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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Thank all of your EMS Professionals this week #EMSWeek 2014 #EMS #EMSWeek2014

Posted on May 19, 2014 by rusnivek

Celebrate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week on May 18^th – 24^th 2014. Numerous communities across the nation, as well as several national events are planned around this year’s theme “EMS: Dedicated for Life.”

EMS-Week-Header

Thank all of your Emergency Medical Services Professionals this week. During any crisis or disaster or everyday emergency, these men and women bring emergency care to anyone in need.

Just in 2014 alone, we’ve had numerous school shootings, tornados hit several southern states, a landslide in Washington, wildfires in California, and flooding in Florida. EMS professionals work tirelessly day-in/day-out to assist and support others who are sick or injured. At every call, EMS treats and transports people in their most critical times of need 24-hour a day – dedication, professionalism and commitment.

Each year EMS Week honors the contributions of EMS Professionals throughout the country and stresses the need and importance of strong public support for all our EMS Providers.

Happy National Emergency Medical Services Week!

@rusnivek

Solid group in my ICS-300 class at Washington County

Posted on May 5, 2014 by rusnivek

Had a solid day teaching ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents to various public safety professionals at Washington County EMA.

Solid group hailing from several different functional groups.

I really enjoy classes that have a good mix of participants. It makes the class WAY more interesting and allows more input into exercises during class.

Remember: At 0300, I’m not pretty. At 0300, you are not pretty. Best time to get to know each other is under bright lights and calm setting…like now. Learn what is important to each agency so that you can better support their mission and goals during a disaster or emergency.

@rusnivek

Press amenities…because they are our partners in safety right? #PIO

Posted on April 1, 2014 by rusnivek

Media considerations: Press amenities.

Aside from giving the media the juicy story they crave…we should do a better job in considering their needs during a disaster.

However, in this day/age of media involvement and constant interaction, it would behoove us PIOs to better meet the needs of our partners (that’s right, I said partners) in safety.

For prolonged incidents, it would be nice if your agency:

Provided a bunch of plugs and/or outlets to use. Power seems to be a mandatory necessity during every day life. Just look at any airport with weirdos hunched around an open power plug.
Setting up a separate WiFi for media use only so they can meet their timely deadlines or push valuable info via social media. They are data hogs just like the rest of us. It has been proven for humans to exist, we need WiFi.
Held up white cards for white balance during setup…or better yet warm cards to help the videographers get their color scheme setup right. It does make you look like you just got back from someplace warm and now have a nice tan.
A simple cup of coffee would be a welcome olive branch in the midst of disaster/emergency. First informal rule of any disaster or emergency? A cup of coffee regularly ranks high on the scale of requests and necessities from everyone. Available 24/7.

Since we are breaking down barriers, we need to explore a few options to support our partners in safety. Look at this setup…

…no seriously, look closer.

What do you see?

Build your relationships before a disaster and strengthen them as you continue to train exercise your skills. Partners in safety.

Let’s work together to better our response and enhance communications skills with just some basic needs for the press. Trust me, a little goes along way.

After all, the old adage goes: you can attract more friends with honey than vinegar…right?

@rusnivek

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

Posted on March 17, 2014 by rusnivek

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?

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

Gravity will move/flow the water faster.
More water will cause you to lose control of your vehicle or possibly sink your vehicle and/or drown you.
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…

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

Posted on March 16, 2014 by rusnivek

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.

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.

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

@rusnivek

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

Posted on March 4, 2014 by rusnivek

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.

Thanks Steve….In other news…

@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.