A few moments with my favorite JIC Managers

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…

@rusnivek

 

Debris management isn’t easy! #Hurricane #Irma 

Aside from all the response stuff that goes on in the disaster, I think the mainstream public doesn’t understand debris management. In fact, I would go so far as to say that many communities across the US don’t have a debris management plan.

Here’s the current situation here in Monroe County, FL (aka Florida Keys).


This is one of several locations for debris.


What makes this so complex is that because of the smaller geographic location of the islands, it is hard to manage space too.


Emergency Managers should also think about transportation of debris. I’ve had to already roll out my evasive driving maneuvers. Not good.


I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Response is easy. But true Emergency Managers know that Recovery is the hardest phase in a disaster.

@rusnivek

Last day ICS-400! Preparing our public safety providers for complex incidents

Last day of ICS-400: Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff – complex incidents.

Great to have providers in our training class from across the state – esp since they are participating in their backup Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Lots to discuss and collaborate esp when discussing MACs (multiagency Coordination) in conjunction with Unified command.


Shared a few videos from back in the day including showcasing a bunch of FL Emergency Managers.


During all the classroom TTEs, I love that so many are actively engaged and participating. This kind of joint effort in preparedness planning and coordinated response will only help solidify efforts in their upcoming National Special Security Event (NSSE).

Great class – thank you to everyone who attended!

@rusnivek

Everyone is participating in the #DropCoverHoldOn exercise today at 10:20 #ShakeOut

Everyone should be doing #DropCoverHoldOn during today’s Great #ShakeOut national #preparedness effort.

shakeout2016

Great ShakeOut = Thursday 10/20/16 at 10:10am.

Approx 28.5 million people are doing it. Are you?

For more information, check out shakeout.org

@rusnivek

 

More Emergency Management interviews at #IAEM16

It was super fun to interview Jody today at the 2016 International Association of Emergency Management Conference.

interviewww

Emergency Management Officer Jody Hodge from the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency (Alabama)

Why is Jody so awesome?

Yeah, we talked about preparedness, talked about disaster kits, talked about natural disasters…But to close the interview, he said “Aloha y’all!”

Reporting live from #IAEM16

@rusnivek

 

Craig Fugate keynote at #IAEM16

Packed house to listen to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate here at the 2016 International Association of Emergency Managers annual conference in Savannah.


IMHO, I think it’s going to be “Craig unplugged.”

@rusnivek

Reporting live from the step-and-repeat #IAEM16 

On arrival to the International Association of Emergency Managers 2016 Annual Conference, I had a few minutes to spare.

Photo Credit: Don Fisher

As usual, reporting live in front of the #IAEM step-and-repeat….
@rusnivek

October is going to be fun!

September was busy thanks to National Preparedness Month but October is going to be super fun!

First week, I’ll be teaching ICS in Belmont County (Ohio). Bonus points because I’ll be in a suit on Tuesday!

Second week will be heavy planning/coordination for upcoming IMT OSC Course, PIO Workshop, and PIO Conference. (BTW: Save-the-date – Friday January 20th, 2017).

Third week will be reporting live at the International Association of Emergency Manager’s Annual Conference in Savannah, Georgia. Suit up lads because it’s IAEM baby!

Fourth week, I’ll be back in Marietta, Georgia teaching. Who’s showing the love for Region 4 this month?!? Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

fema_regional_map

 

I wonder what my Halloween costume will be this year?

@rusnivek