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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Deep frying my turkey – I’m gonna die #DFT2018

Posted on November 22, 2018 by rusnivek

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I’m about to die.

Glug glug glug – I measured it w/ water and turkey in the pot.

So it’s a calculated amount of peanut oil in there.

Just to be on the safe side, I’ll leave a little room for turkey expansion.

Maybe my camera puts on more pounds. HA!

OK, my propane tank is as far away as I can get it.

Don’t think I want an explosion.

Then, in case things go bad, I got some protective gear.

Awww yeah baby! Warm AND protected!

And maybe, if things go bad, I can Hong Kong Phooey kick it into the grass away from the building right?

Time to gear up!

Thinking back, this was probably a good idea to wear my turnout coat and gloves.

Yeah, I think Chicago has had a big fire before.

Yikes.

Buuuuuuuuuuut why does my turkey look like its on a cross?!?!?!??!?!?

But first, lemme take a selfie…

…for proof of life.

Fire is on. Waaaaaaaaaaaaay hot.

What? Did you say drop it like it’s hot?!?!

Awwwww yeah, time to get crazy-let’s drop this sucker in.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

HHOOLLEEEYYYYY MOOOOOOOLEEEYYYYY!

DDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAYYYUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Am I at the bottom yet?!?!!??! OMG! Why is this soooooo frickin hot!!!!!

Well, so far so good! I haven’t burned anything….yet.

I also took the time to clear away any brush and debris from the area. Also notice the brick non-wood sprinklered building next to me?

Additional information, I also had backup from a retired Fire Chief from the State of Ohio Fire Marshall’s Office right next to me. Despite a whole bunch of white helmets, it was definitely worth having a backup!

Did I have a backup plan? You know I did. First off, I would NOT have done this.

Second, if things got bad, I would have definitely called 9-1-1.

The last thing I need is my friends from CFD getting pissed. Tho, TBH, they would have made me fill out the NIFRS report.

And third, this was the backup plan.

Yeah, the IMT PSC and FEMA MCP comes out more often than you think.

So in the end, everything turned out great. Turkey was awesome and soooo delicious.

Few deep frying turkey tips for you:

Measure your peanut oil level (water + bird in pot)
A little less on the fill line with peanut oil is good
SLOWLY drop your bird in the oil
Use gloves and protective clothing as hot oil splashes everywhere
Test bird doneness via internal temperature (not time)
Have multiple fire extinguishers available
Have a rapid dump site available away from building
In case things go bad, have a cell phone to call 9-1-1 quickly

This year, our family invited a few new Navy family and friends over for dinner.

Glad to spend Thanksgiving with those who protect our freedoms 24-7.

We all have much to be thankful for this year.

@rusnivek

I lost stuff because I have 16 pockets on my pants!?!?!?!

Posted on May 20, 2017 by rusnivek

While out today, I will be testing some new 5.11 Tactical gear.

These are the 5.11 Tactical XPRT Series pants.

I only have 16 pockets on my pants…therefore, I have already misplaced a few items.

Don’t forget, Cleveland Marathon tomorrow (Sunday 05-21-17).

@rusnivek

Will VR in the EOC help?

Posted on April 25, 2016 by rusnivek

Can virtual reality help EOC’s coordinate better?

Increase JIC / JIS Communications?

Provide a more accurate briefing w/ tacticians during operational briefings?

Increase understanding with Liaison Officer efforts amongst partners?

Or maybe it’s a space thing or maybe it’s straight up F2F communications is the way Emergency Management needs to continue to build relationships.

Let’s find out and see if this works.

Do these goggles make me look fat?

Me? I already asked the gal if they come ANVIS ready so I can mount on my helmet. She looked at me like I was a weirdo.

#nerdalert

@rusnivek

Test em if you got em! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 26, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Friday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Ahhh, Aloha Fridays!

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

#26: Are ALL your emergency flashlights working? Test em if you got em! #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Since it’s a beautiful day, I would be a great day to test all your flashlights.

A few weeks ago, I talked about having flashlights in case of an emergency. Now would be the time to test and make sure each flashlight is in working condition.

Don’t forget about your helmet lights too!

And for my friends in the law enforcement world, don’t forget to check all your weapon lights too.

*I also had to change the batteries in my EOTech too.

Your preparedness actions now will definitely save you time during an emergency.

Reminder again, throw away all candles. Candles are dangerous and can start fires. Flashlights are WAY better for lighting.

Happy Aloha Friday everyone!

@rusnivek

Flashlights keeps your family together after a disaster #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 6, 2014 by rusnivek

Rainy/gloomy Saturday, and I’m closing out the first week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Saturday Stuff right?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.

#6: Have at least two (2) flashlights w/ batteries to help navigate in the dark & keep your family together #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Pictured above is just one of the three flashlights that I keep in my everyday bag.

Reconnecting with my family after a disaster means that I have preparedness items for them too. It would be worth noting that each flashlight uses the same type of batteries and all operate/function the same (rear push button and twist-on action). This brand and similar power source compatibility allows everyone to have the same gear.

2 is 1 and one is none right? Well, I guess in this case, it’s 3 is 1 and one is none.

For those inquiring on my equipment specifics, I have a Surefire M2 Centurion, a Surefire A2 Aviator, and a Surefire G2 Nitrolon.

Also, a simple red tape marking allows us to easily identify what equipment is ours.

At night, a great flashlight allow you to quickly identify your family members amongst the sea of cheap weaker flashlights in the neighborhood. Trust me, at night, you want the best most powerful flashlights around.

So have flashlights and batteries ready for all members of your family.

Keeping tools ready for your family is another important parts of keeping your family together during and after a disaster.

@rusnivek

Thank goodness, I did NOT burn my house down… #DFT2013

Posted on November 28, 2013 by rusnivek

Say hello to my little friend…

…his name is Deep Fried Turkey #DFT2013

Boom – SUCCESS!

Much to the dismay of my fellow Firefighters, Emergency Management Professionals, Paramedics, EMTs, and Police Officers – I didn’t burn my house down.

But it IS time to chow down with the family.

Hope these tweets and posts have helped you out in your turkey adventures today.

Remember:

Be safe and do NOT compromise for your safety.
Deep frying turkey is NO joke. This is serious business.
Make sure your fryer is at least 30 ft away from any house or structure.
Do NOT deep fry your turkey on your deck.
No kids outside.
Stay with your turkey fryer all the time. Do NOT go inside to warm up.
Have your cell phone ready and know how to call 9-1-1.
Have a fire extinguisher ready to go close by.
And of course, no adult beverages while cooking.

Note: For cleanup? I’m going to let the oil cool down for about 6 hours. And regardless if there is no fire, I’m still keeping my extinguisher on the ready.

Keep all of these safety tips handy as you finish your bird this joyous holiday season.

I have much to be thankful for…like you folks as well as my solid family and friends.

Enjoy your evening everyone!

@rusnivek