State of Ohio EMA G291 Joint Information Center / System class at Medina County EOC

Packed State of Ohio EMA Joint Information Center / Joint Information System course today!

Started everyone into group work as well as ongoing discussion on the role of SMEs at a press conference.

Just in case, we also tasked participants to start thinking about a policy/protocol for their agency on sneak attack aka ambush interviews.

We found as we leverages our strengths and capitalize on our skills, we as JIC Managers can better meet the needs of any situation – we just gotta find the right PIOs for the job.

As our groups collaborated, we found that despite crossing state lines, we still have the same problems as other areas – thus proving our point that we need to consistently train together and exercise our plans together.

Many of our participants enjoyed working in the JIC setting and were excited to work in a JIC during the next activation. Most excellent as we build a strong cadre of PIOs across this great state.

My Ohio Peeps!

Reporting live from Medina County’s Emergency Operations Center….

@rusnivek

Surviving catastrophic flooding and key USAR numbers deployed

A few home safety tips on surviving catastrophic flooding.


Some key USAR facts (from this morning’s brief):

  • 6 type-1 FEMA USAR Task Force Teams deployed.
  • 8 type-3 FEMA USAR Task Force Teams deployed.
  • 13 Water Rescue Teams from FEMA USAR Teams deployed.
  • Over 900 USAR personnel working.

Stay safe out there.

@rusnivek

Last day ICS-400! Preparing our public safety providers for complex incidents

Last day of ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff – complex incidents.

Great to have providers in our training class from across the state – esp since they are participating in their backup Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Lots to discuss and collaborate esp when discussing MACs (multiagency Coordination) in conjunction with Unified command.


Shared a few videos from back in the day including showcasing a bunch of FL Emergency Managers.


During all the classroom TTEs, I love that so many are actively engaged and participating. This kind of joint effort in preparedness planning and coordinated response will only help solidify efforts in their upcoming National Special Security Event (NSSE).

Great class – thank you to everyone who attended!

@rusnivek

Another solid JIC JIS course on #AlohaFriday 

Today is DHS/FEMA’s G-291: JIC/JIS planning for Tribal, State, and Local PIOs!


Lots to talk about esp coordination with various all-hazards agencies.

Also glad to share a few PIO/JIC stories on 3-girls that were missing for 10+ years as well as the 2016 NBA Championships, Republican National Convention, 2016 World Series, and 2017 NBA Championships.


On top of that, our class wanted to know more about social media so I can indulge a bit. Not only on #s, geolocation, platforms, etc….but also lots on newer wearable technology too.


As always in any class we instruct, we try to make fun and exciting. And yes, thumbs up for PIOs!


Special thanks to WTFD Capt Mike Pruitt for the coordination and hospitality.. Glad to see so many new PIOs in the audience.

Happy Aloha Friday peeps!

@rusnivek

Day-2 of FEMA Basic Public Information Officer Program

Day-2 of FEMA’s Basic Public Information Officer Couse started out with reviews of all crisis interviews.


Collaborating on communications tactics with various agencies allows PIOs to craft the right message – esp in a disaster.


Erica had a chance to share JIC efforts from the Republican National Convention.


And you know I shared some tactics and tips on ascertaining open source info utilizing geolocation/metadata during a National Special Security Event. I also chatted briefly about tools field PIOs should use when deployed out.


After lunch we were fortunate enough to hear from a great panel discussion: Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine, the Information Officer for central Indiana and RTV6’s Investigative reporter Paris Lewbel.


Both panelists candidly shared information with everyone attending.


Side note: Sgt John Perrine is the brains behind the truly viral PSA hit on vehicles turn signals. Check it out here.

Great to work with so many pros today.

@rusnivek

This week, we are starting another G290…

Another great start to a solid G-290: Basic PIO Course with WTFD.


Greetings and welcome to everyone in Region-5 by Capt Mike Pruitt.


Started out the morning with building a base of core PIO principals including reviewing writing that targets a specific target audience.

Photo credit: M. Pruitt

Ahem. Press releases are almost dead.

Erica talked about how critical Incident Communications Analysis plays a big part in how our audience uses/digests information.


We started all the on-camera interviews after lunch. Lots of great interviews…

Photo credit: M. Pruitt

…and solid techniques showcased in the field interview exercises…

Photo credit: M. Pruitt

…many of the participants are already functioning as PIOs within their own communities.

Photo credit: M. Pruitt

Group work in the afternoon…


…with more discussion and reporting out of critical facts while writing talking points.


We are so fortunate to have such a diverse class of participants willing to share information.

Reporting live from the most funnest PIO class ever…

@rusnivek

Day-4 of the DHS/FEMA AH NIMS ICS IMT IC Course at OEMA

Day-4 of the DHS/FEMA All Hazards NIMS ICS IMT Incident Commander course here at Ohio EMA.


Lots of sharing of ideas esp from our partners from the US Foresty Division.


Obviously, they deal with large incidents all the time – esp this year being an already busy wildfire year.


Additionally, talking about the entire Command and General Staff and how they interact with all other positions are key to formulating a successful team.


Just glad we have everyone contributing to the conversation.

Lots of passionate people wanting every community to work together and succeed.

@rusnivek

Day-2 of IMT Incident Commander on integration and deployment bags

Lots to learn today with deep discussions on integration with various local, county, state, and Federal officials.


It’s acronym galore!

If you were wondering, that flow chart above makes perfect sense to me.

Morning was also spent on a huge discussion on deployment preparedness.


Trust me, I definitely got that part down.

Long day ahead tomorrow too including meetings with City of Columbus officials.

@rusnivek