T: “Awww, that looks like someone BBQing chicken again.”

Me: “Dude, that isn’t chicken. Black smoke. Someone’s got a work. Let’s go!”

So I’m first due. It appears to be debris. I don’t think its up against a structure or anything. 

Engine-105 pulls up, I briefed the officer and firefighters from VIFD. They dropped a crosslay from the rear.

Pulling hose on a working fire…is fun.

With the second due engine pulling in, the initial attack crews here about to make the hit.

Fun times.

Glad my decades of firefighting skills helped. Super glad to support the Virgin Islands Fire Department today. As always, we at FEMA are glad to be an integral part of the communities that we serve across this great country. 

No matter the role, we are all an integral part of the fabric in this community.

Proud to serve.

@rusnivek

Saturday morning FEMA PIO work here at WSTA morning radio show.

Despite being hit by a category-4 hurricane Irma and a following category-5 hurricane Maria, this station continued to broadcast throughout the entire storm. 

WSTA was the voice for the US Virgin Islands from pre-landfall, broadcasting through the direct hurricane hit, and the aftermath. Today’s show was a multi-agency show. Glad to have USVI Senator President Myron Jackson and the Community Action Now Director Iffat Walker.

FEMA is commited to working with all of our partners in public safety together as we provide for the recovery for all those in the US Virgin Islands.

Whether St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John – we at FEMA are here for the long haul to better all of these communities in the US Virgin Islands. Special thanks to Radio host Addie Outtley for having us on the show today.

Great morning show here in the US Virgin Islands 🇻🇮 . Tune in everyday to 1340AM

@rusnivek

Made the quick hop from St. Croix to St. Thomas today.

A few of our partner agencies are also out helping to canvas the area too. 

Great to be working with our friends from DoD.

Nice way to see sunken/submerged vessels in the harbors…

…as well as a quick view of the Blue Roof Program.

Three in the green and back down and secure, instructed to get to our AFO for IT, APO, and of course some supplies.

Also, kinda ominous graphics and spirit signs on the side of the walls here at the AFO (Alternate Field Office).

As you know in the US Virgin Islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix sustained a direct hit Category-4 hit from Hurricane Irma and a Category-5 from Hurricane Maria.

Responder housing? Lodging? Yep, I’m on a boat! 

While the view at the top deck of the ship is OK…

…my room is almost at the bottom of the boat with no windows or cell signal. Basically a closet. So I pretty much feel like I’m in the hole.

This “no signal” problem is a huge issue for PIOs. With data or cell signal non-existent, that is a true challenge for external affairs.

Oh well. At least there are no iguanas in my bed.

@rusnivek

Another beautiful sunrise this morning at 0600.

Then you realize that there is still much to be done with recovery efforts here throughout the US Virgin Islands. 

Spent a bunch of time in the JFO briefing with the External Affairs Officer at FEMA Region 2. #PIO

Driving around town, we can see some businesses are back in service supporting the community. 

While business resiliency is important, safety should always remain at the top of the list.

I really don’t know if a hose is better than duct tape. Jeez.

Reporting live from the USVI…

@rusnivek

Despite the ongoing disaster recovery operations here, the sunrises are beautiful here in the US Virgin Islands.

When I got to the JFO, lots of discussion on communications…esp since most of cell towers are non-operational throughout the USVI. Dang it, even my backup options on cell hotspot wasn’t working so great.

Does that mean it’s time for the SP? Shhhhh, please let the satellite phone sleep!!!

More planning and strategy as we enhance our services to the residents of the USVI. It is likely that we will see more.

Best part? We are working with local public safety providers who are committed on making their community better.

Reporting live from the US Virgin Islands…

@rusnivek

8 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in the USVI.

Roads? Well, power lines/poles still block many roads. This is a common sight here in St. Croix.

Current assessment on grid power for USVI and PR:

• 30% on St. Thomas
• 17% on St Croix
• 16% on St John 
• 42% on Puerto Rico

Kinda dark here in the USVI.

But apparently, the airlines lost my luggage so I am legit working with only my backpack and the clothes off my back.

#PIOProblems 

@rusnivek

One of the things I talk about in class…$! No doubt, things are rough in a disaster. 

Likely most places don’t have power. 

Likely most comms (data) doesn’t work.

So your credit card likely won’t work. 

So cash should be in every preparedness kit as well as any deployment bag. 

And yes, I definitely practice what I preech. 

@rusnivek

Popped into another disaster. 

Assigned as the FEMA PIO for the USVI. 

@rusnivek

Sunday 11-05-17 morning #Disaster #Hurricane #Maria briefing:
Grid power?

STT: 30% of population

STX: 16.3% of population

STJ: 17.6% of population
Communications?

58.7% of cell towers operational.
Water? 

Boil water advisory remains in effect territory-wide.

Looks like I’ll be rallying up at the #JIC / #JFO with the #EAO as well as with the #National IMAT-East and #Region 10’s #IMAT.
@rusnivek

Well, time for more FEMA #PIO work.

Category-5 hurricane Maria with a direct hit. Austere conditions. 

Let’s get the type-1 Disaster face on!

@rusnivek