Tag Archives: EOC

Only three in April right?

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April has arrived like a wrecking ball, so sorry about the 7-day delay in posting my April schedule.

First week, I’ll be getting back from instructing in Colorado (Region-8). Also, I’m launching my own clothing line. Heh.

Second week, I’ll be teaching social media in Cincinnati at the Regional Operations Center aka TheROC (Region-5).

Third week, I’ll be in Nebraska presenting on social media and crisis communications (Region-7).

Fourth week, I’ll be in Michigan supporting the US Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety Canada with a bunch of seminars, a few EOC workshops, and then culminating with a TableTop Exercise (TTE). Bring your best ICS forms because we are repping the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) action in the hizzouse! (Region-5).

Fifth week is still not exactly defined. Likely, I will be in a “ready status” #mylife amiright?

Also, I am hoping that April gets warmer too.

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@rusnivek

DaD for a quick TTE for SM #ESF15 #PIO

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I had a great time with the Northeast Ohio Public Information Officers (NEO-PIOs) who sat for a quick down and dirty (DaD) Table Top Exercise (TTE) designed around on a social media (SM) module (MOD). OMG.

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Various topics discussed:

  • Messaging during the preparedness phase
  • Escalation of incident criteria
  • Response messaging and verbiage
  • Essential platforms and communication methods
  • Dispelling rumors
  • Actionable social media data
  • Critical JIC/JIS positions during initial EOC activation
  • Metadata for threat hazard analysis

Lots of fun esp various discussions on platforms and reach.

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Public Information Specialist @ThingsToShea and Public Information Officer @TomsDarren work to craft specific emergency alert messages in the preparedness phase #NatlPrep

Heavy debate on the use of mass notification systems…

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@ClevelandFire Public Information Officer Gray & @LakeCoHealth Public Information Officer Cole collaborating on preparedness messages specifically for Instagram & Vine #NatlPrep

…and their true reach/effectiveness of messaging.

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Summit County Public Information Officer @jamesp501 discussing multi-platform information dissemination for preparedness & evacuation #NatlPrep

Discussion on simplicity and concise messaging for those we serve before, during, and after an emergency.

BAM – solid Tuesday afternoon with my peeps!

Yups, I can’t thank these ESF-15 characters enough.

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(From L to R): Pollack, Cole, Sur, Gray, and Toms.

Mahalos my friends!

@rusnivek

Building new relationships on a Tuesday #NatlPrep

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The last Tuesday in the 2015 National Preparedness Month!

Today, look to building new relationships.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Get to know some new local peeps!

Tuesday is here – so get prepared by clicking here.

@rusnivek

Final FEMA review of the new social media courses #NDPTC

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I popped back-to-back-to-back social media classes last week in Sacramento, California.

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Participants from all over the west coast attended. Specifically for Thursday and Friday, FEMA reviewed our new curriculum courses. Yep, straight up evaluation. Not going to lie, I was pretty nervous.

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Ongoing for course design, I will make a few more additions/changes before courses are sent to the National Training and Exercise Division (NTED) for certification. Hoping for final approval in November 2015. Hope to hear the magical words “Federally published” as my course is listed in the DHS / FEMA Training catalog. Whoa Nellie!

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 For the classes? We had great interaction from all participants.

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Solid discussions during the breakout sessions included professionals from all Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) as well as experts from the National Weather Service (NWS), Critical Infrastructure, and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs), etc… Diverse groups make for the best discussions for sure!

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As part of our continued efforts in Emergency Management, it is imperative that we address issues from the All-Hazards approach and incorporate the support of our stakeholders in solutions.

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With heavy discussion, class participants had a great time engaging with others and using tools/techniques that are specific to the Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Directorates. Obviously, I showcased the importance of a good Public Information Officer (PIO) / Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and how their interaction in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) or the Joint Information Center/System (JIC/JIS) is imperative to a successful emergency or disaster.

Also, starting to build an online learning library that can be easily accessed from anywhere using the #NDPTC is always good reference. Free. My favorite F-word.

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Special mahalos to fellow Instructors Cheryl and MaryJo in the delivery of these courses.

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Also the solid smiles from fellow #SMEM Jennifer and Scott was crucial support on this delivery.

Glad to be working with partners like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). Truly great to see everyone working collaboratively. Thanks to the Sacramento County Emergency Management for hosting these courses.

Looking forward to the next class at the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) conference in Clark County, Nevada. See you there!

@rusnivek

All-Hazards participants in today’s class in South Dakota

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Here for the class today. Numerous all-hazards responders including US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR), US Forestry Service, FireAttack T-1/2 AHIMTs, local law enforcement, infrastructure, utilities, public safety comms, PIOs, healthcare, Tribal agencies, and Emergency Management professionals from South Dakota.


Nothing gets in the way of good training!


In breaking for lunch just now, participants asked if the fella over there with the hella good hair had any Taylor Swift.

Yes, I’m a very accommodating instructor – no problem!


Reporting live from the EOC…FEMA Region-8 baby!
@rusnivek