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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Important parts of my emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 15, 2014 by rusnivek

Starting out the third week in the 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Monday morning with the most important stuff!

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

#15: Your essential emergency preparedness kit should include flashlights & a cell phone charger #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Today’s tip is an easy one – flashlights and phone charger. It takes 10 seconds to include them in your emergency preparedness kit. Do it now.

Also-it seems like we lose power so frequently…so don’t be left in the dark (see what I did there?).

Candles are dumb because you stand the possibility of burning your house down and killing your family. During an emergency, gas leaks are common. Obviously. Candles and a gas leak is a recipe for explosion. #Kaboom Soooooooooo DO NOT USE CANDLES.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs have grown and now the base layer includes WiFi and phone power. Consider having a charging cable that has the ability to plug into a wall receptacle/plug or a USB charging point.

@rusnivek

3 days of food per person for your emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 14, 2014 by rusnivek

The start of the third week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Starting this week out with the good stuff!

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

#14: Shelf stable foods (like MREs) for 3 days/person MUST be in your preparedness kit #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

MREs or Meals Ready to Eat are really the “gold standard” in preparedness efforts. Now, I know what you’re thinking….gold standard = delicious. However, that is furthest from the truth. They are not as delicious as you think.

It would be worth noting that each of these MREs pack a whopping 2,200 calories. The idea behind the high calorie count is that a person who is working at maximum capacity (at war) does not have time to casually sit and enjoy three different meals a day. In just one meal, the MRE has relatively enough calories to push you through the day with only one “sitting”.

My “favorites” include

Chicken and rice
Pork with rice in BBQ sauce
Spaghetti with Meat & sauce

My MRE I really try to avoid?

Chicken Ala King
Beef Stew
Tuna with noodles

If you have never opened or used an MRE before, it would behoove you to do so before a disaster. For starters, there is a heating pack to warm your main entrée up (aka Flameless ration heater). This does require water for the thermal reaction to take place.

Also seasonings like tabasco sauce, Xylitol chewing gum, and a moist towelette are considered to be the most sought after pieces of each MRE. Use/trade them sparingly.

If you decide to go an alternate route and purchase a heater meal type or a bunch of Vienna sausage, make sure you try these products out before you have to use them during an emergency. Know your emergency supplies and rotate them out regularly.

Gaaahhhhh! So many things to remember, but if you start out simple and check your food for three days per person…you’ll have your kit ready and be better prepared for an emergency.

@rusnivek

A list of religious agencies involved in post disaster support #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 13, 2014 by rusnivek

Ahhh, the smell of Saturday…in the last day of the second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Finishing strong in week-2!

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

#13: Plan with religious agencies to support recovery efforts after a disaster. Keep an updated list at the ready. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Now, I’m not much of a church guy…however you don’t need to be religious to realize these services exist. It would be well worth your time to learn what groups are active and which ones could support your recovery efforts after a big disaster.

So keep a current list with names and phone numbers of groups who are active in disaster recovery. As an example:

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart who respond to the needs of those who are poor, isolated, marginalized or without hope.
The Southern Baptist group does a great meal service for those affected by disasters.
The Lutheran Church provides great immigration and refugee services.
The Mennonite Disaster Service does some solid work in cleanup, repair, and rebuilding homes.

And if you don’t use them, maybe your neighbors could utilize their services.

All planning should force you to think outside-the-box when addressing unmet needs. All of these groups are a vital part of our All-Hazards response in rebuilding every community post-disaster.

@rusnivek

Finding alternative solutions to charge your stuff…w/ a 9-volt battery #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 12, 2014 by rusnivek

TGI-Friday in this second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

What a week!

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

#12: Finding alternative solutions to charge your cell phone…like charging it with a simple 9-volt battery (video) #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

All you need is your phone, cig plug cable, 9-volt battery, and a simple key.

MacGyver your stuff up!

By learning alternate ways to deal with power problems, you can easily have uninterrupted cell phone service and power while staying in close communications with your family.

So be creative peeps…and go and find a few 9-volt batteries and test this out.

@rusnivek

Support your local emergency services who are the backbone of every community in America #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 11, 2014 by rusnivek

Solemn day in this second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

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

#11: Support your local emergency services who are the backbone of every community in America #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Do it….Get to know your local emergency services.

For those of you who have written plans, please share them with your local emergency services. Take your kids to the Fire Stations, Police Stations, and EMS Stations…teach them the importance of these essential services who will be first on the scene during an emergency.

Teach your kids how to call 9-1-1. Teach them that help will always be there.

And yes, it is your steadfast preparedness efforts that greatly contribute to the readiness of the US.

So take a moment today to reflect on one of the worst terrorist attacks in the history of the US. As a country, we will never stray from the freedoms that allow us to be the home of the brave.

I have sad, but great memories of my time at Ground Zero.

I’m honored to have been a part of this effort at the WTC.

I witnessed the resolve and resilience of everyone in New York City and across this great nation. This fierce American spirit should remind each of us of the importance of our disaster work we do every day.

I believe everyone in the world can remember what they were doing when they heard the news of the attacks in 2001. And now more than ever, we must take the steps to ensure our freedoms continue to ring for every single American.

Please honor those Firefighters and countless other heroes who have given their lives for our great nation.

Never give up. Never forget.

@rusnivek

Planning alternate travel routes to avoid adverse weather #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 9, 2014 by rusnivek

Mowing this week down as we are almost to the middle of the second week in 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Terriffic Tuesdays are here!

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

#9: When planning alternate routes for work or evacuation, factor in adverse weather conditions #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

By carefully planning your routes, you can prepare you and your family for adverse weather before it rolls in. Additionally, the use of your NOAA NWS Weather Radio to avoid bad weather will help you safely navigate to your destination in a timely fashion. Consider printing out maps w/ clearly defined routes for everyone in your family.

You do NOT want to mess with Mother Nature – so plan your routes accordingly and drive them often so you aren’t surprised by major/minor construction. Make sure you and your family are safe!

“Planning is everything.” – US President Dwight D Eisenhower.

@rusnivek

Various free classes on disaster preparedness #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 8, 2014 by rusnivek

Solid Monday here as we lead into the second week of 2014 National Preparedness Month!

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

No Mundays here!

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

#8: Do not be afraid to attend ongoing free training classes on preparedness
#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Your local, state, and Federal Emergency Managers are always providing free classes on preparedness and what to do during/after a disaster.

In a few of these courses, your local emergency officials help review your plans for specific items needed after a disaster. As an example, if you live in Ohio, you’d want to have warm blankets, mittens, etc….for your vehicle preparedness kit – esp during the cold winter right? Plan for your specific needs!

So taking classes…totally important right?!?

In fact, I’m sitting in a class today in FEMA Region-III (Maryland).

(Shhhhh! I’m trying to pay attention)

Life long learning peeps!

@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