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Emergency Management, Emergency Services, & Disaster Spox

September 11th 2020 – 19 years later.

Posted on September 11, 2020 by rusnivek

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.

BxQNPuRIAAATzLu

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.

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.

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

A little breezy today – 4thOfJuly

Posted on July 4, 2019 by rusnivek

A little breezy today.

Looks like Mother Nature is doing her part in helping celebrate – Happy #4thOfJuly Merica!

🇺🇸

@rusnivek

Happy 2019 Flag Day 🇺🇸

Posted on June 14, 2019 by rusnivek

Happy Flag day everyone! June 14, the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official US flag in 1777.

Without a doubt, still the best flag ever. Period.

@rusnivek

Forming the proverbial PIO Voltron for today’s FEMA JIC/JIS course

Posted on May 15, 2019 by rusnivek

And now starting the FEMA JIC/JIS Course with our class here at the Defiance County EMA Emergency Operations Center.

And yes, if you’ve been in a JIC/JIS class w/ me before, you know I talk about Voltron. In the FEMA Basic PIO Course, we teach you to be an individual PIO and function with limited options…however, the JIC/JIS course allows you to join forces with other PIOs and work the magic despite being from different backgrounds and different factions for the emergency or disaster. That’s right-we can all get along in the JIC.

Starting out the day with a cold reality check on expectations and capabilities as we assess our options and ready our agencies for disasters. It would be a good idea to have a clear understanding of the situation and build from there.

Additionally, we bring our all-hazards partners into the fold. Here’s Sister Michael Marie talking about the complexities of what appears as a simple emergency that could quite result in bringing soooooooooooooooooooooo many partners to respond to this typical emergency.

Drawing too simple for you?

You need more description?

NO SOUP FOR YOU!

The whole point of the exercise is to get your mind thinking about various options as well as partners to call early as likely, they have a dog in the fight to help any affected community recover from any disaster.

Look, it’s more than Fire, Police, and EMS – it’s the #WholeCommunity to build a culture of preparedness.

Proud of every single one of these participants as everyone walked away with a new understanding and respect for the PIO. While some have been on TV before w/ a few interviews, all of them realize the dangers of an unprepared interviewee.

Looking forward to working with all of you on the next big one. And just think…in the midst of a disaster, you just might see these two smiling faces.

Now, go forth and use your new PIO powers for good!

@rusnivek

FEMA Basic PIO Course here at Defiance County EMA

Posted on May 13, 2019 by rusnivek

It’s just another Manic Monday as we start another FEMA OEMA Basic PIO Course here at Defiance County Emergency Management Agency (Ohio). Cue the Guns n Roses intro music!

Not going to lie, all signs point to a large contingent from our law enforcement community here today.

Lots of new PIOs in the audience today as we try to share the good word from so many agencies. Almost every ESF is represented!

All-hazards coolio on Monday!

As an added instructor bonus, we get a chance to see what campaigns that Ohio EMA has worked for previous outreach activities in Ohio. Hi Nancy!!!!!

My lunch time views include a few red fire trucks.

Ahhhhh, I feel better now.

And in classic fashion, we are most definitely doing on-camera interviews.

While seemingly insignificant, this is the part of the class that participants find is the most valuable for their ongoing career.

Me? I’d rather you have that experience and training and never use it vs never having that training and then being thrown to the wolves in a crisis or emergency.

Train like you fight right?

Reporting live from the EOC as I ask those challenging media-esque questions…

@rusnivek

FEMA basic Social Media for Disaster Response and Recovery #Arizona

Posted on May 8, 2019 by rusnivek

Good morning Arizonaaaaaaaaaa!

Welcome to the Pima County Emergency Management Agency as we kick off another basic Social Media for Disaster Response and Recovery class. Welcome intros from Training Manager Sandra Espinoza.

Glad to see so many agencies from across the state represented here in class today. Additionally, also good to be teaching with fellow Tier-1 Instructor Mary Jo Flynn.

As you know, MaryJo is a Region 9er too (Sacramento, CA).

Like a good Emergency Manager, I’m always looking at what other agencies have and how they do business. And yes, I esp look at what kind of creature comforts they have in their EOC. And without a doubt, I’d swipe right for this amenity in my EOC.

The folks at Pima County EMA are most definitely proud to have this amenity. #TotesJelly.

As a basic class, we are constantly talking about new apps and features. Here’s MaryJo talking about the FEMA App and their Disaster Reporter feature.

And you know that privacy is a huge concern so we spend a bit on making sure your settings as a government agency as well as personal settings are up to date.

Yes, make sure all your social media stuff is in order before a disaster…or else.

Most seasoned pros know that real Emergency Managers can adapt to most any situations. Big or small, tough or easy, we are flexible and can adapt to anything.

For those are worried about MaryJo and little old me? No worries. We are assimilating in here just fine.

Giddup – reporting live from our stagecoach!

@rusnivek

Day-1 ICS-300 with strong DoD participation

Posted on July 9, 2018 by rusnivek

It’s Monday morning so lets kick off another hard core ICS-300 course…in the Poinsettia Room! 🌺

Also known as the city’s Emergency Operations Center too.

Diverse groups today with a strong showing from our Department of Defense and local public safety professionals.

This kind of joint training provides us the opportunities to build stronger partnerships and even strengthen the preexisting bonds with DoD assets including a few special teams.

Lots of group work as participants figure out priorities and challenges during the first few hours and into the first/second operational period.

But working through the issues in a calm classroom will help reduce the amount of stress during an actual emergency. Finding out strengths and gaps and addressing them so that everyone can respond better to any incident. That’s right enhancing response capabilities.

Sound familiar? That’s what HSPD-5 (Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5) is all about. A coordinated response! <heavy breathing>

That is exactly what Emergency Management is all about – build relationships for a coordinated response. <heavier breathing>

And also proof, if you teach it right, you can get people to smile in my ICS classes.

Awww yeah!

Great work from all participants – lotsa participation from everyone!

Glad to see so much collaboration from local, county, state, Federal, and DoD assets.

And as always, thank you for your service to our great country.

Happy birthday Marty. It’s a great first day.

Looking forward to the next two days!

@rusnivek

To my fellow Americans….Happy 4th of July! #2018

Posted on July 4, 2018 by rusnivek

To my fellow Americans….Happy 4th of July!!!

Cleveland, Ohio – 4th of July!

Here’s a few easy preparedness tips from the team at FEMA.

Leave the fireworks to the pros.
Keep children & pets at least 3 ft from grills & campfires.
Drink plenty of water – even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Check in on friends, family, & neighbors who don’t air conditioning.

And for those who are stuck inside/have to work, here’s a few fun option for you.

Maybe NYC is better?

No? How about Chicago?

Well, whatever you do, just keep it real safe everyone.

Happiest birthday to the greatest country in the world. #USA

America the beautiful.

@rusnivek

Run like hell?!?! #Fireworks

Posted on July 3, 2018 by rusnivek

I’m no genius, but if your fireworks say this…

…then you likely could get hurt. So please PLEASE be careful this 4th of July holiday.

Also, fireworks are expensive. Leave it to the pros.

Here’s a quick news story with my friend Euclid Fire Capt Jay Northup on the dangers of fireworks who was injured a few months ago in NE Ohio. (click on the picture)

Fire Captain Jay Northup suffered a severe head injury, two ruptured eardrums, second-degree burns, and multiple bruises and cuts requiring 35 stitches after an accident involving fireworks. / AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

Again, I would highly recommend that you leave the fireworks to the pros.

@rusnivek