Episode 114 : "Disaster preparedness, what's next, making a rebuilding plan"

Tragedy hit close to home for Trish, as she and most of Southern Oregon watched parts of their community go up in flames on August 8, 2020. The devastating Almeda Fire severely burned the towns of Talent and Phoenix and now many are wondering what's next. Trish talks to Jeff Schlegelmilch the director of the National Center of Disaster Preparedness at the Earth Institute at Columbia University about the recent wildfires that are burning or have burned parts of the West Coast, including the devastating Almeda Fire that burned through the Rogue Valley. Jeff talks about the importance of being prepared for a potential disaster, and the NCDP's work in helping communities come up with systems and policies. He also talked about the "what's next." and the overwhelming task that will be for local communities and residents. He mentions the dangers in moving too fast with rebuilding and recreating what he calls those "vulnerabilities" that existed before. *We felt the need to publish this interview as soon as possible, which will explain the jump in episode numbers.*