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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Why is my mailbox OOS?

Posted on October 12, 2019 by rusnivek

For those that inquired about mailboxes on the marathon route, this is what typically happens a week before the race.

Sometimes, the USPS actually removes them.

For Emergency Managers, this is just one of the many tasks that need to get completed prior to the start of the big events…however, think about the logistics of any large sized item along the 26.2 mile race. Think about the logistics of removing them and the coordination.

Now you see why it’s so important to have an Emergency Operations Center?

@rusnivek

DuPage County partners w/ OHSEM to lead the way with Outdoor Weather Event & Planning TableTop Exercise

Posted on June 5, 2019 by rusnivek

As our office continues to work the magic for all of our partners in public safety, today we continue to rollout the new Event Ready Weather Decision toolkit that helps any agency with critical command decisions.

Our office has worked closely with the National Weather Service Chicago in developing this process.

And of course to pair with the class, we have a Outdoor Event Planning TableTop to help concrete the points to all participating agencies.

Not only developing, but making sure that the information is compliant….

…like HSEEP compliant TableTop exercise compliant.

That’s right – welcome to the #EmergencyManagement pros!

Success? Does it work? Hellz yeah it works! Just ask Lombard’s PIO Avis Meade who used this planning guide for their 2019 Lilac Parade.

Their actions based on NWS Chicago data and critical command decisions likely saved lives as severe weather rolled into the area with an exposed and completely vulnerable population.

Let me say that again, the planning and preparedness efforts from everyone in Lombard saved lives.

Let me translate that for you (think FEMA Core Capability): Sharing good info (Intelligence and Information Sharing), working closely with local, county, and state partnerships (Operational Coordination), and known trusted information (Public Information and Warning)

Decisions made in advance with partnerships with the local National Weather Service can save lives?!?!? YES IT CAN!

In Emergency Management, our decisions are collaborative and based on a combination of historical data and past industry practice. This is what Emergency Management is all about. Repeat after me: Planning and Coordination. Planning and Coordination.Planning and Coordination.Planning and Coordination.

I am proud to be a small part of many agencies doing the right thing for communities across this county and this great country.

Me? You know, I’m always willing to serve.

@rusnivek

Severe cold weather is here with wind chills at…

Posted on January 31, 2019 by rusnivek

Holey moley it’s frickin freezing Mr. Bigglesworth!

Am I the only one out here? Hello? Hello? Anyone? Anyone?

Well, I dressed appropriately. If you were wondering, my OOTD was this.

Yaaaaaaaaaaasssssssss!!!! PPE! PPE! PPE!

So how cold is it?

Yikes. Is that right?

The wind chill is -50ish, however some of my electronic devices aren’t working quite right.

What does it feel like?

Reporting live from the planet Hoth

FEMA launches Prepare with Pedro at the 2018 Youth Preparedness Council

Posted on July 18, 2018 by rusnivek

FEMA Region V Administrator James Joseph was in Washington DC today for the Youth Preparedness Council at Red Cross HQ.

Great to see Ready.Gov partnering with everyone on today’s events.

Additionally, download the free Prepare with Pedro workbook for kids here.

@rusnivek

A great additional flashlight for disasters #NatlPrep #PlanAhead

Posted on September 6, 2017 by rusnivek

Flashlights (not just flashlight) are key components of your preparedness kit. But there are soooooo many kinds of flashlights to choose from. Keep in mind that handheld ones are important, but headlamps are AWESOME!

Headlamps are GREAT flashlights too bec they allow hands-free operation when gathering things to safely evacuate #NatlPrep

Planning with items like this is a great way to bring light to a dark situation. Yes, pun intended. Hands free makes life easier…esp in a disaster.

When writing up your families’ preparedness plan, don’t forget to include flashlights and a rugged headlamp!

@rusnivek

Last day ICS-400! Preparing our public safety providers for complex incidents

Posted on July 12, 2017 by rusnivek

Last day of ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff – complex incidents.

Great to have providers in our training class from across the state – esp since they are participating in their backup Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Lots to discuss and collaborate esp when discussing MACs (multiagency Coordination) in conjunction with Unified command.

Shared a few videos from back in the day including showcasing a bunch of FL Emergency Managers.

During all the classroom TTEs, I love that so many are actively engaged and participating. This kind of joint effort in preparedness planning and coordinated response will only help solidify efforts in their upcoming National Special Security Event (NSSE).

Great class – thank you to everyone who attended!

@rusnivek

Planning at the FTA for upcoming events

Posted on December 14, 2016 by rusnivek

Lots of planning at the Cleveland Fire Training Academy today.

Special thanks to the lads at Engine-30 for supporting.

@rusnivek

Day-2 of Ohio EMA’s ICS-300 course at Belmont College

Posted on October 5, 2016 by rusnivek

Day-2 of the Ohio EMA ICS-300 course at Belmont College (Ohio).

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Participants completed several exercises with S.M.A.R.T. Objectives, finding the right strategy with the right tactic to complete the objective with the right resource – all part of the Planning-P.

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These kinds of activities during non-emergency times will help increase skills of any public safety provider as we look to coordinate all-hazards response prior to a disaster or emergency. Additionally, I was able to showcase the PIO function as it pertains to a school fire (this is an exercise).

So many different agencies in this class!

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Great partnerships collaborating together before an emergency!

@rusnivek

Joint SM and Intel SOG reviews for a large upcoming event

Posted on June 16, 2016 by rusnivek

Reviewing my SOGs and social media assignments for the all-hazards social media specialists / intel positions in the JIC for an upcoming large scale national event.

An important part of any Joint Information Center (JIC): Now discussing the best non-verbal urgent alert hand signals for all staff deployed to the JIC.

Clearly, Mama PIO wins this round.

PIOs serving our community as well as our nation and of course planning for all kinds of “stuff”.

Great plans with solid PIO peeps makes all the difference.

Trust me on this one.

@rusnivek

October has the big four: 3-9-5-NCAP #SURINDC

Posted on October 1, 2015 by rusnivek

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.

@rusnivek