No lie…it’s July!

July is here!

I’ve been detailed to several functions this month as well as a few classes.

Most of the month will be spent in the home state Ohio! Don’t worry. Still showing the love for FEMA Region-V.

20140501-083012.jpg

I am hoping for a quick deployment to Region 4 again, but I’ll keep you posted.

I’ve also taken a new position as well (more on that to come later).

Well, I can’t believe we are already into the second half of 2014 already.

Be safe everyone!

@rusnivek

One year ago, 19 Firefighters died

One year ago today, 19 Firefighters died serving their country.

20140630-093341-34421516.jpg

If you have already forgotten, 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots firefighters died shortly after deploying their last-chance fire shelters in the Prescott Arizona area.

20140630-093910-34750668.jpg

This particular fire has rocked the fire service to the core and has changed the face of wild land firefighting forever.

20140630-094245-34965785.jpg

The fire service often talks about watershed moments or sentinel moments…well, this is is definitely one of them. The actions by the Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, and numerous others will be scrutinized for their actions/orders in decades to come. And I am sure it will haunt them forever.

20140630-093743-34663806.jpg

Even after all the After Action Reviews and Corrective Reports are published, it will never change the fact that 19 Brother Firefighter are dead.

20140630-093657-34617842.jpg

If you have never heard of the fire, I suggest you get off your lazy boy recliner immediately and read up…like read everything about it. EVERY. SINGLE. THING.

It doesn’t affect me….BS.
I don’t fight wildfires…BS.
I’m not in Arizona….BS.

Look, it doesn’t matter if you are a big city firefighter or small town firefighter, paid or volunteer, rural or urban, new or old. In fact, I don’t care if you are a seasoned veteran or FNG, you need to know everything about this fire.

As fire service professionals, we all need to make sure this NEVER happens again. I never want to see this again.

Never forget and honor the fallen like Brothers…because they are family.

@rusnivek

Strategic meowsers #cat

I was in a strategic communications planning session earlier.

Leadership (of course) wants more visibility and more followers, and of course I say, “Well, we should have more cat pictures…that will help fir sure!”

20140627-114113-42073504.jpg

I’m hilarious.

20140627-114113-42073551.jpg

Folks, it’s not about how many followers you have, it’s about how much interaction you have with your followers.

Remember, social media isn’t about volume, it’s about quality and involvement.

Hope your Friday is going well. I’m headed out to the left coast now.

20140627-114022-42022243.jpg

Heh heh

@rusnivek

Teaching today at the Michigan State Police training facility

Breaking it down today at the Michigan State Police state training center.

20140624-160851-58131751.jpg

Glad to be a small part to help enhance a great public safety agency on PIO/Social Media.

20140624-161021-58221489.jpg

Also enjoying a few of the static vehicles on display here too.

20140624-161143-58303269.jpg

@rusnivek

Free tips: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors #NWS #Lightning #safety

This week is National Lightning Safety Week.

It is everyone’s responsibility to be safe especially during thunder and lightning

imagesCA942DFB

Here’s a few free tips you can use to prepare for severe weather like lightning:

  • At any hint of thunder and/or lightning, move quickly to a safe shelter area. Remember the phrase: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
  • Immediately postpone all outdoor activities for everyone…including adults!
  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
  • Break out your emergency preparedness kit and see if all flashlights are working. If not, get them in working order.
  • Charge all of your mobile devices including your cell phone now before the power goes out.

To get up to the minute updates during the Thunderstorm:

  • Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from the National Weather Service.

And after the storm passes, take these precautions as you survey the damage around your house:

  • Do NOT touch downed power lines. Assume all lines are charged and dangerous. Call your emergency services to handle safe removal of lines.
  • Power out? Check the power company’s website from your mobile smart phone to see who else doesn’t have power here.

Feel free to share these tips with your neighbors throughout the year.

@rusnivek