Chuck Rives’ Post

Howdy to my LinkedIn connections! The Houston Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security recently listed six new #emjobs under one posting, including the following: - Regional Training and Exercise Coordinator - Crisis Information System (WebEOC) Administrator - Crisis Information System (WebEOC) Programmer - Public Information System Coordinator - Mass Care and Medical Planner - Evacuation Planner The following are some things that I think are worth noting: - I'm not the hiring manager; I'm just spreading the word to try to get good candidates. - Each of these is a UASI-funded position that supports a five-county region, not just the City of Houston. - A version of each of these positions is currently managed by the Houston Office of Emergency Management. In their current capacities, these positions have OEM-/City-specific duties in addition to their regional duties. The funding for the OEM iterations ends on December 31, and OPSHS will begin to manage versions of these positions that focus 100% on the UASI region. - These positions will be more engaged with project management duties than emergency management duties. - When filling out the application, questions 13 and 14 ask the applicant to indicate their first and second choices, respectively. This doesn't preclude them from interviewing for the other positions. Rather, it gives us a better idea of where their interests are. - Similarly, questions 8, 9, and 10 are specific to the training and exercise; crisis information system and public information system; and planner positions, respectively. If applicants are not interested in interviewing for these positions, they shouldn't be afraid to put "N/A" in the spaces provided. - The posting opened on October 7 and closes January 7, 2025. We hope to start interviewing ASAP and may fill the positions before January 7. As always, I'd appreciate help socializing these jobs (e.g., like the post, share it, direct people to the Houston careers page). Thanks and have a good one! https://lnkd.in/g39H5sQy

Becoming an emergency manager involves a combination of education, experience, and skills. Here's a list of goals to help guide you in becoming an effective emergency manager: 1. **Educational Goals:** - Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or a related field. - Consider pursuing advanced education such as a master's degree in Emergency Management for career advancement. 2. **Training and Certification:** - Obtain certifications such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) to enhance your professional qualifications. 3. **Gain Relevant Work Experience:** - Seek internships or entry-level positions in emergency management, public safety, or related fields. - Volunteer for emergency response organizations or community-based programs to gain hands-on experience. 4. **Develop Technical Skills:** - Acquire proficiency in emergency management software and tools used for planning, communication, and response coordination. - Develop a solid understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing disaster scenarios. 5. **Build Leadership and Communication Skills:** - Enhance leadership abilities through courses or workshops focused on decision-making, team management, and conflict resolution. - Improve communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication. 6. **Networking:** - Attend industry conferences, workshops, and events to connect with professionals in the field. - Join professional organizations such as the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) to stay informed and build a network. 7. **Familiarize Yourself with Emergency Plans and Protocols:** - Study existing emergency management plans at local, regional, and national levels to understand the intricacies of response and recovery efforts. - Stay updated 8. **Community Engagement:** - Engage with local communities to understand their specific needs and vulnerabilities. - Establish relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, and community leaders. 9. **Stay Informed on Current Trends and Threats:** - Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in emergency management, including emerging threats, technological advancements, and best practices. 10. **Continuing Professional Development:** - Commit to continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and additional training to stay current with industry trends and advancements. 11. **Create a Professional Portfolio:** - Document your education, certifications, training, and work experience in a professional portfolio to showcase Remember, becoming an emergency manager is a gradual process, and achieving these goals will contribute to your overall preparedness for a successful career in this field Chat GPT AI generated goals for an Emergency Manager

Opportunity

Empowering Safety: The Crucial Need for Emergency Radios in Corporate Spaces In a world where unforeseen challenges can disrupt the normal course of business, the importance of emergency preparedness cannot be overstated. Companies, regardless of size or industry, play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their employees. One indispensable tool that should be a cornerstone of any corporate emergency plan is the installation of reliable emergency radio systems. 1. Earthquakes and Rescue Coordination: In the seismic landscape of Southern California, earthquakes pose a constant threat. Emergency radios facilitate efficient coordination among employees and emergency responders. Quick and accurate information dissemination can be a lifeline, aiding in the swift response to emergencies and ensuring the safety of all personnel. 2. Power Outages and Essential Information: During power outages, traditional communication channels may fail. Emergency radios, however, operate independently of power grids and provide a reliable means of communication. This is vital for conveying essential information, such as evacuation routes, shelter locations, and updates on the situation at hand. 3. Civil Unrest and Public Safety: In times of civil unrest, maintaining the safety of employees becomes paramount. Emergency radios serve as a direct communication link to convey public safety announcements and guidance. This proactive approach helps companies protect their staff and navigate through potentially volatile situations. Raising Awareness: Creating awareness among businesses about the importance of emergency radio systems is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of preparedness. Companies should view this investment as a commitment to the well-being of their employees, clients, and the communities they operate in. By installing robust emergency radio systems, companies can demonstrate their dedication to safety and resilience. These systems provide a reliable lifeline during crises, ensuring that critical information reaches those who need it most. Ultimately, investing in emergency radios is an investment in people, and it positions businesses as responsible stewards of safety in an unpredictable world. I care deeply about these matters and I want to help. So if you or someone you know is striving to install, inspect or just need some consulting for ERRCS / BDA / DAS please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Contact Information: Phone: +1 (747) 283-7351 Email: • quinton@comsec.us • qmh@t-k.com

Public Safety Software News: Spokane Regional Emergency Communications to improve response, coordination capabilities with Hexagon solutions More than 20 agencies across Spokane County to enhance collaboration and improve community safety Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division announced that Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) has selected Hexagon’s state-of-the-art public safety platform to enhance emergency response. By facilitating greater collaboration across Spokane County and the 21 first responder agencies SREC serves, the regional center will optimize efficiency and deliver improved services to the area’s 550,000 residents. Formed in 2018, SREC’s mission is to get the right resources to the right location with an uncompromising focus on responder and citizen safety. Upgrading to HxGN OnCall solutions will make that mission easier for SREC’s 137 employees. HxGN OnCall Dispatch, Hexagon’s industry-leading computer-aided dispatch (CAD) solution, will bring together all agencies into one regional system, providing greater visibility and coordination during emergency events. OnCall Dispatch provides top-level incident management, situational awareness and coordination capabilities. “After a thorough evaluation process, we are excited about the selection of Hexagon solutions for our new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system,” said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels. “SREC led a countywide team of first responder agencies in making this critical decision, tying together our law enforcement and fire agencies in a way that has not been done previously in this county. By integrating Hexagon’s advanced CAD technology, we enhance our ability to respond to emergencies efficiently, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Spokane County. We pride ourselves in our progressive mindset, consistently adopting the best tools and practices, thereby improving service levels to the public. This upgrade is a significant step forward in our mission to provide top-tier public safety services.” REC will also deploy HxGN OnCall Analytics and field mobility solutions to expand the capabilities of the regional CAD system. OnCall Analytics allows users to unlock their data and transform it into valuable insights, so agencies can better assess performance, allocate resources and improve operations. The field mobility solutions put easy-to-use apps in the hands of emergency responders in the field, connecting them with dispatch capabilities and information to enhance awareness, communication and coordination. Lori Markham #KimArredondo #SREC #SREC911 #SpokaneWA #Emergencyservices #emergencydispatch #Hexagon #publicsafety #publicsafetytechnology #publicsafetysoftware Read the full article here--> https://hubs.li/Q02GFBBR0

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Opportunity

Are you prepared for the next emergency? In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, preparedness is key. That’s why emergency desktop exercises are not just beneficial, they are essential. These exercises simulate a range of emergency scenarios, allowing teams to walk through the steps they would take in a real crisis. Our Transport Network Operations team have extensive experience in planning, implementing and managing desktop and live emergency exercises on the road network and in enclosed tunnel environments. So what is our role in facilitating the delivery of emergency services exercises? We offer a range of technical design, facilitation, operational services and bring a strong health and safety knowledge base and culture. We build up an intrinsic level of knowledge of client’s operational processes, procedures and technical systems which can be utilised in the emergency planning space. WSP has specifically recruited employees with blue light and operational backgrounds, who provide strong expertise and realism in emergency planning to supplement the technical skills within the organisation. The exercises provide valuable lessons for the emergency services, responders, operators and local authorities that help enhance the response to incidents on the strategic road network. This means a safer environment for all road users and road workers, all parties responding to an incident will be better equipped and informed – they will understand each other’s initial response, on-scene and control room responsibilities and escalation pathways. Planning and organisation are fundamental to overcoming various challenges including how to make the exercise realistic, understanding the various and sometimes conflicting stakeholder objectives, and ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities. As consultants, we take away valuable learning and experience which then helps the industry plan for and deliver future exercises across the road and tunnel network. We take all of the learning and update incident management documentation such as operating procedures and emergency plans. If you would like to learn more about the services we can offer you WSP in the UK, please get in touch with myself Paul Marsh the Intelligent Infrastructure Network Operations Capability Lead. 

**When Every Second Counts: Mastering Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace** Picture this: a regular Monday morning at the office suddenly disrupted by an unexpected emergency. It could be a fire, a power outage, or, increasingly, a cybersecurity breach. How quickly and safely your team responds can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a major catastrophe. **Why is Workplace Emergency Preparedness Non-Negotiable?** 🔹 **Safety**: The well-being of employees is paramount. In life-threatening situations, a well-rehearsed plan can save lives. 🔹 **Business Continuity**: Minimize downtime and ensure that operations can resume as quickly as possible. 🔹 **Legal Compliance**: Various laws require businesses to maintain certain safety standards and emergency procedures. However, developing an effective emergency plan involves more than just ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture of safety where every employee is empowered and informed. Here’s how to do it: **1. Risk Assessment** - Begin by identifying potential emergencies that could affect your workplace. This evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, covering everything from natural disasters to technological mishaps. **2. Plan Development** - Tailor your emergency procedures to address the specific risks you’ve identified. This plan should include evacuation routes, meeting points, communication protocols, and roles and responsibilities. **3. Communication is Key** - Once your plan is in place, communicating it effectively is crucial. Every team member should understand the plan thoroughly and know their specific responsibilities. **4. Training and Drills** - Regular drills ensure everyone knows what to do when disaster strikes. These should be held at various times and conditions to simulate different scenarios. **5. Equipment and Technology** - Ensure that your office has the necessary equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, first aid kits) and technology (e.g., data backups, emergency notification systems) to handle emergencies. **6. Review and Revise** - Emergency preparedness isn’t a one-time task. Regular reviews are necessary to adapt to new threats and incorporate feedback from drills and actual incidents. Creating a resilient workplace goes beyond individual responsibilities—it’s about fostering a cohesive environment where safety is ingrained in every aspect of the organization. It’s about not just responding to emergencies, but anticipating them, preparing for them, and ultimately, preventing as many as possible. Does your workplace have an emergency plan in place? How often do you review and practice it? *Stay safe, stay prepared!* #EmergencyPreparedness #WorkplaceSafety #BusinessContinuity #SafetyCulture #RiskManagement

Rapid and efficient emergency management is now more accessible, thanks to Information Technology's crucial role in streamlining critical operations. Here are fascinating insights from a recent article on the benefits of IT in emergency management: - Comprehensive Program Preparedness: Deploying cloud-based tasks lists, automated responses, and integrated communications ensure swift and orderly responses during crises. - Targeted Alerts Delivery: Government bodies leverage technology like Havrion HUB to disseminate timely alerts and notifications to first responders and impacted individuals through various channels. - Enhanced Coordination and Response: Systems like the National Incident Management System (NIMS) foster seamless coordination and communication among emergency response teams and officials at all government levels. - Predictive Hazard Analysis: IT aids in creating predictive models to anticipate and address potential hazards effectively. - Accurate Distress Location: Utilizing GPS and GIS systems enables precise tracking and monitoring of crisis situations, aiding in efficient response strategies. These advancements in IT solutions pave the way for more organized and effective emergency responses. What are your thoughts on leveraging technology for disaster management? https://lnkd.in/eqzK-s9r