We work closely with all of our partners in public safety to support the communities in this recovery process that were affected by Hurricane Irma.
“This is what we train for. This is what we do.”
Disasters don’t take holidays…neither do we.
The entire team Branch 5 Division A is here!
Let’s do this.
@rusnivek
It’s great to share the stories of survivors and employees here at FL / FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Marathon.
Glad to host WOODTV news crews from Michigan today.
Interview in 3…2…1…
Another piece of the recovery effort is to breech the subject of mitigation.
We had several teams throughout the state placed in strategic locations – talking about mitigation strategies for various natural disasters.
Many of our teams handed out free flyers and pamphlets discussed ways to better mitigate dangers and potential issues at their residence or business.
Additionally, we also hosted several mitigation seminars across the state. Usually packed, we had lots of questions from disaster survivors
The one pictured above was in the second floor of the community’s fire station.
These types of community events are made so that residents have the ability to engage with Federal partners and ask questions, dispel rumors, and give a better understanding to processes.
And yes, no matter how early, mitigation and preparedness are such a critical part of phases of emergency management.
Found out the US Post office in Big Pine Key was obliterated. Deemed unfit for operations as the entire structure was condemned.
So the USPS continuity plan? Setup a field post office.
It is critical for disaster survivors to get mail.
Again, helping a community return to normalcy is incredibly important.
Got a chance to work with the Florida National Guard today. Their tasks set by Florida Governor Scott was clear to support Floridians in disaster recovery. FEMA’s role has always been to support and coordinate actions of resources in disaster response and recovery.
Here’s FEMA LNO John Allen greeted Brig General Canzoneri at the Key West International Airport.
Military partnerships are critical in a successful mission…esp this one. Hurricane Irma was devastating for almost all commmunities in the Florida Keys. Glad to provide Federal support to this team.
We were able to see the Florida National Guard working hard to cleanup one of the residential houses from a disaster survivor. We witnessed first hand those dedicated soldiers were giving to so many communities throughout the Florida Keys.
Hole in the roof? Roof ops? No problem. The National Guard has you covered.
A quick talk from the TAG to the troops and thanking them for their efforts…
…as well as a few words of wisdom from other leadership attending today’s events.
…but the work continued on for the entire team.
A handshake from leadership goes a long way.
Proud of their efforts in so many communities in Florida. Each one of them giving their time away from home, away from family…just so they can help rebuild another family.
This is what any American would do when someone needs help.
Believe me when I say, I am so glad to be a small part of this team and to tell this story. Great people helping out great people. Straight up, this is America.
This is what we train for. This is why we prepare. This is what we do
Started out the morning with a press conference w/ the Governor of Florida again here in Key West. My view from the podium.
Topic today was the Key West economic push “open for business” – glad to see the partnerships of city, county, state, and Federal partnerships making that happen.
PIO pro tip: You’ll want to position your DIV/SUP (FCO Cadre) in the right place. Glad I did.
Money baby….money!
As usual, Gov Scott did some post presser interviews w/ the USAToday, local stations, Orlando etc….And as I said before, we are fortunate to have great working relationships with so many media outlets from Miami…
….Tallahassee…
…and even public radio showed up too!
It’s quite an amazing process to see everyone working together to recover from a major storm here in Florida.
Reporting live from the podium…
Trust your staff and let them tell your agency’s story. Through their eyes, voice, and heart – the world will truly see the mission and goal.
Juan is a perfect example: Soon to be Father, an excellent DRC Manager, and most importantly, his family is from Puerto Rico. A testament to professionalism, dedication, caring, and compassion to countless survivors of Hurricane Irma here in the Florida Keys.
Me? I’m just proud to be on his team.
Well, it appears to be October.
I can’t quite tell what day it is as I haven’t seen a day off in a while. So it seems like a Region-4 month.
Plan for the month? I’m still deployed as the FEMA Public Information Officer (PIO) in Monroe County, Florida – specifically the Florida Keys.
Changing basecamp locations today. Whahooo!!!! Not.
I have received many questions on living conditions so let me share with you the new living quarters. We are now in Big Pine Key at a former road patrol prison.
Need to use the bathroom?
Definitely not a hotel. No real toilets in sight.
Male and female tents separate the people staying here.
Inside our sleeping quarters.
Good thing I stopped by early so I can claim top bunk.
But upon closer inspection, I found that something has already claimed my space.
So I figured it was a good time to take a picture with my new bunk mate.
I shall name him Iggy.
If there isn’t enough housing for disaster survivors, don’t think you are going to have a nice hotel to stay in or to lounge around. Plain and simple – disaster Survivors are the priority.
So to summarize, those that THINK they are going to be pampered with lush amenities, stay in a hotel, and gain points – this ain’t it. Don’t expect anyone to pamper you or get turn down service. And yes, it’s loud at night.
I’d also recommend that if you can’t stand camping, you are not cut out for disaster response.
I would best associate this disaster’s lodging to extreme camping.
Where is @rusnivek? 