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-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

Kicking off another Basic PIO Course at Wayne Township Fire

Breaking down more Public Information Officer stuff today at Wayne Township Fire!

PC: Mike Pruitt

PC: Mike Pruitt

Basic Public Information Officer (G-290) for my 29 newest peeps!


And yes, I already brought out the PIO stick!

PC: Ivette Olave

PC: Ivette Olave

You know we’re going to have some great collaboration today!


Reporting live from the front of the class…

@rusnivek

 

Closing PIO & Social Media Session at the 63rd Annual Wayne County Fire School

Presenting today at the 63rd Annual Wayne County Fire School (Ohio).

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And yes, I get to crack the awesome social media jokes on THE Ohio State University campus.

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Lots of Firefighters and Paramedics from all over.

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Many familiar faces in the audience too!

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Event organizers estimate over 100 attendees with numerous vendors on site including Metro LifeFlight, Cleveland Clinic, and MedFlight of Ohio. Helicopters!

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Me? I’m just glad to participate.

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Yep, that’s a suit.

Also, kudos to a fellow Firefighter WHFD FF Gary Klaus who was named this year’s Fire School Honorary Dean.

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Intro music (GNR’s Paradise City) playing for the afternoon session. #excited.

PIO and Social Media skillz in 3…2…1…

@rusnivek

 

Busy September 2016 = National Preparedness Month #NatlPrep #PrepareAthon

August was solid, but September is going to be huge because it’s NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH!!!!!

First and second week, it’ll all be planning for a gigantic upcoming all-hazards PIO/PAO Conference.

Third week will be spent teaching ICS-300 for Ohio EMA to my friends in the SW part of Ohio. And then on Friday, attending the Ohio PIO Symposium.

Fourth week, I’ll be teaching at Washington DC’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management EOC. Upon return, then presenting at the Wayne County (Ohio) Fire Chief’s Conference on PIO/Social Media.

Fifth week, I’ll be presenting on PIO and cyber at the infrastructure at the statewide infrastructure protection conference in Region-7. Who knows, if I can do it, maybe some tactical training in Alliance too. #pewpew

And ALL month long, I’ll be participating in National Preparedness month activities that you can share with your constituents. If we can better prepare our peeps, we can increase our national level of community resilience.

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Thanks to the www.ready.gov program, it is easier than ever to get involved and prepared.

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Hope to see you engaging during this important month.

“Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.”

@rusnivek

From the EOC at Wayne County EMA

Breaking it down for the folks in Wayne County today.

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Showing much alohas to FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

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All the fun stuff during class…cause that’s how I roll.

Reporting live from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)….

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@rusnivek

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents at SGFD

Starting out ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents this morning. Fairly large class with VERY varied backgrounds makes for an interesting class.

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Also good to see both EMA directors from Medina County and Wayne County stop in and welcome the class too.

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As always, it’s great to be teaching on behalf of Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) in Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS).

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@rusnivek