Teaching FEMA’s Emergency Operations Center Management & Operations course tomorrow.
Looking forward to sharing some EOC tips w/ Emergency Management pros from across the state of #Illinois.
Outstanding day to start the FEMA G0291: JIC/JIS Course here at DuPage County OHSEM.
And a solid Miley way to start the day is a party in the USA!
Awwwwwww yeah.
As always, a fine safety brief from John on class including info on 24/7 PIO support from both of us.
With the upcoming exercises, we wanted to give the participants an opportunity to share their experiences as well as how much training has helped them increase their output and network with others.
In class activities concrete key points so that we can all function well with each other. In the end, we hope that nothing happens…but the reality is that it is only a matter of time before we have to work together.
Train like you fight right?
How is DuPage County OHSEM doing it? We are fostering a workspace for collaboration not only in this area, but statewide. Here’s an example.
As stated before, a rising tide raises all ships.
We will learn/train together and we will enjoy our successes together.
And when a crisis hits or a disaster just happens, it will no doubt be a challenging work environment. But thanks to training and exercises, we as PIOs will be able to function well together and shine.
Reminds me of a quote: “When it rains, we roar.” – PIO Ryan S.
Looking forward to seeing all of you at the next big one….in the JIC!
Day-2 of the FEMA Basic PIO course here at DuPage County OHSEM and I wanted to pay my respects…..I mean focus in a bit on press releases.
While just one tool in the tool box, press releases were the primary way to get the info out to media partners about 15 years ago.
Yes, don’t ask. I remember writing my first press release. And no, it wasn’t good.
I am old AF.
However, we wanted to share the dangers of writing bad press releases…so I opted to share one of my favorite ones from Cleveland.
Thanks LeBron.
Mid-morning stop as we open our class up for our media panel.
(L to R)
Daily Herald (@dailyherald) Justin Kmitch (@JustinKmitchDH)
NBC Chicago (@NBCChicago) Chris Coffey (@ChrisCoffeyNBC)
WGN News (@WGNNews) Shannon Halligan (@ShanHalligan)
Lots of discussion including field PIO questions, staging areas, no comment, availability, and of course the dreaded “off the record” conversation. These kinds of conversations are incredibly important as we continue to network with others and enhance our relationships with our partners in the media. Also tweeting from the front of the class is totally acceptable too.
We also had some discussion about the outstanding work that the Aurora Police Department did during their active shooter incident in February. Kudos to all involved including the six new Police PIOs who were immediately pressed into service on their first day of being PIOs.
Literally “Learn it today, use it this afternoon.”
I’ve heard some great panel discussions, but the straight forward information in this panel was refreshing and honest.
I even pressed – if a PIO says to you “No comment” how does that make you feel? Justin’s comment was poignant and worth hearing.
Stay tuned for that interview to be published on #MediaMinutes.
We closed out the day reviewing the interviews and had solid conversations around social media.
Special thanks to our Media Panel guests from the media,
Outstanding class with all our participants!
Starting off another FEMA G0290: Basic PIO course with our public safety pros from across the state!
I am fortunate to grab a few other PIOs for class today – suit up!
Aside from sharing concepts and theory, we also focused on interview skills…
…you know we did the oncamera interviews.
No bones about it, our mantra is to provide the best real-world training out there.
Lots of discussion on staging as well as single role PIOs and what they can do to get the ball rolling.
We also integrated a few activities and exercises into the mix too.
Don’t worry, we took some time to discuss communications strategies. We shared the 8-step communications model and introduced StratComms!
Planning ahead is always a good thing – esp for PIOs. Preparedness is essential in being a good PIO.
Successful first day with everyone. Looking forward to a solid day-2!
Concreting our IntraOp radio comms training today with our staff.
Enhancing the message and now assuring our partners get the right message in a timely fashion is so important.
Train like you fight right?
“Air Branch from Ops Section Chief: I”m going to need four type two rotor-wing assets to arrive at the helistop at 1800. How do copy?”
You know our staff – we ain’t messing around.
How is it already February?!? Gawd!
First week will be a double serving of radio intraop comms training. However, we will be rolling out our first ICS-402: ICS for Executives/Senior Officials course. Looking forward to a diverse group of leaders from across the state.
Second week will be back-to-back ICS-400 courses as well as a PIO Awareness course on AlohaFriday.
Third week is another ICS-400 course with heavy focus on AAR/IP and resource coordination.
Fourth week we are rolling out the basic weather courses starting Monday and then Tuesday right into the FEMA Basic PIO Course with JIC/JIS class on Thursday.
Candidly speaking, February is really the calm before the storm. Wait till March 2019. Yikes.
Are we there yet?
Doc!
Your contributions to the safety of our country is immeasurable. It is because of your dedication to preparedness and national doctrine that we are better, stronger, quicker, and faster.
May we all try to emulate your dedication to the mission.
I have great memories as do so many others from other agencies. You will be sorely missed my friend.
Till the next selfie op…
<Sadness>
Popping another FEMA G0289: PIO Awareness course today at DuPage County OHSEM with a welcome from Corey!
And you know it’s Friday….so happy AlohaFriday!
Lots to share including new information about our Public Information Assistance Team (PIAT) as a great resource for any of our partner agencies. Here’s John on the quick overview and briefing for this course.
Special thanks to everyone who attended from across the state in sharing information and PIO tips.
Looking forward to working the magic onscene with all of you.
Day-2 of the ICS-300 course here at Elmhurst Hospital where we get to talk about a bunch of things like the Planning P, SMART Objectives, resource management, and of course demobilization!
Hearing groups report out on their findings and how they would interact with other agencies are critical to us in Emergency Management as we now know where there could be possible hiccups in coordination of responders.
Overall, a great packed class with tons of participation from everyone.
Soooooo out of curiousity, how many of you are coming back in February to attend the ICS-400 class with me?
Awwwwwwww yeah baby!
See you at the next big one.
Where is @rusnivek? 