NDPTC Class went pretty well yesterday.
Great leadership at Illinois State University’s Emergency Management program.
Glad to have solid instructors with me.
Good meme discussion…
…and great participation from so many public safety professionals.
Just glad to be part of something big.
Reporting live from ISU’s campus in central Illinois…
Wintry weather got you down?
It’s a good time to double check your preparedness items like canned goods. Remember to have food for x3 days per person.
Awwww, thank you for the kind words! From the pros at the National Weather Service Office in Louisville.
*blush*
Wx love from the Louisville crew definitely made my day.
Boom shakalaka!
Who’s your daddy now?
Reporting NOT live in Vegas from the 2015 International Association of Emergency Managers Conference aka #IAEM15
The varied schedule allowed me to catch up to one of Cleveland’s finest Paramedics – Jim Willson!
The man, the myth, the legend, Commander Jim Willson! In lieu of posting an embarrassingly old picture of Cmdr Willson, I figured this one is best. Plus he knows too many stories.
I remember first meeting Jim at the ER. Years later, I remember meeting him again during EMS week as a Cleveland EMS Commander. Shortly thereafter, I sat and co-chaired the UASI EMS Functional Committee…Jim was always there.
(Funny note: I remember spelling his name wrong for about a decade until I got it right. Jeez.)
Jim’s career at Cleveland spans decades including finishing his career with Cleveland Public Safety as the Emergency Operations Center Manager. Almost every time I was in the EOC, Jim was there. I can’t think of a more dedicated EMS professional who’s been there/done that.
So glad to catch up to my friend Jim Wilson…I mean Willson.
If you ever thought I have an exciting life, this was my Sunday evening.
Gotta keep the coffee hot during any emergency right?
Your opinions are greatly appreciated.
As National Preparedness Month closes, my October 2015 schedule is going to be very challenging. And as you know, I have to win. Here’s the plan:
First week: I’ll be in Carlisle, Pennsylvania presenting on Social Media in disasters. Pope out, Sur in! Glad to be back in Region-3.
Second week: I’ll be headed back to the Silicon Valley area presenting on social media specifically for large event planning and monitoring (because it’s all about the L right? Wait, it’s all about the 5-0 right?) I also hope to catch up to one of the VIPs at Intel. Since retiring from Emergency Management, his pro career intrigues me – so I believe some synergies could happen. Additionally, I get a chance to brainstorm with an extremely talented colleague from the NWS Sacramento office. I rant about “building relationships before an emergency” so I assure you that I am practicing what I preach. Love love LOVE me some Region-9!
Third week: I’ll be at Fairfield County (Ohio) Emergency Management Agency popping the G-290: Basic Public Information Officers Course and G-291: Joint Information Center / Joint Information System (JIC/JIS) courses. It will definitely be great to see my friend Director Kochis and crews again – back in Region-5.
Fourth week: I’ll be presenting at FEMA HQ in Washington DC on social media. Yep, at the big house. OMG. This is a big presentation. Big. REALLY BIG. While at HQ, I am hoping to catch up with Lumpkins, Kamoie, FEMA’s Digital Engagement Team…and since we’re fresh off the heels of National Preparedness month grabbing a cup of coffee with my besties from ReadyGov and PrepareAthon. Love me some HQ preparedness action! Additionally, I am hoping to grab a few meetings with my friends at the Pentagon and NGA too. Special thanks to US Representative Fudge (OH-11) for some extra time with Congress and a stop at the White House. Yep. The White House. Again. #SURINDC NCAP region!
It’s going to be a challenge month all October long.
Get it.
Ahhhhh, the last day of 2015 National Preparedness Month – THAT MEANS TODAY IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS DAY!!!!
Oh Yeah – You did it!
I know many of you have shared your tips and preparedness efforts with countless others. I am confident that your shared knowledge will pay off as we better prepare our fellow Americans for any disaster or emergency.
Thanks to all of our active partners in public safety. From the Locals to State to Federal partners who have made this month so successful – thank you!
Thank you to my agencies who have allowed me to share my preparedness tips with you.
I only wonder what will 2016 preparedness bring? Hmmm. Here’s a hint…
…and a little of this…
…and definitely more of this.
Who’s excited? <SQUIRREL!>
Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.
Whew-I am so glad that many of you have decided to participate in this month’s activities. Keep in mind that you have 11 more months to address your public in finding ways to be better prepared in a disaster. Planning for the 2016 National Preparedness Month will begin shortly.
As always, start your peeps off right by sending them here.
The last Tuesday in the 2015 National Preparedness Month!
Today, look to building new relationships.
Normally, we don’t look outside the realm of daily public safety. It’s easy to talk to Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, or Public Works Professionals. However, new discussion needs to happen between individuals who can support our mission goals or some unmet needs.
Faith-based organizations are great groups to explore new activities to support your community. In varying degrees, faith-based organizations have the capabilities to support disaster response and recovery operations with food, shelter, and supportive measures. But again, the key is to open discussions BEFORE a disaster so you can evaluate their capability.
Additionally, talk to your local politicians…esp if they are an active part of your Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). These civic-minded individuals have most likely gone through additional preparedness training and can be a great resource for anyone.
Trust me, these are the kinds of people you want to be in close contact with before, during, or after an emergency/disaster.
Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.
Get to know some new local peeps!
Tuesday is here – so get prepared by clicking here.
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! It’s the last week of 2015 National Preparedness Month!
I hope you showcase your new preparedness actions this Wednesday September 30th on 2015 National Preparedness Day!
This morning, I double checked my dog’s (Kacy – my PreparednessPup) emergency preparedness kit. As you can see, I have partitioned her food in individual ziplock packages to make it easier for portion control during feeding time.
And you guessed it, there are at least 3 days of food.
Having her own pet preparedness kit and making her carry it on her own if/when we have to evacuate will be a huge help.
Pet preparedness!!!!!
Master, I demand a rawhide for this NTED preparedness photo session.
For more information, check out the full details here.
Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.
Don’t hesitate, be paw-sitively sure your pets are prepared.
Always be ready by clicking here!
Where is @rusnivek? 