Rick Christ, MEP, CHEC’s Post

I have reviewed the just-released "mission assurance inquiry" report released by the US #SecretService. The whole report is 5 pages and, while it does not contain any specific recommendations, it does identify some clear reasons for what it called "the mission failure." * USSS did not fully involve local law enforcement in planning, which is against USSS procedures * USSS did not ensure interoperable communications, neither with shared radio channels nor with co-located communications teams * Due to "some technical difficulties" USSS did not have its counter-drone team in operation. The report says, "It is possible that if this element of the advance had functioned properly, the shooter may have been detected as he flew his drone near the Butler Farm Show venue earlier in the day." * Finally, in a section called "Operational Tempo" USSS indicates that the pace of recent events, including campaign events, the two national conventions, and others like the NATO summit the days before the shooting, all contributed to "stretch an already busy organization." These are not new issues. We in the disaster avoidance business have long known that including key players in the planning, sharing operational information, having sufficient depth of staff and assets, and recognizing fatigue, are all key steps to ensuring operational effectiveness. Now, turn your focus from USSS to your city, county, state, or organization. Are you committing these same mistakes, due to the same pressures of operational pace, budget constraints, etc.? Let's work together to find ways for you to keep delivering quality protection for your residents, patients, visitors, staff...

#emjobs #aemo This is where it happens: the 24/7 watch center at DC's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. There are 4 newly created mid-level analyst jobs. Whether you collect dots or connect dots, this is where you will hone your craft. So, apply. Today. https://careers.dc.gov/ then enter "HSEMA" in the search bar. It's the "Program Analyst" job.

People are the reason we do #EmergencyManagement, and people are the greatest "ish" factor in our planning. The truth is, while all people may make decisions logically, their logic may not be your logic. Also... people are complex and emotional creatures, and that impacts the decision logic. I hesitate to post research that I haven't vetted. So don't take these stats to the bank just because they're published. But, by asking 2000 people, the results are probably in the same ballpark as accuracy. BLUF: People are stressed. They may not respond like they did last year, or like you think they will. Stressed people get sick more quickly and more seriously. Stressed people snap more quickly than they would if they were mellow. All these things are not good. https://lnkd.in/d6sKfNCS

Urgent request for a friend in an #EOC Emergency Operations Center: During wildfire evacuations, some homes are damaged/destroyed. How does the municipality best break that news to the homeowner? We're assuming it's best done in person, perhaps at a #FamilyAssistanceCenter. Perhaps by a combination of counsellor and #PublicAssistance / #Sheltering specialist? Do you show photos? What do you provide to them? We need a system that is equitable, compassionate. Bonus points for efficiency -- apparently there are quite a few damaged/destroyed homes. Who has an SOP to share? Thanks in advance.

Nick is spot on, as usual. I’ll up the ante: offer to present at a conference once a year. Something you’ve written and posted to LinkedIn. You haven’t written anything? See #5

Weird time to do this, but any #aemo or others who want some DC/Federal exposure, this sounds good!

Mother Nature's "shotgun" -- something's going to land somewhere, and if you base your severe weather plan on the 7-day outlook, or even the seasonal forecast, you'll always be behind the curve. Need an assessment of your severe weather plan? Connect and message me.

I often chuckle about office "team retreats" and "team building exercises" because, according to Epictetus, apparently, such out-of-office pseudo-crises, often concocted with the help of a consultant, reveal the teamwork (or lack thereof) rather than create it. Evidence: https://lnkd.in/ei6UkmsF Having been a member of some great teams, including those that have conducted such search and rescue missions, my advice is: If you want to learn how a great team works, join one; don't go off into danger with the team you already know doesn't work.

Who in my network is playing with #meshtastic ? It's a low-power wireless network akin to iphones in that each device transfers signals to nearby devices, until a message reaches its destination. Cheap, low-power devices would allow relaying text messages and device locations after a disaster when there is no electricity or cell coverage. I'm not a techie, just someone who mashes up existing tech with emergency management applications. Let's play around! (in that wholesome, geeky way)