In this episode, Nicolette Casey Phillips from Domestic Preparedness talks with Nathan DiPillo, a critical infrastructure analyst at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, and Samuel Alva, the director of operational technology Security at Novacoast. This conversation takes a deep dive into the intersection of informational and operational technology, and DiPillo and Alva’s recommendations to help communities protect their critical infrastructure.

This is an article by Michael Prasad, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 7, 2026.

From the World Cup to the 250th anniversary of its founding, the United States will host an exceptional slate of high-profile events in 2026. Two event classification systems are crucial to the security of all in attendance. Learn how these systems are the starting point for organizing resources, assessing risk, and facilitating interagency cooperation.

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This is an article by Judy Kruger and Jesse Spearo, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, January 7, 2026.

U.S. aviation security relies on layered technologies, interagency cooperation, and continuous monitoring to detect threats that traditional checks could miss. Modernized systems strengthen resilience against evolving risks. Learn how leaders in emergency management, homeland security, and local government can apply lessons from evolution of the field to elevate standards before the next threat emerges.

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In this episode, editor Catherine Feinman talks with Cathy Lanier, the Chief Security Officer at the National Football League (NFL). Lanier spent 27 years at the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., moving up the ranks from rookie officer to the Chief of Police. With a lifetime of experience in protecting communities, she discusses how that experience prepared her for the NFL and talks about lessons she has learned that can help communities better prepare and work together to secure large-scale events within their jurisdictions.

This is an article by Rodney Andreasen, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 31, 2025.

Every storm and every response offer hard-won lessons, but too often, they fade before the next disaster strikes. When organizations do not turn experience into action, failure becomes the default outcome. This subject matter expert has seen the evidence in research and in past responses. What he found is missing is the commitment to utilize the lessons before the next event happens.

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This is an article by James Augustine, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 24, 2025. 

Prepared communities are not accidental. Rather, preparedness is built through purposeful education and meaningful engagement. By partnering with civic groups, schools, and workplaces, emergency managers can offer formal, practical guidance tailored to local risks and the people who live there. Learn how to create a foundation for real community durability. 

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This is an article by Michael “Griff” Griffin, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 24, 2025. 

Instead of repeating past mistakes, one wildlife rescue nonprofit teamed up with state regulators to turn lessons learned into action. Together, they created the nation’s first wildlife-focused emergency operations center. Learn how this organization built response plans, born from Texas sea-turtle rescues, that now guide wildlife efforts nationwide. 

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This is an article by Alexandra Duncan, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 17, 2025. 

For people with substance use disorder, losing access to treatment can be life-threatening. Communities hit hardest by natural disasters already struggle to access proven medications. Learn five strategies that can ensure treatment remains available during emergencies to be fully prepared for future disasters.  

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In this episode, Halley Maxwell from the Harris County Public Health Preparedness and Response Division joins host Teresa Farfan to discuss the importance of engaging international communities in disaster response and preparedness. She explains the challenges of ensuring culturally appropriate communication and the need to build trust across communities while maintaining collaboration with local leaders and emergency management offices to strengthen readiness for public health emergencies. 

This is an article by Josh Curry, Andrew Jackson, Chandler Clough, Johnny Hicks, and Ryan Rockabrand, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, December 10, 2025.

Disaster financing needs to move from reactive spending to proactive risk management. A market-based approach can protect communities by securing disaster funding through contractual mechanisms rather than political processes. Learn how such an approach can build a more resilient financial system to withstand both natural disasters and economic shocks without relying solely on government appropriations or post-disaster aid.

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