Tag Archives: march

Packing March 2019 in!

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March is marching in as we say hello to another busy month!

First week, will be a few foundation courses focused on Planning P and of course how we as EM pros formulate a proper Incident Action Plan (IAP). These kinds of classes allow EM pros of all levels to hone their skills in training because during a disaster, there are no room for errors or second guessing.

Second week, headed to central Illinois to teach Tornado awareness with one of the premiere national broadcast Meteorologist Dr. John Scala. Then we have our big weather event on Saturday March 16 – Advanced Severe Weather Seminar at Wheaton College! Looking forward to seeing about all of our 500 attendees.

Third week, we are breaking out double-double as we pop FEMA’s Continuity of Operations Class taught by your favorite Master Continuity Practitioner….me! Then on Thursday and Friday, we are nailing down the FEMA EOC Operations course at OHSEM.

Fourth week will be a diverse ICS-300 course with heavy discussion likely on Unified Command, City vs County vs State response, Command issues, as well as wildfire coordination and resource support for large incidents.

If you are counting right, that’s 10 classes.

Glad to support the mission.

@rusnivek

March 2018 comes marching right in!

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March is…well marching in!

The first and second weeks will be dominated by serious meetings with government leadership, senior staff, and EM coordinators. And as usual we will likely have a few ad hoc meetings w/ DoD types and partner agencies.

Third week will be the FEMA basic academy in Columbus at the mothership (Ohio EMA). Shout out to Region-5!

Fourth week, for a hot minute, I’ll be presenting at the State of Georgia Conference on crisis communications and social media in emergencies. Region 4 baby!

Strategic month as we plan for upcoming events.

@rusnivek

Terrific to terrible weather in less than 24-hours

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It’s still 2017 National Severe Weather Preparedness Week!

Despite the spectacular summer weather we are experiencing today in March, it is likely that conditions can rapidly change.

While we see this today…


…we might see this kind of weather in the next 24-hours.

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​​​Of course we need to be prepared for these types of situations so I usually have a few of these emergency panchos stashed away in my vehicle.

While not fashionable, they provide some refuge and partial coverage in case I or my fellow PIOs get caught in some severe weather incident – we are somewhat protected.

And yes, having more than one is advisable as you likely have other family, friends, and/or people that might get wet too.

For more info on how you could better prepare yourself for severe weather, check out the list of preparedness stuff from my friend Jana and her team at Ready.Gov on a kit or an family communications plan.

Be safe and dry peeps!

@rusnivek

 

 

Marching right in…is March!

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Marching right in…is March!

In the first full week, as 1Q starts to close out, I will be finishing up my yearly requirements including compliance and yearly required classes/re-certifications from the agencies I represent.

Second week, I’ll head to Boise to teach some advanced social media courses. Keep your eyes peeled for me in Idaho!

Third week, I’m headed down to Anniston for some FEMA Mission Ready Training with my favorite HQ peeps. Now you know, I wanted to attend the 2017 NEMA Mid-Year Planning Conference, but I just can’t swing it this year.

Then the fourth week, is packed with teaching some new peeps from Woodlawn, everyone’s favorite, ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System (ICS).

fema_regional_map

Is it spring yet?

@rusnivek

 

During an emergency, stop taking pictures too close!

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Probably a good time to share reminders on taking pictures DURING an emergency. Like this guy.

cdmwdftwiaalngk

This was from the Crocker Park gas explosion from March 2016.

Look-just make sure you are aware of the seriousness of the incident. This one was serious.

crocker_park_rocked_by_propane_tank_expl_2_33612221_ver1-0_640_480

IMHO, I think he might have been standing a bit close huh?

For the entire video, check out the WEWS news story here.

Reminds me of the 2002 Libby x Lee gas explosion I was at.

libbyleefire

Be safe peeps!

@rusnivek

 

Tornado siren? Today? Disaster? Emergency?!? #OHWx

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Tornado siren? Today? Disaster? Emergency?!?

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On Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 at 0950 EST, communities across the state of Ohio that have tornado warning siren systems, will test them. In addition, an Emergency Alert System (EAS) warning message will be broadcast. We encourage all communities with sirens to participate in this annual event by conducting their own tornado drills and reviewing their emergency plans.

This is only a test.

@rusnivek

 

Only two regions in March

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February was very tough. But I believe March will be a bit more sane.

First week, I will be in Ohio doing some HAZMAT Technician stuff.

Second week, I will be headed down south to Cincinnati for a DHS Bomb course.

Third week, I will be driving to Michigan to teach social media (almost on the Canadian border).

Fourth week, I will be at our State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center teaching the brand new G-290 Basic Public Information Officers’ Course.

Fifth week, I will be teaching at the State of Colorado Emergency Operations Center.

Yep, only two regions in March – which is just fine with me.

fema_regional_map

@rusnivek