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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Saturday and Sunday = My nose in books!

Posted on April 7, 2014 by rusnivek

Spent the day reviewing and researching.

Digging into my C&GSF instructor books, all my position specific books as well as referencing my ICS-300 and ICS-400 manuals.

And for good measure, I also referenced my OSC, PSC, LSC, and LO instructor books too.

Yeah I know…geekish.

Doc Lumpkins would be proud (I think)

Glorious weekend indeed.

@rusnivek

Press amenities…because they are our partners in safety right? #PIO

Posted on April 1, 2014 by rusnivek

Media considerations: Press amenities.

Aside from giving the media the juicy story they crave…we should do a better job in considering their needs during a disaster.

However, in this day/age of media involvement and constant interaction, it would behoove us PIOs to better meet the needs of our partners (that’s right, I said partners) in safety.

For prolonged incidents, it would be nice if your agency:

Provided a bunch of plugs and/or outlets to use. Power seems to be a mandatory necessity during every day life. Just look at any airport with weirdos hunched around an open power plug.
Setting up a separate WiFi for media use only so they can meet their timely deadlines or push valuable info via social media. They are data hogs just like the rest of us. It has been proven for humans to exist, we need WiFi.
Held up white cards for white balance during setup…or better yet warm cards to help the videographers get their color scheme setup right. It does make you look like you just got back from someplace warm and now have a nice tan.
A simple cup of coffee would be a welcome olive branch in the midst of disaster/emergency. First informal rule of any disaster or emergency? A cup of coffee regularly ranks high on the scale of requests and necessities from everyone. Available 24/7.

Since we are breaking down barriers, we need to explore a few options to support our partners in safety. Look at this setup…

…no seriously, look closer.

What do you see?

Build your relationships before a disaster and strengthen them as you continue to train exercise your skills. Partners in safety.

Let’s work together to better our response and enhance communications skills with just some basic needs for the press. Trust me, a little goes along way.

After all, the old adage goes: you can attract more friends with honey than vinegar…right?

@rusnivek

Shhhh, I’m trying to pay attention here…

Posted on February 25, 2014 by rusnivek

Shhhh, I’m trying to pay attention here…

@rusnivek

A cool new EOC / hangout

Posted on February 7, 2014 by rusnivek

Had a great time in Florida teaching various state Public Information Officers (PIOs).

I also found a cool new EOC/hangout too.

Maybe it’s the new typing and classification for EOCs.

Now heading to Sandusky to teach Incident Command.

Glad to be back in Region-5.

@rusnivek

Teaching in Florida today and tomorrow…

Posted on February 3, 2014 by rusnivek

Teaching two classes on Social Media/Public Information Officer stuff today and tomorrow at the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) conference in beautiful Daytona Beach.

FEPA was created in 1957 to help professional Emergency Managers work to protect the people of Florida. I’m sure glad to see SO many different types of EM professionals from various backgrounds and different organizations.

Any of my FL peeps want to #Tweetup ?

@rusnivek

SitRep for West Virginia Chemical Spill (EM-3366) – 01-14-14- at 1030

Posted on January 14, 2014 by rusnivek

SitRep for West Virginia Chemical Spill (EM-3366) – 01-14-14- at 1030.

The chemical spill (up to 7,500 gallons) into the Elk River in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia continues to dissipate. “Do not use water” order remains in effect for approximately 65,000. Chemical identified as 4-methycyclohexane methanol (MCHM).

West Virginia state Emergency Operations Center still in full activation.
01-13-14 afternoon – bans lifted for 26,000 customers.
01-14-14 morning – bans lifted for additional 9,000 customers.
All local area hospitals are operating within existing patient care capacity: 234 patients treated at this time with 14 admits. No confirmed fatalities.
Elk River flows into Ohio River tributary. Cincinnati Water Works monitoring.
Ongoing Logistics Section coordinating delivery of water to state agency with 96% delivery totals. FEMA FCO monitoring.

http://www.amwater.com/about-us/news.html

FEMA continues to support the state and local partners in assisting in the mitigation efforts to these nine communities.

@rusnivek

SitRep for West Virginia Chemical Spill (EM-3366) – 01-13-14 at 0900

Posted on January 13, 2014 by rusnivek

SitRep for West Virginia Chemical Spill (EM-3366) – 01-13-14- at 0900.

The chemical spill into the Elk River in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia continues to dissipate.

CDC has established threshold levels. At this time, indicators are within acceptable levels at water plant. Now seeking consistent safe reading levels at various points within the 1,700 mile pipeline system. Chemical identified as 4-methycyclohexane methanol.

West Virginia state Emergency Operations Center still in full activation.
All West Virginia State ESFs released but remain on standby.
All local area hospitals are operating within existing patient care capacity.
No confirmed fatalities and 169 patients treated at this time.
Logistics Section filled and delivered 100% of meals requested by West Virginia.
Ongoing Logistics Section coordinating delivery of water to state agency with 94% delivery totals. Daily assessments of needs still ongoing.

Counties affected: Boone County, Cabell County, Clay County, Jackson County, Kanawha County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Putnam County, and Roane County.

People in the affected areas in West Virginia = DO NOT DRINK OR USE THE WATER. *Only use for toilet flushing

FEMA continues to support the state and local partners in assisting in the mitigation efforts to these nine communities.

@rusnivek

SitRep for West Virginia Chemical Spill (EM-3366) – 01-12-14- at 1030

Posted on January 12, 2014 by rusnivek

SitRep for West Virginia Chemical Spill (EM-3366) – 01-12-14- at 1030.

The chemical spill into the Elk River in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia continues to dissipate.

CDC has established threshold levels. At this time, indicators are still higher than acceptable levels. Still seeking safe reading levels at various points within the 1,700 mile pipeline system. Chemical identified as 4-methycyclohexane methanol.

West Virginia state Emergency Operations Center still in full activation.
All local area hospitals are water supplied by mobile tankers and hospitals are operating within existing patient care capacity.
No confirmed fatalities or injuries to report at this time.
Ongoing Logistics Section coordinating delivery of water to state agency through at least next 72 hours.

Counties affected: Boone County, Cabell County, Clay County, Jackson County, Kanawha County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Putnam County, and Roane County.

People in the affected areas in West Virginia = DO NOT DRINK OR USE THE WATER. *Only use for toilet flushing

FEMA continues to support the state and local partners in assisting in the mitigation efforts to these nine communities.

@rusnivek