C’mon, it’s 2014! Who waits for the newspaper?!!?!?!?
Even before the newspaper is printed, the information is obsolete…like finger nails on the chalkboard old.
Try to save a few trees and check out this thing called the internets.
It’s amazing.
@rusnivek
June has snuck up on all of us huh?
For those trying to keep up, I’ll be traveling twice to FEMA Region-9 and of course throughout Region-5.
Sadly, I’ll be out-of-service (OOS) for a week due to a funeral.
Keep your head down – just about half way through 2014!
@rusnivek
It’s May. Holey moley, it’s May.
For those tracking my whearabouts, I’ll be doing some work/deployment in FEMA Region-9, Region-4, and of course Region-5.
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
@rusnivek
April is already here – whoa Nellie!
For those keeping track, I’ll be doing some traveling during April primarily in Region 9 and of course Region-5.
Compared to April, May 2014 is looking ridiculously wacky.
Yeeeish.
@rusnivek
That’s right, she got caught because of her Facebook post. 
Colleen Cudney was convicted for DUI in 2012. One condition – she is to submit to random breathalyzer tests.
Fast forward to St Patrick’s Day 2014 (March 17th, 2014). Colleen was out carousing and drinking. On Tuesday March 18th, 2014, Colleen gets called in for a random breathalyzer test.
Colleen passes. She’s so amazed, that she takes to Facebook and posts about it: “Buzz killer for me, I had to breatalyze (sic) this morning and I drank yesterday but I passed thank god lol my dumbass.”
Well, well, well…..Local law enforcement called Colleen back again for an additional urine test. Colleen had indeed failed the more precise urine test. 
At this time, Colleen is looking at an additional 93 days in jail from the 18th District Court in Michigan for violating her parole. Nice work Colleen.
Shockingly, Colleen has since deleted her Facebook post and her Facebook account. Hmmmmm.
Morale of the story: Know the power of social media because what you post, isn’t really private.
@rusnivek
Had a chance to stop by FEMA HQ.
Also FEMA’s new MCOVs were on display right next to Quizno’s. Neeto stuff.
One of the highlights was a chance to sit and hang in the NRCC for a bit…just to see where the magic happens. Sa-weet.
Then on to the serious stuff. Lots of discussion with FEMA’s External Affairs folks pertaining to preparedness and readiness. #Prepared2014 – great stuff planned as we move into mid 2014. Truth be told, I’m just glad to be a part of the action.
I also enjoy meeting with people who are passionate about their jobs and really believe in their careers. It’s not often you get to see that kind of true dedication.
Running to make my afternoon meetings, I got a chance to hang with several Emergency Managers from around the country who were in town attending the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Mid Year Planning Conference in VA.
Not only are they true fellow emergency managers, more importantly, they are friends. Trouble was to be had since we tried to emulate Ellen DeGeneres’ Oscar night #Selfie for the other #SMEM folks. BTW-if you don’t know these peeps in this picture, trust me, you should. No seriously, trust me, you should.
Mahalos to Meischa Jackson for the assist.
I also got to sit down and talk again to Doc Lumpkins who is the Director of National Integration Center at FEMA HQ.
Haven’t seen him since the 2011 UASI Conference in San Francisco. I can’t begin to tell you how funny he is. I got nothing but mad respect for this guy!
In review, I should really make more trips to DC to meet with my peeps.
*sigh*
Now off to South Carolina!
@rusnivek
It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.
Today, we will focus in on wireless mobile notification alerts!
Have you heard of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)?
Do you know what the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is used for?
Meshing all technologies together, do you know how the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is already helping everyone?
At this time in Ohio, the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) authorities who have completed the authentication steps are:
1. Ashtabula County
2. Clark County
3. Delaware County
4. Fairfield County
5. Geauga County
6. Lucas County
7. Ohio Emergency Management Agency
8. Tuscarawas County
Hope you are paired with one of these local agencies to receive better information during severe weather or major emergency…otherwise, you’ll be left out in the dark.
@rusnivek
It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.
Today, the state of Ohio will be testing all emergency alert sirens at 9:50 a.m.
***Do not be alarmed, it is only a test.***
It would also be a good time to practice your emergency procedures if a tornado siren/warning goes off.
Do you know the differences between a Tornado Watch vs a Tornado Warning?
Tornado Watch: Issued by the NWS when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Be prepared to move to a safe place if weather conditions worsen. Stay tuned to weather updates.
Tornado Warning: Issued by the NWS when a tornado is imminent or occurring. A warning may be issued when a tornado is indicated by Doppler radar or sighted by trained spotters. Seek safe shelter immediately.
Stay safe out there peeps!
@rusnivek
It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.
Driving during severe weather? It doesn’t matter whether day or night – Do you have your headlights on?
Ohio Revised Code 4513.03 Time for lighted lights on motor vehicles.
(A) Every vehicle, other than a motorized bicycle, operated upon a street or highway within this state shall display lighted lights and illuminating devices as required by sections 4513.04 to 4513.37 of the Revised Code during all of the following times:
(1) The time from sunset to sunrise;
(2) At any other time when, due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the highway are not discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead;
(3) At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.
Remember, during severe weather, drive slowly peeps!
@rusnivek
It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.
Do you have snow shovels and snow removal equipment in your emergency preparedness kit?
Do you have adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm?
How are the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio so you can get immediate updates from the National Weather Service (NWS)?
During severe weather, minimize your travel. If travel is necessary, always keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
Snow day? Do not let kids play for long periods of time. Most everyone should stay away from the roads during severe weather. A great demonstration of why you should stay indoors by Fox29’s Steve Keeley.
Thanks Steve….In other news…
@rusnivek
Where is @rusnivek? 