Out today checking out the progress on recovery of boats in the area.
There are lots of them strewn about.
Also a bunch of them that are below water.
Like a lot of them. So I’m glad to see our partners from the US Coast Guard as well as other agencies supporting the recovery efforts.
Reporting live from a BOAT!
Aside from all the response stuff that goes on in the disaster, I think the mainstream public doesn’t understand debris management. In fact, I would go so far as to say that many communities across the US don’t have a debris management plan.
Here’s the current situation here in Monroe County, FL (aka Florida Keys).
This is one of several locations for debris.
What makes this so complex is that because of the smaller geographic location of the islands, it is hard to manage space too.
Emergency Managers should also think about transportation of debris. I’ve had to already roll out my evasive driving maneuvers. Not good.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Response is easy. But true Emergency Managers know that Recovery is the hardest phase in a disaster.
Aside from the Category-4 eye wall direct hit….
Aside from the possible tornadoes….
Man, that storm surge was bad!
Yikes.
Ready to do some disaster PIO stuff today in the Florida Keys.
@rusnivek
Much interest in today’s Community Meeting on updates for the Recovery phase here in Monroe County. HUGE turnout tonight.
Keeping things together as we at FEMA continue to support our local partners like the Monroe County Emergency Management Director Marty.
Behind the scenes: Some of my Branch V Division A-team that makes the FEMA magic happen.
Media on site. Lots of questions from everyone. And yes, as the FEMA PIO, I had to step in a few times.
Reporting live from the front of the room…
No time for lunch today so this will have to do.
As a Public Information Officer (PIO), you have weird schedules and you need to plan accordingly for foods/meals.
Disasters are not luxurious. You likely will not get to eat regular breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
I see the USAToday walking in so I gotta get to work.
Bring it.
We were requested to support an event at Ponciana School mainly for all the parents and families in Key West.
So….we are in. FEMA PIO Kevin Sur onscene!
Our hope is that we conduct numerous events in communities to help answer questions about disaster assistance.
We have multilingual people who go out with our teams and help translate Spanish, Creole, Haitian, etc…and we have hardware and locations that meet the needs of the access and functional needs population at all of our Disaster Recovery Centers.
We even have flyers and informational materials in Chinese, French, Vietnamese, etc….
Sometimes, people are confused and are not sure if you should apply. Here’s a tip: Apply.
Our staff is ready to help. No matter what language, apply for disaster assistance. The sooner the better.
“This is what we train for, this is what we do.”
We work closely with all of our partners in public safety to support the communities in this recovery process that were affected by Hurricane Irma.
“This is what we train for. This is what we do.”
Disasters don’t take holidays…neither do we.
The entire team Branch 5 Division A is here!
Let’s do this.
@rusnivek
It’s great to share the stories of survivors and employees here at FL / FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Marathon.
Glad to host WOODTV news crews from Michigan today.
Interview in 3…2…1…
Another piece of the recovery effort is to breech the subject of mitigation.
We had several teams throughout the state placed in strategic locations – talking about mitigation strategies for various natural disasters.
Many of our teams handed out free flyers and pamphlets discussed ways to better mitigate dangers and potential issues at their residence or business.
Additionally, we also hosted several mitigation seminars across the state. Usually packed, we had lots of questions from disaster survivors
The one pictured above was in the second floor of the community’s fire station.
These types of community events are made so that residents have the ability to engage with Federal partners and ask questions, dispel rumors, and give a better understanding to processes.
And yes, no matter how early, mitigation and preparedness are such a critical part of phases of emergency management.
Where is @rusnivek? 