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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Usually the last one to leave…

Posted on July 8, 2017 by rusnivek

So being an instructor is more than just talking, blabbing, and telling war stories.

There is a ton of preparation that is done even before the class starts. At the site hours before the start of class – just to make sure everything is working, all teaching materials are out and ready for all participants as they stroll into class exactly at the start.

And in the end? You are undoubtably the last one to leave.

Long LONG days and lots of added value aka sharing extra stuff for all participants is what separates average teachers from passionate instructors about their subject matter.

I love it because I believe I am making a difference in all aspects of disasters and emergencies.

@rusnivek

Another solid JIC JIS course on #AlohaFriday

Posted on July 7, 2017 by rusnivek

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

Posted on July 6, 2017 by rusnivek

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…

Posted on July 5, 2017 by rusnivek

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

Support the plan?

Posted on June 24, 2017 by rusnivek

Logistics-Can you support the plan?!?

Are we there yet?

@rusnivek

Congrats to the new FEMA Administrator Brock Long!

Posted on June 23, 2017 by rusnivek

Congrats to the new FEMA Administrator Brock Long!

Brock Long was officially sworn in as FEMA administrator, by Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, in a ceremony this morning.

Welcome to FEMA!

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Official Press Release can be found here HQ-17-033.

@rusnivek

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

Posted on June 22, 2017 by rusnivek

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-3 of FEMA IMT IC Course #NationalSelfieDay

Posted on June 21, 2017 by rusnivek

Day-3 of the FEMA #IMT Incident Commander course at Ohio EMA!

Lots to discuss esp transfer of command and planning Ps.

Also, today is NationalSelfieDay!

Bonus for the pink tie too #WeWearPinkOnWednesdays

@rusnivek

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

Posted on June 20, 2017 by rusnivek

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

Day-1 of IMT Incident Commander course at OEMA

Posted on June 19, 2017 by rusnivek

Morning Ohio EMA! #Mothership

Welcome to the first day of NIMS ICS Incident Management Team Incident Commander course!

Got a quick welcome from Ohio EMA Training & Exercise David Nunley.

Lots to discuss including responsibilities, leadership, and of course paperwork (ICS forms).

Great first day with participants from Ohio, New Mexico, Oregon, and Georgia with tons to digest in all the slides.