Rolling in on a Saturday to the EOC….
Wait a sec…WAIT A SEC….
Did one of our partners get their drive through testing station up and running already?
PIO to SITL: How do copy?
Man, the news is going to be all over this one…
Is it kinda like the elephant march when we line up ambulances outside?
Overcast dreary morning as we continue to support our public safety pros in the field 24/7. No rest for the weary!
But after Chicago, I was able to switch out to Aurora Station-8 as we discuss some ongoing issues and see how we can creatively explore more training/exercises to increase partnerships/coordination.
Lots of discussion on our ongoing FEMA Emergency Management Basic Academy as we continue to share the good that the DuPage County OHSEM does for all partners.
Sometimes it’s difficult for people to understand that Emergency Management is a different field than 30 years in the fire service or 30 years at the police department or 30 years working at an EMS service. Definitely not the same.
So in that same vein, we need to tailor our classes and exercises to address the all-hazards approach and address all partners.
We are fortunate that our classes are geared to hit all 15 Federal Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) in accordance with national plans. Our guidance is clear as we align with national doctrine, state grants/guidance, and local response plans to coordinate and execute any needed response plans.
The crux is that Emergency Management in the EOC will be the coordinating entity during any emergency or disaster. Period.
In order for locals to execute, State to manage, and Federal to assist and support, we need to have a firm understanding of what happens every step of the way. I am proud of my staff for taking the time to see these things through and explore options for our public safety pros.
No doubt, these are the kinds of things that make our EM stronger and solid at supporting our peeps 24/7/365. We in Emergency Management must continue to build a rock solid collaborative effort with our key players so that when we need to exercise or execute, we can do it seamlessly.
Special thanks to the men and women at the Aurora Fire Station 8 for their warm hospitality. Looking forward to seeing all of you in class and future exercises.
Reporting live from the bay floors between Truck-6 and Engine-99…I mean Engine-8…
Morning briefing in the EOC with the State of Illinois USAR TaskForce-1.
Special thanks to OTFPD Chief Ralph DeLucca on providing information on their response as well as their resources.
It is imperative that Emergency Managers continually learn about teams and resources from their jurisdictions. In crisis, there will be no time to forge these relationships. Your interactions will be judged on how seamless your operations and rollout goes.
Experience will show itself in seconds. In order to call the shots, you have to talk the talk and have to have walked the walk.
Trust me, people are watching.
And judging.
Reporting live from the EOC this morning….
Starting out the day with the FEMA OEMA G0291: JIC/JIS course.
So glad to see Father Fire….I mean Chief Warner….I mean Captain Warner here at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
While wearing a different hat, we can confidently say that no matter what uniform we wear, our efforts to protect our community goes beyond just the normal 8-5 job. It truly is a calling for public safety pros to serve their community.
While in module-3, we had a reporter from Cleveland-19 Action News WOIO show up here to do an interview with one of our participants in the class – the Lake County (Ohio) Sheriff Frank Leonbruno.
Solid, poised…
…and deliberate words for the current situation. Well done Sheriff!
<Must have had good PIO instructors huh?>
Fortunately, Cleveland 19 News Reporter Kendall Forward and Videographer Marty DeChant had a few minutes to spare as they were kind enough to share their thoughts on PIO interactions with public safety PIOs.
(L to R): Kendall Forward, Steve Bosso, Kevin Sur, and Marty DeChant
And since I had them with us, I had to ask my favorite question: On the record? Is that really true?
The afternoon provided us the opportunity to bring everyone together in the JIC scenario and collaboration with all attendees. This class addresses various participants but making it all work is the hallmark of Phil Politano’s vision – all culminating in the joint press conference.
Shout out to all participants in this week’s class. Proud of the work you’ve done as well as the contributions to your community.
Welcome to the world of PIO!
More importantly, I am glad to see so many familiar faces this week.Seeing all of you leading your respective departments is inspiring as I truly can say “I knew you when…”
Go forth and Tweet good stuff!
Day-2 of the FEMA Basic Public Information Officer Course here.
Glad to finally meet Lexington Fire Capt Jessica Bowman who is also one of the FEMA Master PIOs.
Great day to share some of the tools we use as PIOs. Here’s Sherelle and John talking about the importance and fashionable safety vests are for officials onscene.
Additionally, we discussed media being well visible as their safety is incredibly important. We can’t have our friends in the news business get hurt or become part of the incident.
And trust me, the more people who get injured in an incident, the more paperwork we all have to fill out….so be safe!
As usual, we had a very seasoned media panel from WLEX18 Bill Wilcox and Herald Leader Peter Baniak. Many thanks to both news organizations to spend time out of their busy schedule to spend with PIOs from across the state.
With all Basic PIO classes, we talk about the ability and flexibility for PIOs to do field reporting. Often times, reporters can’t get to a scene because of traffic or lack of staffing. Either way, we as government PIOs can help them out by packaging information they need from the scene. The tools needed to produce this kind of info is fairly easy to get, however the challenge is to put them into play.
By sharing the tactics and tools in class, I am able to improve the skills of any PIO by enhancing their ability to share solid timely and TRUSTED information with any of the targeted audiences.
As PIOs, we are beholden to so many audiences.
At times, our job seems easy however once you dive into it, you can see the complexities of our efforts.
Don’t worry, we reviewed all mock on camera interviews. Tackled key concepts like redirects as well as some tips on how to give more positive non-verbals while being interviewed during crisis.
Super fun day with everyone. Lots of contributions from our partners from Fire, EMS, Police, Emergency Management, Energy, Coroner’s Office, Higher Education, Search and Rescue.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s FEMA JIC/JIS course!
Reporting live from the EOC….
@rusnviek
Morning start to the FEMA Basic Public Information Officer course at the Public Safety Operations Center (PSOC)
Welcome and good morning by Mr. JB himself!
Packed house with multiple disciplines represented from Fire, EMS, Police, Emergency Management, ESF-12, higher education, Search and Rescue, Coroners Office, etc…
Like a good Emergency Manager, I found the EOC.
They have soooo many tools and toys to play with!
As all FEMA Basic PIO courses, we are staunch advocates of putting all participants in front of the camera. No matter what kind of experience level or years in the position, you can always learn by practicing your skills in front of others.
We typically hear complaints.
Blah blah blah. But the reality of the situation is….IT HAPPENS LIKE THAT IN REAL LIFE!!!!!!!!
So yeah, we want to train like you fight.
For those that were wondering “Has this ever happened before?” Yes.
Looking forward to tomorrow day-2 with our news media panel, interview reviews, and focus on social media.
And now starting the FEMA JIC/JIS Course with our class here at the Defiance County EMA Emergency Operations Center.
And yes, if you’ve been in a JIC/JIS class w/ me before, you know I talk about Voltron. In the FEMA Basic PIO Course, we teach you to be an individual PIO and function with limited options…however, the JIC/JIS course allows you to join forces with other PIOs and work the magic despite being from different backgrounds and different factions for the emergency or disaster. That’s right-we can all get along in the JIC.
Starting out the day with a cold reality check on expectations and capabilities as we assess our options and ready our agencies for disasters. It would be a good idea to have a clear understanding of the situation and build from there.
Additionally, we bring our all-hazards partners into the fold. Here’s Sister Michael Marie talking about the complexities of what appears as a simple emergency that could quite result in bringing soooooooooooooooooooooo many partners to respond to this typical emergency.
Drawing too simple for you?
You need more description?
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
The whole point of the exercise is to get your mind thinking about various options as well as partners to call early as likely, they have a dog in the fight to help any affected community recover from any disaster.
Look, it’s more than Fire, Police, and EMS – it’s the #WholeCommunity to build a culture of preparedness.
Proud of every single one of these participants as everyone walked away with a new understanding and respect for the PIO. While some have been on TV before w/ a few interviews, all of them realize the dangers of an unprepared interviewee.
Looking forward to working with all of you on the next big one. And just think…in the midst of a disaster, you just might see these two smiling faces.
Now, go forth and use your new PIO powers for good!
Good morning Arizonaaaaaaaaaa!
Welcome to the Pima County Emergency Management Agency as we kick off another basic Social Media for Disaster Response and Recovery class. Welcome intros from Training Manager Sandra Espinoza.
Glad to see so many agencies from across the state represented here in class today. Additionally, also good to be teaching with fellow Tier-1 Instructor Mary Jo Flynn.
As you know, MaryJo is a Region 9er too (Sacramento, CA).
Like a good Emergency Manager, I’m always looking at what other agencies have and how they do business. And yes, I esp look at what kind of creature comforts they have in their EOC. And without a doubt, I’d swipe right for this amenity in my EOC.
The folks at Pima County EMA are most definitely proud to have this amenity. #TotesJelly.
As a basic class, we are constantly talking about new apps and features. Here’s MaryJo talking about the FEMA App and their Disaster Reporter feature.
And you know that privacy is a huge concern so we spend a bit on making sure your settings as a government agency as well as personal settings are up to date.
Yes, make sure all your social media stuff is in order before a disaster…or else.
Most seasoned pros know that real Emergency Managers can adapt to most any situations. Big or small, tough or easy, we are flexible and can adapt to anything.
For those are worried about MaryJo and little old me? No worries. We are assimilating in here just fine.
Giddup – reporting live from our stagecoach!
In the dark, we see the light…
More like the light of the EOC…So let’s get started, reporting into the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)!
Aside from the EOC and the central coordination center, it’s always nice to see this kind of message. Phew.
Happy Aloha Friday cause we’re in the EOC!
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.
Where is @rusnivek? 