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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Only three in April right?

Posted on April 7, 2016 by rusnivek

April has arrived like a wrecking ball, so sorry about the 7-day delay in posting my April schedule.

First week, I’ll be getting back from instructing in Colorado (Region-8). Also, I’m launching my own clothing line. Heh.

Second week, I’ll be teaching social media in Cincinnati at the Regional Operations Center aka TheROC (Region-5).

Third week, I’ll be in Nebraska presenting on social media and crisis communications (Region-7).

Fourth week, I’ll be in Michigan supporting the US Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety Canada with a bunch of seminars, a few EOC workshops, and then culminating with a TableTop Exercise (TTE). Bring your best ICS forms because we are repping the Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) action in the hizzouse! (Region-5).

Fifth week is still not exactly defined. Likely, I will be in a “ready status” #mylife amiright?

Also, I am hoping that April gets warmer too.

fema_regional_map

@rusnivek

Thanks to my new peeps in Region-8 #Colorado

Posted on March 31, 2016 by rusnivek

Thanks to Colorado and my new Region-8 peeps!

I had a great time at the State Emergency Operations Center and look forward to seeing many of you in a disaster. Yeah, that sounds weird to say huh?

My first time in Region-8 = AWESOME.

Mahalos!

@rusnivek

2016 South Carolina Business Disaster Recovery Symposium – final thoughts and thanks

Posted on February 6, 2016 by rusnivek

Last week, I had the chance to present in front of the leaders of South Carolina in Myrtle Beach at the 2016 South Carolina Business Disaster Recovery Symposium.

It was a packed house! (Photo credit: A. Hardin)

It is outstanding to see everyone, especially private industry building partnerships with governmental agencies. I talked a ton about the use of social media and communications.

Just me, standing on chairs dancing away.

Of course all the news media was there too…

WMBF News (NBC Affiliate)

PIO interview skills in 3…2…1…

“We must work in tandem with our partners in public safety…” (Photo credit: A. Hardin)

And the reporter?

Trust me, the WPDE (ABC affiliate) News reporter Liz Cooper was hilarious. (Photo credit: A. Hardin)

At this Symposium, not only were they talking about preparedness…

Gahhhh, I love preparedness! My favorite month is……. (Photo credit: A. Hardin)

…we talked a ton about response and RECOVERY!

Because it isn’t as sexy, the recovery phase in Emergency Management does not have the same visibility when compared to the Preparedness phase or the Response phase. So this symposium is a perfect opportunity to showcase some messaging and how communications needs to be an integral part of any government or private business during recovery.

And when the Horry County Office of Emergency Management deems your presentation “on fleek” – *swoon*

Mahalos Brooke!

Many thanks to the team at the City of Myrtle Beach. Special Alohas to EM Rockstar Allison and Senior Planner Diane for the invite.

Preaching the good word about Disaster Recovery in South Carolina!

Looking forward to next year!

@rusnivek

Presenting to senior leadership

Posted on January 27, 2016 by rusnivek

Big day presenting to senior leadership and operations.

DHS – FEMA – NDPC

Best behavior indeed!

Reporting live from Region-6!

@rusnivek

Beautiful day in R4

Posted on December 8, 2015 by rusnivek

Beautiful day in Region-4!

@rusnivek

Guess who is going back to Kentucky

Posted on December 3, 2015 by rusnivek

Guess who’s going to be back in Kentucky next week…

Hope to see you at the Metcalf County Emergency Management Agency.

Be there!

@rusnivek

December final classes and special detail for big CLE event

Posted on December 1, 2015 by rusnivek

After a decent November, December looks to close out the year with a few classes and one big event planned.

In the first week, I’ll be doing a few local classes in Ohio so Region-5 baby!

Second week, I’ll be headed back to Kentucky for some Emergency Management training! Back in Region-4!

The first part of the third week, I have a few classes in Michigan (back in Region-5 baby!). Last half of the week, I’ve been assigned a special CPD detail for an extraordinary Make-A-Wish Foundation event. With so much bad news lately, I can’t wait for this huge event as it will be very special for all of NE Ohio.

And during the fourth and fifth week of December, I will likely head back to Illinois and HQ to close out class schedules and logistics for the year.

fema_regional_map

Peeking into 2016, I’m dreading January’s five different region schedule.

@rusnivek

Whoa-Winter Weather Wednesday in New Hampshire

Posted on November 18, 2015 by rusnivek

Following the 2015 New Hampshire Winter Weather Awareness Week push, I’m here in FEMA Region-I training our all-hazards public safety providers in various emergency management courses.

Today is FEMA/NDPTC’s new Winter Weather Hazards Science and Preparedness class.

Presenting with a few fellow Emergency Management pros and Meteorologists today!

Reporting live from the State of New Hampshire Fire/EMS Academy…

@rusnivek

Building new relationships on a Tuesday #NatlPrep

Posted on September 29, 2015 by rusnivek

The last Tuesday in the 2015 National Preparedness Month!

Today, look to building new relationships.

Normally, we don’t look outside the realm of daily public safety. It’s easy to talk to Fire/EMS, Law Enforcement, or Public Works Professionals. However, new discussion needs to happen between individuals who can support our mission goals or some unmet needs.

Faith-based organizations are great groups to explore new activities to support your community. In varying degrees, faith-based organizations have the capabilities to support disaster response and recovery operations with food, shelter, and supportive measures. But again, the key is to open discussions BEFORE a disaster so you can evaluate their capability.

Additionally, talk to your local politicians…esp if they are an active part of your Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). These civic-minded individuals have most likely gone through additional preparedness training and can be a great resource for anyone.

Trust me, these are the kinds of people you want to be in close contact with before, during, or after an emergency/disaster.

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

Get to know some new local peeps!

Tuesday is here – so get prepared by clicking here.

@rusnivek

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