Before, During & After

Latest Episodes:

Episode 6: Making "Cents" Of Disasters Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Did you know more than 60% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings, making it extremely difficult to recover from an emergency—whether it is a natural disaster or a broken water heater? When people hear about disaster preparedness, regardless of the hazard, we often do not focus much on the financial aspect and financial preparedness. Having a financial preparedness plan is an important part of your overall emergency plan. Being financially prepared can make a huge difference following disasters. On this episode, Alan Becker, the host of the radio program, Retire Right Radio joins the FEMA Podcast to discuss the importance of putting yourself in the best position to bounce back financially from a disaster.

Episode 24: One Year Look Back On The Puerto Rico Hurricane Recovery Efforts Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

A year ago, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and since that time, FEMA, and numerous federal partners and the government of Puerto Rico have undertaken one of the largest post disaster reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in U.S. history. Major portions of the island’s infrastructure are being rebuilt as federal agencies support the government of Puerto Rico's plan to restore the island's lifeline systems, and enable Puerto Rico to withstand the storms to come. Never before has FEMA coordinated federal resources to rebuild an entire Commonwealth with a population of 3.3 million people, 78 municipalities, electrical, water and telecommunication systems, seaports, airports, schools, healthcare systems, roads and bridges. Overall, in 2017, hurricanes, Irma, Maria, and other disasters affected nearly 47 million people throughout the United States. While recovery continues, FEMA and its interagency partners remain focused and dedicated to continued stabilization and resilience of impacted communities. Mike Byrne, one of FEMA’s most qualified federal coordinating officers deployed soon after Maria's landfall in Puerto Rico to help lead the coordination of the federal government support. On this episode we spoke with Mike Byrne about his experience over the last year and how he sees the status of recovery in Puerto Rico one year after Hurricane Maria made landfall.

Episode 47: More Than Magnitude: How The National Earthquake Information Center Works Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Large earthquakes in populated areas make the news, but many people don’t realize that earthquakes actually happen every day, all over the world. The National Earthquake Information Center in Golden not only monitors these earthquakes, they initiate an earthquake response protocol designed to give first responders and recovery staff critical information in the hours and days following a major earthquake. Paul Earle, the Director of 24/7 Operations, explains the mission of the NEIC.

Episode 142: One Health - Balancing Human, Animal, and Environmental Health After Disaster Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

On this episode, we're veering a little bit away from the traditional emergency management topics to highlight and integrate a new approach to some potentially very difficult response situations. Today, we're diving into the One Health approach, a holistic strategy that aims to sustainably balance human, animal, and environmental health. One Health recognizes that the wellbeing of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems are interconnected and interdependent. Historically, public health emergencies like disease outbreaks have focused on human medical responses. However, integrating human, animal, and environmental health considerations can lead to a more effective solution. So today, we'll explore examples of how One Health principles have been applied to increase resilience and reduce disease threats. And also provide a new perspective on the intersection of public health and emergency management.

Episode 139: Building Resilience - The Power of Disaster Philanthropy Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In the aftermath of disasters, when FEMA's assistance begins to phase out, the critical role of philanthropic organizations becomes increasingly apparent. In this episode, we explore how disaster philanthropy functions from the initial response phase to long-term recovery and resilience building. We'll delve into real examples of how philanthropic support has made a difference in communities across the country—from providing immediate aid to vulnerable populations to investing in long-term recovery initiatives. We'll discover how these organizations work hand in hand with local stakeholders to build resilience and create sustainable solutions and uplift communities on their journey towards recovery and resilience.

Episode 138: Tapping Into FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to Build Communities Aug 16, 2024

Show notes

We're diving into a monumental topic for August, which is National Resilience Month, and it is all things Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant programs, or HMA grants. These programs play a critical role in helping communities across the nation reduce the impacts of disaster. So, we're gonna be exploring how the grants work, the types of assistance available, the benefits they bring to the communities, and understand the application process to highlight successful projects. We'll cover everything you need to know about leveraging these grants for disaster mitigation and resilience. So, whether you're a community leader, emergency management professional, or simply interested in the disaster resilience project and what FEMA and the federal government have to offer, you're gonna have an opportunity to be informed and engaged throughout this episode.

Episode 137: Weatherproofing Finances Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

If financial resiliency is an individual or family's ability to handle financial shocks and adjust to financial changes, there is no greater shock than a disaster. They cause both short and long-term financial challenges for survivors. While at times complex, financial resiliency is also full of opportunity to improve our ability to adjust and overcome those challenges that directly impact our ability to recover from emergencies. So, on today's episode, we focus on building financial resiliency before, during, and after disasters, and how financial resilience is far beyond building a savings account.

Episode 134: Emergency Communications Month - Partnering with CISA to Highlight Key Communication Resources Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

April is Emergency Communications Month, and our friends at CISA are honoring the nation's emergency responders and communicators, emphasizing the importance of emergency communications and the need to work together in building resilient, critical infrastructure. In keeping with the month's theme of resilient together, on today's episode, we are talking about the CISA and FEMA partnership, and the steps partners can take towards resilience through highlighting key resources like GETS and WPS and other tools to help prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Episode 133: A Nod to the Volunteers Who Help in Times of Need Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

Voluntary agencies are typically some of the first organizations to respond and are often the last to leave a community, sometimes years after a disaster. The work of federal, state, and local governments is only part of the response and recovery puzzle. In fact, people showing up in times of need as volunteers are a critical piece to serving the needs of disaster survivors. In celebration of April being National Volunteer Month, this episode will focus on the transformative effect volunteers have on disaster response and recovery. The difference that they make in the lives of disaster survivors and the role they play in supporting FEMA's new individual assistance program reforms.

Episode 132: With a Total Solar Eclipse on the Radar, Emergency Managers Talk About How They're Preparing for the Crowds Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada. This is no doubt one of nature's most awe inspiring events. The moon passes between the sun and the earth completely blocking the face of the sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. And while the skies will be graced with this celestial spectacle, at the same time, millions will be captivated across the United States. The day will be filled with festivals and revelers who traveled from far and wide to view the total eclipse in the path of totality. So, on today's episode, we're diving deep into the science behind the phenomenon and general safety precautions with experts from NASA. But then we'll take it back to earth and explore the meticulous planning efforts undertaken by Ohio and Indiana Emergency Management, just two of the states - from Texas to Maine, that are getting ready for April 8th.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected