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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

5 and 4 and 1 with a side of #DFT2015

Posted on November 1, 2015 by rusnivek

Because of an abrupt change in schedules, October fizzled out quick. But November should be nicer.

First week: I’ll be working with the team at Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office and County Exec on a few social media things.

Second week: Bunch of tactical stuff including more video fun. #PewPew

Third week: I have been reassigned to teach in Region-1 in New Hampshire. So for those that inquired, I will not be able to attend the 2015 EM Conference in Vegas. #boo

Fourth week: Heading to Chicago! And yes, I’m considering attempting to deep fry a turkey. I’m hoping NOT to burn the city down #DFT2015

Fifth week (sorta): Leading into December, I will most likely be assigned to FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness for additional training with External Affairs or the Recovery Directorate. Fun in Region-4 Alabama!

In my spare November time, I might be able to close a few national projects still on the table. Things should fall into place for December and January 2016.

@rusnivek

October has the big four: 3-9-5-NCAP #SURINDC

Posted on October 1, 2015 by rusnivek

As National Preparedness Month closes, my October 2015 schedule is going to be very challenging. And as you know, I have to win. Here’s the plan:

First week: I’ll be in Carlisle, Pennsylvania presenting on Social Media in disasters. Pope out, Sur in! Glad to be back in Region-3.

Second week: I’ll be headed back to the Silicon Valley area presenting on social media specifically for large event planning and monitoring (because it’s all about the L right? Wait, it’s all about the 5-0 right?) I also hope to catch up to one of the VIPs at Intel. Since retiring from Emergency Management, his pro career intrigues me – so I believe some synergies could happen. Additionally, I get a chance to brainstorm with an extremely talented colleague from the NWS Sacramento office. I rant about “building relationships before an emergency” so I assure you that I am practicing what I preach. Love love LOVE me some Region-9!

Third week: I’ll be at Fairfield County (Ohio) Emergency Management Agency popping the G-290: Basic Public Information Officers Course and G-291: Joint Information Center / Joint Information System (JIC/JIS) courses. It will definitely be great to see my friend Director Kochis and crews again – back in Region-5.

Fourth week: I’ll be presenting at FEMA HQ in Washington DC on social media. Yep, at the big house. OMG. This is a big presentation. Big. REALLY BIG. While at HQ, I am hoping to catch up with Lumpkins, Kamoie, FEMA’s Digital Engagement Team…and since we’re fresh off the heels of National Preparedness month grabbing a cup of coffee with my besties from ReadyGov and PrepareAthon. Love me some HQ preparedness action! Additionally, I am hoping to grab a few meetings with my friends at the Pentagon and NGA too. Special thanks to US Representative Fudge (OH-11) for some extra time with Congress and a stop at the White House. Yep. The White House. Again. #SURINDC NCAP region!

It’s going to be a challenge month all October long.

Get it.

@rusnivek

Today is National Preparedness Day! #NatlPrep

Posted on September 30, 2015 by rusnivek

Ahhhhh, the last day of 2015 National Preparedness Month – THAT MEANS TODAY IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS DAY!!!!

Oh Yeah – You did it!

I know many of you have shared your tips and preparedness efforts with countless others. I am confident that your shared knowledge will pay off as we better prepare our fellow Americans for any disaster or emergency.

Thanks to all of our active partners in public safety. From the Locals to State to Federal partners who have made this month so successful – thank you!

Thank you to my agencies who have allowed me to share my preparedness tips with you.

I only wonder what will 2016 preparedness bring? Hmmm. Here’s a hint…

…and a little of this…

…and definitely more of this.

Who’s excited? <SQUIRREL!>

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Whew-I am so glad that many of you have decided to participate in this month’s activities. Keep in mind that you have 11 more months to address your public in finding ways to be better prepared in a disaster. Planning for the 2016 National Preparedness Month will begin shortly.

As always, start your peeps off right by sending them here.

@rusnivek

Apps away~! #NatlPrep #free #app #tech

Posted on September 28, 2015 by rusnivek

Final week of 2015 National Preparedness Month!

Don’t freak out, still lots of things to do like download a bunch of free apps for your smart phone!

Here’s an example of a good app from the State of North Carolina Emergency Management Agency’s ReadyNC.

The ReadyNC app It talks about numerous preparedness activities as well as what to do after an emergency. Download it here.

FEMA’s got a great app that you can use to reference great info on disasters and preparedness.

Additionally you can check out their new Disaster Reporter feature, Social Hub, and get free vetted weather alerts. Download it here.

Easy way to inform others? Get out there and present/share your preparedness efforts with all your partners in public safety.

You know the phrase: An ounce of prevention/preparedness can save…..

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Download a bunch of free apps today!.

Get your Mundays over by clicking here!

@rusnivek

Fill er up please! #NatlPrep #power

Posted on September 26, 2015 by rusnivek

This week has been chock full of preparedness tips for power outages.

I know each of you have been working hard at preparing your kits, double checking and updating your supplies. Today’s tip addresses your ride (aka your whip):

Keep your car gas tank at least half full. Gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps. You’ll also have a good method for charging devices in an emergency or, if necessary, moving to a location with power.

To bring a smile to your Saturday, here’s a quick video for you

Keep your tanks filled…and sing loud and proud!

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Knowledge is power…so share your power safety tips with everyone.

Filler up and be ready by starting here!

@rusnivek

Never turn on or use this indoors #NatlPrep

Posted on September 23, 2015 by rusnivek

2015 National Preparedness Month – and yes, it’s still a week worth of good power safety tips!

Never use a generator, gasoline-powered equipment and tools, grill, camp stove, or charcoal burning device inside or in any partially enclosed area, including a basement or garage.

Easy right? Use OUTSIDE!

Big or small…

…don’t forget to get your generator serviced regularly.

Or else this could happen.

Be careful!

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Knowledge is power…so share your power safety tips with everyone.

Be Ready by starting here!

@rusnivek

Even during a power outage, this still has to work! #NatlPrep

Posted on September 22, 2015 by rusnivek

Even during a power outage, this still has to work!

So be a hero and change the batteries in your smoke detector twice a year.

When seconds count…Do it!

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

Chirp chirp!

Be Ready and start here!

@rusnivek

Quick lists with go packs and a few checklists #NatlPrep

Posted on September 20, 2015 by rusnivek

Since we are in September aka 2015 National Preparedness month, here’s a quick rundown of all checklists, go packs, preparedness kits, and other assorted items on preparedness. Those items marked with a (*) and bold are to me the most critical ones.

Checklists for Family Preparedness Kit: checklist_2014

Family Communications plan (kids to complete) FEMA_plan_child_508_071513

*Family Communications plan (Parents to complete) FEMA_plan_parent_508_071513

*How much water do I need to prep: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/16/one-gallon-of-water-per-day-per-person-48-bottles-natlprep-prepared2014/

Distilled down, here’s the most essential parts of my preparedness kit: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/15/important-parts-of-my-emergency-preparedness-kit-natlprep-prepared2014/

MREs? Here’s what they are: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/14/3-days-of-food-per-person-for-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-natlprep-prepared2014/

*My tech disaster kit: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/20/tech-kit-how-geeky-or-nerdy-is-yours-natlprep-prepared2014/

*Have a pet? Here’s what’s in my Pet Emergency Preparedness Kit: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/19/your-pet-needs-an-emergency-preparedness-kit-too-check-out-the-one-i-have-ready-to-go-prepared2014-natlprep-woof/

Everyone always asks, what is readily in all my disaster kits – DuckTape: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/18/this-emergency-preparedness-kit-multipurpose-item-literally-sticks-to-everything-prepared2014-natlprep-tbt/

Better IRL whistle for attention? Horn me: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/17/a-better-whistle-for-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-natlprep-prepared2014/

*Enable EAS Alerts to all your mobile devices (turn your GPS location on).

*On Twitter, follow @FEMA and your state’s Emergency Management Agency for good preparedness lists and more emergency response information.