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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

Providing oversight on today’s US DHS and PS Canada International Exercise #Cause4 #CauseIV

Posted on April 27, 2016 by rusnivek

I was requested to support the Department of Homeland Security’s 2016 Science and Technology Cause-4 International Exercise between the United States and Canada today.

United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Public Safety Canada. Yep-international baby!!!!!

But crossing borders is more difficult than you think – esp when dealing with patient privacy, tactical operations, and coordinating efforts amongst ultra type-A personalities.

This is why training and exercising is so crucial to agencies who want to make a different in their communities they serve. This is also why Emergency Management is ideally a solid coordinating entity for this type of response.

In this particular international exercise, emergency response agencies are testing EMS response, transport information, sharing actionable data, social media, and a whole lots others stuff.

I’m just glad to be a small part of the work by so many people and agencies.

I am convinced that through joint exercises, we can build stronger core agencies and be better responsive to emerging threats and hazards.

“It is imperative that we enhance our all-hazards public safety partnerships.” – Kevin Sur.

@rusnivek

I like the mountains…

Posted on March 28, 2016 by rusnivek

I like the mountains…I like the clear blue skies…

Reporting live from the State of Colorado Emergency Operations Center…

@rusnivek

Today is National Preparedness Day! #NatlPrep

Posted on September 30, 2015 by rusnivek

Ahhhhh, the last day of 2015 National Preparedness Month – THAT MEANS TODAY IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS DAY!!!!

Oh Yeah – You did it!

I know many of you have shared your tips and preparedness efforts with countless others. I am confident that your shared knowledge will pay off as we better prepare our fellow Americans for any disaster or emergency.

Thanks to all of our active partners in public safety. From the Locals to State to Federal partners who have made this month so successful – thank you!

Thank you to my agencies who have allowed me to share my preparedness tips with you.

I only wonder what will 2016 preparedness bring? Hmmm. Here’s a hint…

…and a little of this…

…and definitely more of this.

Who’s excited? <SQUIRREL!>

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

Whew-I am so glad that many of you have decided to participate in this month’s activities. Keep in mind that you have 11 more months to address your public in finding ways to be better prepared in a disaster. Planning for the 2016 National Preparedness Month will begin shortly.

As always, start your peeps off right by sending them here.

@rusnivek

Final FEMA review of the new social media courses #NDPTC

Posted on August 14, 2015 by rusnivek

I popped back-to-back-to-back social media classes last week in Sacramento, California.

Participants from all over the west coast attended. Specifically for Thursday and Friday, FEMA reviewed our new curriculum courses. Yep, straight up evaluation. Not going to lie, I was pretty nervous.

Ongoing for course design, I will make a few more additions/changes before courses are sent to the National Training and Exercise Division (NTED) for certification. Hoping for final approval in November 2015. Hope to hear the magical words “Federally published” as my course is listed in the DHS / FEMA Training catalog. Whoa Nellie!

For the classes? We had great interaction from all participants.

Solid discussions during the breakout sessions included professionals from all Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) as well as experts from the National Weather Service (NWS), Critical Infrastructure, and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOADs), etc… Diverse groups make for the best discussions for sure!

As part of our continued efforts in Emergency Management, it is imperative that we address issues from the All-Hazards approach and incorporate the support of our stakeholders in solutions.

With heavy discussion, class participants had a great time engaging with others and using tools/techniques that are specific to the Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Directorates. Obviously, I showcased the importance of a good Public Information Officer (PIO) / Public Affairs Officer (PAO) and how their interaction in the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) or the Joint Information Center/System (JIC/JIS) is imperative to a successful emergency or disaster.

Also, starting to build an online learning library that can be easily accessed from anywhere using the #NDPTC is always good reference. Free. My favorite F-word.

Special mahalos to fellow Instructors Cheryl and MaryJo in the delivery of these courses.

Also the solid smiles from fellow #SMEM Jennifer and Scott was crucial support on this delivery.

Glad to be working with partners like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC), and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). Truly great to see everyone working collaboratively. Thanks to the Sacramento County Emergency Management for hosting these courses.

Looking forward to the next class at the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) conference in Clark County, Nevada. See you there!

@rusnivek

2015 Preparedness peeps and PIO planning

Posted on January 5, 2015 by rusnivek

For all my preparedness peeps and PIO planners out there…

Hope this makes your life tons easier.

Special thanks to the Ready.Gov team at FEMA!

@rusnivek

Starting out – NIMS and ICS online classes

Posted on October 27, 2014 by rusnivek

If you are getting started in taking a few National Incident Management System (NIMS) / Incident Command System (ICS) classes, you’ve come to the right place! Best part about the classes below? They are all online, available 24/7/365, and can be done for free.

Here’s a list of recommended Incident Command System (ICS) classes according to the 2008 requirements.

1. ICS-100.b: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)

2. ICS-700.a: National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

3. ICS-200.b: ICS for Single Resource and Initial Action Incidents

4. ICS-800.b: National Response Framework, An Introduction

After you complete the courses above, let me know so I can recommend the next steps in training.

BTW-You even get a certificate when you successfully complete the above class and post tests.

@rusnivek

Special visitors checking on our preparedness! #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 30, 2014 by rusnivek

It is Tuesday and the final day of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

National Preparedness Day!!!!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#30: Flat Stanley & Flat Stella stopped by the fire station to check out our emergency preparedness kits. #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

In honor of National Preparedness Day, we had two special visitors at our fire station. Flat Stanley and Flat Stella stopped by for a quick visit and tour.

They wanted to see if all Firefighters and Paramedics were participating and prepared as part of September’s 2014 National Preparedness Month which was held all month long.

Both Flat Stanley and Flat Stella checked our Emergency Preparedness Kit in Ladder-11.

Flat Stanley asked if we had enough water ready…

Of course we do!

Flat Stella asked to see our emergency contact list as well as my new smoke detector.

As you can see, our emergency contact information is contained in the Vial of Life Program. And smoke detectors are always free from the fire department.

Flat Stanley made sure these were fresh fire extinguishers and they were ready to go.

Both had an awesome chance to take a ride in BFD Ladder-11.

Special thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready.Gov program.

Also thanks to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FEMA’s Ready.Gov, Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS), Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA), and the Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency.

What a month! I’m proud of everyone who participated in National Preparedness Month and extremely happy that everyone is more prepared for any emergency or disaster.

@rusnivek

Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 29, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Monday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Ready…Set…Monday!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#29: Even Fire Trucks have emergency preparedness kits – you should too!#NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Coordinated a visit to the fire station today w/ Flat Stanley and Flat Stella. They check on our preparedness efforts at the station including checking our emergency preparedness kit! More pictures and details tomorrow.

Speaking of Tuesday September 30th…don’t forget, tomorrow is National Preparedness Day!

Post your great activities by using the #NatlPrep or #Prepared2014

Looking forward to seeing all of your emergency preparedness stuff!

@rusnivek

Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

Posted on September 28, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Sunday in the fifth and final week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

SundayFunday in the hizzouse!

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#28: Your vehicle preparedness kits and maintenance before winter hits #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Winter is just around the corner and many Meteorologists are predicting a brutal winter.

Check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.
Install good winter tires – Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.

Double check your emergency preparedness kit in all your vehicles with:

a shovel
windshield scraper and small broom
flashlight
battery-powered radio
extra batteries
water
snack food
matches
extra hats, socks and mittens
first aid kit with pocket knife
necessary medications
blanket(s)
tow chain or rope
road salt and sand
booster cables
emergency flares
fluorescent distress flag

Hope these tips help you prepare for your winter driving.

Don’t wait for the snow to hit first, be prepared.

Safe travels everyone!

@rusnivek

Sports heroes? Celebrities? Nope. These are the true heroes #NatlPrep #Prepared2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by rusnivek

It’s Saturday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.

“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”

Who’s watching football on TV?

This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency

#27: Sports heroes? Celebrities? Nope. But these heroes will always come through in an emergency #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1FZVB7AWBE

Share with your entire family today what a real hero is like. Share your emergency plans with your entire family.

Friday night lights? Saturday College Football? Sunday NFL? None of that matters.

Look, you may not be famous…

…or get paid zillions of dollars per minute. Who cares!

Your preparedness and planning efforts will come back ten-fold because it’s your family. Family is everything.

Be your family’s hero today.

@rusnivek