Deep frying my turkey – I’m gonna die #DFT2018

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I’m about to die.

Glug glug glug – I measured it w/ water and turkey in the pot.

So it’s a calculated amount of peanut oil in there.

Just to be on the safe side, I’ll leave a little room for turkey expansion.

Maybe my camera puts on more pounds. HA!

OK, my propane tank is as far away as I can get it.

Don’t think I want an explosion.

Then, in case things go bad, I got some protective gear.

Awww yeah baby! Warm AND protected!

And maybe, if things go bad, I can Hong Kong Phooey kick it into the grass away from the building right?

Time to gear up!

Thinking back, this was probably a good idea to wear my turnout coat and gloves.

Yeah, I think Chicago has had a big fire before.

Yikes.

Buuuuuuuuuuut why does my turkey look like its on a cross?!?!?!??!?!?

.

But first, lemme take a selfie…

…for proof of life.

Fire is on. Waaaaaaaaaaaaay hot.

What? Did you say drop it like it’s hot?!?!

Awwwww yeah, time to get crazy-let’s drop this sucker in.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

HHOOLLEEEYYYYY MOOOOOOOLEEEYYYYY!

 

DDDDDDDDDAAAAAAAAYYYUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Am I at the bottom yet?!?!!??! OMG! Why is this soooooo frickin hot!!!!!

Well, so far so good! I haven’t burned anything….yet.

I also took the time to clear away any brush and debris from the area. Also notice the brick non-wood sprinklered building next to me?

Additional information, I also had backup from a retired Fire Chief from the State of Ohio Fire Marshall’s Office right next to me. Despite a whole bunch of white helmets, it was definitely worth having a backup!

Did I have a backup plan? You know I did. First off, I would NOT have done this.

Second, if things got bad, I would have definitely called 9-1-1.

The last thing I need is my friends from CFD getting pissed. Tho, TBH, they would have made me fill out the NIFRS report.

And third, this was the backup plan.

Yeah, the IMT PSC and FEMA MCP comes out more often than you think.

So in the end, everything turned out great. Turkey was awesome and soooo delicious.

Few deep frying turkey tips for you:

  • Measure your peanut oil level (water + bird in pot)
  • A little less on the fill line with peanut oil is good
  • SLOWLY drop your bird in the oil
  • Use gloves and protective clothing as hot oil splashes everywhere
  • Test bird doneness via internal temperature (not time)
  • Have multiple fire extinguishers available
  • Have a rapid dump site available away from building
  • In case things go bad, have a cell phone to call 9-1-1 quickly

This year, our family invited a few new Navy family and friends over for dinner.

Glad to spend Thanksgiving with those who protect our freedoms 24-7.

We all have much to be thankful for this year.

@rusnivek

 

 

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

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

Cleveland, Ohio - 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

 

My favorite Superbowl commercials? #SB52

My favorite commercials from the Superbowl last night?

Thank you Budweiser.

(But what about the US Virgin Islands?)

Also, thank you Verizon for that breathtaking 1991 image of heroism and call to duty by FDNY Rescue-1 Firefighter Shea.

Trust me, every single #Firefighter worth their weight, knows this image and the events leading up to this.

Me? I am glad to be a small part of organizations and agencies that continue the good fight to provide safety to countless citizens. I am humbled by these companies that took the focus from their “widget” and turned the attention to those who have dedicated their life to serve.

Thank you.

@rusnivek

P.S. Good football game too.

Boat recovery in the Florida Keys

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!

@rusnivek

Tornadoes, Hurricane, Storm Surge oh my! #Irma

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

If you evacuate – plan to TAKE YOUR #PETS WITH YOU! #Preparedness #NatlPrep

No matter what kind of family pet you have, please make sure when you evacuate that you take your pets with you!

Evacuating? Fur sure take your pets w/ you & bring their pet emergency preparedness kit that has food + water + meds + IDs #NatlPrep

Your plan should identify specific shelters that can shelter your pets. Big or small!

Also, if your pet is soaked because of the rain, that’s not fun. So keep an extra pet rain coat handy too.High viz is extra awesome too.

Need a few more ideas for your pet preparedness kit? My pet preparedness kit includes a 3×5 notecard with

  • her name
  • her basic information (breed, name, phone, medications)
  • owner information (our names, address, phone, emails, twitter handles)
  • her vet name and contact information
  • vaccination records
  • her backup dog tags
  • and a 24-hour emergency vet clinic with emergency surgery capability

More tips can be found online for your pet preparedness plan at www.ready.gov/pets.

KacyTheDog approves your preparedness efforts too!

All PreparednessPups agree – Don’t get licked by poor planning.

#PlanAhead today!

@rusnivek

 

Surviving catastrophic flooding and key USAR numbers deployed

A few home safety tips on surviving catastrophic flooding.


Some key USAR facts (from this morning’s brief):

  • 6 type-1 FEMA USAR Task Force Teams deployed.
  • 8 type-3 FEMA USAR Task Force Teams deployed.
  • 13 Water Rescue Teams from FEMA USAR Teams deployed.
  • Over 900 USAR personnel working.

Stay safe out there.

@rusnivek

Supporting infrastructure today #NEORSD

Slight change of PIO plans today as I was initially assigned to ESF-13 (Law Enforcement) – I have been reallocated to support infrastructure.

So today, I spent some time with the NorthEast Ohio Regional Sewer District, their PIO/Outreach team, and WallyWaterDrop.

WallyWaterDrop and Jessica from NEORSD sharing important safety tips and stickers with everyone..

Great outreach event with Parent Magazine and with so many from our local area.

Also had a chance to pop a quick Periscope live video too.

Nice work Jen Elting!

Here’s a behind the scenes action shot (aka “making the magic happen”).

PIOs in action! (L to R: K. Sur, WallyWaterDrop, and J. Elting) PC: Chief J. Brewington

Great day to support our partners in public safety esp our PIO pros at NEORSD are an invaluable resource.

Fortunately, there was a Starbucks close by…so you know. #hydration

PIO + Coffee = Happy! PC: Chief J. Brewington

Reporting live with some Starbucks…

@rusnivek

Tools for live broadcast for City of Cleveland peeps

Thursday fun with numerous Public Information Officers from the City of Cleveland.

Quick presentation on Tools and Social Media Platforms specifically addressing live broadcast technologies and lessons learned.

Yes, I’ll promise to show them my PIO stick (aka my GOT rod)

Great to see so many familiar faces in the crowd today.

@rusnivek

 

Blizzard of 2015 meme – Hoard water, spam and bacon

Since we are talking about winter preparedness today, I am reminded about this meme created in 2015.

b8p8d6dimaagt9o

Yes, I said meme. It looks like a screen grab from a national news station, but it has been doctored up a bit. Obviously.

While I cannot support all the bullet points, I can tell you that first bullet point definitely on my list.

BTW-it’s Hoard water, SPAM, and bacon.

Long live the Oxford comma!

@rusnivek