Kit…Kitt…KITT!!!

Kit…..kitt…..KITT!!!!! No, not that kind of kitt!

This week, we are focusing in on #preparedness #kits. But today we wanted to give you a few ideas for your #vehicle #preparedness kit.

*#JumperCables: Never know when your battery could go out.
*#TireGauge: After a disaster, debris litters the roadway. Good tire pressure is a good thing.
*#Blankets: Nice #picnic blanket OR keep you and the family warm this winter #szn.
*#FirstAid kit: Because we all have that one klutz in the #family.
*#WetWipes/#Diaper #wipes: When traveling, things just get dirty!
*AM/FM #radio: local #news #broadcast and emergency #phone #charger.
*A document folder: Nice to have a folder with critical documents for reference. #Insurance information, printed maps, important phone numbers from local resources, and of course the important family communications plan too! Just remember to regularly change it out to include the most up to date info.

Just a few more ways you can better prep yourself for any #emergency or #disaster.
All part of #2021 #National Preparedness Month

I bet KITT didn’t have a 3-ring binder in the front seat…

@rusnivek

Lost? Why are things lost during September?!?

This week, we focus in on your kit. But if you wait till the last minute, it’ll be tough for you to have a complete #preparedness #kit. We encourage you to plan accordingly and ahead of time so that you are ready to handle any emergency.

Order your #supplies and readily check the #expiration #dates on specific items. Consider a regular rotation of items before they expire.

Bec late ain’t great. But on time is divine!

More preparedness tips all month long all to match #2021 National Preparedness Month!

@rusnivek

Plans should be flexible!

As we close out the first week of planning in 2021 #National #Preparedness Month, we want to remind you that your plans should be flexible and be able to adapt to new #situations. In your preparedness efforts, consider including a #notebook or a #notepad that you can keep free form #notes from various sources.

New information is always being shared from #trusted sources so you should be able to take that info down quickly. Phone numbers, websites, social media accounts, passwords, hours of disaster #recovery #centers, open/closed #roadway, #shelter hours, etc…..basically all the important stuff you’ll need to reference on the regular. Look, the easiest way is to write it out! From maps, notes, drawings, phone numbers….everything can be done manually.

Your snazzy phone? Remember that your phone, esp in an emergency or #disaster, should be used for #communications – not mundane note taking or scribble notes.

Consider having various notebooks in different colors for each person in your preparedness kit.
Also, don’t forget the favorite writing utensils too. I said writing utensils, not just one.

Pictured above are a few of the notebooks I carry on every disaster deployment.
I usually carried in my right cargo pocket.

Hope you are as #prepared for #disasters.
Next week, we talk more about your #kit!

@rusnivek

Evacuation planning? WAT?!!??!?

Plans for #evacuation is critically important. That’s why we want you to have multiple options for leaving #danger areas quickly.

Be mindful that during an #emergency, it is likely that many other #evacuees might be traveling the same route as you AND in their personal vehicles, so consider alternate forms of #transportation (like #train, #bus, #bicycle, etc…).

Consider plotting alternate routes or double check your preexisting #plans for new road/#building #construction.

#prepared #ready #disaster #NPM

More to come tomorrow!

@rusnivek

Click here to demobilize

After 12 long months of being deployed to FEMA Region-1 and covering the COVID ordeal including PPE, testing, vaccinations, and funeral assistance…I am demobilizing.

Phew.

During my deployment, I covered six (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT) states and 10-tribal nations. Whoa, that’s a lot.

Time to take a break!

@rusnivek

DHS Secretary Mayorkas Swears in Deanna Criswell as FEMA Administrator

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas delivered the oath of office to Deanne Criswell today, her first full day as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“Deanne’s career is one of commitment and service to our nation,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “That commitment now rises to the next level of leading the dedicated people of FEMA as they continue working to meet unprecedented challenges. I have full confidence in her ability to lead FEMA with compassion, fairness, integrity, and respect as she works to fulfill the agency’s ever-important mission: helping people before, during, and after disasters. It is my honor to welcome Administrator Criswell to the Department of Homeland Security.”

During the ceremony, Secretary Mayorkas highlighted Ms. Criswell’s extensive career in emergency management and the multiple challenges FEMA faces, including the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

Ms. Criswell was joined by her partner, Patrick Murphy. Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary, David Pekoske, former FEMA Acting Administrator Bob Fenton, and FEMA Acting Deputy Administrator MaryAnn Tierney also attended the ceremony. Secretary Mayorkas thanked former FEMA Acting Administrator Bob Fenton for his service and leadership.

Deanne Criswell was nominated by President Biden on January 15, 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 22, 2021. She is the first woman to lead FEMA since its creation in 1979.