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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Tech kit? How geeky or nerdy is yours? #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 20, 2014 by rusnivek

Saturday in this third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Are you kitted up yet?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#20: Your tech kit needs to be functional 24/7 – so plan for any emergency situation #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

I already showed you my pet preparedness kit yesterday.
I’ve given you great tips on your home preparedness kit.
I’ve given tips on a vehicle preparedness kit.
And I am sure that you have your zombie preparedness kit ready too.
So I wanted to spend a few minutes on my tech prep kit.

Basically, this is one of my daily go bags that I take everywhere.
This bag allows me to function any place/any time.
And of course it’s a backpack for complete mobility.

Laptop w/ power cable
iPad w/ Zagg keyboard w/ power cables (USB and plug)
iTouch w/ power cable (backup for iPad failure)
iTouch w/ power cable (mainly used for groovy tunes)
Resource manual (book of important “stuff”) with really important contact information.
Black folder (to take to briefings and take notes)
Business cards w/ cell phone and social media accounts
Mints/Cough drops
Statewide radio capable of national communications (NFSPAC) and attached speaker mic for above radio with battery
Extra battery for radio
SureFire flashlight with red LED
Tactical SureFire flashlight
Mini-push light (mini LED)
4 AA batteries
2 AAA batteries
4 SureFire batteries
Mophie rugged USB battery pack
IPhone 30-pin charger
25 ft extra insulated extension cable
Power strip/surge suppressor
6 pens (4 black / 1 blue / 1 red)
1 pencil
1 sharpie marker (black)
External wireless mouse
2 sets earphones
1 set ear plugs
1 ear wig
6 different color USB drives (each are from different manufacturer)
VGA cable
HDMI to HDMI cable
HDMI to mini-HDMI cable
6 ft USB cable
Sound jack direct plug
3 sets in every color of T-cards
T-card canvas holder
2 sets of identification/credentials
2 pads of notepaper
2 post it note pads (each held by binder clips)
1 pack of 3×5 notecards (held together by binder clip)
1 ANSI vest
2 Cylume sticks
1 Name tape identifier
1 USA Flag

The idea of being tech ready will not only increase your chances of survival post disaster, it will also help your family communicate regularly and coordinate reunification. Keeping your family together is SO important because it’s tough for anyone to function knowing that their immediate family members are not safe.

Soooooo, I’m sure your tech kit is slightly different.
This particular configuration has served me well, but as time goes on, I seem to be adding more to this kit.
So let me know if I missed anything.

After this week, I bet your kits are looking good!

@rusnivek

Your pet needs an emergency preparedness kit too! Check out the one I have – ready to go #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #Woof

Posted on September 19, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s finally Friday in this third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#FridayFurDay right? Or is that #FridayFunday ?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#19: Your pet needs an emergency preparedness kit too! Check out the one I have – ready to go #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #Woof

Dry dog food (3 days worth). I have Kacy’s food parceled out into individual easy servings. This way, we don’t over feed her.

Two (2) bottles of water – which is enough for her for 3 days.

Pet identification (3×5 notecard in zip lock bag which makes this waterproof) which includes our contact cell phones and twitter handles, pet name, date of birth, current vaccinations, county dog registration, vet address, vet phone, and of course a short description of what she looks like. Also in the zip lock bag is Kacy’s pet medications (heart worm pills and flea and tick meds).

Small bowl to eat and drink.

Dog identification tags that includes her name tag, county dog identification, rabies vaccination information, our contact information, and home address.

Pet First Aid kit – I got this from a community fair thanks to the local health department. This is a necessity! It will make minor injuries easier to manage.

Extra static 6ft leash…and yes, it’s labeled w/ duct tape with her name on it.

Packable raincoat because in case it rains, we are prepared for adverse weather! Also the “wet dog smell” isn’t the most fragrant aroma.

Favorite pet toys for Kacy which includes two Nylabone chew toys and a bright orange rubber tennis ball from Target.

*******All of the above items fit nicely in a dog carry pack. *******

Incidentally, this pack/harness has a handle on the topin case I need to emergently pick her up and go. I also have a green glow stick (break activation) that attaches via carabiner to the top for easy identification during night travel/evacuation.

The pack has several zippered outside pockets so I can separate the medications/Identification from the food.

These simple and easy basic supplies make up my pet preparedness kit. Keep in mind that everyone’s pet preparedness kits should be different depending on the size and breed of the animal…but it should have the basics like food, water, and medications.

I was reminiscing about my deployment during Hurricane Katrina/Rita in 2005 – our Task Force saw SO many abandoned pets in Louisiana’s Lower 9th Ward.

In case of an emergency or disaster, PLEASE take the time to prepare/evacuate with your pets as they are part of your family.

For more information on how you can put together your pet preparedness kit, check out this free FEMA Ready.Gov link on pet preparedness.

For those wondering, Kacy is a rescue dog. Best. Dog. Ever.

Special thanks to my dog Kacy for helping out in today’s preparedness post. #woof

@rusnivek

This emergency preparedness kit multipurpose item literally sticks to everything #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #TBT

Posted on September 18, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Thursday in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#TBT #TapeBackThursdays ? Or am I trying too hard to make fetch happen?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#18: This emergency preparedness kit multipurpose item literally sticks to everything #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #TBT

Before a disaster, duct tape can be used to shore up many structural components as well as loose items around the house. This includes securing windows from cracking, enhancing doors, even sealing up the cracks in case you have to shelter-in-place duct tape does a lot!

Now duct tape has been used for a few redic things too.

Great practical joke, but c’mon.

And trust me when I say every emergency manager has duct tape in their go kit. Therefore, you should too.

To aid in your preparedness, I would suggest having two rolls of duct tape in different colors. This way, you can distinguish your tape from others (i.e. layers) and also be able to use your duct tape as identification markers. Here’s an example of just one way to use duct tape to easily identify your stuff – my flat head ax.

Um, I hear that the airline industry also uses duct tape for operations…I mean identification too.

However you use duct tape, keep at least two different color rolls in each emergency preparedness kit.

It would be worth noting that the Duck Tape Headquarters is located right here in NE Ohio and of course Avon Ohio is known as the Duck Tape Capital of the World.

During an emergency, stick together! (see what I did there?)

@rusnivek

A better whistle for your emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 17, 2014 by rusnivek

Halfway in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Can you sorta hear me now?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#17: A whistle, better yet, an air horn in your preparedness kit to call attention to your emergency #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Whistles will help call attention to your situation wherever you are. I have one attached to the vehicle preparedness kit.

I get that a whistle is small, lightweight…but is it enough?

In retrospect, I purchased a few of these. An air horn. Not only is it easier to use, but also easier to activate and WAY louder too.

Note the line reading “Meets the USCG requirement for boats…”

I guess what I’m saying is that you can never be too loud huh?

Expensive? Nope. I got my very own air horn from Wal-Mart for a whopping $5.

*Also a necessity in your practical joke kit too.

Ahem.

@rusnivek

One gallon of water per day per person – 48 bottles! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 16, 2014 by rusnivek

Midstream in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Are you drowning in these preparedness tips yet?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#16: One Gallon of water per day / per person. Calculated for you = 48 bottles of water per person in your #Prepared2014 kit! #NatlPrep

So let’s do some simple calculations now.

1 bottled water = 8 oz of water

16 ounces of water = 1 pint of water

8 pints of water = 1 gallon of water

The recommendation is that every person has a gallon of water per day per person.

*****That means you need at least 16 bottles of water per person per day.*****

If you just whispered ERMAHGERD….then you should buy some water today.

This one is not negotiable…get it now. A case of bottled water is relatively cheap…like $3 for a case. Cheap. Do it.

Few tips once you get your water

Store your cases of bottled water in a cool dark place that is low to the ground.
So to keep your items fresh, make sure you rotate your bottled water regularly.
Not only for yourself, make sure you have enough water for your family.
I am not brand specific. Trust me, during an emergency, you will not be brand specific either.
Try to keep them in the shrink-wrapped. It’ll make it easier to move when needed.
Try to purchase clear bottles. It will help you see what’s inside.
Clear water bottles also can be used to amplify/diffuse a flashlight.

Keep in mind, during an emergency, this is a very common sight.

So don’t let this happen to you.

Get your preparedness kit with water together today!

@rusnivek

Important parts of my emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 15, 2014 by rusnivek

Starting out the third week in the 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Monday morning with the most important stuff!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#15: Your essential emergency preparedness kit should include flashlights & a cell phone charger #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Today’s tip is an easy one – flashlights and phone charger. It takes 10 seconds to include them in your emergency preparedness kit. Do it now.

Also-it seems like we lose power so frequently…so don’t be left in the dark (see what I did there?).

Candles are dumb because you stand the possibility of burning your house down and killing your family. During an emergency, gas leaks are common. Obviously. Candles and a gas leak is a recipe for explosion. #Kaboom Soooooooooo DO NOT USE CANDLES.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs have grown and now the base layer includes WiFi and phone power. Consider having a charging cable that has the ability to plug into a wall receptacle/plug or a USB charging point.

@rusnivek

3 days of food per person for your emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 14, 2014 by rusnivek

The start of the third week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Starting this week out with the good stuff!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#14: Shelf stable foods (like MREs) for 3 days/person MUST be in your preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

MREs or Meals Ready to Eat are really the “gold standard” in preparedness efforts. Now, I know what you’re thinking….gold standard = delicious. However, that is furthest from the truth. They are not as delicious as you think.

It would be worth noting that each of these MREs pack a whopping 2,200 calories. The idea behind the high calorie count is that a person who is working at maximum capacity (at war) does not have time to casually sit and enjoy three different meals a day. In just one meal, the MRE has relatively enough calories to push you through the day with only one “sitting”.

My “favorites” include

Chicken and rice
Pork with rice in BBQ sauce
Spaghetti with Meat & sauce

My MRE I really try to avoid?

Chicken Ala King
Beef Stew
Tuna with noodles

If you have never opened or used an MRE before, it would behoove you to do so before a disaster. For starters, there is a heating pack to warm your main entrée up (aka Flameless ration heater). This does require water for the thermal reaction to take place.

Also seasonings like tabasco sauce, Xylitol chewing gum, and a moist towelette are considered to be the most sought after pieces of each MRE. Use/trade them sparingly.

If you decide to go an alternate route and purchase a heater meal type or a bunch of Vienna sausage, make sure you try these products out before you have to use them during an emergency. Know your emergency supplies and rotate them out regularly.

Gaaahhhhh! So many things to remember, but if you start out simple and check your food for three days per person…you’ll have your kit ready and be better prepared for an emergency.

@rusnivek

A list of religious agencies involved in post disaster support #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 13, 2014 by rusnivek

Ahhh, the smell of Saturday…in the last day of the second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Finishing strong in week-2!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#13: Plan with religious agencies to support recovery efforts after a disaster. Keep an updated list at the ready. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Now, I’m not much of a church guy…however you don’t need to be religious to realize these services exist. It would be well worth your time to learn what groups are active and which ones could support your recovery efforts after a big disaster.

So keep a current list with names and phone numbers of groups who are active in disaster recovery. As an example:

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart who respond to the needs of those who are poor, isolated, marginalized or without hope.
The Southern Baptist group does a great meal service for those affected by disasters.
The Lutheran Church provides great immigration and refugee services.
The Mennonite Disaster Service does some solid work in cleanup, repair, and rebuilding homes.

And if you don’t use them, maybe your neighbors could utilize their services.

All planning should force you to think outside-the-box when addressing unmet needs. All of these groups are a vital part of our All-Hazards response in rebuilding every community post-disaster.

@rusnivek

Finding alternative solutions to charge your stuff…w/ a 9-volt battery #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 12, 2014 by rusnivek

TGI-Friday in this second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

What a week!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#12: Finding alternative solutions to charge your cell phone…like charging it with a simple 9-volt battery (video) #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

All you need is your phone, cig plug cable, 9-volt battery, and a simple key.

MacGyver your stuff up!

By learning alternate ways to deal with power problems, you can easily have uninterrupted cell phone service and power while staying in close communications with your family.

So be creative peeps…and go and find a few 9-volt batteries and test this out.

@rusnivek

Support your local emergency services who are the backbone of every community in America #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 11, 2014 by rusnivek

Solemn day in this second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#11: Support your local emergency services who are the backbone of every community in America #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Do it….Get to know your local emergency services.

For those of you who have written plans, please share them with your local emergency services. Take your kids to the Fire Stations, Police Stations, and EMS Stations…teach them the importance of these essential services who will be first on the scene during an emergency.

Teach your kids how to call 9-1-1. Teach them that help will always be there.

And yes, it is your steadfast preparedness efforts that greatly contribute to the readiness of the US.

So take a moment today to reflect on one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of the US. As a country, we will never stray from the freedoms that allow us to be the home of the brave.

I have sad, but great memories of my time at Ground Zero.

I’m honored to have been a part of this effort at the WTC.

I witnessed the resolve and resilience of everyone in New York City and across this great nation. This fierce American spirit should remind each of us of the importance of our disaster work we do every day.

I believe everyone in the world can remember what they were doing when they heard the news of the attacks in 2001. And now more than ever, we must take the steps to ensure our freedoms continue to ring for every single American.

Please honor those Firefighters and countless other heroes who have given their lives for our great nation.

Never give up. Never forget.

@rusnivek