showcase some messaging and how communications needs to be an integral part of any government or private business during recovery.

And when the Horry County Office of Emergency Management deems your presentation “on fleek” – *swoon*

Mahalos Brooke!
Many thanks to the team at the City of Myrtle Beach. Special Alohas to EM Rockstar Allison and Senior Planner Diane for the invite.

Preaching the good word about Disaster Recovery in South Carolina!
Looking forward to next year!
Happy 2016 National Weather Persons Day!
This year, my favorite Meteorologist is Brooke Bingaman from the NWS-Sacramento Office in California.

@brookeBingaman and @rusnivek
She is an outstanding Meteorologist, rock solid social media peep, amazing presenter, and an extraordinary preparedness expert. Trust me peeps: Brooke. Is. Legit.
Follow her adventures as she’s doing some special event things for a big event this weekend.
BTW-My 2015 favorite Meteorologist Gary Garnet was just promoted as the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service Cleveland Office in Ohio. Well done Gary!

Gary Garnet, NWS-Cleveland (Ohio)
Who is your favorite meteorologist?
Share your favorite Meteorologist on social media and celebrate National Weather Persons Day by using the #NationalWeatherPersonsDay !
Since many of you are using Periscope, I thought I would show you one of my most recent problems.
Although funny, there is no second take when on live TV.
Obviously.
Consider a tripod for your phone or even better/worse, a selfie-stick to stabilize your phone for windy days.
Additionally, I would also suggest your agency develop a “going wrong” plan for when things don’t go as planned especially for live broadcast on Periscope.
Consider the phrase, “As always, we will bring you more as the situation unfolds here in XXXXX. Follow us online at XXXXXX for the latest information.”
Because no one wants to flub the live hit.
Just giving you a way out of the scope.
Yesterday afternoon included a cancelled ICS-300 class. No problem.
However, in it’s place, I’ll be teaching somewhere I’ve never taught before.

I hope I can keep up.