Soooo, I’ll be in Washington DC next week…

A quick update on next week’s trip to Washington DC aka my official invite to the White House…
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I have been invited by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and The National Security Council (NSC) to attend the White House Innovation for Disaster Response and Recovery Initiative on Tuesday July 29, 2014. Workshops in the morning and the event in the afternoon (Social Media, User-Centered Designs, and Predictive Analytics).
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Additionally, I’ll be taking in a few other meetings with response and preparedness agencies including DoD, DHS, and FEMA. Alphabet soup gang huh?
Am I nervous? Yep. I’m just hoping I don’t throw up on important people.
I’m totes excited.
Suit up!

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Event: White House Innovation for Disaster Response and Recovery Initiative on Tuesday July 29, 2014
This event will bring together technologists, entrepreneurs, and members of the disaster response community to showcase tools that will make a tangible impact in the lives of survivors of large-scale emergencies. The White House Innovation for Disaster Response and Recovery Initiative was first launched by the Administration in the wake of Hurricane Sandy to find the most effective ways technology can empower survivors, first responders, and local, state, tribal, territorial, and Federal government with critical information and resources.
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Teaching in Florida today and tomorrow…

Teaching two classes on Social Media/Public Information Officer stuff today and tomorrow at the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) conference in beautiful Daytona Beach.

FEPA was created in 1957 to help professional Emergency Managers work to protect the people of Florida. I’m sure glad to see SO many different types of EM professionals from various backgrounds and different organizations.

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Any of my FL peeps want to #Tweetup ?

@rusnivek

Training with the Department of Emergency Management in Florida

Got a chance to meet and talk serious DHS/FEMA Emergency Management training today with the State of Florida Department of Emergency Management Director Bryan Koon and Osceola County Emergency Management Director Richard Collins.

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Just happy to spend a quick week in central Florida region.

Additionally, the central Florida region emergency management professionals are doing a solid job working together with their approach in all-hazards prevention, response, and recovery.

@rusnivek

I predict, these things will become more prolific… #Preparedness

I predict, these things will become more prolific…

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Solid idea, low-cost, high visibility, easy deployment, and most importantly, an incredible resource during a disaster.

Imagine the possibilities…

@rusnivek

Zombies? Godzilla? But not a lobster assault! #Preparedness

I thought I was worried about zombie attacks or a Godzilla invasion. I didn’t plan for a lobster assault…

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Clearly, I haven’t taken the Independent Study online class for Lobster Assault Response and Recovery…yet.

@rusnivek

Firefighter on Truck Company rescues cat from house fire

It’s Friday…and I bet it’s been quite a week for everyone.

We all need a few moments of hope and smiles for this weekend.

Fresno Firefighter Cory Kalanick chalks another one in the save column with this interior rescue effort using a GoPro Camera.

Even if you don’t like cats (or kitten savers), you just gotta love it.

Way to go Brother.

Best. Job. In. The. World.

@rusnivek

Make a video + announce resignation = bad idea

If you quit your job like this…

…just make sure you are ready for equal or greater retaliation.

Because that’s not the time to find out your boss’ response was funnier and genius.

Jeez.

Lesson learned: Don’t be a flamboyant nutbag when you quit your job.

@rusnivek

Remembering September 11th #September11 #NeverForget

I remember it clearly on September 11, 2001. I received a call from Cleveland Hopkins Airport Officials notifying me that Cleveland Center – Air Traffic Control (ATC) has identified United Airlines Flight-93. UAL Flight-93 was making the turn over Cleveland airspace…

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Since the September 11th attacks, we have seen exceptional models of response and preparedness all around us. We will remember the heroism and dedicate our commitment to preparedness for thousands of people under our protection.

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Remember those lost.

Honor those who saved.

Continued vigilance is only path to our American Freedoms.

@rusnivek