Reminder to the media and the general public: Full Scale Exercise Training today in Wheaton, Illinois with the D200 schools.
This is only a drill. Training.
For more information, follow on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram: @ProtectDuPage
Day-2 of the FEMA EOC Management & Operations course here at DuPage County OHSEM.
Bonus points, I got to introduce our new Ops Chief to everyone today. Welcome Joe Jones!
We also talked a bunch about responder safety and how to bring a few moments of zen to the pros working your EOC. I think these comfort/therapy dogs are the best.
Timely post from FEMA on the work these dogs do for responders.
Trust me, they were a very welcome sight in the midst of chaos of a national disaster.
Glad to have so many pros from across Illinois for attending our class.
And yes, without a doubt, it is #AlohaFriday.
Day-2 of the FEMA All-Hazards NIMS ICS Incident Management Team (IMT) Logistics Section Chief (LSC) Course.
It is refreshing to see so many LEOs attending and welcome to the DuPage County OHSEM!
Just remember, Logistics makes the world go round.
This week, our office is hosting the FEMA All Hazards NIMS ICS Incident Management Team Logistics Section Chief course.
Welcome to our house.
You hanging with us this week?
OMG, everyone IS here at the DuPage County OHSEM Advanced Severe Weather Seminar!!!!!
Love me some training and outreach.
Best part, I get to be the PIO for today!
Reporting live from the scene….
Afternoon meetings with the Communications team with the Red Cross of Chicago!
Case studies? Social media? Response training? Media training? Yeppers, all of that stuff for for the L-team to boots-on-the-ground staff.
Looking forward to some upcoming Crisis Comms training with all their staff.
Outstanding day to start the FEMA G0291: JIC/JIS Course here at DuPage County OHSEM.
And a solid Miley way to start the day is a party in the USA!
Awwwwwww yeah.
As always, a fine safety brief from John on class including info on 24/7 PIO support from both of us.
With the upcoming exercises, we wanted to give the participants an opportunity to share their experiences as well as how much training has helped them increase their output and network with others.
In class activities concrete key points so that we can all function well with each other. In the end, we hope that nothing happens…but the reality is that it is only a matter of time before we have to work together.
Train like you fight right?
How is DuPage County OHSEM doing it? We are fostering a workspace for collaboration not only in this area, but statewide. Here’s an example.
As stated before, a rising tide raises all ships.
We will learn/train together and we will enjoy our successes together.
And when a crisis hits or a disaster just happens, it will no doubt be a challenging work environment. But thanks to training and exercises, we as PIOs will be able to function well together and shine.
Reminds me of a quote: “When it rains, we roar.” – PIO Ryan S.
Looking forward to seeing all of you at the next big one….in the JIC!
Starting off another FEMA G0290: Basic PIO course with our public safety pros from across the state!
I am fortunate to grab a few other PIOs for class today – suit up!
Aside from sharing concepts and theory, we also focused on interview skills…
…you know we did the oncamera interviews.
No bones about it, our mantra is to provide the best real-world training out there.
Lots of discussion on staging as well as single role PIOs and what they can do to get the ball rolling.
We also integrated a few activities and exercises into the mix too.
Don’t worry, we took some time to discuss communications strategies. We shared the 8-step communications model and introduced StratComms!
Planning ahead is always a good thing – esp for PIOs. Preparedness is essential in being a good PIO.
Successful first day with everyone. Looking forward to a solid day-2!
What a morning as we kick off the FEMA ICS-402: ICS for Executives/Senior Officials!
Even got a rare class visit from Director Snow on the start today.
Suit up as we continue to explain the need for ICS and share the values a coordinated response. And yes, if you are going to ask, I once created an IAP thiiiiiiis big… 
Proud to have leadership from various organizations including our own DuPage County Board Members Dawn DeSart and Sheila Rutledge.
Great class and looking forward to more with our partners.
On the ready! So many things happen behind the scenes as Emergency Management Pros continue to plan and coordinate in prep for the severe cold weather inbound to our area of responsibility (AOR).
Our rock solid partnership with the National Weather Service Chicago continues to shine as we share information to our partners as well as the general public. Incorporating additional info like the Frostbite vs Hypothermia fact sheet from CDC is a bonus as we look to temps falling into the mid -20s with the windchill to reach -50 to -60.
Yikes is right.
If all predictions are correct, the forecasted temperatures are historic lows.
Our staff is currently conducting a conference call with police, fire, public works, and emergency management agencies within #DuPageCounty to discuss the extreme cold weather event tonight through Thursday.
All hands working!
Also, thanks for the briefing Ricky from the NWS Chicago!
Where is @rusnivek? 