Tag Archives: Preparedness

Quick lists with go packs and a few checklists #NatlPrep

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Since we are in September aka 2015 National Preparedness month, here’s a quick rundown of all checklists, go packs, preparedness kits, and other assorted items on preparedness. Those items marked with a (*) and bold are to me the most critical ones.

Checklists for Family Preparedness Kit: checklist_2014

Family Communications plan (kids to complete) FEMA_plan_child_508_071513

*Family Communications plan (Parents to complete) FEMA_plan_parent_508_071513

*How much water do I need to prep: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/16/one-gallon-of-water-per-day-per-person-48-bottles-natlprep-prepared2014/

Distilled down, here’s the most essential parts of my preparedness kit: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/15/important-parts-of-my-emergency-preparedness-kit-natlprep-prepared2014/

MREs? Here’s what they are: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/14/3-days-of-food-per-person-for-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-natlprep-prepared2014/

*My tech disaster kit: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/20/tech-kit-how-geeky-or-nerdy-is-yours-natlprep-prepared2014/

*Have a pet? Here’s what’s in my Pet Emergency Preparedness Kit:  https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/19/your-pet-needs-an-emergency-preparedness-kit-too-check-out-the-one-i-have-ready-to-go-prepared2014-natlprep-woof/

Everyone always asks, what is readily in all my disaster kits – DuckTape: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/18/this-emergency-preparedness-kit-multipurpose-item-literally-sticks-to-everything-prepared2014-natlprep-tbt/

Better IRL whistle for attention? Horn me: https://whereisrusnivek.com/2014/09/17/a-better-whistle-for-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-natlprep-prepared2014/

*Enable EAS Alerts to all your mobile devices (turn your GPS location on).

*On Twitter, follow @FEMA and your state’s Emergency Management Agency for good preparedness lists and more emergency response information.

On Facebook, follow your local National Weather Service Office for updates on current weather conditions.

Subscribe to your local Emergency Management’s informational pushes on their respective mass notification system.

*Print out a list of your immediate and extended family’s home and cell phone numbers (I nerd it out and happen to use the DHS/FEMA ICS-205 form).

*Keep your mobile devices and cell phones charged up.

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Stay safe peeps!

@rusnivek

#TBT to the Category 4 Hurricane Kevin (1991) #NatlPrep #Saffir #Simpson #Wind #Scale

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TBT to a Category 4 Hurricane Kevin from 1991.

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Whoa-Hurricane Kevin was quite strong.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. This scale estimates potential property damage. Hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous, however, and require preventative measures. In the western North Pacific, the term “super typhoon” is used for tropical cyclones with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph.

Category Sustained Winds Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
1 74-95 mph
64-82 kt
119-153 km/h		 Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
2 96-110 mph
83-95 kt
154-177 km/h		 Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
3
(major)		 111-129 mph
96-112 kt
178-208 km/h		 Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4
(major)		 130-156 mph
113-136 kt
209-251 km/h		 Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5
(major)		 157 mph or higher
137 kt or higher
252 km/h or higher		 Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

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Hurricanes are unpredictable so get Ready by starting here for free!

@rusnivek

Double checking my weather radio for #NatlPrep #Hurricane

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Peeking into the third week of National Preparedness Month – this week is all about Hurricanes!

So to make sure we are all prepared, I double checked my weather radio yesterday.

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I’m Ready!

If you live in Ohio, don’t forget to program your weather radio with these specific frequencies.

Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.

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Third week in. Are you Ready?

@rusnivek

2015 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Winners

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2015 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award Winners

FEMA has announced the winners of the 2015 Individual and Community Preparedness Awards, recognizing the outstanding efforts of individuals, programs, and organizations throughout the country working to prepare their communities for emergencies.  These awards highlight innovative practices and campaigns that have made outstanding contributions toward making communities safer, better prepared, and more resilient. This year, FEMA asked applicants to highlight accomplishments that took place between January 1, 2014 and April 10, 2015.

“Effective emergency management requires commitment, teamwork and engagement by the entire community before disasters occur,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “I congratulate the individuals and organizations that embody these ideals. Through their hard work and dedication, they are making our nation stronger and safer.”

The 11 FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Award recipients will be recognized on September 8, 2015 in Washington, D.C. During the recognition ceremony, recipients will share their experiences, success stories, and lessons learned with fellow emergency management leaders.

A complete list of the recipients and the honorable mentions for each category is available at: http://www.ready.gov/citizen-corps/citizen-corps-awards. Award recipients by category are as follows:

  • Outstanding Citizen Corps Council Award: Ready New York, NYC Citizen Corps, NYC Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • Community Preparedness Heroes Award: Craig Wolfe and Northern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee Members
  • Awareness to Action Award: City of Henderson (Nevada) Get READY! Stay READY! Campaign
  • Technological Innovation Award: Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium, Geographic Information System/Information Technology Working Group
  • Outstanding Achievement in Youth Preparedness Award: Alabama Be Ready Camp
  • Fifth Annual Recipients of the John D. Solomon Whole Community Preparedness Award: Ready Montana Program and Spartanburg County Office of Emergency Management (South Carolina)
  • Outstanding Community Emergency Response Team Initiatives Award: Orange County, California Community Emergency Response Team Mutual Aid Program
  • Outstanding Citizen Corps Partner Program Award: New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps
  • Excellence in Volunteer Sustainability Award: City of Irvine Community Emergency Response Team (California)

Congratulations to all the award recipients and honorable mentions! You continue to make your communities and the Nation proud!

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Final FEMA review of the new social media courses #NDPTC

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I popped back-to-back-to-back social media classes last week in Sacramento, California.

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Participants from all over the west coast attended. Specifically for Thursday and Friday, FEMA reviewed our new curriculum courses. Yep, straight up evaluation. Not going to lie, I was pretty nervous.

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Ongoing for course design, I will make a few more additions/changes before courses are sent to the National Training and Exercise Division (NTED) for certification. Hoping for final approval in November 2015. Hope to hear the magical words “Federally published” as my course is listed in the DHS / FEMA Training catalog. Whoa Nellie!

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 For the classes? We had great interaction from all participants.

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Solid discussions during the breakout sessions included professionals from all Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) as well as experts from the National Weather Service (NWS), Critical Infrastructure, and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs), etc… Diverse groups make for the best discussions for sure!

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As part of our continued efforts in Emergency Management, it is imperative that we address issues from the All-Hazards approach and incorporate the support of our stakeholders in solutions.

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With heavy discussion, class participants had a great time engaging with others and using tools/techniques that are specific to the Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Directorates. Obviously, I showcased the importance of a good Public Information Officer (PIO) / Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and how their interaction in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) or the Joint Information Center/System (JIC/JIS) is imperative to a successful emergency or disaster.

Also, starting to build an online learning library that can be easily accessed from anywhere using the #NDPTC is always good reference. Free. My favorite F-word.

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Special mahalos to fellow Instructors Cheryl and MaryJo in the delivery of these courses.

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Also the solid smiles from fellow #SMEM Jennifer and Scott was crucial support on this delivery.

Glad to be working with partners like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). Truly great to see everyone working collaboratively. Thanks to the Sacramento County Emergency Management for hosting these courses.

Looking forward to the next class at the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) conference in Clark County, Nevada. See you there!

@rusnivek

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

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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.

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Weekly themes will be done according to these identified topics:

  • Week 1:  September 1-5th            Flood
  • Week 2:  September 6-12th          Wildfire
  • Week 3:  September 13-19th        Hurricane
  • Week 4:  September 14-26th        Power Outage
  • Week 5:  September 27-30th        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

Preparedness can be funny AND informative

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There are times when preparedness messaging needs to make people smile. Take this lion…

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Got the point across? Did it make you smile? Or roar? Either way, it caught your attention.

Yeah, it would be easy to post this image from the National Weather Service (NWS)…

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…because gets the job done. But which one grabs your attention?

The answer is both.

However, by taking a few seconds to create this meme, we as public safety can address an unreachable/uninterested population who enjoys humor and likes animals. Rawr.

Soooooo, it is imperative that we constantly explore and outreach to audiences with creative safety messages. As professionals, we should always explore new avenues and bridge gaps.

Yes, preparedness can be funny AND informative.

@rusnivek