Our benevolent overlords at FEMA EMI….aka our FEMA Master PIO Instructors decree that we don’t spend enough time on press releases. I find it hard to believe that many of the new PIOs don’t know how to write press releases…esp ones that are less than 140 characters. Ahem.

Sooooooo in complying with orders, we will spend some time focusing in on press releases.

Most important facts at the top…

…then a few supporting facts…

…followed by less important facts…

…and then maybe some background info.

Octothorpe Octothorpe Octothorpe

Mid morning, we switched gears to TV media as we reviewed all interviews.

Here’s Ohio EMA’s very own Tristan Morath showcasing his newly acquired skills for the class.

His empathy to the injured and compassion to the deceased were great, and the bonus points for his community call to action were outstanding.

Great to see so many OEMA peeps getting training in Emergency Management class with our local providers.

Got a special music request for tomorrow morning along with other social media extras for the class. Also, sharing the good vibes of StratComm before we let out today.

So excited and glad to see an engaged class with so much participation.

@rusnivek

Starting off the morning right in Delaware County, Ohio for Day-1 of the FEMA OEMA Basic Public Information Officer Course.

Starting this full class of well networked PIOs – this is gonna be fun!

And also a welcome introduction by Delaware County EMA’s Director Sean Miller.

You know we did some interviews making sure our cadre of central Ohio PIOs are ready for any reporter.

Additionally, we spent time sharing our experiences not only in disasters…but also daily operations.

Disasters are not daily….but we must all remain vigilant in our preparedness efforts.

As the bonus kernel of fun, I made this joke in class. Sadly, only one person laughed.

At least you know, #OnWednesdaysWeWearPink #April25

Looking forward to the rest of the week training our Ohio PIOs!

@rusnivek

Stopped by the 2018 Fire Department’s Instructors Conference (aka FDIC) in Indiana today.

Yeah yeah yeah, I had some FOMO for sure.

On arrival to the Hands On Training (HOT) area, I found the OIC running the joint.

Glad to see Capt Mike Pruitt again.

In fact, the last time I saw him was on our deployment to Hurricane Irma (2017). Here we are taking a look at the FEMA USAR maps for grid searching and other activities.

Seems like forever ago, but like we have always said, “In our line of work, it’s a small world.”

Lots of burning going on as participants continued to work on tactics so that they become almost muscle memory.

Various types of trainings going on including flashover simulators, extrication, hoseline advancement, ventilation, and of course teamwork.

At the end of the training, everyone pitches in to help inservice all the pieces of equipment.

Also helps to have the PIO there to take a few pictures and share with their communities on how departments are constantly training.

All. The Time.

Well, I hope all my fire friends will be taking in more classes than beverages.

It is imperative that we continue to be studious and learn and grow.

We all have lots to learn from each other.

@rusnivek

Just follow the yellow brick road…Just follow the yellow brick road…Just follow the yellow brick road…

Welp, looks like I got some exploring to do on this Munday morning.

Paperwork can wait till the afternoon! Sorta.

@rusnivek

I see Hawaii Governor Ige and FEMA R-9 Regional Administrator Bob Fenton got a chance to survey the damages in Kauai from the most recent flooding.

Looks like they got an early bingo punch for the disaster score card with the rotor-wing view.

Bob is always smiling!

@rusnivek

Well, it’s officially the weekend so be nice to each other as you party like a rockstar.

“Uniform Alpha to 13. Good Day”

So peeps – you are cleared for takeoff to the weekend.

@rusnivek

Simple press conferences? Each group took different approaches to their delivery.

One of the PIOs were firm on the time schedule so that it kept reporters who often ask rather weird questions on track.

Some were a bit more passive, but because of the scenario, most groups opted for a stronger bold press conference.

Our group? We targeted our messaging to our specified audience.

We planned for questions that the media could ask us.

You won’t believe it, they opted to put me in to represent the police PIO.

Bee doo bee doo indeed.

We opted for a more friendly approach and we were firm on our evacuation orders as well our issued BOLO.

Don’t worry, both instructors said I improved in my media speaking topics. #AlwaysLearning right? Gotta represent like a pro!

Class was fun and lots to learn from others attending esp those who were involved in the Dakota Access Pipeline event. Many thanks to all my fellow NIMS ICS All-Hazards PIOs from across the country who attended this course.

Special thanks to these two Master PIO Instructor goofballs.

See you soon on the next big disaster.

@rusnivek

More wildfire simulations with simulated press conferences. Except this time, it didn’t have to deal with the fictitious Central City! Whew.

However, the Tuolome River fire was a dangerous one.

Our instructors planned a tough press conference for us.

But no worries, we were ready with talking points, assigned tasks, and of course paired our responses for our targeted audiences.

Getting the right information…

To the right people….

At the right time…..

So they can make good decisions.

While seemingly easy, planning and coordinating a press conference from the all-hazards side is much more complex than meets the eye…esp when it has to deal with response variables that aren’t normally a factor in the urban interface.

Buckle up buttercup, this one might be a bit more rough.

@rusnivek

Today we are special…special because we can handle special situations!

Public Information Officers are tasked with countless details that need to be addressed before we can communicate our key points to our targeted audiences. Some people often neglect specific populations….HOWEVER, we as communicators need to be keenly aware of our location and the challenges occurring during deployments.

Yes we pride ourselves on talking points and precise briefings…but reality is that almost everything has to be perfect…because that’s what our constituents expect from us as a response agency.

Always strive to be the best.

Also, I *think found the North Dakota National Guard PIO.

@rusnivek