Where is @rusnivek?

Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

About rusnivek

Emergency Services

My first week with ello #SocialMedia #SMEM

Posted on October 2, 2014 by rusnivek

As promised, here’s my quick initial review of ello.

It’s only been a few days…so I figured since everyone isn’t on it, this might help show some of the difference between this new emerging social media platform compared to others.

Here’s a quick news package story from the founders of ello.co from Vermont.

Hot Social Network Ello Starts in Vermont

(Love the small town local news)

For those that think this is like Facebook? Nope. The company’s mantra of a simple ad-free platform is as plain jane as can be. Not much there. In fact,

Few initial notes I have on ello:

Comments are a bit weird as they are currently in a separate box which is unattached to the picture you upload.
The gigantic fat Noise button – I’m still unclear on what that is. I feel like it’s kinda like the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button on Google.
No search feature.
No geolocation feature
I think more people are talking about ello on FB, Twitter, Insta, Vine, Snapchat, etc….than people actually ON ello.
No hashtag or category use
Stop trying to force me to Say Ello…But I WILL say ello with a horrible British accent
No trending topics.
After I post an update (or Say Ello…) Why do I have to move my cursor over to the “Post–>” button?
No popular happenings.
Finding friends is hard. Not cool. They are my friends.
No app.
Feels awfully like Tumblr.
It’s difficult to find friends because I have to first find them individually on their own page and then follow them. I can not pick them up from a list.
Kinda google plus-ie eh?
ello email notifications are simply notifications. It does not include the comment or response. Cannot be used for “documentation”. No point in Email notifications if you don’t notify me of what the message is.
Description is about the same, but not as prominent as Twitter.
Website link is there. Hope that ello will add a “preview” of website there.
Location? Hometown? Where U AT?
Trending based topics is not searchable (at this time).
Not having some sort of “rules” for picture posting, the pictures that are posted are either really wide or vertical. Not much semblance in fitting into screen.
Links to sites do NOT preview. FB does that.
No info provided on the analytics of views aka shown by the eyeball. Maybe that will come after beta.
Archiving for security.
When is ello projected to be out of beta?
List of people or things that I could follow too? When I find others similar to me, I want to see what they follow. I am assuming that we have similar interests. Hoping a future column to be added later in ello.
Posted times are approximate. Public safety demands exacts so I hope they put a more accurate time of post rather than “~11h”
Filters are absent.
Multiple picture uploads are not happening. Maybe that’s too cluttered for their “clean” layout.
x5 invites only to a closed social media platform? C’mon-what is this?!? 2003?!?!!?
@WTF….I mean policies/information tab. Hilarious, but very techy.
Formatting of posts using ** or * is kinda programmerish. Tron aficionados will love it, but not everyone programs…so this type of lingo isn’t going to fly for very long.
In the “Say Ello…” box (aka status box) I find it weird that they tell you to Say Ello….when you really are going to write a comment about something else.
Reposting isn’t as inviting as FB’s “Share” button – and not easy to find.
On ello, you do not have to use your real name. but in the WTF rules, ello has their rose colored glasses on and “The Don’t impersonate others. Be yourself, or a version of yourself. Please don’t pretend to be someone else.”
Mobile ello is way better than desktop ello.
DYK: ello.com is different than ello.co
Advise your SM followers to turn off autofill or muscle memory of “co” vs “com”
Funny fact: Someone created a Mark Zuckerberg profile on ello.com – and it wasn’t Zuck.
Circle profiler picture is neeto, but I think I like square.
The ello logo is kinda creepy w/ no eyes right?

Forgot your password? I tested their forgot password send. The emailed reminder is hilarious, but NSFW. This kind of email would (obv) not pass work computer filters.

Testing browsers, I found a few interesting non-compliant issues.

Desktop CPU / Windows-7 / Internet Explorer: Picture upload and layout/formatting issues
Desktop CPU / Windows-7 / Chrome: Friends take up too much screen real-estate in widescreen format.
Desktop CPU / Windows-7 / Safari: Too wide – again with the wide screen look (Maybe I’m too used to the vertical FB?)
Desktop CPU / Windows-XP / IE: Picture uploading issues
Desktop / Apple / Safari: Spread out (widescreen awkward formatting)
iPhone-5 / Safari: MUCH better layouts
iPad-Air / Safari: Better screen formatting and (my guess) it looks like it was designed for tablet.
Blackberry browser….who am I kidding. I haven’t seen one in the wild for 2 years now.

Ello’s HQ sent an email last night touting their recent successes. Cool.

I do enjoy the quick simple emails with picture.

But let’s be honest, most of the ello participants that are already on ello, were drawn to the line in the email last night…”

The use of “thingy” has me worried…and of course excited. Thanks Matt.

Well, since this is in beta, I’m sure there will be more good things to come. But at this time, I am doubtful will hold (DWH).

Not even close to ready for use during disasters or emergencies.

Because of the low participation and beta, this platform is not useful for preparedness or response or recovery or intelligence.

Special thanks to @schnick for the invite.

Maybe more good stuff from ello.co on the horizon.

@rusnivek

October assignments to R5 and R4

Posted on October 1, 2014 by rusnivek

After delivering classes in Region-5 and Region-3 last month, I’ll finally make it back to Region-4…in Kentucky!

The September intel training didn’t happen. Maybe I’ll have to reschedule that for December.

As usual, the bulk of the month will be spent in Region-5.

I’ll be heading down to the State of Ohio PIO Symposium this Friday. Will I see you there?

@rusnivek

Special visitors checking on our preparedness! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 30, 2014 by rusnivek

It is Tuesday and the final day of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

National Preparedness Day!!!!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#30: Flat Stanley & Flat Stella stopped by the fire station to check out our emergency preparedness kits. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

In honor of National Preparedness Day, we had two special visitors at our fire station. Flat Stanley and Flat Stella stopped by for a quick visit and tour.

They wanted to see if all Firefighters and Paramedics were participating and prepared as part of September’s 2014 National Preparedness Month which was held all month long.

Both Flat Stanley and Flat Stella checked our Emergency Preparedness Kit in Ladder-11.

Flat Stanley asked if we had enough water ready…

Of course we do!

Flat Stella asked to see our emergency contact list as well as my new smoke detector.

As you can see, our emergency contact information is contained in the Vial of Life Program. And smoke detectors are always free from the fire department.

Flat Stanley made sure these were fresh fire extinguishers and they were ready to go.

Both had an awesome chance to take a ride in BFD Ladder-11.

Special thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready.Gov program.

Also thanks to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FEMA’s Ready.Gov, Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), and the Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency.

What a month! I’m proud of everyone who participated in National Preparedness Month and extremely happy that everyone is more prepared for any emergency or disaster.

@rusnivek

Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 29, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Monday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Ready…Set…Monday!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#29: Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Coordinated a visit to the fire station today w/ Flat Stanley and Flat Stella. They check on our preparedness efforts at the station including checking our emergency preparedness kit! More pictures and details tomorrow.

Speaking of Tuesday September 30th…don’t forget, tomorrow is National Preparedness Day!

Post your great activities by using the #NatlPrep or #Prepared2014

Looking forward to seeing all of your emergency preparedness stuff!

@rusnivek

Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Posted on September 28, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Sunday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

SundayFunday in the hizzouse!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#28: Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Winter is just around the corner and many Meteorologists are predicting a brutal winter.

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires – Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Double check your emergency preparedness kit in all your vehicles with:

a shovel
windshield scraper and small broom
flashlight
battery-powered radio
extra batteries
water
snack food
matches
extra hats, socks and mittens
first aid kit with pocket knife
necessary medications
blanket(s)
tow chain or rope
road salt and sand
booster cables
emergency flares
fluorescent distress flag

Hope these tips help you prepare for your winter driving.

Don’t wait for the snow to hit first, be prepared.

Safe travels everyone!

@rusnivek

Sports heroes? Celebrities? Nope. These are the true heroes #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Saturday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Who’s watching football on TV?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#27: Sports heroes? Celebrities? Nope. But these heroes will always come through in an emergency #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Share with your entire family today what a real hero is like. Share your emergency plans with your entire family.

Friday night lights? Saturday College Football? Sunday NFL? None of that matters.

Look, you may not be famous…

…or get paid zillions of dollars per minute. Who cares!

Your preparedness and planning efforts will come back ten-fold because it’s your family. Family is everything.

Be your family’s hero today.

@rusnivek

Technical jargon and giving actionable information Safety-PIO-SM-14-006

Posted on September 26, 2014 by rusnivek

14-006: Technical jargon and giving actionable information
Agency: Chicago Fire Department	Topic(s): Industry codes / Actionable info
Date: Fall 2014	Platform: Twitter

Industry speak or technical jargon is part of what we do every day. But using technical terms on a social media platform will be confusing to those who are NOT in the fire service. That’s what the Chicago Fire Department did yesterday at their big 3-alarm fire when they tweeted technical jargon.

The use of technical jargon is rampant in emergency services but when speaking to the media or the general public, we need to remember that everyone did not grow up with a VOX alarm or SCU tones. In this case, a “311” or 3-11 alarm means that there are 11 engines, 5 Trucks, 2 Tower Ladders, 6 Battalion Chiefs, 1 Rescue Squad, 2 Ambulances, 2 Paramedic Chiefs, Deputy District Chief, Deputy Fire Commissioner, and the 1^st Deputy Fire Commissioner are onscene. There is no way to include all that information in a tweet, but using more simple terms will help your audience understand the scale of your ongoing incident.

Before you post images, make sure your pictures are rotated correctly. I know accuracy is sometimes overlooked in lieu of speed, but it takes less than 5 seconds to orientate/rotate a picture (In this case, it was going to be a long operation). And note, by just rotating a picture does not equate that you are “doctoring up” photos. But a correctly posted photo will help media repost and format your information quicker to the masses.

During an emergency situation, your constituents need the information pushes to be actionable and specific to your audience. Not only inform them of the danger, but tell them what they can do about it.

A more effective tweet could have read:

Chicago Fire: Large 3-alarm fire at Harrison St x Fifth Ave. Traffic delays-avoid the area. (insert two pictures)

By phrasing it this way:

You cite the authority having jurisdiction and established incident command presence.
You generally described the size/category of the ongoing incident and critical information to media.
You identify the exact location of the incident.
You describe the delays in the area and give actionable information to your constituents.
You still have lots of room to push properly orientated pictures with your informational tweet.

Time is valuable, so tweet good stuff.

@rusnivek

***To download this as a single-page printable format, click this file:

TechnicalJargonAndGivingActionableInformation-Safety-PIO-SM-14-006

Test em if you got em! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 26, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Friday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Ahhh, Aloha Fridays!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#26: Are ALL your emergency flashlights working? Test em if you got em! #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Since it’s a beautiful day, I would be a great day to test all your flashlights.

A few weeks ago, I talked about having flashlights in case of an emergency. Now would be the time to test and make sure each flashlight is in working condition.

Don’t forget about your helmet lights too!

And for my friends in the law enforcement world, don’t forget to check all your weapon lights too.

*I also had to change the batteries in my EOTech too.

Your preparedness actions now will definitely save you time during an emergency.

Reminder again, throw away all candles. Candles are dangerous and can start fires. Flashlights are WAY better for lighting.

Happy Aloha Friday everyone!

@rusnivek

Even the pros train and test emergency plans! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 25, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Thursday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

ThirstyThursdays…I mean TestingThursdays continues!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#25: Just like you, the professionals train and test their emergency plans. #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

1920446_752961831417135_3575925768667997055_n

“The State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center is participating in the annual power plant training” Photo cred: Ohio Emergency Management Agency, (Columbus) 09/23/14

It is an essential part of your plan…actually doing it!

This was the view of the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center where numerous emergency management agencies across the state participated in a multi-agency all-hazards annual power plant training. This training was evaluated by FEMA Region-V.

See, even the professionals train too!

Keep up the great work!

@rusnivek

Your kids prepared for any emergency? Can they all be a Ready Big Hero? #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Posted on September 24, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s midweek in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Wacky Wednesday continues!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#24: Does your kid have it? Prepared for any emergency? Can they all be a Ready Big Hero? #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Make sure all of your family is prepared for any emergency or disaster.

Make sure they prepare with you and run family drills because that’s real hero stuff.

Your kid can be a Ready – Big Hero too!

@rusnivek