Tag Archives: September

September 11th 2020 – 19 years later.

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As we reflect on one of the darkest days in our country’s history, we remain thankful for the sacrifices and determination of everyone involved.

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2001 was almost two decades ago. Whoa.

Many have asked what I was doing on September 11th. You can read about it here.

Proud to have worked to support FDNY after the attacks primarily serving at 44 Engine in Midtown Manhattan.

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We dug at the pit but sad that our crew didn’t find a body to return to the families that lost everything.

Regardless of time, all Firefighters are proud to honor each of the fallen.

My 343 Brother Firefighters who died in the line of duty will never be forgotten.

Sign at FDNY Engine 10 Ladder 10 house "FDNY WAY, WAY BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY"

Tacked on the wall at 10s house

Fast forward to 2020, and we’re all having a rough year. But we as a nation must come together.

While it seems bad right now, we will persevere and overcome these challenges.

We will recover and rebuild because we’ve done it before. Trust me, I’ve been in One World Trade and it’s wonderful in there. Special thanks to my friends at FEMA Region II.

Delia and Kevin at FEMA Region-2

Thanks to Delia and the crew at FEMA Region-2!

…and the views was spectacular.

View of the Hudson River looking east from One World Trade Center

Statue of Liberty (south view) from One World Trade.

The view of West Street (north view) from One World Trade.

However, we will never forget the sacrifices heroes have paid for these freedoms we enjoy. At the base, of One World Trade sits the daily reminder – two incredible tributes to the victims of the September 11th attacks from the former WTCs.

Part of the September 11th Memorial in NYC.

Our colors don’t run. Our fight for freedom will will never waiver.

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We has never been shy about being in front and fighting for what’s right. As you know, our nation has gone to the ends of the earth to ensure safety…and we hope to continue this Herculean effort to protect freedoms for decades to come.

“…and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity…”

America the beautiful, my home of the brave.

@rusnivek

Bridges are out…now whut? #NatlPrep

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As we near the end of the first week, we should also consider our planning and look at evacuation routes. As far as things go, most major routes should be open esp in emergency to allow for those who need to egress to GTFO of there right?!?

While in perfect situations, this would be the case. But lately, we’ve had some challenging situations across the nation that leads me to believe we may not have the option to evacuate safety out of the city.

While most days, all the bridges are down in Chicago.

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However the City of Chicago has had some bad luck and was forced to pop the bridges to curtail silly behavior at night.

With almost all the bridges up, that makes travel through the loop a bit more complex and challenging esp when things happen last minute and late at night.

To help deal with these challenging situations, subscribing to the mass notification systems would provide additional information on which roads are closed but amidst the ruckus, perhaps planning alternate routes out of your location would be best.

Easier said than done but necessary when faced with pressures of the safety of yourself and your family.

While it doesn’t have to be a straight shot out, you can exercise various options on how to exit your location and safely rondevous with loved ones in other places.

Remember, plan at least two alternate routes of egress from your location and try your hardest to reduce the amount of complexity after a disaster/emergency.

As always, remain vigilant and make sure you and your family are safe by planning now.

Reporting live on AlohaFriday…

@rusnivek

How I find out the latest deets on stuff #NatlPrep

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Since this is only the second day of 2020 National Preparedness month, we needed to focus in on your plans before, during, and after an emergency.

On the regular, I get TONS of calls/inquiries from people trying to figure out what’s going on. Many of our friends/families can glean this same info I get from the mass notification systems already in place.

The City of Chicago (IL) Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) has an easy system called NotifyChicago.

By inputting your information and particular way to be contacted, you can get the most up-to-date information about any part of the city. This includes warnings, hazards, and of course major street closures due to riots, protests, or other weird things that happen in Chicago. Choosing to be notified via text message ensures that no matter where you are, you can be alerted to dangers in your area 24/7. Subscribe for free here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem/provdrs/alertchicago/svcs/notifychicago.html

At the county level, DuPage County (IL) Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM) uses the Smart911 system which is a mass notification system to alert anyone on issues at the county level.

This could include severe weather, road closures, as well as critical information for anyone living/working in the area. You can sign up here: https://www.smart911.com/

From the region:

I rely heavily on our partners from the National Weather Service. While not the primary way, I think their social media work on Twitter is excellent and pull lots of info from them using the alert feature (notifications on) function on Twitter.

Consider following Mike Bardou and the crew from the NWS Chicago or follow your own local NWS office for immediate weather info. There are 122 Weather Forecasting Offices across our great nation.

More details can be found here: https://www.weather.gov/srh/nwsoffices

And finally, with the amount of info and the onslaught of information being pushed to our mobile devices, it’s good to know that IF it’s too much, you can always unsubscribe to any these services.

IF you have family in other parts of the country, consider subscribing to their area notifications. Doesn’t hurt to help a loved one out as they maybe be too busy, sleeping, or incapable of understanding the severity of their situation. More on that tomorrow.

Keep it safe during this first week of National Preparedness Month by making your plan!

@rusnivek

September 11th – 17 years later

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Every year, I share one picture from September 11.

I took this particular picture because it is the home of Engine-10 and Ladder-10 who’s station sits in the shadow of the former World Trade Center. Yes, that’s right – directly next to the World Trade Center.

I remember digging at the pile with my fellow FDNY Brother Firefighters in the pile searching for something. I really wish we had found something significant to give to any family member. When I look back, I struggle with that particular memory.

So take some time out of your day to think about Firefighters and others who lost their lives on that day. No doubt, America continues to heal 17 years later.

Also, 2018, take some time to think about those public safety pros headed into harms way to ensure safety for those in the path of so many deadly hurricanes.

Yes, we will never forget the sacrifices.

We will always continue to fight the good fight.

America the beautiful, my home of the brave.

@rusnivek

A free app with preparedness info? #NatlPrep #EmergencyManagement

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So many state emergency management agencies have apps that can help you prepare. Here’s a fine example of the @scemd app that has tons of #preparedness info on #hurricane #nuclear #winter #snow #thunderstorm #wildfire #flooding #thunder #tornado #safety

No matter what part of the country you reside or work, be better prepared with these kinds of free apps available to anyone.

#FREE #NATLPREP

So many free things you can do to better prepare yourself for an emergency or disaster.

@rusnivek

The start of 2018 National Preparedness Month! #NatlPrep

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Guess what day it is……September 1st – the start of National Preparedness Month!

Follow along for a bunch of preparedness things you can do to for you, your family, and your friends.

Additionally, I’ll share a bunch of other posts from the home agency too!

#NatlPrep

@rusnivek

#NatlPrep and a busy September 2018

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It’s amazing to thing that August blew by and it’s already September!

First week kicks off National Preparedness month where countless public safety professionals will talk about well….preparedness efforts across our great country. AWESOME!!! Totes my favorite month! Additionally, I will be teaching the Basic PIO and JIC/JIS Course. You think I’ll work in a few preparedness things? You know it!

Second week is the full scale exercise involving local, county, state, Federal, USCG, and DoD assets. I will likely oversee the magic in the JIC as I will be serving as the PIO SME.

Third week will be the final week of my Master Public Information Officer class at FEMA Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg. Whohoo!!!!!

Fourth week will be planning for upcoming ICS-300 and ICS-400 courses as well as a few supplemental courses for our public works team (ESF-3).

Maybe there will be a moment for respite in October. Maybe.

@rusnivek

My Dad saved our neighbor #NatlPrep

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Plan for your family and neighbors? Absolutely!

Always check on your neighbors and make sure they are OK. You never know when you are going to have to save a life. #NatlPrep

Proud Father moment…about my own Dad. You see, he saved our neighbor’s life. Like for reals.

A few weeks ago, while my Father and our family’s dog (Buster) were out in the back yard, they noticed our elderly neighbor face-down in the yard. Not knowing the situation, my Father jumped the fence and rendered immediate medical care, called 9-1-1, and helped guide the HFD Engine and C&C Ambulance to the patient.

My Dad being shy, would easily be the first one to shrug it off and downplay his actions. But it’s really small things like this that make a difference in the lives of so many.

It is in my opinion that if my Father did not jump the fence and immediately rendered aid, our neighbor would have surely died. Now, our neighbors have more time to spend with their entire family together. So I cannot stress enough the importance of doing extraordinary stuff for people…like your neighbors.

This whole week, we have focused on doing things for others. On this #AlohaFriday, I’d like you to keep my Father’s actions in mind as you do the same for your neighbors.

I am so proud of my Dad.

@rusnivek

 

 

 

#PlanAhead for better food options in your emergency preparedness kit #NatlPrep

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Accounting and preparing your food for three days per person seems easy, but you’ll have to do better nutrition planning than just cans of vienna sausage and cup-o-noodles.

Make sure you PlanAhead for your favorite #MRE in your emergency preparedness kit otherwise you will have an unsavory disaster. #NatlPrep

MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) is a great resource for your kit. Plan accordingly as you should find the right flavor that meets your needs. There are various flavors now including (vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, etc…)

IMHO, hot sauce/sriracha is still critically important.

Choose wisely and improve your chances during a disaster.

For more tips, check out http://www.ready.gov

#PlanAhead for your emergency food supply!

@rusnivek