Program Spotlight: The Florida State Watch Office

Have you ever wondered who in Florida keeps track of all of the hazards that impact its citizens?  The Florida State Watch Office (SWO) is tasked with doing just that.  Collocated in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), their mission is to keep the Governor and his State Emergency Response Team (SERT) in the know on what emergencies and disasters are occurring within Florida.  Staffed 24/7/365 they monitor the weather, local and national news, social media, FEMA reports, and answer phone calls from counties and the public to accomplish this mission.

The SWO takes between 8,000 and 9,000 incidents a year.  They include simple fuel spills, radiological emergencies, damages from severe weather, even rocket launches from Cape Canaveral.  A detailed list of hazards that are called in over the course of the year are in the table below.  The information for these incidents is generally given to the SWO from a county Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).  Sometimes they even get information from the general public. The collected information is logged into an incident tracking system and then disseminated to local, state, tribal, federal, and private partners to aid in their response actions.

Hazards Monitored by the State Watch Office
Natural Hazards	Technological Hazards
Hurricanes	Terrorism
Tornadoes	Mass Migration
Flooding	Radiological
Wildfire	Hazardous Materials
Severe Thunderstorms	Special Events (2012 Republican National Convention, Super Bowl)
Severe Hot and Cold	Transportation Accidents (Rail, Aircraft, Motor Vehicle, Marine)
Earthquakes	Law Enforcement Incidents

The State Watch Office operates with three different levels of staffing:

Operations (Ops) Officers: Operations Officers answer the phones, log all of the given information, manage the SEOC calendar, monitor news and weather, and conduct communications checks with all of our partners.  At least one Ops Officer is in the SWO at all times.

Duty Officers: Duty Officers are responsible for making sure that the SWO has adequate staffing, training staff, backing-up the Operations Officers, and completing special projects for the SWO and Operations Section.  One of the Duty Officers is on-call at all times to help assist operators after-hours.  They are ready to come to the SWO to assist with SWO operations and brief Division leadership within 30 minutes of being called by the Ops Officer on-shift.

Watch Officers: Watch Officers are the managers of the SWO.  They approve timesheets, schedules, off-site training requests, back-up the Duty Officers, and manage large projects for the Operations Section as well as the rest of the Division.  Their role in interfacing with the rest of the FDEM is crucial to our overall mission.  During a disaster they are Deputy Operation Section Chiefs.  They assist the Operations Section Chief when the SEOC is activated and ensure that resources requests from the counties are fulfilled.

When a hazard gets so large that the SWO is overwhelmed with resource requests and information the Director and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) Chief activate the SERT.  The SWO is the entity that notifies all of Florida’s response partners that they are required to report to the SEOC to support its activation.  Once the SERT is operational, the SWO returns to monitoring the rest of Florida and ensures other counties have the support they need in their normal day-to-day operations.  We had the opportunity to ask Axel Runtschke, one of the SWO’s Duty Officers, a few questions about the office.  Axel is a Duty Officer with the State Watch Office and has worked for the Division for two and a half years.

Q: What is a typical day in the SWO like?

A: There is no typical day.  Some days we only get a few phone calls.  We are just monitoring news, social media, completing projects and conducting staff training.  Other days we have our phones ringing off the hook with storm damage reports, wildfires causing evacuations, or even a Nuclear Power Plant conducting an unannounced communications drill with us.  When I come into work I never know what I am going to do that day.

Q: What is the most frequent hazard phoned into the SWO?

A: Our frequent flyers in the SWO would definitely be severe weather or petroleum.  We are the call center for the Department of Environmental Protection so if anything hazardous is released we get the phone call.  With weather, the state is so large and experiences almost every type of weather there is.  Just about every day some sort of severe weather threatens the state.

Q: What is the most important tool that you have within the SWO?

A: The most important tool that we have is our staff.  We have some of the most sophisticated equipment there is but without our dedicated, highly motivated, and trained staff it would just collect dust.  They are invaluable in making sense of all of the information we get on a daily basis and passing it on to our partners.

Q: From your time in the SWO what is the one incident that sticks with you?

A: The North Florida Freezing event we had last year.  I was the operator that got the call that I-10 was being closed from Alabama to Lake City.  The rest of the day we had reports of all of the roadways that were being closed by counties because they were unsafe.  It was a very out of the ordinary shift!

In our next spotlight we will cover the State Emergency Response Team.  If you have any questions on the Division, want a particular topic covered, or would like more information please contact us at dem_external_affairs@em.myflorida.com.

Employee Spotlight | Kimberly Sharkey, Radiological Emergency Planner

Twice a month we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present Kimberly Sharkey.

Q: Share a little bit about yourself

“I was born and raised in Florida.  Before coming to work for FDEM I worked for a County Sheriff’s Office as a Communications Officer.  I have the most amazing 7 year old and love being a Mother.”

Q:  What drew you to the Division originally? And how has it changed since?

“I truly like finding ways to help people that truly need it.  I am currently on my 4th Director, 3^rd Governor and my 2^nd position.  Ive worked here for 10 ½ years and many things have changed in that time but, the one thing that remains the same is the drive of this Division to continuously improve its preparedness and response to disasters that have an impact on the State.”

Q: What has surprised you most about working in emergency management?

“Ive turned into an Emergency Management Junkie… I am one of the few that absolutely LOVES the activations and working in the State EOC because it has an amazing energy.”

Q: Fun fact – People would be surprised if they knew…

“I tend to be mildly shocking on a daily basis, not really sure there is anything that would actually surprise anyone any more!”

Kids Get a Plan | The Kid-Friendly Guide to Disaster Preparedness

The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s (FDEM) mission is to ensure that Florida is prepared to respond to emergencies, recover from them, and mitigate against their impacts. Florida is prone to many different types of severe weather. One of our goals is to provide all Floridians with assistance in understanding what to do when disasters occur While adults better understand the risks a disaster brings and the threat to their families, friends, pets, property, and everyday activities, preparedness can be a difficult subject for children to comprehend. FDEM has developed and cultivated an outreach program that focuses entirely on promoting safety awareness and tips on what to do if a disaster occurs to Florida children.

 

 

 

The Kids Get a Plan (KGAP) program has been in place for 10 years, reaching out to children across the state of Florida through an interactive website, mobile app, statewide outreach events and the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week contests.

Since its launch, KGAP has developed a total of 5 books targeted to elementary-aged students: The 30/30 Rule, The Oak Tree Club, The Wacky Whiz-Bang, Weather-Watching Wonder, Mega Track HTW and Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Each book covers different types of severe weather and is written in different reading levels from lower- to upper-elementary level. The characters in each of the books are featured throughout the website in activities and games. With characters like Professor Tinkermeister, Rabbit, Possum and Squirrel, disaster preparedness becomes an easier and more fun topic for children to pick up and share with their family.

Do your kids know about the different kinds of severe weather in Florida? Most importantly, do they know what to do to keep safe during each type of disaster? Get the family conversation started today. Check out KidsGetaPlan.com and encourage your child to become a weather whiz! Whether it’s learning how to create a firewise home or knowing what to do when a tornado warning is issued – Kids Get a Plan will get your kids ready to tackle whatever disaster comes their way.

  

Employee Spotlight | Mark Helms, Human Resources

Twice a month, we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present Mark Helms.

Mark has recently retired after serving the Division for 25 years – thank you Mark for your many years of service.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I was born and raised in Tallahassee. I graduated from Godby High School in 1974, from Tallahassee Community College in 1976 and then from Florida State University in 1978. I’ve been married for 31 years to my wife Sheila. We have two daughters – Amy is 20 and is currently a junior at Florida State, Allison is 26, married and living here in Tallahassee.”

Q: What aspect of your role here at the Division did you enjoy the most?

“By far, I love to interact with the employees throughout the Division. I also enjoy having the opportunity to assist them with human resources related issues. It’s so nice to see employees get hired and then receive promotions as a result of their hard work.”

Q: Now that you’ve retired, what items do you plan to cross off your bucket list first?

“I plan to work in my yard, it’s one of my favorite things to do. And I plan to volunteer more time at my church, Thomasville Road Baptist. I have a Sunday school married couple class for many years and also help with the 2nd and 3rd grade children choir. I also enjoy Florida State baseball and hope to attend more games now.”

Q: Fun fact: Tell us something fun and random about yourself to let others get to know your personality!

“I am color blind, especially with the colors brown/green and blue/purple. I really like to cook. My favorite candy is peppermint – I would always have some on my desk to share. And I really like apples, I eat one nearly every day.”

Have a family communications plan you can be proud of

Have you considered the possibility that your family may be separated when a disaster strikes?

Florida is prone to several different types of severe weather, many of which can occur anywhere at anytime. What is the go-to plan during a disaster when your kids are still in school and you are at work? It is of the utmost importance to get a plan before disaster strikes to ensure your family’s safety. Sit down with your family and create a comprehensive communications plan. Get started today by following these need-to-know tips!

1. Meeting place | Where will you meet your family in the case of a disaster? You should plan to have both an in-town and out-of-town meeting place. Consider your families particular needs and determine if there be any complications with travel? Do you have an elderly family member that would need assistance? Or younger kids that need guidance? Identify your meeting place and coordinate travel plans ahead of time.
2. Create contact cards |You should make sure that all family members have contact cards that include all family members’ phone numbers (work and cell), a trusted neighbor, and an out-of-state friend or relative’s contact information. On those cards, you should also include your family’s designated in and out-of-neighborhood meeting place. Connecting with an out-of-town contact may be easier than connecting within an affected area during a disaster.
3. ICE | If you haven’t already, include an “In Case of Emergency (ICE)” phone number in your cell phone. If anything were to happen to you and you were unable to help yourself, others would know who to contact to let them know of your whereabouts.
4. Work and School Coordination | Disasters can occur at any time. Make sure to address this when creating your communications plan with your family. Know the contact information for your children’s school or day-care, and be sure they know your contact information at work. Identify important safety plans in place at work and school that may affect where you or your loved ones will be in the event of a disaster.
5. Address unique needs | All families are unique. Your communications plan will differ from your neighbor’s communication plan based on your family’s needs. If you have elderly family members or those with special needs, you will need to arrange a plan that takes into account their particular needs. Do they need assistance getting around? Are there specific medicines and supplies they may need in case of a disaster? Last, but not least, don’t forget about your pets! Be sure to include them in your disaster planning. Know what they would need and where they will stay if a disaster were to strike your neighborhood.

These are basic tips to get you and your family started on a communications plan. However, consider all potential needs your family may encounter to adjust your plan accordingly. You can start your family plan today at www.FLGetAPlan.com.

#FLGetaPlan

Employee Spotlight | Kristen Kerr, Recovery

Twice a month, we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present Kristen Kerr.

Q: Share a little bit about yourself, where are you from? Where did you graduate from?

“I grew up on a barrier island. I was born and raised in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. I graduated from Florida State University in 2013 and am currently in my second year of the Masters of Public Administration program. I am an FSU Seminole through and through. When I am not working or in class, I love watching FSU football, playing disc golf, painting, grilling, reading, kayaking and really anything that involves the water”.

Q: What made you interested in emergency management?

“I took a few undergraduate and graduate courses that were offered by Florida State’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security department. I have always been interested in international relief and international development which originally led me to the public administration program. I really enjoyed the classes and applied for a position at DEM in the Bureau of Recovery. Since beginning here four months ago, I have learned a lot about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and appreciate what it does and has the potential to do to help restore local communities.”

Q: What is the most valuable thing that you have learned so far in your new role at DEM?

“Working as a team is the best way to get tasks accomplished. I began working in Recovery at a busy time, and learned that everyone’s efforts have an impact on one another. What cannot be accomplished alone can certainly be accomplished with the help of the person sitting in the office next door. Most of everything I have learned in this short time has been at the assistance of the great coworkers surrounding me.”

Q: Fun Fact: What is your hidden talent?

“I tend to sing every song off pitch which makes the Mariah Carey songs I choose for karaoke very interesting”.

Hurricane Eduoard Becomes First Major Storm of Atlantic Season

Although it’s currently not a threat to Florida, it is always best to plan for the worst. Create a family emergency plan and build a kit. Prepare so that you can react at a moments notice.

#FLGetaPlan

To get started visit http://www.FLGetaPlan.com for a custom family emergency plan.

One of our own hits the Big Island!

With Hurricane Iselle and Julio approaching, Hawaiian Emergency Management enlisted Florida Division of Emergency Management’s State Watch Officer, Ashley Davis to assist in their response efforts. Below is Davis’ account on his deployment to the Big Island:

“On August 7 I received the call from the SERT Chief to deploy for two weeks to the state of Hawaii via Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). When a disaster occurs, the governor of the affected state or territory declares a state of emergency. The impacted state assesses its resource needs and identifies shortfalls for which assistance will be requested, and authorized representatives from the affected state then activate EMAC. In this case, the move came in response to a formal request initiated on August 6, by Hawaii Emergency Management officials through the EMAC.  The EMAC request specified the need for an experienced team member to assist with the coordination and implementation of emergency response missions.  All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted legislation to become EMAC partners, which allows individual states (and territories) to provide mutual assistance to one another during a disaster.

The state of Hawaii requested Subject Matter Expertise (SME) from Florida, Mississippi, and California.  I served as the Deputy Operations Chief for the deployment. Less than 24 hours after receiving the call, I left Florida and arrived in Honolulu immediately following Hurricane Iselle’s impact and just as Hurricane Julio tracked toward the Hawaiian Islands.

The EMAC Advance Team quickly integrated into the Hawaii Civil Defense/Emergency Management team and assumed our roles within the Hawaii State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), which is located in a bunker in the crater of Diamond Head, an inactive volcano. EMAC Advance Team members determine the state’s needs for personnel and equipment and broadcasts an EMAC requisition to other states.

In coordination with our state and private sector partners, the Hawaii SEOC deployed approximately 200,000 pounds of ice, and hundreds of tarps and equipment.  We also operated two Disaster Recovery Centers in Hawaii County (Big Island) and provided in-house SME training.

Working with the Hawaii Emergency Management and developing relationships with local and state emergency management was not only a rewarding experience, it was also humbling.  The Hawaii Emergency Management Team is made up of extremely dedicated emergency managers and I was honored to serve alongside them as we saved lives and protected property together” – Ashley Davis, FDEM State Watch Officer

Employee Spotlight | Cherie Milligan, Finance

Twice a month, we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present veteran Division employee, Cherie Milligan.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“Originally, I’m from Detroit. I have lived in Tallahassee since 1984. I am married, and have a son and two grandsons.”

Q: You’ve worked for the state for 25 years, what other agencies have you worked with before FDEM?

“I started working at the former Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, currently known as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in April 1984. I worked in personnel until August 1986. I then left the state for four months to return to school as a full-time student and also worked part time at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. In December 1986, I started working at the Department of Community Affairs in the Housing Division in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Section.

After that I moved on to work on the Growth Management Division for 10 years, then the Coastal Management Program for three years until March 2001. I left the state in 2001 for five years and began work at two law firms in their legislative sections, where I monitored legislation for many lobbyists and attorneys.

I returned to the Department of Community Affairs again to the CDBG program and, in March 2006, I began working at the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) in the current position I have today“.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment while working at FDEM so far?

“I have many memorable moments…the 2007 tornadoes, working both at the Lake County Emergency Operating Center (EOC) the day after the tornado hit and again at the Joint Field Office in Orlando working to set up the Recovery effort. Also, I was deployed four times to Mobile, Ala., in support of the BP Oil Spill/Deep Water Horizon incident. In addition to deployment, I have worked many disaster activations in the EOC. I love the fast pace, adrenaline rush atmosphere you get while working in the EOC. During blue skies, the most memorable time was when FDEM transitioned from working under the Department of Community Affairs to the Executive Office of the Governor. It was definitely a challenge to coordinate that effort for FDEM. It was amazing to watch all the moving pieces and parts and to realize the effects this change has on so many areas of government.”

Q: So now a fun fact, tell us anything fun and random about yourself!

“I love to shop! I love to be with my friends and family! And one day, about five years from now, I just might RETIRE!”

5 Good Sense Reasons to Get a Plan

We all know that for most things in life it is always best to plan ahead, but how many people actually do? When it comes to disasters and severe weather you should always have a plan. Safety is number one; act now and get a plan today.

1. “The early bird catches the worm”

We suggest that all individuals and families create an emergency plan, build a disaster supply kit and practice well before any disaster makes its way towards your community. We have all seen, and maybe have been a part of the large crowds that bombard grocery stores or gas stations days before a storm is expected to hit. Usually at this point there is chaos and a low supply while demands are high. Avoid the crowd and gather all necessary items throughout the year before the start of hurricane season. If you shop and collect early you can ensure you won’t miss out on any disaster supply kit essentials. You can also reduce the cost burden by stocking up a little at a time, rather than all at once.

2. Reduce anxiety when disaster is on its way

No matter how much planning you put in there will always be a sense of panic as disaster draws near. However, knowing what to do will greatly reduce anxiety and fear. Talk to your family today, while skies are blue, to discuss what you would do in case of a disaster. Where would you go and what will you need to take with you? Where will you meet if you are separated? Who will you contact to let loved ones know you are safe? What is everyone’s role in case of an emergency? Create a strategy now so all you need to worry about later is exercising your plans.

3. If you choose to shelter-in, you already have everything you need

Sometimes the best option is not to evacuate, but to shelter in a safe location.  By planning ahead, you will have all the items you need if you were to shelter-in. More importantly, you won’t have to fight for the last gallon of water at your local supermarket. A prepared family will have stored enough items to live off of for at least a week. This includes enough nonperishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day) for each family member, including pets. Power may also be out for a prolonged period of time, so alternative power sources such as generators, fuel and alternative light sources like flashlights are important. Don’t forget batteries!

4. If you choose to evacuate, you will already know where to go

If you plan now, you have the time to figure out all the best options should you need to evacuate your home. While evacuation shelters aren’t announced until the storm is on its way, perhaps it would be more comfortable staying with family or sheltering at a hotel.  Additionally, don’t forget to include your pet(s) in your planning! It is important to remember that family pets are not always allowed in emergency shelters. Consider these options: leaving your pets with family in an unaffected area, going to a pet-friendly hotel with the entire family or boarding your pets at a local animal shelter. Knowing your options ahead of time will help you make the best decision for you and your family when a disaster strikes.

5. Home protection

Storms can severely alter a community’s landscape and damage your home.  Take the time to learn what hazards may affect you and learn what steps you can take to protect your home, including having insurance. Set aside funds each year for disaster mitigation. While you cannot make your home hurricane-proof, you can certainly increase its resiliency by retrofitting its structure. You should also create a home inventory. This will help you assess how much insurance you may need, as well as help you leverage insurance to replace belongings after an event. By making these adjustments early on you could prevent major effects post-disaster.

 

Convinced? Check out http://www.flgetaplan.com to get a plan started today!