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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Packed September for 3 different regions with #NatlPrep

Posted on August 31, 2015 by rusnivek

August was quite the month of new stuff, and in true form, September will be just as exciting.

I am sure know that September is my most favorite month right? September is National Preparedness month where I’ll be featuring a whole bunch of different preparedness plans and you can participate and better prepare you and your family for disasters or emergencies. All of it…totally free!

But for the rest of the month, here’s the plan:

First week: I’ll be presenting at the Nebraska Infrastructure Protection Conference on Social Media intelligence and disasters. On day-2 of the conference, I’ll be giving the my national keynote presentation: Task Force Deployment to St. Bernard Parish Louisiana – Lower 9th Ward. Region-7 boom!

Second week: I’ll be presenting at the State of Kentucky Governor’s Emergency Management Workshop rolling out the brand new G-270.4 Recovery from Disaster course. Two days of critical recovery classes in Region-4…with me!

Third week: I’ll be in Columbus doing some Mass Fatality TtT classes with Ohio EMA and then delivering another Social Media course to Franklin County EMA. Back in Region-5.

Fourth week: We have the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s PIO Symposium (Friday September 25th, 2015) in Columbus.

And the Fifth week: I just might have some time to do some paperwork. Sigh.

This will be a tough first few weeks, but looking forward to the various regions.

And remember: Make your emergency plan today.

@rusnivek

Traveling back to Chicago…again

Posted on July 24, 2015 by rusnivek

Headed back to Chicago for some meetings.

So here’s the Friday plan: Put it in the tan van, give it to Dan, who takes it to Fran.

Kidding. It’s more like “The only problem is that in this job is there’s just no place to hide. It’s not like having a bad day selling log cabins. You have a bad day here and somebody dies…”

See you on Monday peeps.

@rusnivek

#NatlPrep Month – Don’t Wait. Communicate. #PrepareAthon

Posted on July 23, 2015 by rusnivek

I know it’s only July, but National Preparedness Month is right around the corner.

FEMA’s Ready.Gov just announced the 2015 theme: Don’t Wait. Communicate: Make an emergency plan today.

Groovy huh?

Here’s the logo to use.

Weekly themes will be done according to these identified topics:

Week 1: September 1-5^th Flood
Week 2: September 6-12^th Wildfire
Week 3: September 13-19^th Hurricane
Week 4: September 14-26^th Power Outage
Week 5: September 27-30^th Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30, 2015

I’m looking forward to hearing your plans on how you intend to share preparedness efforts this year.

Are you Ready?

@rusnivek

Spent my day with my hometown CERT

Posted on July 12, 2015 by rusnivek

Spent my day volunteering with my hometown Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

On arrival, I thought I was going to get assigned a different task, but logistics and parking was the identified main concern and safety was an issue.

After I got briefed on the event, I discussed our situation with all the participants. As CERT, we coordinated our efforts so that our actions/tactics could best match the safety of our personnel as well as others who were there attending the event.

I briefed the Mayor on our ongoing operations and even looked at a few alternate plans.

Of course we continued to assess our event and think about other safety measures.

And of course we had a few moments to share a smile.

Fun fact, our Council President and Safety Chair is also a proud founding member of my awesome CERT Team. Booya!

Seriously, I love it when elected members of local government give back to their community.

We identified a few issues that will need to be made for the 2016 event (like a formal all-hazards traffic plan with maps, uniformed vests, pre-event plan dissemination/distribution, more participation, etc…). Maybe a formal Incident Action Plan (IAP). Fairly easy stuff that we would be happy to share w/ our constituents.

Wait….What? You have never heard of FEMA’s CERT program before? Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

More info can be found on FEMA’s website here.

Want to volunteer within your own community? Want to make a difference in your community? Click here to locate the closest CERT Team to you!

As always, I believe I can make a difference in my community. Fun fact: I’ve been volunteering with my CERT since 2007.

I hope you will do the same.

@rusnivek

2015 Preparedness peeps and PIO planning

Posted on January 5, 2015 by rusnivek

For all my preparedness peeps and PIO planners out there…

Hope this makes your life tons easier.

Special thanks to the Ready.Gov team at FEMA!

@rusnivek

National disaster or major significant event? Turn off your scheduled posts and tweets!

Posted on November 25, 2014 by rusnivek

Quick social media note: During a national crisis/event, turn off your scheduled posts/tweets.

Last night, I watched as numerous agencies continue (or forget) to stop their auto scheduling programs last night. C’mon, I talk about that in class! If you don’t turn off your auto posts/tweets, your constituents and consumers will perceive you as being insensitive to the current events.

After the horrific shooting at the Aurora, Colorado Theatres on 07-19-14, NRA social media team autoposted this tweet via HootSuite on 07-20-14. Tweet was viewed as inappropriate as shootings/gun violence/tragedy was the major discussion of the day. Tweet was perceived as inappropriate and insensitive.

After all, social media is about being social and talking about #trending topics right? (Think of it as a digital water cooler)

After the Boston Bombing incident, many brands and organizations expressed thoughts and prayers for those involved in this egregious tragedy. Public perception? Simple and thoughtful.

Now I know what you are saying – “But national events don’t play any part in our daily operations.” WRONG!, your image is based on perception and being mindful or relevant to a national event will help your readers embrace your greater good.

Now what is considered a national event? Well, that is for your organization to decide. My opinion? I would err on the side of conservative judgment.

@rusnivek

Special visitors checking on our preparedness! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 30, 2014 by rusnivek

It is Tuesday and the final day of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

National Preparedness Day!!!!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#30: Flat Stanley & Flat Stella stopped by the fire station to check out our emergency preparedness kits. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

In honor of National Preparedness Day, we had two special visitors at our fire station. Flat Stanley and Flat Stella stopped by for a quick visit and tour.

They wanted to see if all Firefighters and Paramedics were participating and prepared as part of September’s 2014 National Preparedness Month which was held all month long.

Both Flat Stanley and Flat Stella checked our Emergency Preparedness Kit in Ladder-11.

Flat Stanley asked if we had enough water ready…

Of course we do!

Flat Stella asked to see our emergency contact list as well as my new smoke detector.

As you can see, our emergency contact information is contained in the Vial of Life Program. And smoke detectors are always free from the fire department.

Flat Stanley made sure these were fresh fire extinguishers and they were ready to go.

Both had an awesome chance to take a ride in BFD Ladder-11.

Special thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready.Gov program.

Also thanks to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FEMA’s Ready.Gov, Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), and the Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency.

What a month! I’m proud of everyone who participated in National Preparedness Month and extremely happy that everyone is more prepared for any emergency or disaster.

@rusnivek

Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 29, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Monday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Ready…Set…Monday!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#29: Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Coordinated a visit to the fire station today w/ Flat Stanley and Flat Stella. They check on our preparedness efforts at the station including checking our emergency preparedness kit! More pictures and details tomorrow.

Speaking of Tuesday September 30th…don’t forget, tomorrow is National Preparedness Day!

Post your great activities by using the #NatlPrep or #Prepared2014

Looking forward to seeing all of your emergency preparedness stuff!

@rusnivek

Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Posted on September 28, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Sunday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

SundayFunday in the hizzouse!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#28: Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Winter is just around the corner and many Meteorologists are predicting a brutal winter.

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires – Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Double check your emergency preparedness kit in all your vehicles with:

a shovel
windshield scraper and small broom
flashlight
battery-powered radio
extra batteries
water
snack food
matches
extra hats, socks and mittens
first aid kit with pocket knife
necessary medications
blanket(s)
tow chain or rope
road salt and sand
booster cables
emergency flares
fluorescent distress flag

Hope these tips help you prepare for your winter driving.

Don’t wait for the snow to hit first, be prepared.

Safe travels everyone!

@rusnivek

Sports heroes? Celebrities? Nope. These are the true heroes #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Saturday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Who’s watching football on TV?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#27: Sports heroes? Celebrities? Nope. But these heroes will always come through in an emergency #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1FZVB7AWBE

Share with your entire family today what a real hero is like. Share your emergency plans with your entire family.

Friday night lights? Saturday College Football? Sunday NFL? None of that matters.

Look, you may not be famous…

…or get paid zillions of dollars per minute. Who cares!

Your preparedness and planning efforts will come back ten-fold because it’s your family. Family is everything.

Be your family’s hero today.

@rusnivek