Building relationships now will only increase successes

We must continue to work closely with our partners in all emergency services because the safety of the public is of the utmost concern.


I am proud of the work I am asked to do because it brings agencies closer together and ultimately in times of crisis, agencies will seamlessly showcase their skills together and find success together.

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Because 6/6 is good numbers.


I hope your agency is building stronger relationships BEFORE any major emergency or disaster. By strengthening partnerships with a wide swath professionals, we can only become smarter and more successful.

 Call it “Increasing Situational Awareness/Common Operating Picture” or “All-hazards planning” – IDGAF.

Make it your prerogative to build relationships now. Right now.

Don’t make me step on your face. Do it!

This is the marker of many successful agencies.

@rusnivek

Is this flooded roadway safe? You tell me…. #TADD #Prepared2014

This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 16 – 22, 2014).

To help clarify some misconceptions about water and flooding, let me make it very clear – NEVER drive through flooded roads. Here’s a great example. We were dispatched after a few reported calls of a flooded roadway. Looks innocent enough right?

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Just because it’s downhill does NOT mean it is any safer…in fact, it is more dangerous.

  1. Gravity will move/flow the water faster.
  2. More water will cause you to lose control of your vehicle or possibly sink your vehicle and/or drown you.
  3. More water will remain at the bottom of the hill will definitely cause damage to your vehicle.

So how can you share this safety message with others?

  • Continue to share the message of Turn Around, Don’t Drown = #TADD (National safety campaign phrase)
  • Flash flooding can occur anywhere – even within metropolitan and urban areas.
  • Avoid areas that are frequently flooded.
  • Always follow instructions from your local emergency service professionals.
  • Report any flooded roadways to the proper authorities.
  • NEVER drive through flooded roads.

It’s really bad news if we have to meet like this…

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If you were wondering, that’s me on the right

Do your part in #Prepared2014 by being safe this year.

@rusnivek

2014 National Flood Safety Awareness Week #TADD #Prepared2014

This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 16 – 22, 2014).

Did you know that floods are the #1 natural disaster in the US? Just within the past five years, all 50 states have experienced floods or flash floods.

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How can you help?

Share these easy safety tips with your constituents on flood safety:

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown = #TADD (National safety campaign phrase)
  • Flash flooding can occur anywhere. If there is a possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground. Always follow instructions from your local emergency service professionals.
  • NEVER drive through flooded roads.
  • Use local alerts and warning systems (like iPAWS and WEAs) which can send localized information about your immediate area.
  • Stay away from damaged areas unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organization.
  • Just a few inches of water from a flood can cause thousands of dollars in damages.
  • Do you know if you live in a flood zone? Find out here for free.

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So check your emergency preparedness kits and make sure you are ready!

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@rusnivek

Statewide tornado siren test today at 0950. Find out what to do here #OHWX

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.***

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It would also be a good time to practice your emergency procedures if a tornado siren/warning goes off.

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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.

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  • If a tornado has been spotted, seek shelter immediately. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do not stop to take pictures or shoot video. Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local media newscasts for up-to-date weather and emergency information.
  • NEVER touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed power lines and report electrical hazards to the utility company.
  • Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
  • Be careful of debris such as damaged structures, exposed nails and broken glass.

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Stay safe out there peeps!

@rusnivek

Do not break the law while driving in severe weather #OHWX

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?

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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.

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Remember, during severe weather, drive slowly peeps!

@rusnivek

Snow in the streets? Be careful or else this could happen to your kids #OHWX

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.

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Thanks Steve….In other news…

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@rusnivek

Safety Tip: Downed power lines – 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week #OHWx

It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.

Here’s some simple safety tips that you can share with your peeps to stay safe during the constantly changing weather.

Remember, NEVER touch downed power lines.

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Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.

Walk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.

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@rusnivek