YikYak now allows pictures! VoteUp right?

Posted on July 11, 2015 by rusnivek

Breaking news: YikYak now allows pictures!

For those that have not used it, YikYak is a social media mobile app on iOS and Android that allows people to anonymously create and view posts (aka Yaks) within a close proximity of the user. The Yaks that are posted can be voted up or down by other users which will propel them higher on the list of conversational threads. Many college and local high school kids are using this app as a virtual/digital message/corkboard.

Soooooo, is that a good thing or bad thing?

Good because pictures always help enhance information gathering.
Bad because…well…it’s anonymous pictures.
Bad because it’s anonymous.
Bad because it’s proximity…which means in order to use YikYak, you have to be close.

I bet you are thinking YikYak is all just fun petty stuff. But before you think it’s all just a playful game, think about the potential of menacing/bullying. Now think about it from the law enforcement side where we need to track anonymously posted information for evidence.

Ride the Yak.

Time is valuable, so Yak good stuff.

@rusnivek

Shake-shake-shake…shake your #Earthquake #EQ #ShakeOut

Posted on October 16, 2014 by rusnivek

Recently, we have seen a great increase in earthquakes across the country. From small to extremely large earthquakes, we should all be prepared – so I highly recommend that you participate in today’s Earthquake ShakeOut training/exercise/drill.

So on Thursday October 16, 2014 at 10:16am – practice your earthquake safety procedures with 9 other states in our region using these three easy steps:

1. DROP to the ground

2. Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk, if possible, and protect your head and neck

3. HOLD ON until the shaking stops

Following these 3 easy steps will help protect and you during an earthquake.

ShakeOut is coordinated by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

See, even the cool kids are doing it.

@rusnivek

Free tips: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors #NWS #Lightning #safety

Posted on June 23, 2014 by rusnivek

This week is National Lightning Safety Week.

It is everyone’s responsibility to be safe especially during thunder and lightning

Here’s a few free tips you can use to prepare for severe weather like lightning:

At any hint of thunder and/or lightning, move quickly to a safe shelter area. Remember the phrase: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
Immediately postpone all outdoor activities for everyone…including adults!
Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
Break out your emergency preparedness kit and see if all flashlights are working. If not, get them in working order.
Charge all of your mobile devices including your cell phone now before the power goes out.

To get up to the minute updates during the Thunderstorm:

Use your battery operated NOAA Weather Radio for updates from the National Weather Service.

And after the storm passes, take these precautions as you survey the damage around your house:

Do NOT touch downed power lines. Assume all lines are charged and dangerous. Call your emergency services to handle safe removal of lines.
Power out? Check the power company’s website from your mobile smart phone to see who else doesn’t have power here.

Feel free to share these tips with your neighbors throughout the year.

@rusnivek

Snow in the streets? Be careful or else this could happen to your kids #OHWX

Posted on March 4, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.

Do you have snow shovels and snow removal equipment in your emergency preparedness kit?

Do you have adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm?

How are the batteries in your NOAA Weather Radio so you can get immediate updates from the National Weather Service (NWS)?

During severe weather, minimize your travel. If travel is necessary, always keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Snow day? Do not let kids play for long periods of time. Most everyone should stay away from the roads during severe weather. A great demonstration of why you should stay indoors by Fox29’s Steve Keeley.