It’s Monday…but I think I found my favorite MRE.

Special thanks to my peeps at DHS/FEMA USAR Ohio Task Force-1.
It’s Monday…but I think I found my favorite MRE.

Special thanks to my peeps at DHS/FEMA USAR Ohio Task Force-1.
This must be a record. I’ve had a ton of requests about my exact emergency pancho housed in my GoKit.

(Coin to be used for packed sized comparison)
And if you are going to ask, I believe I look as sexy as the model pictured.
Can’t imagine a better place to be for 2016 National Preparedness Month…than in Washington DC!!!!!

Yep, spending time at HQ shoring a few things up with External Affairs.
Don’t worry, I wore a suit.
My afternoon was spent at the Pentagon.

Great to see old friends there.
Also proud to see Ready.Gov and FEMA External Affairs touting preparedness to peeps who work IN the Pentagon too.

I am fortunate to spend time here with people who are passionate about preparedness.

It’s still the third week of 2016 National Preparedness Month!
Trust me, you don’t need to wait for the earthquakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven (to) shake – just attend a few classes with local emergency management.

Don’t get frustrated…Preparedness is easy!
But seriously.
These classes can help better prepare you for many natural disasters, hazards, and/or common emergencies.

At the very least, they can detail what kind of actions will be taken by first responders in the response phase of the disaster.
In today’s class, we had a spirited discussion about MREs and preparedness kits. Even first responders and their respective families need emergency preparedness kits too.
Most of these short classes or day-long trainings are often free and scheduled well in advance. And if you can’t attend in-person trainings, there are many online classes available for no-cost on preparedness.

Yep, you guessed it, straight up good old networking with so many public safety pros.

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Third solid week of 2016 National Preparedness Month! This week, we honor and celebrate all of our all-hazards first responder who serve tirelessly throughout the country.

Every day, thousands of first responders (paid and volunteer) put it all on the line for the general public we know and people we don’t know. Day or night, countless individuals respond to the call and make a difference in each community.

In your community, support your local Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement agencies as they work tirelessly to provide safety for all communities big and small.

“Don’t wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Here’s an easy Saturday plan – take a few moments to have your Family Emergency Communications Plan in hard copy, saved on laptop/tablet, and of course on your smart phone enabled device.

By having multiple backup copies of your Family Emergency Communications Plan, you can be assured that during an evacuation, you’ll have instant access to it for use by any member of your family.
Nice work! Now, it’s Saturday! Get out there and have some fun!

But do it safely and responsibly.

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Still the second week of 2016 National Preparedness Month and hey you – I see you!

This week, we are focusing on helping family complete their family emergency communications plan. That’s right – go and help your Grandfather and/or Grandmother out!

Helping everyone in your family can better prepare them for a disaster or emergency.

Be a good Grandson or Granddaughter and help out now. Don’t hesitate.

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Happy National Preparedness month! The focus during this second week is on preparing friends and family for different emergencies.

Showcasing the skills of local first responders are incredibly important to adults AND kids. And sharing important information (like a Family Emergency Communications Plan) with first responders is critical.

National Preparedness Month that promotes creating family emergency communications plans.
Often times, we overlook explaining what actually happens during an emergency.

So take the time to explain to your kids that during an emergency, ALL first responders are there to help. And of course, don’t forget to teach your children to dial 9-1-1.

Reminder: When teaching children to call 9-1-1, do not verbally say “Nine-Eleven” as there is not an eleven button on the phone.
Do it today!

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”
Seriously, do you memorize all your phone numbers? Chances are, you don’t.

So stop goofing around on this holiday and create your family emergency communications plan here.
For those who have heard me talk about my own plan, I use ubiquitous NIMS ICS-205 form. #NIMS #ICS #FTW

Who’s embracing ICS now?

But seriously, take a few moments to plan for the safety of your family with your Family Emergency Communications Plan.

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”