Ding.

Time to get my disaster face on.
HQ, I copy the demob orders from Texas and Puerto Rico.
I also copy the new deployment orders for Florida.
FEMA Administrator Brock Long made a poignant statement about his employees today in the NY Times:
“…this is what we train for” – FEMA Administrator Brock Long

Brock Long, center, at a briefing on Hurricane Harvey relief efforts with President Trump and local organizations in Corpus Christi, Tex., last week. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times
Yes sir, we train all the time.

Many instructors across this nation can attest the long hours we spend providing training for hundreds of thousands of our all-hazards public safety professionals from all walks of life.
This is truly what we train for.
People often ask me about my backpack and what I carry in there all the time. Many inquire about the large locking carabiner on the top grab handle.
Plan to include several carabiners that will allow you to hang your important items up and away from flood waters. #NatlPrep

I always keep my important documents (like copies of insurance cards, family communications plan, and out of state contacts) away from flood/wet areas. The carabiner allows me to hang my bag anywhere so my important documents never get wet.

My important documents are off the floor in the bathroom!
When putting together your kit, always include carabiners as they are multi-functional.

Another pro tip: Do NOT get a cheap carabiner, get sturdy rugged carabiners.
All month long, free preparedness tips for National Preparedness Month!
Welcome to another solid start of Ohio EMA’s G-235: Emergency Planning course!

Thank you to Ashtabula County EMA for hosting this class for participants from three different FEMA regions. Here’s Ashtabula County EMA Deputy Director Tim Settles welcoming message to all our participants.

I immediately started involving them on identifying solid planning system characteristics.

Great discussion among Fire representatives, Emergency Management, and Red Cross professionals.

Additionally, CERT and HAM radio operators’ involvement was critical in plan writing as they will be testing/using those annexes.

Team leads from the Ohio National Guard / 52nd Civil Support Unit attended and worked closely with leadership from local/county EMAs.

Outstanding first day of class!
Before you hear “I got a headache!!!!!” – everyone should have planned to keep extra medications in their emergency preparedness kit. And I know, you got the case of the MUNDAYS – so for sure we might have a few headaches.So make sure your planning includes extra medications for everyone in your family.
Make a medications list and plan to maintain an extra 3-5 days of your meds in your emergency preparedness kit. #NatlPrep

Never know when you might have to use some meds.

For more great preparedness tips, check out my friends at www.ready.gov
Be safe and PlanAhead!
Welp, Saturday plans will have to look slightly different now.

Better mount up as I *think this is for Texas.

Well, I don’t *think I’m going to need my tie, but definitely my best pair of boots.
Incident Management: External Affairs Media Relations Spc…aka PIO!
Along with #Harvey – I spy with my right eye, #Hurricane #Irma