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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

New base camp – meet my new friend Iggy!

Posted on September 30, 2017 by rusnivek

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.

@rusnivek

Night ops for Response & Recovery #Irma

Posted on September 22, 2017 by rusnivek

Just because it’s dark, don’t think operations stop.

Just remember, disaster response and recovery is a 24-hour business. With 12-hour operational periods, there isn’t much time to fool around.

Sadly, PIOs are tasked with countless tasks all day/night long.

Get some rest peeps. I know I’m tired.

@rusnivek

5 easy tips for a safe 2016 Halloween night #TrickOrTreat #boo

Posted on October 31, 2016 by rusnivek

Happy Halloween everyone!!!!

Here are a few tips to make sure your little trick-or-treaters are out safe:

1. Make sure everyone can easily see out of their costumes.

Costume safety!

Cuts and bruises are quick ways to ruin a fun Halloween night.

2. Consult your local jurisdictions (AHJ) on approved times for trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-Treat!

Never want to show up at someone’s house unexpectedly.

3. Make sure everyone has a flashlight or glow sticks.

See and be seen

While driving, it’s hard to see people at night so the more visible you can make everyone, the better.

4. There are chemicals inside those glow sticks – DO NOT let the kiddos chew on them.

Pop – ewwwwwww!

Whoa.

5. Most of all, have fun!

Elsa and Anna with Arendelle’s Royal Chefs

It’s great time to be out with your kids.

Have a safe trick-or-treating night!

@rusnivek

Now where did I leave those NVGs…

Posted on July 6, 2015 by rusnivek

Now where did I leave those NVGs…

@rusnivek

News already onscene

Posted on December 9, 2014 by rusnivek

You know it’s going to be a long evening when you get out of your vehicle for the MVA and the news van is already parked, mast up, and streaming live.

Bonus points to the crews because they have their hazard lights on.

#SafetySur

@rusnivek

My day at FEMA HQ #Prepared2014

Posted on March 30, 2014 by rusnivek

Had a chance to stop by FEMA HQ.

Also FEMA’s new MCOVs were on display right next to Quizno’s. Neeto stuff.

One of the highlights was a chance to sit and hang in the NRCC for a bit…just to see where the magic happens. Sa-weet.

Then on to the serious stuff. Lots of discussion with FEMA’s External Affairs folks pertaining to preparedness and readiness. #Prepared2014 – great stuff planned as we move into mid 2014. Truth be told, I’m just glad to be a part of the action.

I also enjoy meeting with people who are passionate about their jobs and really believe in their careers. It’s not often you get to see that kind of true dedication.

Running to make my afternoon meetings, I got a chance to hang with several Emergency Managers from around the country who were in town attending the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Mid Year Planning Conference in VA.

Not only are they true fellow emergency managers, more importantly, they are friends. Trouble was to be had since we tried to emulate Ellen DeGeneres’ Oscar night #Selfie for the other #SMEM folks. BTW-if you don’t know these peeps in this picture, trust me, you should. No seriously, trust me, you should.

Mahalos to Meischa Jackson for the assist.

I also got to sit down and talk again to Doc Lumpkins who is the Director of National Integration Center at FEMA HQ.

Haven’t seen him since the 2011 UASI Conference in San Francisco. I can’t begin to tell you how funny he is. I got nothing but mad respect for this guy!

In review, I should really make more trips to DC to meet with my peeps.

*sigh*

Now off to South Carolina!

@rusnivek

Statewide tornado siren test today at 0950. Find out what to do here #OHWX

Posted on March 5, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.

Today, the state of Ohio will be testing all emergency alert sirens at 9:50 a.m.

***Do not be alarmed, it is only a test.***

It would also be a good time to practice your emergency procedures if a tornado siren/warning goes off.

Do you know the differences between a Tornado Watch vs a Tornado Warning?

Tornado Watch: Issued by the NWS when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. Be prepared to move to a safe place if weather conditions worsen. Stay tuned to weather updates.

Tornado Warning: Issued by the NWS when a tornado is imminent or occurring. A warning may be issued when a tornado is indicated by Doppler radar or sighted by trained spotters. Seek safe shelter immediately.

If a tornado has been spotted, seek shelter immediately. If a tornado warning is issued for your area, do not stop to take pictures or shoot video. Continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local media newscasts for up-to-date weather and emergency information.
NEVER touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed power lines and report electrical hazards to the utility company.
Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
Be careful of debris such as damaged structures, exposed nails and broken glass.

Stay safe out there peeps!

@rusnivek

Do not break the law while driving in severe weather #OHWX

Posted on March 4, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s 2014 National Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 2nd through March 8th.

Driving during severe weather? It doesn’t matter whether day or night – Do you have your headlights on?

Ohio Revised Code 4513.03 Time for lighted lights on motor vehicles.

(A) Every vehicle, other than a motorized bicycle, operated upon a street or highway within this state shall display lighted lights and illuminating devices as required by sections 4513.04 to 4513.37 of the Revised Code during all of the following times:

(1) The time from sunset to sunrise;

(2) At any other time when, due to insufficient natural light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons, vehicles, and substantial objects on the highway are not discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead;

(3) At any time when the windshield wipers of the vehicle are in use because of precipitation on the windshield.

Remember, during severe weather, drive slowly peeps!

@rusnivek