The Emergency Management Network Podcast

I came across an article about an innovative leader Carl Braun. What interested me was his approach to communication. Braun believed that the way people communicated was a reflection of their thought processes. To change how someone thought, they needed to change how they wrote and spoke.

Many people make the mistake of writing to sound intelligent rather than writing to be useful. This approach can significantly diminish the impact of one's message. The more difficult it is for people to understand, the less likely they are to engage with the message.

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Sitting in front of the computer, thinking about what I should write about for this week's EMN Round-Up, I put on one of my favorite Jazz albums, Miles and Monk, at Newport Live 1958. This LP is an essential listen for everyone alive today! Jazz, in essence, is a group of very talented musicians, each a master of their instrument, coming together; they may have a set list, or they may not. They play off each other's strengths, and somehow, without any sheet music or a conductor, they produce a fantastic piece of music. (If you don’t like jazz, you can find the same type of collaborations with the Grateful Dead or Phish.) 

Jazz music can teach us much about disaster response, as both involve improvisation, collaboration, and adaptation to changing circumstances. Here are a few ways in which jazz music can inform disaster response:

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If I wrote a piece about planning for a pandemic in April 2019 and warned you that communities needed to be ready for social distancing, supply chain issues, and a run on toilet paper, you would have thought I was crazy. After 9/11, critics stated that one of the problems emergency managers have is a failure of imagination. So, today, we need to discuss geopolitics. 

As tensions continue to rise between the United States and China, and with China's aggressive stance towards Taiwan, it is becoming increasingly important for communities to prepare for the possibility of war. While the prospect of a world war may seem far-fetched, the reality is that it is always possible, and history has shown us the importance of being prepared.

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2023 looks set to be another turbulent and unpredictable year, with various new stressors and challenges facing individuals, teams, and organizations. From economic uncertainty and political volatility to technological disruption and environmental crises, many factors could impact the well-being and performance of teams in the coming year. Investing in understanding your team's strengths and motives, building more trust with authentic communication, having a clear set of well-being goals and showing care are more important than ever.

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Natural and technological hazards are a fact of life, and disasters can strike anytime. The frequency and severity of these events are on the rise, and they can cause significant loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption. In recent years, we have seen hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters affect communities around the world. While focusing on local loss reduction is essential, it is time to adopt a broader approach considering the global context of these hazards, environmental sustainability, and social resiliency.

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Stewardship is a concept that has been around for centuries, and it involves the responsible management and protection of resources. It can apply to many different areas of life, including financial resources, natural resources, and even personal relationships. At its core, stewardship is about caring for what we've been given to pass it on to future generations in better condition.

Stewardship is essential for individuals, communities, and even nations to consider. To be good stewards of our resources, we must first recognize that we are not the sole owners of these resources. Instead, we are simply caretakers for a time, responsible for managing them wisely and using them for the benefit of all.

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Last week I was out of pocket with a few events, so if you missed the podcast, it was me, not you. I was at the IAEM Region 9 Symposium. The team that put on the event did an excellent job. And Yes, I am currently the President of the Region. However, the conference committee needs to have the credit for this event. It was fantastic to see some outstanding speakers, and I got to meet some great emergency managers. I recommend attending small local events. Being in that intimate setting, interacting with professionals you may work with, and social networking is second to none.

I had a deep conversation with a few attendees about emergency management's current issues. The setting was perfect for exploring the concepts and having some introspection on how the field is changing and developing. 

Emergency management is constantly evolving as disasters become more frequent and complex. In recent years, emergency management has faced several significant challenges that have forced the field to adapt and grow in new ways.

The increasing demand for resources and funding is a significant issue facing the profession today. With the rising costs of disasters, emergency managers are constantly pressured to find new ways to fund their operations and ensure they have the resources to respond effectively to emergencies. The solution to budget restraints requires creative funding solutions, effective advocacy, and strategic planning to ensure that emergency management remains sustainable over the long term.

In addition, emergency management is also facing new challenges in technology and innovation. With the rapid pace of technological change, emergency managers must constantly stay abreast of new developments and trends to remain effective. We are looking at everything from new communication technologies and data management tools to advanced mapping and modeling software to help emergency managers make more informed decisions about resource allocation and response strategies.

Emergency management is constantly evolving and adapting to new challenges and demands. By staying engaged with the latest developments in the field, emergency managers must ensure that they are prepared to meet the needs of their communities and respond effectively to any emergency or disaster that may arise.

All of this is true; however, these are not even the pressing issues we must address. It is more profound than the everyday nuts and bolts of the job, and the topic may appear esoteric. 

The question that may have the most significant impact on the profession comes from the present challenges that create an environment that fosters ethical uncertainty and predicaments, resulting in tension, distress, and severe societal consequences. One may think this sounds hyperbolic; however, it truly is not. 

The complexities of hazards and risks associated with the vulnerabilities of communities are escalating. The need for emergency managers to deeply understand disaster policy, economics and the political process is just as critical, if not more important, than the old way of doing things. Today emergency management is more than just the four phases and five pillars taught in IS courses or the tactical skills that can be instilled with on-the-job training. We are looking at future emergency management, including AI, ML, AR, gamification of the workspace, deep thinking, and spacial, systematic decision-making. 

Disasters may be local; however, they are experienced globally through policies, decisions, plans, and responses that affect people's daily lives. Although ethical decision-making has always been vital in emergency management (EM), its policies and guidance have yet to be adequately acknowledged. As the field aims to attain professional recognition, it needs a code of ethics and conduct. The exploration of the components of an ethical code of conduct for EM has raised inquiries about distinctions or similarities between the required elements.

Dr. Carol Cwick and her working group have made a significant contribution to the field of emergency management by developing the emergency management code of ethics. This code provides a set of ethical principles and guidelines for emergency management professionals and helps to promote ethical decision-making and behavior in the field.

The emergency management code of ethics was developed through a rigorous process of consultation and collaboration with stakeholders from across the field of emergency management. This process ensured that the code reflects emergency management professionals' diverse perspectives and experiences and provides a practical and relevant framework for practitioners' challenges and issues.

However, the emergency management code of ethics is just one piece of a larger puzzle. To ensure that emergency management professionals are equipped to meet the needs of their communities, it is also essential to focus on improving the core competencies of the field.

The development of core competencies is essential for any profession. These competencies are the essential skills, knowledge, and abilities required for a professional to perform their job effectively. They are a benchmark for the knowledge and skills professionals should possess and are essential for setting industry standards, ensuring quality service, and creating a solid professional identity.

One reason a profession needs core competencies is to clarify what professionals expect. Competencies define the knowledge and skills required to perform a job and enable professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities comprehensively. They also provide a framework for employers and educators to develop job descriptions, training programs, and performance evaluations.

Core competencies also ensure that the professional workforce remains up-to-date with advancements and changes in the industry. As technology and the demands of the workforce evolve, so must the skills and knowledge of professionals. Core competencies provide a foundation for ongoing education and training, ensuring that professionals stay current and relevant.

Furthermore, core competencies create a common language and understanding among professionals within a specific industry. It enables professionals to communicate and collaborate effectively and efficiently. Standardized competencies also assist in cross-training and job shadowing, allowing the professionals to gain skills and knowledge in areas beyond their specialization.

Another significant benefit of having core competencies is the ability to establish accreditation and certification processes. Competencies serve as a standard of excellence and provide a framework for evaluating the skills and knowledge of professionals. Accreditation and certification processes can verify that professionals meet these standards and are competent in their field, enhancing their credibility and marketability.

Core competencies are crucial for the profession of emergency management. They clarify job expectations, ensure that professionals remain current and relevant in their field, establish a common language and understanding, and enable the development of accreditation and certification processes. By developing and adhering to core competencies, EM professionals can enhance their skills, knowledge, and abilities, promoting the growth and development of our profession.

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Andrew Owlett is a highly experienced security professional who has developed expertise in managing both cyber and physical security risks at a global scale. They are responsible for building and leading top-performing security teams that can handle the evolving threats in today's digital landscape. In addition to His focus on security operations, Andrew also plays a critical role in driving digital strategy and transformation for risk management.

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Leading in the AI age requires a unique set of skills and strategies to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. With AI technologies becoming increasingly pervasive in every aspect of our lives, leaders must have a solid understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these systems, as well as the ethical considerations that come with their use.

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Train Derailment Palestine, Ohio

Unless you live under a rock, you are aware of the devastating train derailment in Palestine, Ohio, leaving several injured and causing major damage to the surrounding area. 

The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of emergency management procedures, as many have pointed to miscommunication and a lack of response from authorities as contributing factors to the severity of the incident.

The derailment occurred when a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed on a curved section of track, causing multiple cars to overturn and spill their contents. The resulting chemical spill led to nearby residents' evacuation and several significant roads closure. Several people were injured in the incident, including first responders exposed to the hazardous materials.

In the aftermath of the derailment, many residents and local officials have expressed frustration with the emergency response. Some have accused emergency management officials of failing to adequately communicate the severity of the incident to residents, leading many to stay in their homes despite the danger posed by the chemical spill.

Others have criticized emergency personnel's response time, citing delays in the deployment of resources and a lack of coordination between different agencies. Many have also pointed to a need for more communication between different levels of government, with local officials claiming they needed to be given adequate information from state or federal agencies.

The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of emergency management plans in dealing with hazardous materials spills. Some experts have suggested that the response to the Palestine derailment was hindered by a lack of specialized training and equipment for dealing with hazardous materials.

In response to the criticism, officials from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency have defended their actions, citing the complex nature of the incident and the challenges of coordinating a response with multiple agencies. They have also emphasized the need for continued investment in emergency management training and resources to improve response times and communication.

Despite these efforts, the incident in Palestine is a stark reminder of the importance of effective emergency management procedures. As communities continue to face the threat of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other crises, emergency management officials must be equipped with the resources and training necessary to respond quickly and effectively to protect the lives and safety of residents.

In the aftermath of the train derailment in Palestine, Ohio, many have criticized the lack of federal government response, particularly the perceived inaction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Despite the severity of the incident and the need for coordinated response efforts, some have claimed that FEMA has been slow to mobilize and provide assistance to affected communities.

The lack of federal response has been particularly concerning, given the scale of the disaster and the potential for long-term environmental damage. The train that derailed was carrying hazardous materials, including chemicals used in the production of plastics and synthetic rubber. When these chemicals spilled from the damaged rail cars, they contaminated nearby water sources and soil, posing a significant threat to the health and safety of residents in the area.

Despite these dangers, many local officials and residents have claimed that FEMA and the Biden Administration have been slow to respond and provide resources to help mitigate the damage. Some reports have pointed to a need for more communication between federal and local agencies, with little information being provided to local officials about the availability of federal resources or the timeline for their deployment.

In addition to concerns about the lack of response, some have criticized the overall readiness of FEMA to respond to disasters. The agency has been criticized for handling major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Maria. Many have called for increased investment in emergency preparedness and response resources to equip the agency better to handle future disasters.

In response to these criticisms, FEMA officials have stated that they are working closely with state and local officials to provide support and resources as quickly as possible. The agency has also emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-agency response to the incident, citing the complex nature of the disaster and the need for specialized expertise and equipment to deal with hazardous materials.

Despite these assurances, the lack of federal response to the train derailment in Palestine has underscored the need for improved coordination and communication between federal and local agencies in the face of disasters. As communities continue to face the threat of natural disasters and other crises, all levels of government must be equipped with the resources and expertise necessary to respond quickly and effectively to protect the safety and well-being of all residents.

Quick Links

MSNBC: Opinion By Samantha Montano

NY Times: After the Ohio Train Derailment: Evacuations, Toxic Chemicals and Water Worries

NY Post: FEMA sends help to East Palestine, Ohio 2 weeks after toxic train disaster

ABC News: Political fallout over federal response to Ohio train derailment

Yahoo News: Cincinnati stops using Ohio River water 'out of an abundance of caution' following East Palestine train disaster

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