Tornado siren? Today? Disaster? Emergency?!?
On Wednesday March 23rd, 2016 at 0950 EST, communities across the state of Ohio that have tornado warning siren systems, will test them. In addition, an Emergency Alert System (EAS) warning message will be broadcast. We encourage all communities with sirens to participate in this annual event by conducting their own tornado drills and reviewing their emergency plans.
This is only a test.
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.
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:
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
FireChat – First Look
There has been lots of discussion about mobile message apps using MESH networks. Just like my deployment to Hurricane Katrina/Rita in Louisiana’s Lower 9th Ward, we had no cell service which means no internet. Common in disasters, many startups are looking to bridge that gap using Bluetooth/MESH networking for any type of mobile technology.
MESH networks literally work by using other devices in your general vicinity to relay/transmit data to any available network. Devices can automatically network with each other via flood technique (overwhelming) or routing technique (hardware hoping). To put it into terms that we in government are more used to hearing, this type of networking is considered a mobile ad-hoc network that can operate independently with little or no internet connection.
Some advantages include internet use with at least one actual connection, increasing local networking by locality through mobile hardware, and of course an automatic mobile-to-mobile network.
Some dangers include lack of security, mobile device protection, connection reliability, and as the MESH network grows the more prolonged data delays occur.
Soooooooooooo, just like when ello was released, I downloaded the app and started using it. I engaged with various users over the course of the last 4 weeks. Here’s my notes.
If Emergency Management was to use FireChat, designate a specialist to monitor to observe and engage pertinent conversation in main chat room directing them to distinct #group in FireChat.
At this time, I only use FireChat when I’m bored and want to see if they have developed other functionality tools.
Just a few initial thoughts on FireChat.
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.
It’s National Fire Prevention Week! #FPW2014
Stop screwing around and get serious!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUy37eGobw4
“Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month”
As promised, here’s my quick initial review of ello.
It’s only been a few days…so I figured since everyone isn’t on it, this might help show some of the difference between this new emerging social media platform compared to others.
Here’s a quick news package story from the founders of ello.co from Vermont.
Hot Social Network Ello Starts in Vermont
(Love the small town local news)
For those that think this is like Facebook? Nope. The company’s mantra of a simple ad-free platform is as plain jane as can be. Not much there. In fact,
Few initial notes I have on ello:
Forgot your password? I tested their forgot password send. The emailed reminder is hilarious, but NSFW. This kind of email would (obv) not pass work computer filters.
Testing browsers, I found a few interesting non-compliant issues.
Ello’s HQ sent an email last night touting their recent successes. Cool.
I do enjoy the quick simple emails with picture.
But let’s be honest, most of the ello participants that are already on ello, were drawn to the line in the email last night…”
The use of “thingy” has me worried…and of course excited. Thanks Matt.
Well, since this is in beta, I’m sure there will be more good things to come. But at this time, I am doubtful will hold (DWH).
Not even close to ready for use during disasters or emergencies.
Because of the low participation and beta, this platform is not useful for preparedness or response or recovery or intelligence.
Special thanks to @schnick for the invite.
Maybe more good stuff from ello.co on the horizon.
It’s Thursday in the fourth week of 2014 National Preparedness Month.
“Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare”
ThirstyThursdays…I mean TestingThursdays continues!
This week’s theme is consistent with FEMA’s National Preparedness Campaign: Practice for an emergency
#25: Just like you, the professionals train and test their emergency plans. #Prepared2014 #NatlPrep
“The State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center is participating in the annual power plant training” Photo cred: Ohio Emergency Management Agency, (Columbus) 09/23/14
It is an essential part of your plan…actually doing it!
This was the view of the State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center where numerous emergency management agencies across the state participated in a multi-agency all-hazards annual power plant training. This training was evaluated by FEMA Region-V.
See, even the professionals train too!
Keep up the great work!
That’s right, she got caught because of her Facebook post. 
Colleen Cudney was convicted for DUI in 2012. One condition – she is to submit to random breathalyzer tests.
Fast forward to St Patrick’s Day 2014 (March 17th, 2014). Colleen was out carousing and drinking. On Tuesday March 18th, 2014, Colleen gets called in for a random breathalyzer test.
Colleen passes. She’s so amazed, that she takes to Facebook and posts about it: “Buzz killer for me, I had to breatalyze (sic) this morning and I drank yesterday but I passed thank god lol my dumbass.”
Well, well, well…..Local law enforcement called Colleen back again for an additional urine test. Colleen had indeed failed the more precise urine test. 
At this time, Colleen is looking at an additional 93 days in jail from the 18th District Court in Michigan for violating her parole. Nice work Colleen.
Shockingly, Colleen has since deleted her Facebook post and her Facebook account. Hmmmmm.
Morale of the story: Know the power of social media because what you post, isn’t really private.
@rusnivek
Where is @rusnivek? 