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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

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Emergency Services

October has the big four: 3-9-5-NCAP #SURINDC

Posted on October 1, 2015 by rusnivek

As National Preparedness Month closes, my October 2015 schedule is going to be very challenging. And as you know, I have to win. Here’s the plan:

First week: I’ll be in Carlisle, Pennsylvania presenting on Social Media in disasters. Pope out, Sur in! Glad to be back in Region-3.

Second week: I’ll be headed back to the Silicon Valley area presenting on social media specifically for large event planning and monitoring (because it’s all about the L right? Wait, it’s all about the 5-0 right?) I also hope to catch up to one of the VIPs at Intel. Since retiring from Emergency Management, his pro career intrigues me – so I believe some synergies could happen. Additionally, I get a chance to brainstorm with an extremely talented colleague from the NWS Sacramento office. I rant about “building relationships before an emergency” so I assure you that I am practicing what I preach. Love love LOVE me some Region-9!

Third week: I’ll be at Fairfield County (Ohio) Emergency Management Agency popping the G-290: Basic Public Information Officers Course and G-291: Joint Information Center / Joint Information System (JIC/JIS) courses. It will definitely be great to see my friend Director Kochis and crews again – back in Region-5.

Fourth week: I’ll be presenting at FEMA HQ in Washington DC on social media. Yep, at the big house. OMG. This is a big presentation. Big. REALLY BIG. While at HQ, I am hoping to catch up with Lumpkins, Kamoie, FEMA’s Digital Engagement Team…and since we’re fresh off the heels of National Preparedness month grabbing a cup of coffee with my besties from ReadyGov and PrepareAthon. Love me some HQ preparedness action! Additionally, I am hoping to grab a few meetings with my friends at the Pentagon and NGA too. Special thanks to US Representative Fudge (OH-11) for some extra time with Congress and a stop at the White House. Yep. The White House. Again. #SURINDC NCAP region!

It’s going to be a challenge month all October long.

Get it.

@rusnivek

Seems fitting to close out September

Posted on September 30, 2015 by rusnivek

Seems fitting to close out September…

@rusnivek

DaD for a quick TTE for SM #ESF15 #PIO

Posted on September 30, 2015 by rusnivek

I had a great time with the Northeast Ohio Public Information Officers (NEO-PIOs) who sat for a quick down and dirty (DaD) Table Top Exercise (TTE) designed around on a social media (SM) module (MOD). OMG.

Various topics discussed:

Messaging during the preparedness phase
Escalation of incident criteria
Response messaging and verbiage
Essential platforms and communication methods
Dispelling rumors
Actionable social media data
Critical JIC/JIS positions during initial EOC activation
Metadata for threat hazard analysis

Lots of fun esp various discussions on platforms and reach.

Public Information Specialist @ThingsToShea and Public Information Officer @TomsDarren work to craft specific emergency alert messages in the preparedness phase #NatlPrep

Heavy debate on the use of mass notification systems…

@ClevelandFire Public Information Officer Gray & @LakeCoHealth Public Information Officer Cole collaborating on preparedness messages specifically for Instagram & Vine #NatlPrep

…and their true reach/effectiveness of messaging.

Summit County Public Information Officer @jamesp501 discussing multi-platform information dissemination for preparedness & evacuation #NatlPrep

Discussion on simplicity and concise messaging for those we serve before, during, and after an emergency.

BAM – solid Tuesday afternoon with my peeps!

Yups, I can’t thank these ESF-15 characters enough.

(From L to R): Pollack, Cole, Sur, Gray, and Toms.

Mahalos my friends!

@rusnivek

Hurricane hurrican – whatevers! Standing by! #Joaquin

Posted on September 30, 2015 by rusnivek

Hurricane hurrican – whatevers! Standing by for orders… #Joaquin

Updating now….

@rusnivek

Today is National Preparedness Day! #NatlPrep

Posted on September 30, 2015 by rusnivek

Ahhhhh, the last day of 2015 National Preparedness Month – THAT MEANS TODAY IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS DAY!!!!

Oh Yeah – You did it!

I know many of you have shared your tips and preparedness efforts with countless others. I am confident that your shared knowledge will pay off as we better prepare our fellow Americans for any disaster or emergency.

Thanks to all of our active partners in public safety. From the Locals to State to Federal partners who have made this month so successful – thank you!

Thank you to my agencies who have allowed me to share my preparedness tips with you.

I only wonder what will 2016 preparedness bring? Hmmm. Here’s a hint…

…and a little of this…

…and definitely more of this.

Who’s excited? <SQUIRREL!>

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Whew-I am so glad that many of you have decided to participate in this month’s activities. Keep in mind that you have 11 more months to address your public in finding ways to be better prepared in a disaster. Planning for the 2016 National Preparedness Month will begin shortly.

As always, start your peeps off right by sending them here.

@rusnivek

Building new relationships on a Tuesday #NatlPrep

Posted on September 29, 2015 by rusnivek

The last Tuesday in the 2015 National Preparedness Month!

Today, look to building new relationships.

Normally, we don’t look outside the realm of daily public safety. It’s easy to talk to Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, or Public Works Professionals. However, new discussion needs to happen between individuals who can support our mission goals or some unmet needs.

Faith-based organizations are great groups to explore new activities to support your community. In varying degrees, faith-based organizations have the capabilities to support disaster response and recovery operations with food, shelter, and supportive measures. But again, the key is to open discussions BEFORE a disaster so you can evaluate their capability.

Additionally, talk to your local politicians…esp if they are an active part of your Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). These civic-minded individuals have most likely gone through additional preparedness training and can be a great resource for anyone.

Trust me, these are the kinds of people you want to be in close contact with before, during, or after an emergency/disaster.

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Get to know some new local peeps!

Tuesday is here – so get prepared by clicking here.

@rusnivek

Apps away~! #NatlPrep #free #app #tech

Posted on September 28, 2015 by rusnivek

Final week of 2015 National Preparedness Month!

Don’t freak out, still lots of things to do like download a bunch of free apps for your smart phone!

Here’s an example of a good app from the State of North Carolina Emergency Management Agency’s ReadyNC.

The ReadyNC app It talks about numerous preparedness activities as well as what to do after an emergency. Download it here.

FEMA’s got a great app that you can use to reference great info on disasters and preparedness.

Additionally you can check out their new Disaster Reporter feature, Social Hub, and get free vetted weather alerts. Download it here.

Easy way to inform others? Get out there and present/share your preparedness efforts with all your partners in public safety.

You know the phrase: An ounce of prevention/preparedness can save…..

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Download a bunch of free apps today!.

Get your Mundays over by clicking here!

@rusnivek

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday has gone to the dogs! #NatlPrep #woof

Posted on September 27, 2015 by rusnivek

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! It’s the last week of 2015 National Preparedness Month!

I hope you showcase your new preparedness actions this Wednesday September 30th on 2015 National Preparedness Day!

This morning, I double checked my dog’s (Kacy – my PreparednessPup) emergency preparedness kit. As you can see, I have partitioned her food in individual ziplock packages to make it easier for portion control during feeding time.

And you guessed it, there are at least 3 days of food.

Having her own pet preparedness kit and making her carry it on her own if/when we have to evacuate will be a huge help.

Pet preparedness!!!!!

Master, I demand a rawhide for this NTED preparedness photo session.

For more information, check out the full details here.

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Don’t hesitate, be paw-sitively sure your pets are prepared.

Always be ready by clicking here!

@rusnivek

Fill er up please! #NatlPrep #power

Posted on September 26, 2015 by rusnivek

This week has been chock full of preparedness tips for power outages.

I know each of you have been working hard at preparing your kits, double checking and updating your supplies. Today’s tip addresses your ride (aka your whip):

Keep your car gas tank at least half full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. You’ll also have a good method for charging devices in an emergency or, if necessary, moving to a location with power.

To bring a smile to your Saturday, here’s a quick video for you