Show Notes: Hurricane Michael and Transportation Resilience

Episode Overview: In this episode, Jared Schnader shares his firsthand experience as a co-owner of a non-emergency medical transportation company during Hurricane Michael in October 2018. He discusses the challenges faced by transportation and healthcare services in the aftermath of the storm, the operational changes implemented, and the formation of the Alternative Fuel Disaster Mitigation Action Group (ADMAG) in Florida to develop software, hardware, and policies to better support transit agencies in disaster scenarios. This group was a led by Jared Schnader, Senior Director of the Bus Initiative at CALSTART and had participants from Pinnellas Suncoast Transit, Jacksonville Transit, StarMetro (Tallahassee), Hillsborough Area Transit, LYNX (orlando), Broward County, Miami Dade Transit, Palm Trans, and the Center for Urban Transport Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida.

Key Topics:

1. Background on the Company:

   • Non-emergency medical transportation services for patients requiring treatments like dialysis and cancer care.

2. Hurricane Michael Impact:

   • Description of the storm's devastation in Panama City and surrounding areas.
   • Evacuation experience and initial safety concerns for employees and patients.

3. Post-Hurricane Response:

   • Communication challenges and logistical hurdles after the storm.
   • Coordination with local transit agencies and healthcare facilities to identify patients needing transport for critical treatments.

4. Lessons Learned:

   • Importance of maintaining updated communication networks during disasters.
   • The need for flexibility in transportation resources, including the role of ambulances in non-emergency situations.

5. Fuel Shortages:

   • Fuel supply issues and the necessity of contingency planning for transportation operations.
   • Anecdote about securing fuel through partnerships with local facilities.

6. Collaboration Among Transit Agencies:

   • The role of mutual aid from other transit agencies across Florida.
   • Identifying logistical challenges and shared resources during recovery.

7. Formation of ADMAG:

   • Overview of the Alternative Fuel Disaster Mitigation Action Group.
   • Focus on integrating alt fuels and zero-emission technologies while ensuring resilience in disaster scenarios.

8. Future Recommendations:

   • Importance of microgrids and renewable energy solutions for emergency preparedness.
   • Considerations for policy changes to support utilities and transportation during declared states of emergency.

Conclusion: Jared emphasizes the ongoing need for planning and innovation in the face of natural disasters, highlighting that recovery extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of a storm. The insights gained from Hurricane Michael continue to inform practices in disaster resilience and sustainable transportation.