The Emergency Management Network Podcast Todd T. De Voe

Transcripts were produced by Streamyard and edited for easier reading. The content has not been changed
Good afternoon, everybody. This is Todd DeVoe, your host of the Emergency Manager Network. We are starting a new series brought to you by DLAN, where we'll be discussing various ideas in emergency management, policy ideas, and how we can move things forward.
Today, we're focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning and how these technologies impact emergency management and decision-making. Tim Matheson from Buffalo Computer Graphics and Eric Kant are joining me. We'll have an in-depth conversation about machine learning and AI.
First, let's welcome Eric to the show. Hey, Eric, welcome.
Hey, thank you for having me, Todd. Glad to be here.
Absolutely. I'm going to bring Tim in, too. You know each other, so no formal introductions are necessary, but we'll do some self-introductions in a moment. Eric, could you give us a quick background on yourself? Your background is impressive, from what you've done in the past to what you're doing now and how you're using AI.
Sure. My background has been one of luck and privilege. I started as a firefighter-paramedic in both New York and Florida, where I experienced six presidentially declared disasters. During that time, I was with a very progressive department, and we implemented cutting-edge software, hardware, and processes, even in the mid-90s. I then helped build out systems for disasters like 9/11, Katrina, and Sandy. During those years, I met Tim and Buffalo Computer Graphics, and we worked on several interoperability projects. In the last few years, I've been focused on decision intelligence, applying what is now termed AI, although many of us have been working with these concepts for at least a decade.
AI is indeed an interesting and somewhat misunderstood term. We often hear about ChatGPT as AI, but there's more to it. Tim, could you introduce yourself and talk about what you guys are doing at Buffalo Computer Graphics?
Thanks, Todd. I'm the Director of Products at Buffalo Computer Graphics, and we develop incident management software. Incident management software can encompass a wide range of functions, from situational reporting to resource tracking and documentation. AI is becoming a significant part of this as more people want to use their data to make informed decisions.
Thanks, Tim. And thank you for the work you guys are doing at Buffalo Computer Graphics. AI is often misinterpreted, especially with tools like ChatGPT. Eric, can you explain what AI really is?
Absolutely. AI is defined by governance and regulations, which is crucial. For instance, the White House Executive Order and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act offer broad definitions of AI, covering various technologies from regression algorithms to more advanced systems. When we talk about AI, it could mean many different technologies, such as machine learning models, neural networks, and natural language processing, among others.
When it comes to large language models like ChatGPT, they're essentially statistical tools guessing the next word or phrase based on patterns in the data they were trained on. They don't truly understand language; they operate on tokens, which are sequences of characters and spaces.
Let's discuss using AI in emergency management. We had a discussion about using language models to write emergency messages on the fly, but we agreed that's not a great idea because you need human oversight. However, language models can help create more inclusive messages by refining the language used.
I completely agree. Using a large language model for on-the-fly emergency messaging is risky. However, it can be useful for planning and ensuring messages are clear and inclusive. For instance, it can help refine directions or instructions to avoid ambiguity.
Exactly. Now, Eric, could you talk about decision intelligence and how it integrates with AI to help make decisions in emergency management

 Dscript produced the transcripts; some paragraphs were lightly edited from the audio version for easy reading. However, the spirit of the conversation is the same. There are conversations about mental health, suicide and the impact of disasters on our fellow humans.
Welcome everyone to the Emergency Management Network podcast, your go-to source for all things related to disaster management and helping you create a disaster-resilient community.thein-depth 
 Welcome everyone to the Emergency Management Network podcast, your go-to source for all things related to disaster management and helping you create a disaster-resilient community.  We are the trusted voice in emergency management as we continue to grow, evolve and enhance your listening experience. 
We're introducing a few changes that will bring even more depth and insight to the conversations that matter the most in our field.  We're expanding our format to include in-depth interviews with leaders and pioneers in emergency management. We'll delve into detailed discussions that impact disaster policy and tackle current challenges.
Topics and explore the cutting edge of our field.  We want to hear from you during this conversation and the EMN substack page, where you can read articles, leave comments, and become part of the growing community for those who want more from EMN.  We encourage you to become a paid supporter, and your contributions will not only help us keep the conversation going but also enable us to bring you more content that you love and the expert insights you need.
As a paid supporter, you'll gain access to exclusive content and inside information, making your support even more impactful and appreciated.  Before we delve into today's episode, I want to thank Buffalo Computer Graphics and the International Association of Emergency Managers for their ongoing support of the Emergency Management Network.
The commitment helps us continue to bring these crucial discussions to you. So whether you're a professional in the field, a policymaker, or someone with a keen interest in emergency management, there's something here for everyone. Be sure to follow us on Substack and consider supporting us in accessing exclusive content and insider information. 
This week, I was interviewed by Christina Silva, who graciously permitted me to share this entire conversation.  Stepping into the interviewee's shoes was a refreshing challenge for me,  and our dialogue was genuinely impactful. We delved into some intense topics, though, including mental health and suicide prevention, with a particular focus on the veteran community.
And how they can transition and explore a career in emergency management,  a field that I'm deeply passionate about. I hope you find this segment engaging. Let's get into the show. 



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AI in emergency management revolutionizes the entire disaster lifecycle, from preparedness to recovery, by harnessing advanced algorithms to analyze vast data sets for risk assessment and proactive planning. AI empowers decision-makers with real-time insights from diverse sources during crises, optimizing resource allocation and response strategies. Automated tools streamline tasks like damage assessment and risk communication, while simulation models enable scenario planning for more effective interventions. In the aftermath, AI aids in post-disaster analysis, guiding long-term recovery efforts by identifying needs and optimizing rebuilding strategies. AI enhances emergency management's agility, efficiency, and resilience, ensuring more effective responses to disasters and emergencies.


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As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, we stand united in our commitment to resilience, preparedness, and the well-being of our communities. Together, we have faced challenges, embraced innovation, and continued to strengthen the bonds that define our emergency management family.
In 2023, your dedication to safeguarding lives, property, and the environment has been inspiring. Whether responding to natural disasters, coordinating emergency plans, or enhancing community engagement, each of you has played a crucial role in creating a safer and more resilient world.
As we step into 2024, let the spirit of hope and positivity guide us forward. May this new year bring fresh opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth. Let's celebrate the successes of the past and channel that energy into building an even more robust, adaptive, and compassionate emergency management network.
May the coming year be filled with triumph, camaraderie, and shared achievements. May our collective efforts continue to impact the lives of those we serve positively.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Emergency Management Network. Wishing you a joyful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year! 🌟
Stay resilient, stay prepared, and let's make 2024 a year to remember!
Cheers to a Happy New Year!



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Once upon a time in the bustling, snow-covered town of North Pole, there was a unique reindeer named Rudolph the emergency management reindeer (and he had a bright red nose to boot). Unlike his public safety peers, Rudolph had skills that were not on the front line but were critical to the overall response to a disaster. While the other reindeer were trained in public safety and were playing disaster games, they did not invite Rudolph because well...they did not know what he did. You see Rudolph was more of a behind-the-scenes kind of deer. He had an innate talent for emergency management, but his skills were not well understood or appreciated by others.
Santa Claus, the jovial and wise Mayor of North Pole City, oversaw all the town's affairs, including the public safety team. He was a kind and thoughtful leader but, like the others, he hadn't yet recognized the true potential of Rudolph's unique abilities. The public safety reindeer, led by his Fire Chief Dasher, Police Chief Dancer, and Director of Public Works Comet, were skilled and confident in their roles but were skeptical of Rudolph. They often excluded him from emergency drills and critical planning meetings, chuckling about his position and questioning his role in their operations.
Rudolph, though disheartened, didn't give up. He spent his time studying emergency management, learning about crisis coordination, recovery planning, and how to keep the town's Christmas spirit alive even in the worst of times. He knew deep down that his skills were valuable, even if the others didn't see it yet.
Then, one fateful Christmas Eve, a fierce and unexpected storm hit North Pole City. The blizzard was like nothing they had ever seen. Visibility was near zero, and the public safety reindeer were at a loss. They struggled to coordinate their efforts, and the town was in disarray. The residents of the North Pole, worried about their safety and the delivery of gifts to children around the world, were looking to Santa for a solution.
In this hour of need, Santa Claus realized that they needed someone with a different set of skills, someone who could manage this emergency with expertise and bring back order. He thought of Rudolph and his unique abilities. Swiftly, he called upon Rudolph, asking him to lead the emergency response and coordinate the recovery efforts.
Rudolph, though surprised, was ready. He quickly assessed the situation, his red nose glowing brightly through the storm, serving as a beacon of hope and guidance in the chaotic night. He organized the public safety reindeer into efficient teams, delegating tasks based on their strengths. He set up emergency routes for gift delivery, ensuring that Santa's sleigh could navigate through the treacherous weather safely.
Under Rudolph's leadership, the emergency response was seamless. He showed immense skill in coordinating the efforts, making sure that all residents of North Pole City were safe and that the Christmas spirit was kept alive. The gifts were delivered on time, and the joy of Christmas was not dimmed by the storm.
The public safety reindeer, who had once doubted Rudolph, were now in awe of his expertise and leadership. They apologized for not recognizing his talents earlier and thanked him for his incredible contribution. Santa Claus was proud of Rudolph and made him an integral part of the North Pole's emergency management team.
From that day forward, Rudolph was no longer just the reindeer with the red nose. He was Rudolph, the skilled emergency manager, a vital part of keeping North Pole City safe and ensuring that every Christmas was merry and bright. The town celebrated him, and he became a beloved figure, not just in North Pole City but all around the world, as the reindeer who saved Christmas in the face of a storm.
All of the other public safety reindeer shouted out with glee, Rudolph the Emergency Management Reindeer, you will always be part of the team! 


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As someone who's had the privilege of knowing Justin Kates for several years and sharing a seat with him on the board of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), I am thrilled to witness his ascent to the role of President for the 2023-24 term. Justin's election is a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise in emergency management.
Justin is known for his thoughtful approach and steadfast commitment to the profession. His leadership at IAEM-USA marks a significant milestone, bringing his rich experience and strategic vision to the forefront. He keenly recognizes the importance of professional associations in advocacy and unifying our members' voices, a quality that makes him an ideal leader for our times.
Justin's background is as diverse as it is impressive. From leading emergency management in Somerville, Massachusetts, to his significant contributions in Nashua, New Hampshire, and as a Homeland Security Consultant for the State of Delaware, and in the private sector developing a program for Wawa Inc., his journey is a narrative of relentless dedication to public safety and emergency management. 
His academic credentials, with degrees from the University of Delaware and the Naval Postgraduate School, further bolster his professional stature. Beyond IAEM, Justin's role as Treasurer of the National Association for Public Safety GIS Foundation and his FEMA National Advisory Council membership highlight his broad influence in the field.
Justin’s leadership is a beacon of progress for IAEM-USA. His election as President is an honor and a reflection of the respect and trust he has earned across the emergency management community. I am excited and optimistic about the future of IAEM under his guidance, and I look forward to supporting his initiatives and vision in the coming year.
Supporters



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