Morning briefing with DCHD.
At first blush, this is looking like a full response vs a silo ESF response.
So I gotta put more thought on the ESF15 strategic path lays out. Likely lots of turf battles as this is a ESF-06 and ESF-08 kinda thang.
Glad to lean on my past experiences from Fire/EMS and hospitals to help me glide through this.
You know I’m going to say it…”External Affairs can support the plan.”
Reporting live from the health department…
Sunday funday right? #PIO
Looks like we got a prime spot for our presser today. Flag is up so let’s do this.
Assigned: Sunday Press Conference with senior leadership from County Health Department and County Chairman.
Me? I definitely burned the midnight oil but talking points all done. All reviewed and approved.
Let’s get this started because it looks like all my media friends are here. Welcome media partners!
Getting that angle just right….
But don’t forget, pic or it didn’t happen right?
And it’s Sunday so I didn’t a tie was necessary.
So let’s not delay.
Thanks to the friends at NBC5 Chicago for the live streaming of the presser.
Successful press conference with a few issues to review.
Shared learning points:
Moving into the role of External Affairs Officer starting tomorrow. Likely turning on the lights for the Joint Information Center (JIC) too.
Hope your Sunday was good.
Reporting live from the presser….
Sunday reflection – just some quick screen shots of the ongoing press conferences from the back on the rotorwing aircraft crash in CA. Take a look.
Do you see it?
Count how many phones vs big cameras.
Amazing to see the change in technology as we move from
My PIO observations
Good work on an undoubtedly difficult incident.
A glimmering light of happiness as I got a chance to spend a few moments with my favorite Joint Information Center (JIC) Managers Beth DeJesus and Erica Creech.
(L to R): Beth DeJesus, Kevin Sur, and Erica Creech. Photo cred: EllaMonster
Beth and Erica were my JIC Managers throughout the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Additionally, Beth was the Cleveland JIC Manager during the December 2016 Christmas plane crash out of Burke. Erica was my JIC Manager during the 2014 Ebola case in Cleveland, 2012 Hurricane Sandy Response, and the 2013 three girls missing in Cleveland case.
During our quick meet up, we talked about work/careers and ongoing efforts. And yeah, they tried to get me to move back to Cleveland.
But most importantly, we talked about family, kids, and the things that really mattered. Hard to believe but this PIO thing isn’t easy and in leadership roles, it’s hard to find people/friends who truly understand the complexities of the position and can sympathize in the daily challenging situations. We all have armor, we just need to decide how long we wear our protective gear.
Just like back in the day, we were able to slot back into our normal self and the redic things that come with Emergency Support Function ESF-15. I miss that kind of camaraderie and the cohesive bonds we shared with so many of our public safety partners from across the state.
Yeah, I miss my favorite JIC Managers…
Starting out the day with the FEMA OEMA G0291: JIC/JIS course.
So glad to see Father Fire….I mean Chief Warner….I mean Captain Warner here at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
While wearing a different hat, we can confidently say that no matter what uniform we wear, our efforts to protect our community goes beyond just the normal 8-5 job. It truly is a calling for public safety pros to serve their community.
While in module-3, we had a reporter from Cleveland-19 Action News WOIO show up here to do an interview with one of our participants in the class – the Lake County (Ohio) Sheriff Frank Leonbruno.
Solid, poised…
…and deliberate words for the current situation. Well done Sheriff!
<Must have had good PIO instructors huh?>
Fortunately, Cleveland 19 News Reporter Kendall Forward and Videographer Marty DeChant had a few minutes to spare as they were kind enough to share their thoughts on PIO interactions with public safety PIOs.
(L to R): Kendall Forward, Steve Bosso, Kevin Sur, and Marty DeChant
And since I had them with us, I had to ask my favorite question: On the record? Is that really true?
The afternoon provided us the opportunity to bring everyone together in the JIC scenario and collaboration with all attendees. This class addresses various participants but making it all work is the hallmark of Phil Politano’s vision – all culminating in the joint press conference.
Shout out to all participants in this week’s class. Proud of the work you’ve done as well as the contributions to your community.
Welcome to the world of PIO!
More importantly, I am glad to see so many familiar faces this week.Seeing all of you leading your respective departments is inspiring as I truly can say “I knew you when…”
Go forth and Tweet good stuff!
Good morning from the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications!
Located in the heart of the west loop, this multi functional location serves as a focal point for City EOC, JIC, Snow Command, PW EOC, Ops Center, 911 PSAP, etc….basically, I’m glad it’s a hardened facility.
Today’s Emergency Management topics have to deal with Disaster Assistance and Public Assistance. Hiya Wendellllllllllllllllllllllllll.
Of course, as a good Emergency Manager, we want to take a look at the host city’s EOP.
Lots to discern and digest from our partners.
Now, for those who refuse to share information and hold information tight to their chest….that’s dumb. You realize when the big one hits, your isolationist actions will prove to be detrimental to the success of the response/recovery of any emergency. Again, work closely with your partners BEFORE a disaster.
Looking down into the PSAP center floor, lots of call takers working the good for the community.
PSAPs and EOCs are kept relatively dark to help with eye strain. Telecommunications have a tough job. If you haven’t already done so, I’d recommend that you sit in their chair one day and observe. Quite honestly, I’d take working the squad any day.
Quick look into the City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) too.
And calm yourself PIOs….I found it.
Get your City of Chicago Joint Information Center (JIC) on baby! I sense I will be spending activation time here soon.
And yes, I’m wearing a tie.
As we close out response/recovery discussions for the day, we must spend more time thinking about cross training and enhancing our multi-jurisdictional skills. Working together is critical to any event or incident. We must overcome the stigma and the predisposed notion of kingdoms and fiefdoms. We must work together before a disaster. This will result in better response collaboration and recovery efforts.
Where am I? They threw up the bat signal so….
Reporting live from the Bat Cave:
I’m Batman….I mean @rusnivek
And now starting the FEMA JIC/JIS Course with our class here at the Defiance County EMA Emergency Operations Center.
And yes, if you’ve been in a JIC/JIS class w/ me before, you know I talk about Voltron. In the FEMA Basic PIO Course, we teach you to be an individual PIO and function with limited options…however, the JIC/JIS course allows you to join forces with other PIOs and work the magic despite being from different backgrounds and different factions for the emergency or disaster. That’s right-we can all get along in the JIC.
Starting out the day with a cold reality check on expectations and capabilities as we assess our options and ready our agencies for disasters. It would be a good idea to have a clear understanding of the situation and build from there.
Additionally, we bring our all-hazards partners into the fold. Here’s Sister Michael Marie talking about the complexities of what appears as a simple emergency that could quite result in bringing soooooooooooooooooooooo many partners to respond to this typical emergency.
Drawing too simple for you?
You need more description?
NO SOUP FOR YOU!
The whole point of the exercise is to get your mind thinking about various options as well as partners to call early as likely, they have a dog in the fight to help any affected community recover from any disaster.
Look, it’s more than Fire, Police, and EMS – it’s the #WholeCommunity to build a culture of preparedness.
Proud of every single one of these participants as everyone walked away with a new understanding and respect for the PIO. While some have been on TV before w/ a few interviews, all of them realize the dangers of an unprepared interviewee.
Looking forward to working with all of you on the next big one. And just think…in the midst of a disaster, you just might see these two smiling faces.
Now, go forth and use your new PIO powers for good!
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-3 of the Joint Information Center/Joint Information System course here at the Indianapolis Fire Headquarters.
This place is super nice…
…and a bonus welcome by the Chief of the department – Fire Chief Malone!
Outstanding to see that kind of engagement of a large metro fire department stop by to say hi. And of course the IFD PIO BC Rita Reith working the PIO magic too!
Great discussion on when situations get worse…ie disaster declarations and how as situations start to grow, how we as a nation respond to help assist others.
You know we had lots of discussion on JIC/JIS operations and needs.
Also discussed how the executive policy room could affect actions of the field PIOs as well as the JIC – which stresses the need for solid, one voice communications from the Emergency Operations Center.
I know, I know, coordination again huh? But it’s the truth! If we don’t work together, we will likely fail our constituents. We must work together to support our ongoing efforts of safety with all our partners.
Great dialog on mutual aid partnerships. Regardless of the situation, we can all work closely with each other and share ideas.
Me? I am very proud of the work from everyone in the class this week.
Looking forward to working with all of you during the next big one.
Until then, go forth and tweet good stuff!
Happy AlohaFriday and a great start to the FEMA OEMA G0291: Joint Information Center / Joint Information System course here at the Cleveland EOC!
So naturally, we talked a bunch of JIC stuff including our third guest VIP – day shift Cleveland JIC Manager of the 2016 RNC and the led JIC Manager of the Christmas plane crash in 2016, Beth Zietlow DeJesus!!!
Not only sharing stories about coordination amongst local, county, and Federal agencies on the recovery process, Beth was able to share a few stories about the media on controlling the message and handling mis-information.
Great experiences to share with out new PIOs!
Outstanding class this week. Proud of the work and collaboration in class shared by everyone. Great to see these new PIOs as they increase their organization’s visibility.
Now go forth, and use your new PIO skillz for good!
Also, yeah.
Where is @rusnivek? 