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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Immediate evac? Command decision? or Additional companies?

Posted on June 21, 2015 by rusnivek

To my Firefighter peeps – Watch this video below. Few questions for you to ponder:

1. Just by observation, did the conditions necessitate the immediate evacuation from large residential structure?

2. Should Command have known of conditions in the 360/scene size-up to pull crews out?

3. Do Truck companies with tools and ladders or even a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) exist in other municipalities?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=128&v=NrUFYseJwBE

Share with your duty crews.

And more importantly, to all the Dads out there, Happy Father’s Day!

@rusnivek

Tour from TFD and now instructing at FSU #Florida

Posted on June 15, 2015 by rusnivek

Thanks to the crew from Tallahassee Fire for their quick station tour and hospitality.

Lots of equipment in a relatively small station. Also a good to hear that their AOR is growing and the chance for advancement is great at TFD.

Great to share a few stories – because no matter where you are from, the Brotherhood of Firefighters will always shine and exemplify the true meaning of family.

Now I’m starting off the morning on campus at beatiful Florida State University on the official FEMA/NDPTC class.

PIOs/PAOs – let’s get it on!

@rusnivek

Safety-PIO-SM 15-002: Tornado or ICBM launch? #Instagram

Posted on February 13, 2015 by rusnivek

15-002: Tornado or ICBM launch?
Agency: ReadyOC	Topic(s): Picture and hashtag use
Date: 02-13-15	Platform: Instagram

Pictures are such an important part of every social media post. Instagram is mainly based on pictures and hashtags to engage all users. This was evident when Orange County’s Emergency Preparedness team posted this on their Instagram feed.

To the untrained eye, it does seem like a severe microstorm/cloud/tornado. However, the picture shows a launch of a rocket pulled from google images or desktop computer wallpaper. Furthermore, this post could also be misconstrewed as a missile/ICBM launch or an attack on US soil.

Finding original content is tough, but professionals take the time to discern the little details in the pictures to showcase the safety theme and share actionable information. It is our duty to correctly inform the public on dangers that we encounter. We also must strive to provide actionable information with our engagement digital strategies.

If ReadyOC used the correct picture of a tornado, adding safety tips to the post (like those featured below) could have enhanced their theme.

“Monitor weather reports provided by your local media. #NWS #NOAA #Tornado #Prepared2015”

“If there is a power outage, have extra batteries for a battery-operated radio and your cell phone including your cell phone charger #Tornado #Prepared2015”

“Consider buying a NOAA Weather Radio/All Hazards receiver, which receives broadcast alerts directly from the National Weather Service #NWS #Tornado #Prepared2015”

Right now, the hashtag #photography is unnecessary because it doesn’t relate to the post. Remember social media, especially Instagram, is a visual medium. Your reader’s Instagram feed space is at a premium.

By laying it out this way:

The correct picture will draw readers into the picture and (possibly) click the link in the profile.
You don’t cause panic by showcasing a missile launch and calling it an #emergency.
You incorporate a preparedness action phrase to your audience for #tornado safety on Instagram
You use Instagram’s prime digital real estate to share good hashtags to find great information.

Time is valuable, so gram good stuff.

@rusnivek

To download the one-pager, click on the link here: Safety-PIO-SM-15-002-TornadoOrICBMLaunch

My first tiller response

Posted on January 31, 2015 by rusnivek

I was just talking about my first tiller ride…

Speaking of Tillers, here’s a great example of the communications between Driver and Tillerman to get through light traffic.

Me? My first Tiller ride? I was lucky. Reported working fire!

Thanks to the crews at Hyattsville Fire Truck-1, Engine-1, and Rescue-1.

@rusnivek

No complaining-offer solutions-Safety-PIO-SM-14-008

Posted on October 24, 2014 by rusnivek

14-008: No complaining – offer solutions
Agency: Long Beach Fire	Topic(s): Public Perception and Solutions
Date: Fall 2014	Platform: Twitter

Complaining or venting on social media is fairly common. However, as an official agency, public displays of affliction does not portray the best image. Long Beach Fire expressed some displeasure on Twitter when discussing the their pilot program.

After reading this tweet, the public’s perception is that if 9-1-1 is called, no ambulances will respond. This is irresponsible and wrong. (Almost all emergency services have mutual aid agreements or memorandum of understandings in place.)

Positioning your agency as a fear mongerer or the Harbinger of Evil will only further distance yourself from people who would be willing to help your cause. Inform them of dangers, but more importantly, engage them publically on social.

If there is internal displeasure with the new staffing models, be proactive and offer transparent solutions in the tweet. Cite websites that provide industry information. Publically share statistical data that supports changes with current programs. These online tactics will help direct and educate the general public on how to be better informed on other program and possible other options yet unexplored.

Additionally you can rally your constituents behind better initiatives by engaging with them publically via social media. It demonstrates that your department’s community involvement is a key part of a better solution.

As an official account, Twitter’s 140-character limit is really no place to moan/groan.

A more effective tweet could have read:

LBFD resources are maxed out. #Firefighters cannot provide adequate #Paramedic service to our communities. Help us find a solution <insert link here>

By phrasing it this way:

You identify that resources are…well…maxed out.
You use hashtags (#Firefighters and #Paramedic) that will help increase visibility in your tweets.
You stress the importance of providing dedicated service to your community.
You provide a traceable/measureable link that informs and helps bring visibility to this critical situation.

Time is valuable, so tweet good stuff.

@rusnivek

***To download this as a single-page printable format, click this file:

No complaining-offer solutions-Safety-PIO-SM-14-008

Your image on social by monitoring your name Safety-PIO-SM-14-007

Posted on October 10, 2014 by rusnivek

14-007: Your image on social by monitoring your name
Agency: Lakewood Fire	Topic(s): Monitoring your name/branding
Date: Fall 2014	Platform: Twitter

Monitoring your namesake has been debated for years. But with decreased staffing and less time to do more with less, many agencies are bypassing this critical piece of community relations and image/branding. A good example is when a citizen commented on Lakewood Fire’s SUV parking.

Everyone has a camera these days. We use them not only to capture memories and precious moments, but also for documentation and shaming. I believe Todd was going for the public safety shaming factor here. I am unsure on the previous relationship between Todd and Lakewood, but there was never a response on Twitter back to Todd. Truth be told, these days, unanswered public questions are sometimes perceived as a government agency cover-ups/issues. Similar to the “No comment” – a non-response might even be worse.

How do you monitor your agency’s name or any derivatives? Try these free services: Google Alerts, search columns in TweetDeck or Hootsuite, or frequent basic vanity searches on any search engine or social media platforms.

While Todd’s use of hashtags is fairly standard social media malarkey, a swift response with a timely and direct reply to Todd’s tweet would help stop the perception that LFD is breaking the law or even setting a bad example. Remember, social media is about digital interaction.

The response could also be a teaching point so share with your audience some insight into your normal operations with a simple message on Fire Prevention activities – like hydrant testing. And using the hashtag #FirePrevention pulls up thousands of tweets about educating the public specifically in fire safety.

An effective @reply response to Todd’s tweet could have read:

@stwrs1974 During an emergency, it’s tough to find safe parking. FYI-we also check/flush hydrants twice a year too #FirePrevention

By phrasing it this way:

You immediately address the issue directly with the citizen citing the issue.
You provide insight into scene safety during an emergency.
You call attention to your normal operations (in this case-hydrant flushing).
You use the hashtag #FirePrevention to call attention to…well…Fire Prevention.
You show the general public you care about your image and want to get the story right.

Time is valuable, so tweet good stuff.

@rusnivek

***To download this as a single-page printable format, click this file:

YourImageOnSocialByMonitoringYourName-Safety-PIO-SM-14-007

Not a funny practical joke #FPW2014

Posted on October 9, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s National Fire Prevention Week! #FPW2014

Stop screwing around and get serious!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUy37eGobw4

“Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month”

@rusnivek

In less than 5 seconds…you can be a hero too #FPW2014

Posted on October 8, 2014 by rusnivek

Don’t forget, its National Fire Prevention Week!

And in less than 5 seconds…you can be a hero too…

Make sure you test your smoke detectors!

If needed, change your battery too!

@rusnivek

Special visitors checking on our preparedness! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 30, 2014 by rusnivek

It is Tuesday and the final day of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

National Preparedness Day!!!!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#30: Flat Stanley & Flat Stella stopped by the fire station to check out our emergency preparedness kits. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

In honor of National Preparedness Day, we had two special visitors at our fire station. Flat Stanley and Flat Stella stopped by for a quick visit and tour.

They wanted to see if all Firefighters and Paramedics were participating and prepared as part of September’s 2014 National Preparedness Month which was held all month long.

Both Flat Stanley and Flat Stella checked our Emergency Preparedness Kit in Ladder-11.

Flat Stanley asked if we had enough water ready…

Of course we do!

Flat Stella asked to see our emergency contact list as well as my new smoke detector.

As you can see, our emergency contact information is contained in the Vial of Life Program. And smoke detectors are always free from the fire department.

Flat Stanley made sure these were fresh fire extinguishers and they were ready to go.

Both had an awesome chance to take a ride in BFD Ladder-11.

Special thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready.Gov program.

Also thanks to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FEMA’s Ready.Gov, Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), and the Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency.

What a month! I’m proud of everyone who participated in National Preparedness Month and extremely happy that everyone is more prepared for any emergency or disaster.

@rusnivek

Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 29, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Monday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Ready…Set…Monday!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#29: Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Coordinated a visit to the fire station today w/ Flat Stanley and Flat Stella. They check on our preparedness efforts at the station including checking our emergency preparedness kit! More pictures and details tomorrow.

Speaking of Tuesday September 30th…don’t forget, tomorrow is National Preparedness Day!

Post your great activities by using the #NatlPrep or #Prepared2014

Looking forward to seeing all of your emergency preparedness stuff!

@rusnivek