All Hazards Hour

Katmai Solutions

The All Hazards Hour podcast explores every aspect of disaster management, featuring real stories and practical insights from emergency managers and disaster responders. Tune in for candid conversations that reveal how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Email us with comments, suggested topics and guests, and flowery praise at podcast@katmaisolutions.com. To learn more about our sponsor go to www.katmaisolutions.com. New episodes drop every Friday at 12am Alaska Time.

  1. 2d ago

    Answering the Call- Responding to the Mayfield, KY Tornadoes with Tom Neal Indiana Task Force One

    Overview Tom Neal, a member of Indiana Task Force One, joins All Hazards Hour to share his path into emergency management and his experience deploying to Mayfield, KY after the December 2021 tornado outbreak. Indiana Task Force One is a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team. He walks us through the challenges of coordinating a large-scale search and rescue operation, the importance of clear communication and resource allocation under pressure, and the emotional toll the work took on responders. Other topics covered; peer support, community resilience, training and preparedness, and how after-action reviews help teams improve for the next deployment. Tom's account offers a ground-level view of what it actually takes to respond when a community is hit this hard, along with lessons other emergency managers can carry into their own planning and response efforts. He also speaks candidly about the moments that stayed with him long after the deployment ended, which grounds the technical parts of the conversation in the human reality of the work. Takeaways Cohesive communication is essential during high-stress deploymentsGathering and verifying intelligence in the field is one of the hardest parts of the jobPeer support plays a critical role in protecting mental health during search and rescue workLocal community engagement strengthens the overall disaster responseResources The December 10-11, 2021 Tornado Outbreak — National Weather Service An interactive overview of the historic outbreak, covering forecasting, warnings, tornado tracks, and impacts across multiple states. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/8243cae7290947b1ab389c56ccb98445?item=1Storm Events Database — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information NOAA's official record of the EF4 tornado that struck Graves County, including its path, 24 fatalities, 210 injuries, and detailed storm information. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=994196Joint Regional Service Assessment: December 10-11, 2021 Tornado Outbreak — National Weather Service A detailed after-action assessment of the outbreak's forecasting, warnings, communications, and response, with particular attention to the catastrophic impacts in Mayfield. https://www.weather.gov/media/publications/assessments/NWS_Joint_Regional_Service_Assessment_Dec_10-11_2021.pdfThe Mayfield, KY EF4 Tornado — National Weather Service A meteorological look at the atmospheric conditions, forecasting, and storm development behind the tornado's approach to Mayfield. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9ee7941b6cbd4355870bba46aeba83c0Tornado Recovery Efforts in Western Kentucky — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers An account of the disaster response in Mayfield and Graves County, including debris removal, federal assistance, and coordination with FEMA, state, and local agencies. https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/Media/News/Article/3636207/tornado-recovery-efforts-continue-in-western-kentucky/

  2. Aug 14

    Technical Tidbit- NDEMU- A New Era in Emergency Management Education

    Overview: This episode discusses the evolution of emergency management education, from its origins in the Cold War through the establishment of the FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) to the recent development of the National Disaster and Emergency Management University (N.D.E.M.U.), which reflects a shift from technical training to a structured professional continuum. This shift aims to develop leadership, expertise, and knowledge in the field of emergency management, shaping the future of the profession. Takeaways: Evolution of emergency management educationShift from only technical training to professional continuum Resources: National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU)FEMA's national center for disaster and emergency management education, training, and professional development. https://training.fema.gov/ NDEMU: School of National ResilienceProvides training focused on building resilience and strengthening disaster preparedness across communities, organizations, and the broader emergency management profession. https://training.fema.gov/ndemu/schools/school-of-national-resilience/ NDEMU: School of Disaster LeadershipProvides education and training designed to strengthen leadership capabilities for emergency management and disaster response professionals. https://training.fema.gov/ndemu/schools/school-of-disaster-leadership/ NDEMU: Emergency Management InstituteContinues the mission of FEMA's Emergency Management Institute as part of NDEMU, providing education and training for emergency management professionals and partners. https://training.fema.gov/ndemu/schools/emergency-management-institute/ FEMA Independent Study ProgramOffers free, self-paced courses covering emergency management topics for professionals, responders, government partners, and the public. https://training.fema.gov/programs/independent-study/ 70 Years of the Emergency Management InstituteHighlights seven decades of EMI's history and evolution in educating and preparing the nation's emergency management workforce. https://training.fema.gov/70years/ EMI NowExamines the current role of the Emergency Management Institute and its place within NDEMU. https://training.fema.gov/70years/eminow/ History of the Emergency Management InstituteTraces the development of EMI and its role in shaping emergency management education and professional development. https://training.fema.gov/70years/history/

  3. Aug 7

    Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future- National Emergency Management Awareness Month

    Overview: This episode celebrates National Emergency Management Awareness Month by reflecting on various catastrophic events, including the 1953 North Sea Flood, the Johnstown Flood, the Odisha Super Cyclone, the Halifax Explosion, and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Each disaster highlights how the the lessons learned have helped modern emergency management become what it is today. Takeaways: Lessons from past disasters shape modern emergency management practicesResilience is achieved through understanding vulnerabilities and designing better systems for the future Resources: IAEM National Emergency Management Awareness Month https://www.iaem.org/knowyourem/ 1953 North Sea FloodSummary: A devastating flood that killed more than 2,500 people and led to major advances in flood defense engineering, including the Dutch Delta Works, transforming modern flood risk management. Resource: NASA Earth Observatory – Fighting Back the Sea https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/fighting-back-the-sea-92334/ Johnstown Flood (1889)Summary: The failure of the South Fork Dam killed more than 2,200 people and underscored the need for dam safety, infrastructure maintenance, and organized disaster response. Resource: National Park Service – Johnstown Flood National Memorial https://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm Odisha Super Cyclone (1999)Summary: A powerful cyclone that killed nearly 10,000 people and drove major improvements in forecasting, early warning, evacuation planning, and community preparedness in India. Resource: NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory – 15th Anniversary of the Odisha Cyclone https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hurricane_blog/15th-anniversary-of-the-odisha-cyclone/ Halifax Explosion (1917)Summary: The largest human-made explosion before the atomic age, highlighting the need for coordinated emergency response, trauma care, mutual aid, and recovery planning. Resource: Parks Canada – Halifax Explosion Backgrounder https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2017/12/halifax_explosion.html Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004)Summary: A magnitude 9.1 earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people, leading to improved tsunami warning systems and international preparedness. Resource: NOAA National Weather Service – The Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004: A Wake-Up Call https://vlab.noaa.gov/web/nws-heritage/-/the-banda-aceh-tsunami-of-2004-a-wake-up-call

  4. Jul 31

    Technical Tidbit- Prevention and Protection: Beyond the Four Phases

    Overview: The conversation explores the concepts of prevention and protection in emergency management, distinguishing them from traditional phases and highlighting their importance in modern preparedness. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these mission areas and their role in creating a layered approach to resilience and safety. Takeaways: Prevention and protection complement the traditional four phases of emergency management.Understanding the distinctions between prevention and protection drives funding, planning, and capability development. Resources: National Protection Framework (FEMA) https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_gpd_national-protection-framework-2nd-edition_051525.pdf FEMA's companion doctrine document outlining how communities protect against the greatest threats and hazards to people, infrastructure, and assets. Mission Areas and Core Capabilities (FEMA) https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/mission-core-capabilities FEMA's overview page explaining all five mission areas and the 32 core capabilities tied to the National Preparedness Goal. Infrastructure Security Division (CISA/DHS) https://www.cisa.gov/about/divisions-offices/infrastructure-security-division CISA's page on the division that leads national efforts to secure critical infrastructure through risk management and resilience-building with public and private partners.

  5. Jul 24

    More Than a Piece of Paper- The Value of Becoming a Certified Emergency Manager- with Dan Nelson CEM

    Overview: The conversation explores the process, benefits, and impact of earning the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation. It delves into the requirements, professional contributions, and the impact of the certification on career advancement and professional credibility. The conversation covers the importance of CEM certification, the value of mentorship, the evolution of emergency management, and the skills needed for future emergency managers. It also includes book recommendations and the significance of practical training in emergency management. Takeaways: CEM is a recognized professional credential in emergency managementProfessional contributions are a key component of the CEM certification process CEM certification signifies going above and beyond the minimum requirements.Mentorship is crucial for both new and experienced CEMs.Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for future emergency managers. Resources: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right Atul Gawande Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government’s Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die Garrett M. Graff When The Dust Settles: Searching For Hope After Disaster Lucy Easthope International Association of Emergency Managers IAEM Certification Program Dan Nelson on LinkedIn

  6. Jul 17

    Technical Tidbit- Recovery: The Long Road Forward

    Summary: In the last episode of the Phases of Emergency Management series, we delve into the often overlooked phase of emergency management: recovery. We explore the complexities of recovery, the FEMA National Disaster Recovery Framework, recovery support functions, individual assistance, public assistance program, challenges in recovery, building resilience, and transformational recovery. The discussion emphasizes the importance of planning for recovery, investing in resilience, and understanding available resources for successful recovery efforts. Takeaways: Recovery is a complex and lengthy phase of emergency managementThe National Disaster Recovery Framework provides structure and coordination for recovery efforts Resources: FEMA National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF): https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/recovery FEMA Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public FEMA Individual Assistance Program: https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual FEMA National Preparedness System: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness

  7. Jul 10

    Caring Through the Crisis: Healthcare Emergency Management

    Overview: The conversation delves into the unique challenges of healthcare emergency management, emphasizing the critical role of hospitals in emergency response. It explores the structure, evolution, and implementation of incident command systems in healthcare, as well as the rewards and challenges of working in hospital emergency management. The regulatory requirements, hazard vulnerability analysis, business continuity planning, and interagency collaboration in healthcare emergency management are also discussed. The conversation covers the importance of collaboration with external partners, challenges and considerations in family reunification, patient tracking and communication for reunification efforts, utilizing technology for family reunification, supporting families during reunification, coordination in emergency response, mass casualty incidents and variability, balancing real-world scenarios and drills, lessons learned from exercises and drills, challenges in healthcare emergency management, transition to healthcare emergency management, the future of healthcare emergency management, and advice for aspiring emergency management professionals. Takeaways: Healthcare emergency management involves unique challengesCollaboration and communication are essential in healthcare emergency management Family reunification in healthcare emergency management involves safely reconnecting patients and families following a disaster or mass casualty incident.Coordination between hospitals, emergency management agencies, and nonprofit organizations is crucial for effective emergency response and patient care. Resources: ASPR TRACIE – Hospital Incident Command System A curated collection of HICS resources, implementation guidance, and best practices from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  8. Jul 3

    Technical Tidbit- Response: When the Boots Hit the Ground

    Summary This episode delves into the response phase of emergency management, highlighting its critical components, challenges, and lessons from real-life disasters. It emphasizes the impact of preparedness and mitigation on the effectiveness of the response phase, and concludes with a call to action for readiness and response. Takeaways Response phase is the immediate life-saving phasePreparedness and mitigation efforts significantly impact the effectiveness of the response phase Resources FEMA- National Response Framework- https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/NRF_FINALApproved_2011028.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
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4 Ratings

About

The All Hazards Hour podcast explores every aspect of disaster management, featuring real stories and practical insights from emergency managers and disaster responders. Tune in for candid conversations that reveal how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Email us with comments, suggested topics and guests, and flowery praise at podcast@katmaisolutions.com. To learn more about our sponsor go to www.katmaisolutions.com. New episodes drop every Friday at 12am Alaska Time.

Information

  • Creator
    Katmai Solutions
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Katmai Solutions