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An Overview of the FEMA National Advisory Council A question I get asked frequently is, “What does the National Advisory Council do?” Which is almost always followed up with, “What do you like about it? How can I become a member?” Truth be told, these have become my favorite conversations over the years. Going into my fifth year as a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Advisory Council (NAC), the excitement of researching and recommending potential solutions to emergency management’s biggest challenges, never wanes. I am just as passionate and eager to participate on the NAC as I was on the first day. As the newly appointed Chair, and first-ever woman to lead the NAC as Chairperson, I hope that I can inspire other leaders in emergency management to apply and get involved. So, what is the NAC, anyway? In 2006, right on the heels of the […]

As National Preparedness Month arrives, it’s crucial for businesses to recognize the threat of reputational crises and take proactive steps to protect their staff, stakeholders, and overall brand integrity. Reputational crises can emerge swiftly and have far-reaching consequences, impacting both the physical and financial well-being of a business. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the threat of reputational crises to businesses and provide actionable steps you can take to protect your people, mitigate potential losses, and maintain a strong reputation. 1. Build a Strong Reputation: Prioritize ethical business practices, transparency, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. By consistently delivering high-quality products or services and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, you build a solid foundation for a strong reputation. 2. Proactive Crisis Management: Develop a comprehensive crisis management plan that covers a range of potential scenarios. Identify key spokespersons and establish clear communication protocols. Train employees on crisis response procedures, […]

National Preparedness Month serves as a crucial reminder for businesses to evaluate their readiness in the face of public health emergencies. Events such as pandemics or disease outbreaks can have far-reaching consequences, impacting the health and safety of staff, disrupting operations, and posing financial risks. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the threat of public health emergencies to businesses and provide actionable steps you can take to protect your people, mitigate potential losses, and ensure business continuity. 1. Stay Informed and Follow Official Guidance: Stay updated on the latest guidance from reputable health organizations and government agencies. Regularly monitor information regarding potential health threats, such as pandemics or disease outbreaks. Implement measures aligned with official recommendations to safeguard your staff and operations. 2. Develop a Comprehensive Preparedness Plan: Create a robust public health emergency preparedness plan tailored to your business. This plan should outline procedures for infection prevention, employee […]

National Preparedness Month is a valuable opportunity for businesses to recognize the ever-present threat of cybersecurity breaches and take proactive measures to protect their staff, sensitive data, and financial stability. In an increasingly digital world, cyberattacks pose significant risks that can result in physical and financial losses. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the threat of cybersecurity breaches to businesses and provide actionable steps you can take to fortify your organization against potential harm. 1. Educate and Train Employees: Human error is often a leading cause of cybersecurity breaches. Train employees on best practices for cybersecurity, such as recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and safeguarding sensitive information. Regularly update and reinforce these training programs to ensure continued awareness and vigilance. 2. Implement Robust Security Measures: Adopt a multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Deploy firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems to protect your network. Regularly update software and patch […]

Remember to Take Care One of the last topics crisis and emergency managers want to discuss is mental health. The irony of our collective avoidance is that mental health and wellness is often the root cause of employee burnout and staff turnover. It doesn’t matter if you work in the private sector, for the government or a non-profit organization, in education, or military – responding to emergencies and disasters affects each of us. And sitting in silence is the worst remedy. On January 6, 2021, I was the executive-in-charge of the District of Columbia’s emergency operations center (EOC) as we activated ahead of a planned event at the US Capitol. Without getting into the politics or nuances of the day, the event took a turn for the worse, and it shocked everyone who watched it unfold on national television. Thankfully, the District of Columbia’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency […]

National Preparedness Month emphasizes the importance of being prepared for potential threats, including the alarming possibility of an active shooter incident. Such incidents can have devastating physical and emotional impacts on businesses and their staff. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the threat of an active shooter to businesses and provide actionable steps you can take to protect your people, mitigate potential losses, and enhance safety and security within your organization. 1. Establish an Emergency Response Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency response plan that specifically addresses the threat of an active shooter. This plan should include clear evacuation routes, lockdown procedures, communication protocols, and designated safe areas. Train employees on the plan and conduct regular drills to ensure readiness. 2. Create a Culture of Awareness: Foster a culture of awareness and vigilance among your staff. Encourage employees to report any concerning behavior or suspicious activities to designated individuals or […]