All Hazards Hour

The conversation with Dave Snider, Tsunami Warning Coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center covers his journey from TV weather broadcasting to his current role, the challenges of tsunami warnings, and the function of the Tsunami Warning Center. It also delves into the impact of tsunamis in the upper Cook Inlet and the role of technology in tsunami warning systems. The conversation covers topics related to tsunamis, vertical evacuation structures, emergency management, and career advice in the field. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness, community involvement, and mental health support in emergency response.TakeawaysTsunami warning coordination and communication are crucial for public safety.The National Tsunami Warning Center covers a vast area, including the US West Coast, US East Coast, Canada, and international partners.The geography and tidal cycles of the Cook Inlet can lead to tsunamis in the area.Technology plays a role in improving the speed and accuracy of tsunami warnings. Tsunami preparedness requires a clear plan for evacuation and awareness of safe locations.Vertical evacuation structures play a crucial role in providing safety and reducing evacuation time in tsunami-prone areas. Resources:U.S. Tsunami Warning System https://www.tsunami.gov

Overview:The episode focuses on the mitigation phase of emergency management, the importance of mitigation, types of mitigation actions, and examples of mitigation success and failure. It emphasizes the continuous nature of mitigation and the challenges it presents.Takeaways:Mitigation is a critical phase in emergency managementMitigation success and failure have significant impacts on disaster outcomesResources: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning Site: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/hazard-mitigation-planning

The conversation delves into the essence of emergency management, emphasizing the importance of leadership, relationship building, and emotional intelligence. It also explores the shift from reactive to proactive emergency management and the significance of community engagement and cultural relevance in preparedness. The conversation delves into the sustainability of emergency management practices and the development of future leaders. It also explores the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers valuable advice for those entering the field of emergency management.TakeawaysLeadership in emergency management is akin to being the composer of an orchestra, orchestrating different teams and priorities.The shift from reactive to proactive emergency management involves community engagement, cultural relevance, and a focus on vulnerable populations. Sustainability of emergency management practicesDeveloping future leadersChallenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemicAdvice for those entering the field of emergency managementResources: Montgomery County Food Council https://mocofoodcouncil.org/about/

The conversation provides an overview of the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Each phase is interconnected and plays a crucial role in effective disaster management. The discussion highlights the significance of understanding and implementing all phases for comprehensive emergency management.TakeawaysEmergency management consists of four main phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.Each phase of emergency management is interconnected and essential for effective disaster management.Resources: Upstate Medical University- Four Phases of Emergency Managementhttps://www.upstate.edu/emergencymgt/about/phases.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The conversation delves into a comprehensive review of the FEMA report, highlighting key recommendations and their potential impact on emergency management. It emphasizes a shift towards local, state, and tribal management, reduced administrative costs, and a transformed FEMA agency.TakeawaysLocal, state, and tribal management emphasizedReduced administrative costs and a transformed FEMA agencyResources:The FEMA Review Council Report:https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/26_0507_fema%20review%20council_final%20report.pdf

The FEMA review council report highlights 10 key recommendations, emphasizing the role of states, local governments, tribes, and territories in disaster response. The report calls for the federal government to play a supporting role, with a focus on equipping and empowering local entities. The council members represent a mix of federal, state, and local officials, reflecting a comprehensive approach to disaster response.TakeawaysEmpowerment of local entities in disaster responseComprehensive representation in the councilResources:Final Report: The President’s Council to Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency May 7, 2026 https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2026-05/26_0507_fema%20review%20council_final%20report.pdf

Jay Teague, a fire chief and de facto emergency manager for the city of Kenai, shares practical insights on resourcefulness, leadership, community engagement, and strategic planning in emergency management. He discusses the challenges of operating with lean staffing and limited resources, as well as the diversity of incidents he's been a part of, including natural disasters and man-made emergencies. Jay emphasizes the importance of building relationships, prioritizing needs, and being proactive in developing local resources for emergency response.TakeawaysResourcefulness in emergency managementThe importance of building local resources and relationshipsHow to prioritize competing tasksLeveraging community resourcesResources:Emergency Management Organizational Structures, Staffing, and Capacity Studyhttps://www.anl.gov/dis/npac/EMStudy?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The episode delves into the world of healthcare emergency management, focusing on the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and its role in coordinating disaster response within healthcare facilities. Chris, an RN and emergency manager, shares insights on the implementation, challenges, and scalability of HICS, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in emergency management.TakeawaysHealthcare emergency management involves the coordination of HICS and ICS for effective disaster response.Scalability in HICS allows for the adjustment of the organizational structure based on the size and complexity of the incident.RESOURCES:From HHS: Understanding the Hospital Incident Command System- https://files.asprtracie.hhs.gov/documents/epimn-module-2-understanding-hospital-ics.pdfFrom FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness: Hospital Incident Command System- https://cdp.dhs.gov/training/course/AWR-934-V7From California Hospital Association: HICS Resources- https://calhospital.org/calhospitalprepare/hics/

Our guest is Brenda Ahlberg, Emergency Manager for the Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska. This episode explores her experience and insights in emergency management, focusing on the implementation of the Ready, Set, Go program in the Kenai Peninsula Borough as well as throughout the State of Alaska. Brenda shares her role, challenges faced, legislative progress, and advice for emergency managers. The program emphasizes unified messaging for evacuations and the importance of local-level emergency management.Takeaways:Unified messaging for evacuationsLocal-level emergency managementResources:Kenai Peninsula Borough OEM- Ready, Set, Go! https://info.kpb.usState of Alaska- SB 192https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Journal/Pages/34?Chamber=S&Bill=SB%20192&Page=02323International Association of Fire Chiefs- Ready, Set, Go!https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/ready-set-go-program

The conversation provides an in-depth exploration of the Incident Command System (ICS), covering its structure, roles, misconceptions, and practical advice for organizations. It emphasizes the importance of ICS in emergency response and its adaptability to different incident scales and types.TakeawaysICS is a structured concept for organizing emergency responsePractice and customization are key to implementing ICS effectively

The conversation delves into the origins and evolution of emergency management, covering its historical development, the roles of local, state, federal, and tribal partners, and the involvement of the private sector. It emphasizes the collaborative and people-centric nature of emergency management, highlighting its focus on protecting lives, supporting communities, and building resilience.TakeawaysEmergency management is a system made up of local, federal, and tribal partners, as well as private sector partners, each with defined roles and responsibilities.Emergency management is about people, protecting lives, supporting communities, reducing risk, and building resilience.Works Cited Cutter, S. (2025). History shows why FEMA is essential in disasters: How losing independent agency status hurt its ability to function. Retrieved from https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2025/08/08-convo-fema-essential.phpEaton, A. (2023, April). New Hampshire Union Leader. Retrieved from https://www.unionleader.com/voices/looking_back/looking-back-the-portsmouth-fire-of-1802-devastation-and-charity/article_beaaff3b-a5b9-5712-8862-45276ea070b6.htmlFEMA. (2024). National Disaster Recovery Framework .FEMA. (2025). Local Elected and Appointed Officials Guide: Roles and Resources in Emergency Management .FEMA. (2026). FEMA History. Retrieved from https://training.fema.gov/history.aspx#:~:text=FEMA%20can%20trace%20its%20beginnings,President%20to%20coordinate%20these%20activities.Homeland Security. (2019). National Response Framework.Laura Coyle, H. o. (2016). The Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927. Retrieved from https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/great-mississippi-river-flood-1927Legislatures, N. C. (2026). Legislative Oversight of Emergency Executive Powers. Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/about-state-legislatures/legislative-oversight-of-emergency-executive-powersNEMA, N. E. (2019). State Emergency Management Director Handbook. 

What is EM?The conversation delves into the world of emergency management, exploring the journey, challenges, and future of the profession. Dan Nelson shares insights on his transition to consulting and offers valuable advice for aspiring emergency managers. The discussion highlights the formalization and technological advancements in emergency management, as well as the identification of gaps in the profession.TakeawaysEmergency management as a professionChallenges and opportunities in emergency management

The conversation covers the understanding of tsunamis, the risk and preparedness, challenges in mitigation, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, building the tsunami tower, community engagement and education, the impact of the tsunami tower, replication and future considerations, and career advice in emergency management.TakeawaysTsunami risk is a real and significant threat in the Pacific Northwest, especially in areas like the Cascadia Subduction Zone.Emergency management requires a proactive approach, community engagement, and a focus on mitigation and preparedness.Chapters00:00 Understanding Tsunamis08:51 The Impact of the Tsunami Tower22:15 Replication and Future Considerations

The conversation covers the journey of Morgan and Keith into the field of emergency management, their experiences with natural disasters, and the inspiration behind creating the podcast. It also delves into their favorite natural hazards and the plan for technical tidbits in the podcast.TakeawaysEarly fascination with disasters led to a career in emergency management.Podcast creation was inspired by a shared interest in storytelling and experiences related to emergency management.