JIC/JIS Course at IFD HQ – Day-3!

Day-3 of the Joint Information Center/Joint Information System course here at the Indianapolis Fire Headquarters.

This place is super nice…

…and a bonus welcome by the Chief of the department – Fire Chief Malone!

Outstanding to see that kind of engagement of a large metro fire department stop by to say hi. And of course the IFD PIO BC Rita Reith working the PIO magic too!

Great discussion on when situations get worse…ie disaster declarations and how as situations start to grow, how we as a nation respond to help assist others.

You know we had lots of discussion on JIC/JIS operations and needs.

Also discussed how the executive policy room could affect actions of the field PIOs as well as the JIC – which stresses the need for solid, one voice communications from the Emergency Operations Center.

I know, I know, coordination again huh? But it’s the truth! If we don’t work together, we will likely fail our constituents. We must work together to support our ongoing efforts of safety with all our partners.

Great dialog on mutual aid partnerships. Regardless of the situation, we can all work closely with each other and share ideas.

Me? I am very proud of the work from everyone in the class this week.

Looking forward to working with all of you during the next big one.

Until then, go forth and tweet good stuff!

@rusnivek

Day-2 of the DHS/FEMA G0290 Basic PIO Course!

Day-2 of the DHS/FEMA G0290 Basic PIO Course!

We had time to discuss a myriad of topics including the importance of press releases.

While antiquated, there is some value. I think.

Lots of group work as we continue to move to support our agencies’ goals and mission.

As usual, we were fortunate to have excellent coordination with local and national media for this class.

Good Morning America Elyna Niles-Carnes (@encproducer)

WISHTV-8 Emily Kinzer (@EmilyKinzer8)

RTV6 Paris Lewbel (@PLewbel)

and Indiana State Police PIO Sgt John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis).

So glad to have this candid media panel to discuss ongoing PIO operations with everyone.

Got a chance to facilitate this panel discussion as we had spirited discussion on “no comment”, realistic expectations, favoritism, “off the record” vs truth. Outstanding discussion from everyone from Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, and of course Indiana.

And if you were wondering, no doubt, we did review all in-class interviews.

Solid discussion on tips/tricks to use during oncamera interviews as well as some great techniques to use during a crisis.

Looking forward to tomorrow – final day as we form Voltron and move into JIC/JIS!!

@rusnivek

Day-1 of the FEMA Basic PIO Course in Indianapolis

Day-1 of the FEMA Basic PIO course here in Indianapolis!

Glad to be teaching with FEMA Master PIO Erica Creech…

…and WTFD Capt Mike Pruitt…

…and oh a quick surprise….FEMA Master PIO Rita Reith!

That’s right, for those of you keeping score, this is the first time 3 FEMA Master PIOs have taught the Basic PIO Course. Whoop whooop!

Don’t worry, we did some on camera interviews as well as some fun dialog with out class that hail from Indiana and Kentucky!

We talked about press conferences and the importance and the need for onscene communications not only with the news media, but also the general public. Like the breaking news coming out of Mercy Hospital in Chicago.

Also sharing some stories of breaking news in Cleveland.

Great dynamic and solid discussion from everyone who attended today’s first day of FEMA Basic PIO!

@rusnivek

During an emergency, amplify official information

We talk a ton about people who carelessly retweet, share, and re-purpose information. Whether mis-informed or attention seeking whores, it is likely that people need a bit more digital responsibility on line esp w/ social media.

Part of me thinks that min-informed people don’t believe in the power of social media.

Seasoned PIOs know the potential of social media.

However, check out the tweet from Mountain View Police Department’s Capt Chris Hsiung re: Dallas Police Department.


Well said Capt Hsiung.

I encourage many in my classes to be good stewards of information and not to skew truth as it can only delay the root cause from others. We will not be led astray or swayed by sensational tweets, posts, etc…We must rely on straight facts and truth.

@rusnivek

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-04-14 at 2330

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-04-14 at 2330

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio: 0 patients

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 patient

Confirmed pet cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 pets

fact stamp

And the top-10-things you REALLY need to know about Ebola

**With no new cases of ebola for two weeks now, I am thinking about discontinuing this daily ebola update. Unless another new cases pops up, I will discontinue this running series on Friday 12-05-14.

@rusnivek

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-03-14 at 2330

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-03-14 at 2330

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio: 0 patients

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 patient

Confirmed pet cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 pets

fact stamp

And the top-10-things you REALLY need to know about Ebola

**With no new cases of ebola for two weeks now, I am thinking about discontinuing this daily ebola update. Unless another new cases pops up, I will discontinue this running series on Friday 12-05-14.

@rusnivek

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-02-14 at 2330

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-02-14 at 2330

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio: 0 patients

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 patient

Confirmed pet cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 pets

fact stamp

And the top-10-things you REALLY need to know about Ebola

**With no new cases of ebola for two weeks now, I am thinking about discontinuing this daily ebola update. Unless another new cases pops up, I will discontinue this running series on Friday 12-05-14.

@rusnivek

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-01-14 at 2330

Ebola update – Date/Time: 12-01-14 at 2330

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio: 0 patients

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 patient

Confirmed pet cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 pets

fact stamp

And the top-10-things you REALLY need to know about Ebola

**With no new cases of ebola for two weeks now, I am thinking about discontinuing this daily ebola update. Unless another new cases pops up, I will discontinue this running series on Friday 12-05-14.

@rusnivek

Ebola update – Date/Time: 11-30-14 at 2330

Ebola update – Date/Time: 11-30-14 at 2330

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio: 0 patients

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 patient

Confirmed pet cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 pets

fact stamp

And the top-10-things you REALLY need to know about Ebola

@rusnivek

Ebola update – Date/Time: 11-29-14 at 2330

Ebola update – Date/Time: 11-29-14 at 2330

Confirmed cases of Ebola in Ohio: 0 patients

Confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 patient

Confirmed pet cases of Ebola in the entire US: 0 pets

fact stamp

And the top-10-things you REALLY need to know about Ebola

@rusnivek