Coming in on @GCRTA for the #RNC2016 ? Here’s the #RNCINFO

Like me, are you using the Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority (GCRTA) to get to downtown Cleveland?

Here’s their map and information on their downtown stops.

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Also, you can subscribe FOR FREE to their Commuter Alerts program here.

I have found their social media team is very responsive to inquiries. Follow them on Twitter:  @GCRTA

BTW-If you happen to see me, say hi and let’s take a #selfie!

@rusnivek

 

My Dad started his Neighborhood Watch Program!

I’m proud of my Dad who setup his Neighborhood Watch Program.

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Dad has been planning this for months now and even posted signs to get everyone involved. Because inviting and talking with the entire neighborhood about safety related topics are the key points of the Neighborhood Watch program. Also, my Dad went big – he blocked off the entire cul-de-sac for his event!

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Honolulu Fire Station-30 (Engine-30 & Ladder-30) stopped by to share some safety tips and what to do during an emergency.

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Ladder-30 showcased their equipment for everyone to see.

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Talked about ventilation saws for trench cuts and vertical cuts for fires.

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Also talked about extrication tools and generators for car accidents and confined space rescue.

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All the kids in the neighborhood got a chance to try out the headsets used for communications in the apparatus.

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Honolulu Police stopped by too.

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Even a surprise flyby thanks to Honolulu Fire Air-1 Helicopter.

In the end, this kind of neighborhood program is truly the basis of a safer community.

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Education, particularly teaching kids during an emergency, how to call 9-1-1 is crucial to a safe community.

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My Dad volunteered to do this. Yep, not paid. Just doing his part to keep his neighborhood and community safe. LOVE IT!

There are many other volunteer programs showcased by DHS/FEMA’s awesome Ready.Gov campaign on safety. Just like my Dad, I volunteer too with my community’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) aka RH-CERT.

Whether you are a part of your own Neighborhood Watch Program, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Volunteers in Police Service (ViPS), Medical Reserve Corp (MRC), Fire Corps, Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs), etc…all of these civic based programs are so important to the fabric for the safety of our community across this great country.

So proud of my Dad!

@rusnivek

TEMS Operators are definitely #EMSStrong #EMSWeek2016

SWAT Medics aka Tactical EMS Operators have gained so much more prominence in daily operations.

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In its infancy, Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) was made up of a bunch of EMS pros from so many different backgrounds.

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These nuts.

These days, I’m glad to see my training has paid off and TEMS Operators are respected by their peers in the Fire/EMS Service, but as well as Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs).

Heck, even my friends at the FBI has many trained TEMS Operators.

Tactical EMS Operators (aka SWAT Medics) are a critical piece of a successful Emergency Medical Service operation.

Thank your local Tactical EMS pros for a job well done!

What is EMS Week?

Since President Gerald Ford first recognized EMS Week in 1973, communities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, survivors and EMS agencies spend a week every year in May recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. AROUND THE COUNTRY, EMS Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

2016 EMS Week: Sunday May 15 through Saturday May 21

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What is EMS Strong?

The EMS Strong campaign seeks to celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical services. Created by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS Strong brings together associations, EMS services, sponsors and national media to honor the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.

@rusnivek

68th MAST and Mercy-29 #WBW #EMSWeek2016 #EMSStrong

WBW (aka Way Back Wednesday) – because my First ambo ride was in Mercy-29.

Mad props to Ken and Andy.

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Also, for aeromedical evacuation, shout out to the MAST pros from the 68th Medical Detachment in Hawaii.

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Note: When I first started, they were still flying Hueys.

No matter the location, all EMS Professionals work hard 24/7 – and serve proudly in any community that calls.

Thank your local EMS Professionals for a job well done!

What is EMS Week?

Since President Gerald Ford first recognized EMS Week in 1973, communities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, survivors and EMS agencies spend a week every year in May recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. AROUND THE COUNTRY, EMS Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

2016 EMS Week: Sunday May 15 through Saturday May 21

emsweek

What is EMS Strong?

The EMS Strong campaign seeks to celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical services. Created by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS Strong brings together associations, EMS services, sponsors and national media to honor the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.

@rusnivek

A strong EF-1 tornado that hit Pepper Pike

Yes it is 2016 National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. Back in 2013, a strong EF-1 hit Pepper Pike (Cuyahoga County, Ohio) in 2013 at 3am.

Luckily, there were no deaths associated with this tornado. Trust me, the damage was unreal.

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Yikes is right. But now is the time to review your preparedness kits and double check your family communications plan.

On Wednesday 03-22-16 at 0950 EST, Ohio will have a statewide test of the tornado sirens. This is only a test.

Test your tornado plans by:

  • Taking shelter in a safe location on the lowest level of a sturdy building
  • Keeping an emergency first aid kit in your shelter location.
  • Having a copy of your family communications plans.
  • Putting on boots (for post tornado debris).

These simple tips could help you survive a tornado strike.

More weather info can be found 24/7 by my trusted partners at NWS-CLE.

I hope that you can participate in our statewide tornado drill tomorrow. #SafetySur #NatlPrep #OHWx #severeprep

@rusnivek

Happy 2016 #NationalWeatherPersonsDay

Happy 2016 National Weather Persons Day!

This year, my favorite Meteorologist is Brooke Bingaman from the NWS-Sacramento Office in California.

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@brookeBingaman and @rusnivek

She is an outstanding Meteorologist, rock solid social media peep, amazing presenter, and an extraordinary preparedness expert. Trust me peeps: Brooke. Is. Legit.

Follow her adventures as she’s doing some special event things for a big event this weekend.

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NWS in action!

BTW-My 2015 favorite Meteorologist Gary Garnet was just promoted as the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service Cleveland Office in Ohio. Well done Gary!

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Gary Garnet, NWS-Cleveland (Ohio)

Who is your favorite meteorologist?

Share your favorite Meteorologist on social media and celebrate National Weather Persons Day by using the #NationalWeatherPersonsDay !

@rusnivek

Top notch peeps from across the country in Texas

My social media class today…


Definitely one of the most diverse All-Hazard classes I had in a long while. Participants represented Emergency Management, Fusion Center, Public Works, Land & Natural Resources, Fire, Health Department, EMS, Private sector, HAZMAT, Police, Veteran’s Affairs, Intelligence, US Coast Guard PIAT, National Weather Service, CERT, and PIOs / PAOs.

Top notch peeps from across the country this week!


Special thanks to my old friend Houston Office of Emergency Management Melanie Manville for hosting this new #NDPTC class.

Many Mahalos.

@rusnivek

Are you violating Facebook’s Terms of Service? Safety-PIO-SM-15-004

15-004: Are you violating Facebook’s Terms of Service?
Agency: Various public safety agencies Topic(s):         Facebook organization page
Date: 07-31-15 Platform:        Facebook

Facebook has a wide audience and many public safety agencies have taken to Facebook to promote their efforts. However, many agencies have created the wrong type of account on Facebook.

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By creating your agency’s page as a person on Facebook, you are violating Facebook’s terms of service. And if you are going to ask, Facebook administration has the right to immediately delete everything. Yikes.

By registering your agency as an ORGANIZATIONAL PAGE, you can take advantage of Facebook’s analytics. This information is incredibly valuable as you evaluate who, what, at what time, and most importantly the how and why they are searching/visiting your agency’s organizational page.

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Facebook readily asks if you know people and displays their basic account information. Facebook’s goal is to increase your networks by showcasing people that are similar to you. If you happen to see one of your neighboring public safety agencies who may have incorrectly registered a Facebook personal account, take the time to inform them on changing their account from a personal page to an organizational page.

Likes? As an organization, can I like other pages? Yes, as an organizational page, you can like other agencies too. Through Facebook likes, you can showcase to your trusted network of similar public safety agencies.

Remember, social media is about how you can amplify your networks and positively engage your constituents. We are constantly strengthening our relationships with similar groups – all in the name of safety.

Look, we all need to be good stewards of our public safety brand. All Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) need to constantly support each other and help agencies who need some social media guidance.

By double checking your agency and your partner agencies.

  1. You can be compliant with Facebook’s Terms of Service agreement.
  2. You can ascertain detailed visitor demographics free from Facebook’s organizational analytical information.

Time is valuable, so post good stuff.

@rusnivek

To download the one-pager, click on the link here: Safety-PIO-SM-15-004-PersonalOrOrganizationalOnFacebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preparedness can be funny AND informative

There are times when preparedness messaging needs to make people smile. Take this lion…

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Got the point across? Did it make you smile? Or roar? Either way, it caught your attention.

Yeah, it would be easy to post this image from the National Weather Service (NWS)…

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…because gets the job done. But which one grabs your attention?

The answer is both.

However, by taking a few seconds to create this meme, we as public safety can address an unreachable/uninterested population who enjoys humor and likes animals. Rawr.

Soooooo, it is imperative that we constantly explore and outreach to audiences with creative safety messages. As professionals, we should always explore new avenues and bridge gaps.

Yes, preparedness can be funny AND informative.

@rusnivek

EMS Zoom ZOOM! More like no-NO! #SlowTheEffDownNOW #Paramedic #EMT

EMS call – yes!

faster – Faster – FASTER!!!!

But I am sure this GoPro footage is being reviewed by all the bosses.

I can’t image that they’d be happy to see this.

Also, that siren is weird too.

Just keep in mind, if EMS doesn’t even make it to the scene because of their own reckless crash, who will treat the patient?

Duh.

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Safety first peeps.

@rusnivek