In a time where the future looks bleak due to a national paper goods shortage.
No, no, no…wait a sec…
Breaking news…reports out of the battle field indicate a tear in the armor…
No, no, no….that’s not it at all.
Come work with us and you won’t have to worry about that kinda stuff. For realsz. If you were worried about toilet paper, fear not!
We got all the stuff you need here at work.
Basically, this post is a basic needs necessity. You have to provide for the needs of your employees. During a crisis, their stress levels skyrocket and they are probably having a tough time adjusting to the new schedules and response rhythm.
As a leader of your organization, you must give your employees the sound mind to be able to function and act as needed. Your team does NOT need to be distracted by the basic creature comforts of home while trying to make an impact/difference in the community.
Let me repeat that one more time: In the midst of battle, allow your team to make good decisions.
Provide for them the tools they need, allow them to do their thing, and trust their judgement. You hired them for a reason right? Let your staff make your organization shine.
Butt seriously, don’t worry, we got you covered. 🤣
As we all settle into a regular cycle of command and general staff meetings, we all try to abide by the social distancing that seems to be setting this response differently than others.
Note: The Health Department calls this their “Crisis Management Team (CMT) – prob better known in the All-hazards world as the Command and General Staff meeting. While lax on the formality, I think our health department would benefit from standardizing this meeting and abide by the guidance provided by the ICS templates on how to run the meetings.
Also, as you can tell, it’s a bit awkward for all of us to sit so far away.
And as we continue to prep and lay the ground work for our ongoing efforts for our communities, Incident Commander sits with the director of the Health Department to lay out our operational response.
Glad to hear Murray say to Karen, “Whatever it takes to support” on this Coronavirus incident.
Now that we are in sync, let’s continue to work the magic.
The time has come to welcome all of our graduates of the FEMA Basic Academy here at DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management!
“This is the first FEMA Basic Academy offered here in Illinois and we are proud to bring this Emergency Management foundation education here to DuPage County.” said Academy Instructor Kevin Sur. “The skills learned during this intensive course from November through March builds the framework for all Emergency Managers combining knowledge of all fundamental systems, concepts, and practices of leading actions for future leaders.”
The course started in November 2019 where participants were exposed to all mission areas including a myriad of case studies that highlighted the importance of collaboration and coordination in the response and recovery phase of any disaster or emergency.
In January 2020, participants took a deep dive into the science of disasters as well as planning to better help and understand the threats and dangers to each of their own communities.
To understand our hazards, we must understand legit science so that we can use the right resources to solve the problem.
The last week in March 2020, the class focused on the hot button topic of Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program and the Public Information and Warning course. Special thanks to new FEMA MEPP DuPage County OHSEM Sup Corey Mulryan for teaching with me on this one.
Participants debated the use of mass notification systems, social media in targeting specific audiences, and the value of the Public Information Officer (PIO) who’s role is so vital to the success of the agency.
Proud to be a part of the Instructional delivery team to get this first class here at DuPage County OHSEM.
Who’s who in the zoo? Well, we had participants from 6 different states, 3 different FEMA Regions with a diverse crowd from local, county, state, and Federal partners.
OUTSTANDING!!!!!
As we rolled into the graduation, I was able to make some opening remarks and thanking our most esteemed guests in the room.
Glad to hear from the new FEMA Region V Deputy Regional Administrator Kevin Sligh.
Deputy RA Sligh is a graduate of the program and is proud to see this foundational course being used as the marker of success for local Emergency Managers.
We also got a chance to hear from FEMA Region 5 Training & Exercise Manager Jessica Mitchell on the value of training. She is a proud resident of DuPage County.
And finally, to close things out, ladies and gents….put your hands together for Former IEMA Director and former Director of DuPage OHSEM….FEMA Region V Regional Administrator James Joseph!!!!
Where is @rusnivek? 