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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

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Emergency Services

Big cameras vs phones?

Posted on February 2, 2020 by rusnivek

Sunday reflection – just some quick screen shots of the ongoing press conferences from the back on the rotorwing aircraft crash in CA. Take a look.

Do you see it?

Count how many phones vs big cameras.

Amazing to see the change in technology as we move from

My PIO observations

Try your best to make room for those reporters w/ phones only. Obviously, they can’t pool, so maybe a stand for video.
Media should be considerate of the notification of next of kin. Loved ones should NEVER find out of death from media reports.
Malt boxes are nice for secure locations, but likely in an outside field setup (like this one), it might not be possible.
At the close of the presser, clearly state the time of the next press conference so that media will have a good idea what info will be delivered and of your partners on what to prepare.
In the mass/swarm of the location, consideration to elevate your primary talent. If that’s not possible, perhaps give them some room around the podium to deliver message.

Good work on an undoubtedly difficult incident.

@rusnivek

February has 3 states and 2 regions

Posted on February 1, 2020 by rusnivek

Into February we goooooooooo!

First full week will be the run up/prep for the busy month as we open up six new classes,

Second full week will be an ICS Forms course and an ICS-300 course. Additionally, I’ll be in Wisconsin for a few advanced social media courses and a bunch of presentations to help prep for the upcoming 2020 Democratic National Convention. And then ending a week with a Debris Management class at the home office. That’s right, I’m hosting a Debris Management class on Valentine’s Day.

Third week, we will be on official assignment for FEMA as I lead another ICS-300 course at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama.

Fourth week, is the final planning week as we roll into an incredibly difficult March.

Looking forward to a busy month in Region 5 and 4.

Will we see you in class this month?

@rusnivek

A more resilient nation – thanks Dan!

Posted on January 31, 2020 by rusnivek

Thank you to FEMA Deputy Administrator for Resilience Dan Kaniewski.

Your national efforts to push long-term planning for resilient communities will have long lasting effects for Emergency Managers as we all strive to better prepare our communities for any emergency or disaster.

Best of luck on your new adventure in the private sector.

@rusnivek

Morning briefing in the EOC with IL USAR TaskForce-1.

Posted on January 30, 2020 by rusnivek

Morning briefing in the EOC with the State of Illinois USAR TaskForce-1.

Special thanks to OTFPD Chief Ralph DeLucca on providing information on their response as well as their resources.

It is imperative that Emergency Managers continually learn about teams and resources from their jurisdictions. In crisis, there will be no time to forge these relationships. Your interactions will be judged on how seamless your operations and rollout goes.

Experience will show itself in seconds. In order to call the shots, you have to talk the talk and have to have walked the walk.

Trust me, people are watching.

And judging.

Reporting live from the EOC this morning….

@rusnivek

Breaking news from the official State of Columbia PIO… #APIO

Posted on January 29, 2020 by rusnivek

Wait a second…WAIT A SECOND!!!!

2020 FEMA Advanced PIO class. Photo cred: TheGabeLugo

Is that the State of Columbia Public Information Officer making a solid appearance at the 2020 January FEMA EMI Advanced PIO class?!?

OMG~!!! I’m #famous

“I’d like to thank the support of the State of Columbia Governor Düsseldorf (aka Maryland EMA PIO Ed McDonough) for his unwavering support through these years as the State of Columbia PIO…”

Special thanks to Super CCN Reporter Mr. LukeSkyWatcher on his outstanding stories on this evolving incident here in Central City and Emerald City in the State of Columbia.

Photo cred: Niki Bender (@NikiBender)

“We vow to work the recovery for our cities, who are the true beating heart of our State of Columbia. We will dedicate resources to strengthen and rebuild affected areas. Together, we will continue to build a prepared and resilient nation.”

I’ll take a few questions at this time….

@rusnivek

A few moments with my favorite JIC Managers

Posted on January 28, 2020 by rusnivek

A glimmering light of happiness as I got a chance to spend a few moments with my favorite Joint Information Center (JIC) Managers Beth DeJesus and Erica Creech.

(L to R): Beth DeJesus, Kevin Sur, and Erica Creech. Photo cred: EllaMonster

Beth and Erica were my JIC Managers throughout the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Additionally, Beth was the Cleveland JIC Manager during the December 2016 Christmas plane crash out of Burk e. Erica was my JIC Manager during the 2014 Ebola case in Cleveland, 2012 Hurricane Sandy Response, and the 2013 three girls missing in Cleveland case.

During our quick meet up, we talked about work/careers and ongoing efforts. And yeah, they tried to get me to move back to Cleveland.

But most importantly, we talked about family, kids, and the things that really mattered. Hard to believe but this PIO thing isn’t easy and in leadership roles, it’s hard to find people/friends who truly understand the complexities of the position and can sympathize in the daily challenging situations. We all have armor, we just need to decide how long we wear our protective gear.

Just like back in the day, we were able to slot back into our normal self and the redic things that come with Emergency Support Function ESF-15. I miss that kind of camaraderie and the cohesive bonds we shared with so many of our public safety partners from across the state.

Yeah, I miss my favorite JIC Managers…

@rusnivek

Honoring the life of Phil Politano #TakeNotes #PolitanoStrong

Posted on January 27, 2020 by rusnivek

My thoughts today is with my FEMA PIO colleagues in Emmitsburg, Maryland – honoring the life of my friend Phil Politano.

2018 FEMA Master Public Information Officer (MPIO) Cohort-1

If you had any part in DHS/FEMA Public Information Officer Program anywhere in the country, you received Phil’s knowledge of External Affairs. That’s right, if you’ve attended courses like

G0289: PIO Awareness course
G0290: FEMA Basic PIO course
G0291: JIC/JIS course
E0388: Advanced PIO course
E0389: Master PIO Course

…you’ve been impacted by Phil’s noggin and course design.

Now previously, I’ve already talked about Phil’s knowledge and his legacy here. But it is worth noting that he was the one that handed me my FEMA Master PIO certificate.