All Hazards Hour

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.