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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Tech kit? How geeky or nerdy is yours? #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 20, 2014 by rusnivek

Saturday in this third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Are you kitted up yet?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#20: Your tech kit needs to be functional 24/7 – so plan for any emergency situation #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

I already showed you my pet preparedness kit yesterday.
I’ve given you great tips on your home preparedness kit.
I’ve given tips on a vehicle preparedness kit.
And I am sure that you have your zombie preparedness kit ready too.
So I wanted to spend a few minutes on my tech prep kit.

Basically, this is one of my daily go bags that I take everywhere.
This bag allows me to function any place/any time.
And of course it’s a backpack for complete mobility.

Laptop w/ power cable
iPad w/ Zagg keyboard w/ power cables (USB and plug)
iTouch w/ power cable (backup for iPad failure)
iTouch w/ power cable (mainly used for groovy tunes)
Resource manual (book of important “stuff”) with really important contact information.
Black folder (to take to briefings and take notes)
Business cards w/ cell phone and social media accounts
Mints/Cough drops
Statewide radio capable of national communications (NFSPAC) and attached speaker mic for above radio with battery
Extra battery for radio
SureFire flashlight with red LED
Tactical SureFire flashlight
Mini-push light (mini LED)
4 AA batteries
2 AAA batteries
4 SureFire batteries
Mophie rugged USB battery pack
IPhone 30-pin charger
25 ft extra insulated extension cable
Power strip/surge suppressor
6 pens (4 black / 1 blue / 1 red)
1 pencil
1 sharpie marker (black)
External wireless mouse
2 sets earphones
1 set ear plugs
1 ear wig
6 different color USB drives (each are from different manufacturer)
VGA cable
HDMI to HDMI cable
HDMI to mini-HDMI cable
6 ft USB cable
Sound jack direct plug
3 sets in every color of T-cards
T-card canvas holder
2 sets of identification/credentials
2 pads of notepaper
2 post it note pads (each held by binder clips)
1 pack of 3×5 notecards (held together by binder clip)
1 ANSI vest
2 Cylume sticks
1 Name tape identifier
1 USA Flag

The idea of being tech ready will not only increase your chances of survival post disaster, it will also help your family communicate regularly and coordinate reunification. Keeping your family together is SO important because it’s tough for anyone to function knowing that their immediate family members are not safe.

Soooooo, I’m sure your tech kit is slightly different.
This particular configuration has served me well, but as time goes on, I seem to be adding more to this kit.
So let me know if I missed anything.

After this week, I bet your kits are looking good!

@rusnivek

Your pet needs an emergency preparedness kit too! Check out the one I have – ready to go #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #Woof

Posted on September 19, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s finally Friday in this third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#FridayFurDay right? Or is that #FridayFunday ?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#19: Your pet needs an emergency preparedness kit too! Check out the one I have – ready to go #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #Woof

Dry dog food (3 days worth). I have Kacy’s food parceled out into individual easy servings. This way, we don’t over feed her.

Two (2) bottles of water – which is enough for her for 3 days.

Pet identification (3×5 notecard in zip lock bag which makes this waterproof) which includes our contact cell phones and twitter handles, pet name, date of birth, current vaccinations, county dog registration, vet address, vet phone, and of course a short description of what she looks like. Also in the zip lock bag is Kacy’s pet medications (heart worm pills and flea and tick meds).

Small bowl to eat and drink.

Dog identification tags that includes her name tag, county dog identification, rabies vaccination information, our contact information, and home address.

Pet First Aid kit – I got this from a community fair thanks to the local health department. This is a necessity! It will make minor injuries easier to manage.

Extra static 6ft leash…and yes, it’s labeled w/ duct tape with her name on it.

Packable raincoat because in case it rains, we are prepared for adverse weather! Also the “wet dog smell” isn’t the most fragrant aroma.

Favorite pet toys for Kacy which includes two Nylabone chew toys and a bright orange rubber tennis ball from Target.

*******All of the above items fit nicely in a dog carry pack. *******

Incidentally, this pack/harness has a handle on the topin case I need to emergently pick her up and go. I also have a green glow stick (break activation) that attaches via carabiner to the top for easy identification during night travel/evacuation.

The pack has several zippered outside pockets so I can separate the medications/Identification from the food.

These simple and easy basic supplies make up my pet preparedness kit. Keep in mind that everyone’s pet preparedness kits should be different depending on the size and breed of the animal…but it should have the basics like food, water, and medications.

I was reminiscing about my deployment during Hurricane Katrina/Rita in 2005 – our Task Force saw SO many abandoned pets in Louisiana’s Lower 9th Ward.

In case of an emergency or disaster, PLEASE take the time to prepare/evacuate with your pets as they are part of your family.

For more information on how you can put together your pet preparedness kit, check out this free FEMA Ready.Gov link on pet preparedness.

For those wondering, Kacy is a rescue dog. Best. Dog. Ever.

Special thanks to my dog Kacy for helping out in today’s preparedness post. #woof

@rusnivek

This emergency preparedness kit multipurpose item literally sticks to everything #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #TBT

Posted on September 18, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Thursday in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#TBT #TapeBackThursdays ? Or am I trying too hard to make fetch happen?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#18: This emergency preparedness kit multipurpose item literally sticks to everything #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep #TBT

Before a disaster, duct tape can be used to shore up many structural components as well as loose items around the house. This includes securing windows from cracking, enhancing doors, even sealing up the cracks in case you have to shelter-in-place duct tape does a lot!

Now duct tape has been used for a few redic things too.

Great practical joke, but c’mon.

And trust me when I say every emergency manager has duct tape in their go kit. Therefore, you should too.

To aid in your preparedness, I would suggest having two rolls of duct tape in different colors. This way, you can distinguish your tape from others (i.e. layers) and also be able to use your duct tape as identification markers. Here’s an example of just one way to use duct tape to easily identify your stuff – my flat head ax.

Um, I hear that the airline industry also uses duct tape for operations…I mean identification too.

However you use duct tape, keep at least two different color rolls in each emergency preparedness kit.

It would be worth noting that the Duck Tape Headquarters is located right here in NE Ohio and of course Avon Ohio is known as the Duck Tape Capital of the World.

During an emergency, stick together! (see what I did there?)

@rusnivek

A better whistle for your emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 17, 2014 by rusnivek

Halfway in the third week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Can you sorta hear me now?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Build an Emergency Kit

#17: A whistle, better yet, an air horn in your preparedness kit to call attention to your emergency #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Whistles will help call attention to your situation wherever you are. I have one attached to the vehicle preparedness kit.

I get that a whistle is small, lightweight…but is it enough?

In retrospect, I purchased a few of these. An air horn. Not only is it easier to use, but also easier to activate and WAY louder too.

Note the line reading “Meets the USCG requirement for boats…”

I guess what I’m saying is that you can never be too loud huh?

Expensive? Nope. I got my very own air horn from Wal-Mart for a whopping $5.

*Also a necessity in your practical joke kit too.

Ahem.

@rusnivek

Know your current weather by using one of these #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 10, 2014 by rusnivek

Midway through the second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

It’s Wicked Wednesdays because bad weather is coming!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#10: Know the your current weather outlook by using a NOAA NWS Weather Radio #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Don’t forget to program your weather radio too! Because weather affects everyone, plan and anticipate adverse weather by having your weather radio ready!

(And if you happen to be in the Cleveland area = 162.550mHz SAME#039035)

What is a NOAA NWS Weather radio?

My weather radio? Midland WR-300 with a Midland 18-STR visual strobe alert.

Why am I talking about weather radios?

Be safe…because this is about to hit us here in NE Ohio.

Woof!

@rusnivek

Pets have specific needs during a disaster…so plan now #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 7, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s a beautiful Sunday as we start the second week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

#SundayFunday right?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.

#7: I have 3 days of food/water including meds & toys in my dog’s ready-go kit. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

My immediate family includes my dog too…so I want to make sure she is prepared and can carry her own stuff.

Included in her pet preparedness kit includes a 3×5 notecard with

her name
her basic information (breed, name, phone, medications)
owner information (our names, address, phone, emails, twitter handles)
her vet name and contact information
vaccination records
her backup dog tags
and a 24-hour emergency vet clinic with emergency surgery capability

You can create your own pet preparedness list by using the information found here.

Good girl Kacy!

This year, make sure you include all your pets in your preparedness efforts because they have specific needs in a disaster.

@rusnivek

Flashlights keeps your family together after a disaster #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 6, 2014 by rusnivek

Rainy/gloomy Saturday, and I’m closing out the first week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Saturday Stuff right?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.

#6: Have at least two (2) flashlights w/ batteries to help navigate in the dark & keep your family together #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Pictured above is just one of the three flashlights that I keep in my everyday bag.

Reconnecting with my family after a disaster means that I have preparedness items for them too. It would be worth noting that each flashlight uses the same type of batteries and all operate/function the same (rear push button and twist-on action). This brand and similar power source compatibility allows everyone to have the same gear.

2 is 1 and one is none right? Well, I guess in this case, it’s 3 is 1 and one is none.

For those inquiring on my equipment specifics, I have a Surefire M2 Centurion, a Surefire A2 Aviator, and a Surefire G2 Nitrolon.

Also, a simple red tape marking allows us to easily identify what equipment is ours.

At night, a great flashlight allow you to quickly identify your family members amongst the sea of cheap weaker flashlights in the neighborhood. Trust me, at night, you want the best most powerful flashlights around.

So have flashlights and batteries ready for all members of your family.

Keeping tools ready for your family is another important parts of keeping your family together during and after a disaster.

@rusnivek

Your emergency USB drive #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 5, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s the first Friday, the first week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Easy right? My goal is to provide actionable information so that you can better prepare you and your family.

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.

#5: Use a small USB drive includes all key emergency documents & family communications plan #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

These ubiquitous USB drives (aka thumb drives, jump drives, memory sticks, etc…) are so easy to find. Best part? These things are cheap! You can easily find 16G for $2…which is WAY more storage that you’d ever need to store your documents in an emergency.

What to keep stored on this jump drive? Scanned or digital copies of your:

Family Communication Plan (that also includes an out-of-state contact)
Driver’s License/State Identification card
Passport
Social security card
Birth Certificates
Home Insurance card
Auto Insurance card
Credit card(s)
Copies of a recent bank statements
High resolution pictures of your family and individual pictures.

As you pack your one ounce USB drive, don’t forget to put it in an airtight freezer ziplock type bag. Your electronic equipment does not like getting wet.

The cost of these USB drives are so low, that it behooves you to use easy technology now to better leverage your position in a disaster. Because you won’t have time to copy/transfer these documents during a rapid evacuation, now is the time to be prepared.

Keeping good documentation for your family is one of the most important parts of reconnecting with family during and after a disaster.

@rusnivek

Multi-purpose binder clips help a lot #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 4, 2014 by rusnivek

Rounding the corner through the first week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Of course you need to be prepared right?!?!? My goal is to provide actionable information so that you can better prepare you and your family.

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.

#4: Multi-purpose binder clips help keep wires organized for easy visual access to connection points #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

These office binder clips allow me to keep things organized, clean, stowed neatly, and tied down as I travel around. Additionally, I am able to pair the ends of the cables together so I can immediately see the end attachment points.

(And who doesn’t love binder clips right?)

I have assessed my entire family’s cell phones and mobile devices and found that this lightning cable is needed by everyone. We are an iPhone 5 & 5s family.

Not pictured above, are my micro USB cables which charge other mobile devices. Everyone should plan on supporting power needs for the family’s mobile devices (tablets) and accessories (keyboards).

Assessing the entire family’s cell phone power needs before a disaster can ensure that your family will remain connected through and after a disaster.

Family first peeps!

@rusnivek

Cell phone WITH cables and external power supply #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 3, 2014 by rusnivek

Half way through the first week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Lots to do…just be prepared!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.

#3: Have extra cables w/ multi-option external power supply for charging your cell phone. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Because we use/push more information and data, our power consumption has skyrocketed. I find that having extra cables in various lengths will make life easier when charging your phone. Keeping your family informed before/during/after a disaster is so important – so keep your mobile devices charged!

Additionally, my extra battery pack has gets used almost daily. Busy lifestyles call for travel or remote working options so choose one that has a USB connection(s) so you can charge your various mobile devices.

Because you never want to be *that guy* or *that girl* who hides in the corner next to a smelly garbage can to use the lonely random plug because of this…

@rusnivek