alert - warning

This page has not been translated into Português, Brasil. Visit the Português, Brasil page for resources in that language.

Before, During & After

Before During & After

"Before, During & After" is a podcast for emergency managers. Join us for insights into where emergency management is headed, conversation about preparing for the threats of tomorrow and how everyone has a role in keeping communities safe from disaster.

Join podcast host Mark Peterson as we cover FEMA’s work in implementing its strategic plan, as well as recent disaster recovery efforts and resources available to better prepare for future risks.

Listen to the Podcast

Latest Episode

Episode 131: Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations

FEMA's Office of Disability Integration and Coordination released a new version of its training course IS-368.A "Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations," which provides an introductory overview of information and strategies to include people with disabilities during mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts. On this episode, we explore how this course provides the needed guidance to ensure physical program and communication access to the whole community.

Search All Podcast Episodes

audio icon
Episode 131: Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations

In late 2023, FEMA's Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, or ODIC, released a new version of its training course IS-368.A "Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Operations." We don't always cover specific FEMA training courses on this podcast, but the purpose of this course is somewhat unique in that it really strives to increase awareness and understanding of the need for full inclusion of disaster survivors and FEMA staff who are people with disabilities in all stages of our disaster planning. Designed for all personnel involved in disaster operations, the course provides an introductory overview of information and strategies to include people with disabilities during mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts. In disasters, the importance of disability, equity, and inclusion can't be overstated. On today's episode, we explore how this course provides the needed guidance to ensure physical program and communication access to the whole community.

audio icon
Episode 130: Streamlining the FEMA Application Process. Empowering Survivors to Rebuild Faster After Disaster

FEMA is on the verge of making some of the most significant updates to survivor assistance in the last 20 years. Experiencing a disaster and the loss and displacement that it can bring is often one of the most profound and impactful experiences survivors might ever go through in their life. Beginning on March 22nd, FEMA will implement sweeping changes to our Individual Assistance Program for new disaster declarations. Those changes will reach more individuals and deliver assistance faster. Just a few months into 2024 and at the beginning of our year of resilience, these updates will serve as a starting point for individuals and families who will have now more flexibility and access to our programs. From quickly providing assistance to people who become displaced to simplifying the application process, FEMA is empowering survivors and their communities so that they can rebuild their lives faster after a disaster. There are so many changes to unpack here, today. So, on this episode, we explore those individual assistance changes and how they could benefit disaster survivors speeding their recovery and helping to build resilience to future hazards.

audio icon
Episode 129: Building Resilience in Communities that Are Most Vulnerable to Natural Hazards

Natural disasters can be a stressful and traumatic time for anyone, but they can be especially devastating to vulnerable communities who have been historically underserved. Today, we'll discuss how FEMA is working to build resilience across the country by designating community disaster resilience zones. To explain more about this new and extremely exciting program, I'm joined by individuals at the FEMA headquarters level, as well as the regional level, that are working hard to build this program in a way that is holistic and tailored to the communities that we seek to serve.

audio icon
Episode 128: Taking Leadership to the Next Level with the Naval Postgraduate School

Strengthening the emergency management workforce at the state, local, tribal, territorial, and national levels is crucial to building and maintaining a strong profession and keeping the public safe. This is such an important task that FEMA's administrator, Deanne Criswell, included strengthening the emergency management workforce in FEMA's latest strategic plan. One of the many training programs that FEMA supports is the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. This unique program is open to all state, local, tribal, and territorial employees with a nexus to homeland security and emergency management. So, on today's episode, host Troy Christensen, speaks with Heather Issvoran about the center and the different training programs that are offered.

audio icon
Episode 127: #WinterReady - Being Fire Safe in the Winter Can Help Save Lives

Fire dangers increase during the winter months and claim more lives than at any other time of the year. Deaths caused by fire are only part of the story as there are thousands of displacements when homes are destroyed, contributing to homelessness numbers across the nation. Unfortunately, the statistics on winter fire destruction are devastating, but they also highlight the need to educate the public on ways to protect themselves, especially during the winter months. As cold weather brings additional home fire risks, unwanted and destructive fires are preventable, and the steps people take to prepare now can save lives to help people prepare for winter weather. FEMA's Ready Campaign's first ever #WinterReady public education effort is designed to reach all communities with simple, accessible, and culturally competent messaging on how to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their homes. This is the second episode in a series where we consider all aspects of winter preparedness and the challenges that winter weather and cold compose. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, the head of the U.S. Fire Administration, and Justin Knighton, FEMA's external affairs director join us to talk all about how we all can be fire safe and winter ready.

Subscribe

FEMA's "Before, During, After" podcast is available on Apple iTunes and Spotify to stream or download. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes in length, new episodes are posted bi-weekly and include transcripts.

List on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

alert - info

Questions or comments? Send an email to FEMA-podcast@fema.dhs.gov.

Partner Podcast

Graphic
The USFA Podcast

U.S. Fire Administration Podcasts

Join the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and our nation's fire and emergency medical services (EMS) experts as we learn to reduce fire and life safety risks to our communities and emergency responders.

Listen to Episodes

External Link Arrow