The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Every emergency manager has touched FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in one way or another during their career. As EMI surpasses 70 years of operation, the new Superintendent, Dr. Jeffery Stern discusses how to improve the training and education of the next generation of emergency managers, and the possibility of the development of an Emergency Management Command College.

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

FEMA Warns Emergency Alert System Has a Critical Flaw

This week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned participants in the emergency alert system (EAS) that vulnerabilities can be used to allow threat actors to issue alerts over TV, radio, and cable networks.

EAS allows the federal government, the president, or state-level officials to send out emergency warnings about potential weather issues or AMBER alerts for missing children. The alerts are typically sent over broadcast, cable, and satellite TV as well as radio channels and other outlets.

FEMA said the public warning system requires radio and TV broadcasters, cable TV, wireless cable systems, satellite and wireline operators “to provide the President with capability to address the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency.”

FEMA did not specify the issues in the warning system but said they are found in EAS encoder/decoder devices that have not been updated to the most recent software versions…

Over the last few years, public attention has focused on the federal government's failures in disaster response and recovery. In many cases, the criticism is unwarranted. However, the Federal government has not made progress in resolving an underlying shortcoming in our Nation's preparedness: Developing a universal culture of readiness.

Brock Long stated that the United States is in a vicious cycle of communities being impacted by disasters and having to rebuild constantly. And it's almost as if we're not learning anything from what history, mother nature, has taught us.

The Culture of preparedness is founded on the shared understanding that future disasters will occur and that every individual is responsible for preparing for and responding appropriately to their abilities to disasters.

One of the classes I teach is called The Social Impact of Disasters. We discuss how humans react to disasters and the stress that is put on them, and the community where they live. I use Dr. Daniel Aldrich's books Black Wave and Building Resilience. Here Aldrich discusses how closer communities work together to rebuild after an event. In addition, he explores how the individual's social ties directly affect how they recover from and, in some cases, become stronger because of a disaster.

How do we create such a culture? Before COVID, most individuals have not experienced a significant emergency directly. They may have seen disaster footage on TV and had a friend or loved one impacted; however, they felt it was never going to happen to them.

Studies show that the presence of a tangible, generally accepted threat is the single most crucial ingredient for creating a culture of preparedness. As a child of the Cold War, the threat of a Nuclear war loomed over our heads. We were prepared for a bomb to drop. In the 1950s and 60s, people on the west coast put bomb shelters in their backyards; our popular Culture was full of references to the "bomb." After the fall of the Soviet Union, America lacks such a perception of risk.

One of the issues in the United States is that geographic and industrial diversity means that citizens in different regions are subject to various natural and man-made hazards. This diversity of threats makes it challenging to achieve the universal perception of risk that underlies a culture of preparedness. For most people, preparedness planning is unlikely to be a priority.

Recent events have also demonstrated that Americans lack the sense of individual responsibility required to create an authentic culture of preparedness.

People tend to perceive that preparedness and emergency response are purely governmental functions. They believe that fire and police are coming to the rescue in a time of need.

We cannot blame the individual's thought process because this idea of emergency services coming from the federal government in the time of need is reinforced by official preparedness and response procedures. Emergency preparedness generally does not include an active role for individual citizens. This omission has contributed to an ethic of passivity in the population that negatively impacts our ability to prepare for and cope with disasters.

The current view of preparedness as a governmental function must be abandoned; individuals must learn to take an active, rather than a passive, role in preparing for disasters. This sense of individual responsibility will fuel more significant government preparedness initiatives and facilitate effective operations during emergency incidents.

How do we change this view? It has to change from the ground up, not the top down. Local jurisdictions need to have a robust preparedness program. The New Zealand integrated civil defense emergency management approach can be described by the four areas of activity, known as the '4 Rs'; Reduction, readiness, response, and recovery.

They have developed operational systems and capabilities before a civil defense emergency happens, including self-help and response programs for the general public and specific programs for emergency services, lifeline utilities, and other agencies.

The Civil Defense model revolved around the idea that help was not coming, that communities would be on their own for some time. They encouraged community gardens and volunteer programs to augment the community safety programs.

We are close. CERT, VIPS, RACES, and other Citizen Corps programs are excellent; however, we are still looking at the top-down programs. We need to get bottom-up community programs that local governments recognize and support. And maybe, just maybe, funded by federal and state money.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Her career began as a first responder with the fire service in the mid-80s. She recognized early on that to succeed as both a firefighter and a woman in a mostly male workplace would require perseverance, grit, and the ability to command respect.

Over her three-decade career, she pushed herself to tackle new challenges and rise into leadership positions. She became an EMT and then a paramedic, while also earning a degree in fire science. When she finally achieved the rank of captain, she was the only woman at the induction ceremony.

Now retired, she loves speaking to people about her experiences as a first responder and as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She lives with her husband Mark, and her German shepherd, Chewie, in Florida.

Todd DeVoe
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/ToddTDeVoe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddtdevoe/
Substack: https://emnetwork.substack.com/
Website: https://toddtdevoe.com/

Cindie Schooner-Ball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082750782081
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3zgporW
Website https://sisterinabrotherhood.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sisterinabrotherhood/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

I am about to say something controversial, training classes are great, and education is essential. However, the network you build at summits, symposiums, workshops, and conferences is invaluable. When I attended a summit or conference, I appreciated the diversity of perspectives and many breakout sessions. These events are where professional development and individual growth take place. And summits promote more profound understanding, uncover new learnings and reinforce existing best practices.

At each event I attend, I meet great people and connect with old friends. You get to see what works in other parts of the world, not just in the town or county next to you. 

We know — it's hard to take time away from work. So a conference has to be worthwhile to justify the days out of the office. If that is the case for you, virtual summits work as well. 85% of professionals believe that meeting face-to-face (or zoom-to-zoom) builds stronger, more meaningful relationships. So it goes without saying that large-scale events are the perfect opportunity to expand your network and find potential new mentors and collaborators.

It is important to remember that networking takes many forms, so don't rely on planned sessions within the conference itself. Go the extra mile. Arrive early, seek out 'post-conference' events, use the conference app (if they have one) to reach out directly to someone you find interesting, and be sure to have a healthy stack of stand-out business cards at your disposal. My friend is now using a digital business card, and it is on a wristband. Whatever you use, don't be the person fumbling around with a pen and paper.

Summits in person are about the experiences. In-person events provide opportunities that you cannot get by reading articles, listing to podcasts, or watching a video. Even online summits give you opportunities to interact with others.

Every conference session you attend is an opportunity to have your questions answered by experts. It's also an opportunity that many attendees neglect. So come prepared and take advantage. Map out your conference sessions in advance and brainstorm a few questions for each topic. It may be that the presentation answers all your questions, but if not, you're ready to pick the speaker's brains. When I speak at conferences and summits, I enjoy talking to people that attended my session. I encourage people to continue the conversation over coffee or as we walk in the hallway.

What are conferences, symposiums, workshops, and summits about?

* They are about inspiration. When it comes to innovation of thought and innovation of action, this is the place. Everybody working the event is focused on the best ways to provide unforgettable experiences. The attendees are looking to be inspired by the speakers and other attendees. 

* It's about real-world examples. Leaders from around the world want to share their strategies and their success stories. You'll leave with plenty of practical takeaways you can bring back to the office.

* It's about networking. Talk to other attendees who are experiencing the same challenges you have. Find out what's working for them, and share what works for you. 

Make it a point to attend an event this year. The 2022 Emergency Management Leadership Summit is free and has a host of great speakers that you can get to hear and interact with. 

If you are looking for a great event in New York, the NDEM  Expo is November 16-17, 2022, and The International Association of Emergency Managers is November 11-17, 2022, in Savannah, GA. I hope to see you at an event this year; stop and say hi and let's chat. 

What to Read

Getting to Yes

Marc C. Baker

As Emergency Managers, we sometimes find ourselves at the negotiation table for issues like budget allocations, acceptable mitigation measures, contracts, or employee compensation. This is a unique aspect of the profession that not all expect or are prepared for, especially those new to the profession. The art of negotiation is a skill that takes time to develop, experience to be good at, and maturity to be comfortable with. Have you ever found yourself in a negotiation? How about a better negotiator? Think about the first time you bought a car discussing the price with the salesperson, were you prepared for that process? How did you feel after the deal you made? I was intimidated and left the dealer feeling violated and later embarrassed when I told my friends about the process and the ridiculous deal I agreed to. I was unprepared and too immature for the process, but I learned my lesson, grew from it, and got a much better deal on the next cars I bought. I think this book does for readers; it gives us good techniques for approaching any negotiation so everyone can walk away from the table with a good deal.

Supporters

https://www.disastertech.com/?hsLang=en

https://www.ndemevent.com/en-us.html

https://titanhst.com/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

The Emergency Management Leadership Virtual Summit August 1-3, 2022 will feature some fantastic Leaders and Emergency Management Professionals.

Todd DeVoe
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/ToddTDeVoe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddtdevoe/
Substack: https://emnetwork.substack.com/
Website: https://toddtdevoe.com/

Dan Scott
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-scott-m-a-cem%C2%AE-empp-3-59a8a86a/
Website https://emergencypreparednessnetwork.net/summit51227834

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

The vision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is to strengthen the field of emergency management by establishing an Emergency Management Professional Program (EMPP). The EMPP provides a framework for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter and progress through the field and to meet the challenges of a dynamic and complex environment. The entire EMPP curriculum is designed to provide a lifetime of learning for a career in emergency management.
EMI Link:
https://training.fema.gov/empp/

Kelly Garrett:

https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=dr.%20kelly%20garrett&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=623b19ef-8b20-445b-9738-41e9696026cb&sid=ClL

Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-scott-m-a-cem%C2%AE-empp-3-59a8a86a/
https://www.instagram.com/d_scott_overdeliver/
https://www.facebook.com/D.Scott.and.Associates/
https://twitter.com/Haven1981

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

After suffering a traumatic and unfortunate brain injury, Jacob Green first changed career paths and became an EMT and a public safety dispatcher, then rose to the position of Assistant City Manager and founded Jacob Green & Associates, an organization that focuses on organizational and leadership development, emergency management, public safety, and crisis communications. Jacob Green is a nationally recognized expert in leadership development and crisis management and works to build stronger and more resilient teams.

Links
Jacob Green - https://jacobgreenandassociates.com/

If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

HERricane is a national program by the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) that provides women a means to explore a career in Emergency Management (as well as associated ones) while developing leadership skills, ensuring success in whatever path they choose. Women are underrepresented in Emergency Management but make up a disproportionate amount of disaster victims particularly regarding loss of life, sexual violence, and loss of income.

The City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department (EMD) is excited to announce that we have partnered with the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion (I-DIEM). to facilitate the first ever West coast HERricane camp. We will host this week-long camp for participants between the ages of 15-25 years old, where HERricaneLA will bring together 45 young women from under-represented communities across Los Angeles City and afford them the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of City leaders including our first responders, policy makers, and emergency managers across multiple Departments and culminates in a Functional Exercise on the last day of camp.

Todd DeVoe
Twitter handle: https://twitter.com/ToddTDeVoe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddtdevoe/
Substack: https://emnetwork.substack.com/
Website: https://toddtdevoe.com/

Guest Info Here
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crisanta-gonzalez-mpa-32ab5b36/
Website: https://i-diem.org/herricane/ and
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadyLA
Website: https://www.readyla.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readyla/

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Theory-N2-Practice we talk about leadership through service and engagement with Pete Gaynor, currently of the The LiRo Group and before that FEMA Administrator. Join us for a great discussion and most valuable insight from one of the best in the emergency management profession, Pete Gaynor.

Mr. Gaynor (Pete) joined The LiRo Group in April 2021, as the Senior Vice President and Director, National Resilience Response and Recovery Programs. Mr. Gaynor oversees recovery programs that help clients prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by delivering outcome-based innovative practical solutions.

Pete Gaynor Links:
https://www.liro.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-t-gaynor-cem%C2%AE-7949627/

Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-scott-m-a-cem%C2%AE-empp-3-59a8a86a/
https://www.instagram.com/d_scott_overdeliver/
https://www.facebook.com/D.Scott.and.Associates/
https://twitter.com/Haven1981

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe