Where is @rusnivek?

Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

In the EOC…and a gigantic sinkhole

Posted on June 7, 2014 by rusnivek

Seriously, a pretty perfect morning here at the Emergency Operations Center.

Oh, and they have a gigantic sinkhole here which sounds pretty bad. EMA Director Keck will be briefing us this AM.

Sounds like the news has already caught wind of it and OEMA has briefed on the situation this AM.

@rusnivek

Teaching again at OEMA’s Emergency Operations Center

Posted on May 13, 2014 by rusnivek

Guess who’s teaching at Ohio Emergency Management Agency today?

That’s right, training in the state EOC…who’s your EMDaddy?!?

And here is Ohio Emergency Management Agency’s Director Nancy Dragani welcoming our class.

But first, lemme take a #selfie…

Whoop whoop!

@rusnivek

Here for my briefing

Posted on May 7, 2014 by rusnivek

Here for my briefing!

Time to get my game face on.

@rusnivek

Deployed down south

Posted on May 6, 2014 by rusnivek

Deployed down south.

Shhhhh, I’m trying to pay attention!

@rusnivek

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents at SGFD

Posted on April 28, 2014 by rusnivek

Starting out ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents this morning. Fairly large class with VERY varied backgrounds makes for an interesting class.

Also good to see both EMA directors from Medina County and Wayne County stop in and welcome the class too.

As always, it’s great to be teaching on behalf of Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) in Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS).

@rusnivek

Participating in FEMA’s #PrepareAthon Google Hangout #Prepared2014

Posted on April 7, 2014 by rusnivek

Participating in the White House Google Hangout now.

Glad to see engagement from numerous agencies especially Craig Fugate (@CraigAtFEMA) and Paulette Aniskoff (@PAniskoff44).

…and Paulette Aniskoff just asked my question.

And Craig responded.

Holy. Balls.

@rusnivek

My day at FEMA HQ #Prepared2014

Posted on March 30, 2014 by 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

Free Wireless Emergency Alerts from @FEMA #OHWX #Prepareness2014

Posted on March 6, 2014 by 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)?

Alerts received at the right time can help keep you safe during an emergency. With WEA, warnings can be sent to your mobile device when you may be in harm’s way, without need to download an app or subscribe to a service.
You can receive important lifesaving alerts no matter where you are – at home, at school, or at work. Numerous public safety officials use reliable systems to alert you and your family in the event of natural or man-made disasters. Many communities also offer emergency alert notifications through their own systems.

Do you know what the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is used for?

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television systems, and wireless cable systems to provide the President with a communications capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency.

Meshing all technologies together, do you know how the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is already helping everyone?

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), is a modernization and integration of the nation’s existing and future alert and warning systems, technologies, and infrastructure.
IPAWS’ EAS is the message dissemination pathway that sends warnings via broadcast, cable, satellite, and wireline services. EAS may be used by state and local authorities, in cooperation with the broadcast community, to deliver important emergency information, such as weather information, AMBER alerts, and local incident information targeted to specific areas.
The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, satellite digital audio service and direct broadcast satellite providers, cable television systems, and wireless cable systems to provide the President with a communications capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency.

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

Teaching at Ohio EMA and a bonus #selfie with Executive Director Nancy Dragani in the EOC

Posted on February 20, 2014 by rusnivek

Hold the phone…..OMG!

Best #selfie ever w/ @Ohio_EMA Executive Director Nancy Dragani.

Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) constantly embraces new technologies like social media to spread preparedness efforts and update timely information for everyone. Social media is just one piece of the puzzle that OEMA uses to extend and promote their outreach efforts with various public safety partners and enhance engagement from various constituents and stakeholders in every community.