Inside the Disaster Response Ecosystem: Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Explains How It Really Works

In this episode of Rising Resilience, Leah Verier-Dunn speaks with former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate about the ins and outs of the disaster ecosystem. Who are the key players and what are their roles? Craig dives into the details of why each layer of support matters, encourages community members to explore Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and even explains why the Waffle House has become a gauge for measuring the post-disaster status of an area. Timestamps01:08 – Craig Fugate's background and how he got into emergency management04:02 – What does the disaster ecosystem look like, and who are the key players?12:56 – What roles do  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)  members play, and how can people of different abilities get involved?20:18 – The importance of communication28:01 – What would you say to someone new who is considering getting CERT training?30:12 – If you had a magic wand, what would you change about how CERT training works?32:44 – What is the Waffle House Index, and how did it come about?Links to Learn More Volunteer Florida CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) TrainingWaffle House Index ExplainedJoin The Journey