Tag Archives: Management

Day-2 of ICS-300

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Starting off the second day with lots of convos on IAPs and critical forms that are needed for those onscene.

BTW-if you are looking for a link with all the FEMA ICS forms, you can find the most up-to-date ones here: https://training.fema.gov/icsresource/icsforms.asp.

IEMA-OHS Region-2 SDS Steve B. background from the wildfire community is outstanding and is a great example of how flexible the ICS system is all about.

We talked about specialized resources and the importance of putting supervisors in positions with background to handle the resources correctly.

We also briefed out on several scenarios that we could be put into with our public safety partners.

Sometimes, it’s awkward to pretend and use fictitious scenarios, but all the ESSD scenarios from FEMA are from real world incidents.

Yes, it’s Central City, but the State of Columbiana is always in trouble.

At the end of the day, just gotta make sure the markers are up for a fun Thursday surprise for everyone.

Always seems easy, but teaching days make for long days.

I am thankful for my staff to support these initiatives I’ve laid out to better position us for success.

Reporting live from the AHJ…

@rusnivek

Debut ICS-300: Intermediate ICS course here at Argonne

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First times the charm!

Welcome to the first ICS-300 class here at Argonne!

Introductions by our Division Director Mike P.

Proud to have participants from across the state attending. And for the first time at Argonne, we are super excited to see participants from local, county, state, and Federal agencies here.

That truly speaks to the collaborative nature of safety efforts for everyone.

Also happy to see IEMA-OHS Region-3 Regional Coordinator Lisa with us this morning too.

IEMA-OHS Region-3 covers all the greater Chicagoland suburbs and towns, but they do border Argonne so we mainly work closely with Region-4 and Region-3.

Proud to have Maria P. on my staff with me as we are fully capable and vetted to teach ICS classes.

And yes, if you were wondering, I’ve known Lisa and Maria well before I worked for the state.

Day-1 and we’re already putting everyone to work as we try to get everyone on the same page and same S.M.A.R.T. objectives.

Sometimes, these classes get drab esp if we only lecture so we almost immediately get everyone doing group work to foster more ideas.

This all-hazards approach to planning and solutions make it easier to digest the materials esp the tedious ones.

Proud to bring these courses to Argonne and proud of the partnerships many have already build here. I see fit to continue to empower all of our bestest partners in safety.

Look, I’ve only been here for 5 months, but the plans are starting to come together. #ArgonneEM

Reporting live from the Argonne Analytic Cell/EOC2…

@rusnivek

Robots in the neighborhood

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We are starting to see more of these autonomous robots delivering food and items in the neighborhood.

While a cool piece of technology and innovation, I think there are more broad implications that we could capitalize on…esp during a disaster/emergency.

While we can’t rely totally on resources like this, we could take the position to send it and if it does yield any results, that was better than previous.

But the COORDINATION of assets like this will be critical to manage and prioritize esp in a disaster/emergency.

Looking forward to deploying out safety resources like this soon.

Reporting live from the robot filled streets in Chicago…

@rusnivek

TADD – Turn Around, Don’t Drown

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While it’s still National Preparedness Month, we want to make sure we remind everyone about the hazards and dangers that occur across the US.

Flooding is the most common hazards in the US. And with data to prove it, the costs associated with a few inches of water in the house can be a catastrophic point for any family.

We want to make sure you are aware of these hazards and make sure you know what to do during a disaster or critical situation…like flooding.

So even in passive signage across campus, these kinds of

Turn Around, Don’t Drown…

Your car is not a boat.

#TADD

Reporting live from building 201…

@rusnivek

A few colleagues from my Executive Academy cohort

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Just thinking about a few colleagues from my FEMA Executive Emergency Management Academy cohort.

There’s so much more behind this picture than what you see.

Fun fact: 50% of the individuals in this picture have advanced in position and moved up in their respective organizations/fields.

Each of these pros pictured are hard charging Type-A personalities. Relentless in their efforts to do good stuff AND move mountains for good people.

We all need to continue to do more and reach out more frequently to our colleagues.

In service to others.

Taking my own advice, I’m going to call a few buddies now.

@rusnivek

24 years later, September 11th

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A lot has changed in 24 years…
That morning, I remember being notified early on that ZOB reported UA Flight 93 with garbled radio traffic in distress.

Take the time to reflect and talk to the younger generations on the importance of dedication, service, sacrifice, and safety for all.

Be an advocate for change and an inspiration for generations to come.

Reporting live from my office…

@rusnivek