#31 "That's your Gold Sword of Disaster Response." Interview with USAR Expert & FEMA Instructor, Joe Hernandez
Joe Hernandez is a USAR expert with experiences that include response to The Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 Twin Towers, Haiti Earthquake, and others. He shares these experiences and lessons learned on our show. Check it out!
We can’t say enough about Joe Hernandez. His 30 year career as a USAR operations expert includes deployments to the Okalahoma City Bombing, 9/11 Twin Towers, the Haiti Earthquake, and more. He has been instructing FEMA personnel for the past 10 years and talks about the mental and emotional tole as well as tools to dealing with extreme event.
#30 "Like Army Men Stuck in Egg Salad" Interview with USAR Expert and FEMA Instructor, Joe Hernandez
Joe Hernandez is a USAR expert with experiences that include response to The Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 Twin Towers, Haiti Earthquake, and others. He shares these experiences and lessons learned on our show. Check it out!
We can’t say enough about Joe Hernandez. His 30 year career as a USAR operations expert includes deployments to the Okalahoma City Bombing, 9/11 Twin Towers, the Haiti Earthquake, and more. He has been instructing FEMA personnel for the past 10 years and talks about the mental and emotional tole as well as tools to dealing with extreme event.
#29 Part 2: Urban Planner and Emergency Manager discusses hazard mitigation, Interview with Cynthia McCoy
We need to address the elephant in the room of emergency coordination. Emergency managers and urban planners must better work together to mitigate disaster. Lucky for us, Cynthia McCoy is both. See why her expertise matters and how that can help you as you build plans and mitigate threat.
Cynthia McCoy is a former member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and now works for the City of Seattle. She has deployed to numerous disasters including Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Harvey, two events that have created innovation within emergency management.
This is Part 2 of her episode. We dive into the details of hazard mitigation from a theory and practice perspective. She talks about risk analysis and putting those plans into practice. We move from the socio-economic impact of disasters to the financial burden of recovery. We explain why hazard mitigation is so important what it can do in the lives of those who would be impacted by pending crisis.
#28 Part 1: The New Cross-Discipline - Urban Planning & Emergency Management with Cynthia McCoy
We need to address the elephant in the room of emergency coordination. Emergency managers and urban planners must better work together to mitigate disaster. Lucky for us, Cynthia McCoy is both. See why her expertise matters and how that can help you as you build plans and mitigate threat.
Cynthia McCoy is a former member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and now works for the City of Seattle. She has deployed to numerous disasters including Super Storm Sandy and Hurricane Harvey, two events that have created innovation within emergency management.
In part 1, Cynthia talks about her background in Urban Planning and Emergency Management. On part of on this episode, we talk about how historical data needs to better integrate with future trends to better define the scope of threat as well as address mitigation with data informed decisions. We heavily focus on the socio-economic impacts of disaster and the increase in events..
#27 Interview with Georgetown University Director of Emergency and Disaster Mgmt. Dr. Frazier
Director of Faculty Dr. Tim Frazier with the Georgetown University’s elite Emergency and Disaster Management Master’s program talks about disaster research and analytics. We dive into the COVID-19 Pandemic, how 2020 stacks up to past years in emergency response, and the importance of public-private partnerships.
What is the best use of a firetruck? Dr. Frazier answers this question with host John Scardena, as they dive into disaster analytics and how the Great Pandemic of 2020 will shape emergency management for decades to come. We talk about climates, populations, and the need for the collaborative environment within emergency services.
Dr. Tim Frazier’s GU bio includes the following:
“Much of Dr. Frazier’s research focuses on developing science that serves to impact decision-making in local communities through stakeholder engagement. He is considered a coastal hazards expert and is a leading researcher on the impacts of sea level rise on the physical and socioeconomic vulnerability and resilience of coastal communities. Dr. Frazier is also considered an expert on resilience, and risk assessment, and a leading researcher use of GIS technology and spatial analysis for hazard mitigation planning and climate change adaptation. The primary focus of Dr. Frazier’s research is to help communities increase their resilience to natural hazards and climate change through the development of science and policies that are socially and environmentally just. “ See more at on the Georgetown EDM page.
#26 Federal Response to Disasters with FEMA Corps Program Liaison Kevin Coleman
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in charge of the Federal Response in Disasters. Kevin Coleman talks about his experience in the field and his current role as the FEMA Corps Program Liaison.
Kevin Coleman is an experienced Federal Response Official with years of experience and countless deployments to large-scale disasters. During the COVID-19 Federal Response, he worked on a joint agency taskforce to recommend and build federal capabilities around the county. This task force was responsible for testing over a million people by the beginning of the summer alone.
As the program Liaison for FEMA Corps, he combines his own experience with the program as a former team leader with his response experience from the IMAT to help FEMA Corps members gain experience in emergency management through training and working with field experts.
Kevin Coleman and the host John Scardena worked on the same response team. FEMA is not a paid sponsor of this podcast.
#25 October - The 2020 All Hazards Month
President Trump has COVID-19. Wildfires are raging on the West Cost. Schools are looking to reopen in a pandemic before a vaccine is available, pandemic released inmates are committing crimes, and we are still in Hurricane Season. Emergency managers must be on the top of their game and self-correct to meet the numerous challenges of this month. This episodes provides ideas to emergency managers to help them address concerns with community partners. And bonus: Halloween Hunt idea!
Using, "In the moment after actions," this episode addresses the numerous hazards and potential threats that we are currently facing. From President Trump testing positive for COVID-19, to massive wildfires burning across California, Oregon, and Washington, to hurricane recovery, to potential civil unrest, to schools reopening... we look at each sector and suggest course corrections. We also talk about Halloween and how to prepare to celebrate the Holiday in an appropriate way. Big Hint- It's time to take it's place as the rightful holiday candy hunt.
#24 Thunderclap! Wildfires & Hurricanes with Emergency Manager Meteorologist Jason Clapp
Expert emergency manager meteorologist talks about the Washington, Oregon, and California wildfires. This episode is focused around National Preparedness Month. Jason shares ideas to help emergency managers and individuals better prepared for wildfire and hurricane events.
U.S. Air Force member, Jason Clapp lead a successful career in meteorology, as he began helping response operations, he found emergency management and now works in Yakima County as an emergency planner. His unique experience allows him to address natural disasters through the lens of weather science. He uses his data background to look for gaps that others are unable to see. We talk about the Washington wildfires, the Oregon Wildfires, the California Wildfires, and Hurricanes. Jason provides advice about emergency mitigation and training for these events and settles the argument about about the differences between Global Warming and Climate Change. This podcast was recorded remotely.
#23 The Leslie Knope of Earthquakes - Interview with Amanda Siok From FEMA Region 10
FEMA’s Region 10 based in Seattle has some of the most high frequency, low occurrence threats in the United States. The Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Program Manager, Amanda Siok talks about these threats, earthquake policy, hazard mitigation plans, and community outreach on this weeks episode.
This episode is like 5,000 candles blowing in the wind, of an earthquake. Amanda Siok, the, “Leslie Knope of Earthquakes” due to her passion and work on earthquake policy. She has spent her entire career in the Northwest, focusing on mitigating the some of the most catastrophic natural events on Earth. This earth shattering interview covers several key elements of earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic mitigation efforts and a large portion is focused on lessons learned from previous disasters such as the 2011 Japanese Earthquake Tsunami, and Fukushima Disaster, the 1964 Earthquake Tsunami in Alaska, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and even the 79 A.D. Pompeii Volcanic Eruption.
Through this lesson’s learned format, we learn what the Federal Emergency Management Agency is doing to help communities around the United States. We learn about community outreach, policy, environmental considerations and critical infrastructure’s role within the wild environment. We also talk about Bison vs Buffalo, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Waffles, and efforts individuals and families and take now to be better prepared for earthquake safety, tsunami response, and volcanic evacuations. This is the perfect episode for National Preparedness Month. Don’t forget about The Great Shakeout on October 15th at 10:15 am local time. Get it? On 10-15 at 10:15? Do it! It will be great practice for an actual event.
#22 Never Forget 9/11 with Retired Firefighter Paramedic and Army Veteran Mike Levasseur
This is a special episode, talking about the events of 9/11, emergency response, military response, and the actions that emergency managers in the future should take to learn from the events the terrorist attacks that impacted thousands of lives in the US and changed disaster management forever.
Mike talks about his experience with 9/11. He was serving in the U.S. Army in Eastern Europe when it happened. He talked about that fateful day from his perspective and the lessons learned as he has responded to countless emergencies as part of the U.S military, as a firefighter and as a paramedic. He now leads emergency management operations for an organization in California and talks about the lessons learned he has gained throughout a very distinguished career. His responses include Hurricane Katrina, Wildfires, and of course, War.
#21 National Preparedness Month: Major Disaster Prep
Switching it up a bit from our normal style of emergency management advice, we want to talk about emergency preparedness. I am going to run through a few disasters and examples of preparedness considerations for individuals and families, commercial spaces, and traveling.
By talking about disaster events from hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes to apply information to any disaster. We provide tips and reminders about preparing your home by reviewing emergency plans and equipment, we talked about the Doberman Family Emergency Plan that you can download from our website dobermanemg.com we talked about the rule of thumb with fires, safely evacuating, COOP plans, early warning systems and the difference between a watch and a warning, we talked about apps and we have SO much more to talk about. We will be addressing Earthquakes on next week’s episode with Amanada Siok from FEMA Region 10, and on our business Instagram and Facebook pages for DobermanEMG we will share thoughts on all these areas plus active shooters, terrorism, hazmat issues, and other man-made threats. This is all part of our effort to help you become disaster tough and raise awareness during THE US National Preparedness Month. Make sure you follow those accounts and the Disaster Tough Podcast Instagram account for those tips, guides, and product discount announcements.
#20 The Hurricane Harvey Deployment with Super Storm Sandy GIUL & GIS Expert James Dewar
This is the Hurricane Harvey episode. The response to Hurricane Harvey and lessons learned from Super Storm Sandy. A federal response perspective.
Having both deployed to Hurricane Harvey and leading the geospatial efforts for this record breaking event, John Scardena and James Dewer talk about their experiences responding to catastrophic disasters. Utilizing the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey to set the stage, we talk about Hurricane Laura, Super Storm Sandy, innovation in emergency management, and lessons learned for other emergency managers.
#19 Intersection of Training and Research with Interim Director Jayson Kratoville at National Center for Security & Preparedness
The intersection of research and training in emergency management services provides a path towards data informed decision making. We talk about drones, weather quantum computing, COVID-19 and more on this episode.
The future in emergency management is all about data. Interim Director Jayson Kratoville dives into numerous projects with ample examples of how emergency management and response will rely more and more on data to assist in the Disaster Life-Cycle. We talk about applying the data, the tools to access it and the differences between the emergency manager, general public, and politicians will react to disaster. We talk about drones, the COVID-19 pandemic and masks, weather quantum computing and more on this episode. If you want to become the emergency manager of the future, Jayson walks you through how to do that.
#18 Paramedic to Deputy Director of Emergency Management with Ashley Lauria-Golden
Deputy Director of Emergency Management, Ashley Lauria-Golden of Foryth County GA talks about her experience working in the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of emergency management. Ashley and our host, John Scardena, talk about their training and education at Georgetown University and how it propelled their careers in emergency management.
From tactical level responses as a paramedic, to Deputy Director of Emergency Management for Forsyth County, GA. Ashley Lauria-Golden dives into her experiences applying tactical, operational, and strategic levels of emergency management throughout her highly successful career.
Of the several experiences we discuss, Ashley and our host both attended the elite Georgetown Master's program in Emergency and Disaster Management and talk about the application of the experiences we gained through field intensives.
Learn what an Italian loves more, pasta or pizza and how a Purple Scion can influence this emergency manager on our episode.
Ashley’s comments and opinions are her own and do not represent an official statement for Forsyth County, GA.
#17 The Beirut Explosion - What 75 Years Since The Hiroshima Bomb Has Taught Emergency Managers
We compare the Beirut Explosion to the Hiroshima Bomb in World War 2, the Oklahoma City Bombing, Chernobyl Nuclear Incident, and Halifax Harbour Accident. These catastrophic explosions have shaped the Earth, populations, and policies for decades. Lessons learned starts here.
In this after action report (AAR) style episode, John Scardena walks emergency managers through hazard materials (HAZMAT) and chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological, and explosive (CBRNE) events. Using the Disaster Life-cycle and world events such as the Beirut Explosion, Hiroshima Bomb in World War 2, the Oklahoma City Bombing, Chernobyl Nuclear Incident, and Halifax Harbour Accident. We talk about the importance of conducting a hazard vulnerability assessment (HVA), following safety guidelines, considerations for first-responders, and reaching out to the emergency management community for pre-disaster mitigation. We go into the details from each of these catastrophic explosions and talk lessons learned.
#16 Why Doberman? And why, Disaster Tough? Also, 10,000 downloads! Thank you!
Hey everyone, thank you for supporting the Disaster Tough Podcast! We are over the moon that so many have tuned in and are supporting our show.
Doberman is Disaster Tough. We talk about our name, give a big shout out to our 10,000 listeners (thank you again!) and provide the essential emergency plans that all emergency managers must know.
This week we decided to cap of the month by explaining who Doberman Emergency Management is, what we do, and how we help our community. We also explain the name behind our podcast.
#15 PART 2 - Regional Disaster Services Director at The Salvation Army Patrick McGinn
Part 1 of this episode dove into Patrick’s background and expertise. In this episode, we talk about how he applies that expertise in his current role at The Salvation Army. We talk volunteering in a pandemic, provide those critical insights into working in austere conditions, mental health, and share stories.
Continuing our discussion, Patrick McGinn shares lessons learned from his time at The Salvation Army, talks about how and why people need to volunteer, even in a pandemic, and what his organization is doing to keep people safe. We also talked about how our host, John Scardena saved his life several years ago (but not really, it’s a hilarious story). We laugh a lot and talk Emergency and Disaster Services. Join in the conversation on this week’s episode.
#14 PART 1 - Regional Disaster Services Director at The Salvation Army Patrick McGinn
Hurricanes, tornadoes, axioms, Type 1, 2, and 3 Disasters and what that means for emergency managers. This episode dives into the complexity of disaster, how to make better plans and emergency training exercises, and what you need to do to be a better coordinator in response.
Expert emergency manager, Patrick McGinn serves as the Regional Disaster Services Director at The Salvation Army for all of Northern California and Nevada. He talks about his response experiences and shares lessons learned on emergency training exercises. Patrick also served the elite National Incident Management Assistance Team (N-IMAT West) for FEMA with our host, John Scardena.
Patrick is truly a well rounded emergency manager with both planning and operational experience. With his current role with The Salvation Army, he has developed axioms that push emergency managers to have a one-team, one-fight mentality. In this episode, we talked about how training pre-disaster impacted operations during Hurricane Harvey, a major event in both our host’s and Patrick’s career.
Check out these great Disaster Go Bags on Amazon! (click on a bag & check it out)
#13 Dual Threat Response: Hurricanes & COVID-19 Pandemic Preparations with Cam Starrett
The hurricane response around the Seven Community Lifelines will be impacted by COVID-19. This is what emergency managers need to address when preparing for a hurricane response.
Emergency mangers must be training for a hurricane response in a pandemic environment. The Seven Community Lifelines will be impacted. Safety and Security, Food Water Shelter, Health and Medical, Energy, Communications, Transportation, and Hazardous Materials. We address general public situational awareness, and our role in deescalation.
#12 Military Veteran, Emergency Manager, Tactical Firearm Response Trainer & Owner of Gladiator Gunz Training Group William Jackson Jr.
In this special July 4th Episode, we talk to William Jackson Jr. A 20 year veteran who served in the elite 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army. He is an emergency manager within the Federal Government and the Owner of Gladiator Gunz that specializes in firearms training for police and military.
Emergency management is a natural progression for many military vets. Will talks about his experiences with anti-terrorism CBRNE missions, the skills required to transfer into emergency management and his prestigious tactical firearm response training for law enforcement (police), military, and civilian members. If you are in the military and thinking about emergency and disaster services, this is the podcast for you. Will also addresses how the police need more training and how Gladiator Gunz Training Group can help through their scenario based courses.