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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

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

Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Posted on September 28, 2014 by rusnivek

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

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

SundayFunday in the hizzouse!

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

#28: Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Winter is just around the corner and many Meteorologists are predicting a brutal winter.

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires – Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Double check your emergency preparedness kit in all your vehicles with:

a shovel
windshield scraper and small broom
flashlight
battery-powered radio
extra batteries
water
snack food
matches
extra hats, socks and mittens
first aid kit with pocket knife
necessary medications
blanket(s)
tow chain or rope
road salt and sand
booster cables
emergency flares
fluorescent distress flag

Hope these tips help you prepare for your winter driving.

Don’t wait for the snow to hit first, be prepared.

Safe travels everyone!

@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

Your pet needs an emergency preparedness kit too! Check out the one I have – ready to go #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #Woof

Posted on September 19, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s finally Friday in this third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#FridayFurDay right? Or is that #FridayFunday ?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#19: Your pet needs an emergency preparedness kit too! Check out the one I have – ready to go #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #Woof

Dry dog food (3 days worth). I have Kacy’s food parceled out into individual easy servings. This way, we don’t over feed her.

Two (2) bottles of water – which is enough for her for 3 days.

Pet identification (3×5 notecard in zip lock bag which makes this waterproof) which includes our contact cell phones and twitter handles, pet name, date of birth, current vaccinations, county dog registration, vet address, vet phone, and of course a short description of what she looks like. Also in the zip lock bag is Kacy’s pet medications (heart worm pills and flea and tick meds).

Small bowl to eat and drink.

Dog identification tags that includes her name tag, county dog identification, rabies vaccination information, our contact information, and home address.

Pet First Aid kit – I got this from a community fair thanks to the local health department. This is a necessity! It will make minor injuries easier to manage.

Extra static 6ft leash…and yes, it’s labeled w/ duct tape with her name on it.

Packable raincoat because in case it rains, we are prepared for adverse weather! Also the “wet dog smell” isn’t the most fragrant aroma.

Favorite pet toys for Kacy which includes two Nylabone chew toys and a bright orange rubber tennis ball from Target.

*******All of the above items fit nicely in a dog carry pack. *******

Incidentally, this pack/harness has a handle on the topin case I need to emergently pick her up and go. I also have a green glow stick (break activation) that attaches via carabiner to the top for easy identification during night travel/evacuation.

The pack has several zippered outside pockets so I can separate the medications/Identification from the food.

These simple and easy basic supplies make up my pet preparedness kit. Keep in mind that everyone’s pet preparedness kits should be different depending on the size and breed of the animal…but it should have the basics like food, water, and medications.

I was reminiscing about my deployment during Hurricane Katrina/Rita in 2005 – our Task Force saw SO many abandoned pets in Louisiana’s Lower 9th Ward.

In case of an emergency or disaster, PLEASE take the time to prepare/evacuate with your pets as they are part of your family.

For more information on how you can put together your pet preparedness kit, check out this free FEMA Ready.Gov link on pet preparedness.

For those wondering, Kacy is a rescue dog. Best. Dog. Ever.

Special thanks to my dog Kacy for helping out in today’s preparedness post. #woof

@rusnivek

A better whistle for your emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 17, 2014 by rusnivek

Halfway in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Can you sorta hear me now?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#17: A whistle, better yet, an air horn in your preparedness kit to call attention to your emergency #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Whistles will help call attention to your situation wherever you are. I have one attached to the vehicle preparedness kit.

I get that a whistle is small, lightweight…but is it enough?

In retrospect, I purchased a few of these. An air horn. Not only is it easier to use, but also easier to activate and WAY louder too.

Note the line reading “Meets the USCG requirement for boats…”

I guess what I’m saying is that you can never be too loud huh?

Expensive? Nope. I got my very own air horn from Wal-Mart for a whopping $5.

*Also a necessity in your practical joke kit too.

Ahem.

@rusnivek

One gallon of water per day per person – 48 bottles! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 16, 2014 by rusnivek

Midstream in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Are you drowning in these preparedness tips yet?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#16: One Gallon of water per day / per person. Calculated for you = 48 bottles of water per person in your #Prepared2014 kit! #NatlPrep

So let’s do some simple calculations now.

1 bottled water = 8 oz of water

16 ounces of water = 1 pint of water

8 pints of water = 1 gallon of water

The recommendation is that every person has a gallon of water per day per person.

*****That means you need at least 16 bottles of water per person per day.*****

If you just whispered ERMAHGERD….then you should buy some water today.

This one is not negotiable…get it now. A case of bottled water is relatively cheap…like $3 for a case. Cheap. Do it.

Few tips once you get your water

Store your cases of bottled water in a cool dark place that is low to the ground.
So to keep your items fresh, make sure you rotate your bottled water regularly.
Not only for yourself, make sure you have enough water for your family.
I am not brand specific. Trust me, during an emergency, you will not be brand specific either.
Try to keep them in the shrink-wrapped. It’ll make it easier to move when needed.
Try to purchase clear bottles. It will help you see what’s inside.
Clear water bottles also can be used to amplify/diffuse a flashlight.

Keep in mind, during an emergency, this is a very common sight.

So don’t let this happen to you.

Get your preparedness kit with water together today!

@rusnivek

The wrong hashtag and checking official accounts – Safety-PIO-SM-14-005

Posted on September 15, 2014 by rusnivek

14-005: The wrong hashtag and checking official accounts
Agency: TEEX	Topic(s): Official accounts and hashtags
Date: Fall 2014	Platform: Twitter

Citing the original source of information is a solid idea on Twitter. But citing the correct source with the correct Twitter handle is even more important. That’s what Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) did when they tweeted information about a gym bag/emergency preparedness kit.

The use of the wrong hashtag will drive your audience away from national trends. Remember, the general idea behind the hashtag is to help bring together trending posts especially this month because September is National Preparedness Month. My. Favorite. Month.

A quick search of “#Prepared2014” shows tens of thousands of tweets.

A search using “#BePrepared2014” yielded 13 tweets.

Those two letters really do make a difference. A big difference.

Also, when citing sources, make sure they are current agency accounts. The @readydotgov account has tweeted twice in 2014 and has 396 followers.

It also states in the description box “please follow us @Readygov”

The verified @Readygov Twitter account has 3,000 tweets with almost 90,000 followers and has been tweeting since August 2008.

No matter how good your communications plans are, your mechanical no-look cut/paste actions must be double checked every time. It takes five seconds to check. Additionally, you stand the possibility of your readers questioning the validity of your information when they see that you posted old/not used stuff.

A more effective tweet could have read:

If you can pack a gym bag, you can pack an emergency bag: ow.ly/i/4Eui3 #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep @ReadyGov @AnaheimCERT

By phrasing it this way:

You cite FEMA’s main current preparedness Twitter account (@ReadyGov).
You use the correct national hashtag to increase visibility in your message (#Prepared2014).
You add additional hashtags to help pair your efforts with national campaign themes in your message.
You cite the right agency accounts on Twitter which will help them gain visibility with your audience.
Your agency shows coordinated efforts with national response agencies when you use @mentions on twitter.

Time is valuable, so tweet good stuff.

@rusnivek

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

TheWrongHashtagAndCheckingOfficialAccounts-Safety-PIO-SM-14-005a

Important parts of my emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 15, 2014 by rusnivek

Starting out the third week in the 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Monday morning with the most important stuff!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#15: Your essential emergency preparedness kit should include flashlights & a cell phone charger #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Today’s tip is an easy one – flashlights and phone charger. It takes 10 seconds to include them in your emergency preparedness kit. Do it now.

Also-it seems like we lose power so frequently…so don’t be left in the dark (see what I did there?).

Candles are dumb because you stand the possibility of burning your house down and killing your family. During an emergency, gas leaks are common. Obviously. Candles and a gas leak is a recipe for explosion. #Kaboom Soooooooooo DO NOT USE CANDLES.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs have grown and now the base layer includes WiFi and phone power. Consider having a charging cable that has the ability to plug into a wall receptacle/plug or a USB charging point.

@rusnivek

Pets have specific needs during a disaster…so plan now #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 7, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s a beautiful Sunday as we start the second week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#SundayFunday right?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#7: I have 3 days of food/water including meds & toys in my dog’s ready-go kit. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

My immediate family includes my dog too…so I want to make sure she is prepared and can carry her own stuff.

Included in her pet preparedness kit includes a 3×5 notecard with

her name
her basic information (breed, name, phone, medications)
owner information (our names, address, phone, emails, twitter handles)
her vet name and contact information
vaccination records
her backup dog tags
and a 24-hour emergency vet clinic with emergency surgery capability

You can create your own pet preparedness list by using the information found here.

Good girl Kacy!

This year, make sure you include all your pets in your preparedness efforts because they have specific needs in a disaster.

@rusnivek