Hurricane season is in full swing!
Hello! It is officially hurricane season and I am officially swamped with work, tasks, and new learning opportunities. Since the last time I blogged, I have learned so much and I am so excited to share some of it with you all and fill you in on what I have been up to! Also, I am not going to make you wait until the end of this post to talk about where I am currently. My team and I are still in Washington DC working at Headquarters, but theres a part of me that really feels we are going to be pulled to Florida next week to aid with recovery after the storm and DSA (disaster survivor assistance). I do not have any information on the deployment at this point (or if it is even going to happen) but as always, I will keep you posted! In regard to Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, one team (Kathryn’s team, you all know about my bestie girl Kathy) was deployed there for their first round assigned steady state work. After the hurricane, their project got switched to a DSA assignment. They are safe and will soon be joined by 5 more of our teams that are being deployed to aid in recovery. I admire all of their hard work and passion to serve. This is not easy work, but someone has to do it and the ones for the job! Now, lets rock and roll…
Working with the disaster operations branch of external affairs the past few weeks has been the greatest experience. I have been given so many cool opportunities that have taught me so much and have helped me grow as an individual both professionally and personally. We got here just in time for hurricane season and these hurricanes, Fiona and Ian, are NOT messing around. Last week and the week prior the main focus was Hurricane Fiona hitting Puerto Rico. Now Ian decided to jump into the chaos so as recovery starts for Puerto Rico, the NRCC is kicked into full gear to track and support region 4 as hurricane Ian hits landfall. You have probably seen the NRCC on tv or online, but it is the room at FEMA HQ that is packed with computers and huge tv screens broadcasting weather, news channels and press briefings. When a deceleration is declared and the NRCC is activated, there are not only people from FEMA present but also many other federal agencies. On the outskirts of the NRCC is the NJIC where external affairs sets up camp during an activation. Trust me when I say magic happens in that room. Some of the events that occur daily are sync calls, press conferences broadcasted, NICCL calls and so much more. I have been given the opportunity to lead and facilitate sync calls (internal calls amongst FEMA staff and administration) which has been SO COOL. Just when I thought it could not get cooler, the NICCL call happens. NICCL stands for the National Incident Communication Conference Line and this call includes the White House, the department of homeland security and many other federal agencies who want/need to be involved in what’s going on regarding the natural disaster. I’ve been able to sit in on many of these calls, transcribe them and distribute a summary out to all participants. AND I AM ONLY A FEW WEEKS IN!!! It amazes me when I think about how my year of service has just begun and I am already being exposed to such incredible opportunities!
I have a whole to do list to get through today but if I didn’t, I could just keep writing about this all dang day! So with that said… you know what time it is!!
Rose: My incredible, beautiful, strong and badass Aunt Susan had her last radiation session today and is feeling great! She is kicking cancer in the butt and I’m sending her all the hugs!
Bud: I am anxiously awaiting what the rest of this week and next week has in store for my team and I. Will we be sent to Florida? Will we remain in DC working at HQ?? I have no clue but stay tuned!
Thorn: I am missing my fellow team leaders a lot and am missing all hanging out back at campus. BUT I know I will see them again soon and talking to them everyday is something I always look forward to!
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! Remember, YOU CAN DO IT!
xo, L