How to Disaster

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Highlights:

03:13 A Unique Job Description

08:08 What The Job Means

14:04 Who Plays Which Role?

17:01 Communication Lessons

22:34 Leader of Leaders

26:04 CHP's Role in Supporting Local Officials

31:05 Be a Human Being

39:15 Maximize Your Role

46:32 Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement Officers

018 Encore: Managing the Wildland— Strategies for Protecting Private Lands from Mega Fires with Algeo Che Casul

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"You do have to bring in some science and some education. But there is something that people who have this generational knowledge can teach." -Algeo Che Casul

Episode Description:

Mega fires pose a grave threat to private lands across California in the era of climate change. As hotter, drier conditions fuel larger and more destructive wildfires, the majority of wildlands that surround communities remain in private ownership. Adopting ecologically-minded stewardship techniques is necessary to not only protect personal property but also safeguard surrounding communities from the devastation of mega-fires.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Algeo Che Casul, a seventh-generation rancher in Sonoma County. In addition to operating his ranch, Che runs the local nonprofit Circuit Rider Community Services which teaches at-risk youth ecological land management practices through paid vocational programs.

Tune in as Jennifer and Che discuss effective practices to mitigate mega-fires, the benefits and challenges of these stewardship techniques, invasive species impacting the landscape, strategies to build more fire-resilient communities, as well as helpful insights into balancing fire safety, sustainability, and equity concerns as climate change drives larger wildland fires.

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Highlights:

05:28 Prescribed Fires

11:08 Education for Land Treatment

15:23 The Grazers Controversy and Responsible Land Stewardship

24:01 Wildfires and Their Impacts on Residents

27:26 Resiliency Practices

30:45 Priority Checklist

36:19 Fire Forward

41:16 Energy and Equity

45:20 Generational Sustainability

017 Encore: Emergent Leadership: The Power of Community in Disaster Recovery and Rehousing Efforts with Margie Foster

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"Don't expect to go through it yourself. People will want to help, ask for it. And then when you get through your disaster, pay it forward." -Margie Foster

Episode Description:

When catastrophe strikes, it falls to ordinary citizens to come together, support each other, and lead the recovery efforts from the ground up. And in these moments, they also discover inner strength and resilience within themselves and their community. By banding together through difficult times, they can help rebuild and renew their town stronger than before.

Margie Foster, a longtime resident of Glen Ellen, shares her first-hand experience of evacuating from the Tubbs Fire and the emotional toll it took on her tight-knit community. She discusses the frustration of the slow rebuilding process in the first year, the challenges of mitigating fire-damaged land, how she helped coordinate a local rehousing initiative and secure funding to support fire survivors.

Join in as Jennifer and Margie reflect on the importance of "neighbor helping neighbor" in times of crisis and valuable lessons on community preparedness, the emotional toll of disaster, and innovative ways citizens can lead recovery efforts through connectivity and grassroots organization.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:59 Surviving the Devastating Fire

10:22 Disaster Preparedness and Community Response

17:57 Rehousing Initiatives

23:08 Disaster Relief Efforts and Community Resilience

29:09 Rebuilding Challenges

33:04 Recovery and Emergent Leadership

016 Encore: Prepared Citizen, Prepared Community— Checklist of Essential Supplies to Extend Your Impact with Joshua Farrell (PART 2)

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"Be prepared so you can help, because everyone needs everybody in this situation." -Joshua Farrell

Preparation isn't just about survival— it's about having the capacity to help others. Our ability to lend a hand can significantly ease the burden and contribute to a faster recovery for the entire community.

In the previous episode, we covered the basics of individual disaster preparedness with citizen prepper, Josh Farrell. This week, Josh continues unpacking the contents of his go bag, sharing additional items that can help us transition from basic preparedness to a more proactive role.

Stay tuned as Jennifer and Josh cover communication and respiration needs to stay connected when infrastructure fails, rations and essentials to keep us fueled until assistance arrives, building necessities that allow innovative solutions in dire straits, pets necessities to reduce their anxiety during disaster, clothing, disinfection, and navigation supplies to keep us healthy on the move, and power supplies to ensure we can keep our lines open to coordinate relief efforts.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:06 Check #1- Communication and Respiration

07:41 Check #2- Rations and Essentials

17:38 Check #3- Building Necessities

23:20 Check #4- Shelter and Pets and Sunblock?

39:44 Check #5-Clothing, Disinfection, and Navigation

36:07 How Heavy?

39:16 Check #6- Power Supply

43:04 Prepared to Help

015 Encore: Prepared Citizen, Prepared Community— Checklist of Essentials for Your Go-Bag with Josh Farrell (Part 1)

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

"If you're prepared, you're not freaking out, you're taken care of, and you can help other people." -Joshua Farrell

Being prepared for disaster is crucial for citizens and communities alike. When emergencies like wildfires or other natural hazards strike, they can overwhelm local response efforts and leave many residents vulnerable in the aftermath. However, with some basic preparation at an individual level, people can significantly improve their resilience and ability to weather crises.

In this two-part podcast series, Jennifer interviews her friend, Josh Farrell, about his experiences with the devastating 2017 wildfires in Sonoma County, California, and how it prompted him to become more prepared for emergencies as a citizen.

In part one, Josh shares his harrowing experience evacuating his elderly mother from the rapidly advancing wildfires. He recounts the chaotic scenes upon returning to find the town without power or resources. This personal encounter was the catalyst for Josh to seriously focus on disaster readiness.

Listen in as Jennifer and Josh talk about the importance of promptly heeding evacuation orders, must-haves in a go-bag, ways to ensure that necessary documents are accessible, how to maintain preparedness, and how even small steps at an individual level can boost community resilience in the face of catastrophe.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:34 Fire Evacuation and Preparedness

07:39 The Impact of Wildfire

11:07 Firefighting Efforts

14:52 How to Prep

19:03 Emergency Response Strategies

23:55 What to Have In Your Go Bag

32:51 Other Essentials

014 Encore: How to Lighten the Load for Those Who Bear It with Sue Farren and Bailey Farren

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

"Don't isolate first responders by making them into heroes. The greatest thing that anyone can do is just say, 'thank you for your service.'" -Susan Farren

"We owe it to our first responders to do whatever we can to help make their jobs easier." -Bailey Farren

Episode Description:

Our first responders and healthcare workers sacrifice so much to care for our communities during times of crisis. They put their own health and safety at risk on a daily basis to save lives. However, the trauma and stress of responding to disaster after disaster take a tremendous toll. Thus, we must find ways to support their well-being. Truly, our first responders deserve nothing less for their selfless service.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews two outstanding pioneers in this field, Susan Farren, Founder of First Responders Resiliency, a nonprofit organization that provides proactive training to help mitigate the effects of trauma and stress for first responders, and Bailey Farren, CEO and co-founder of Perimeter, a map-based platform to provide real-time situational information to first responders and citizens. With over 33 years of experience as a paramedic, Sue was inspired to start First Responders Resiliency after being diagnosed with kidney cancer and learning about the health impacts experienced by many in the first responder community. On the other hand, Bailey was motivated to start Perimeter after seeing how first responders and those affected lacked access to up-to-date information.

Join in as Jennifer, Sue, and Bailey dive deep into the increasing toll that responding to massive, fast-moving wildfires is taking on first responders' mental and physical health. They also highlight ways to create innovative solutions to support first responders, the challenges of funding organizations in this space, scaling technology to reach more communities, and valuable insights into how communities can better partner with and care for the public servants risking their lives every day to keep us safe.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:17 Different but Effective Ways to Help the Helpers

09:38 Improving Disaster Response Through Geospatial Mapping

12:29 First Responders Mental Health

16:07 Fire Safety and Tech to Reduce Anxiety for First Responders

24:40 Funding Challenges

32:20 Showing Support and Gratitude

40:14 Community Preparedness for Disasters

43:07 Resiliency Centers for First Responders

013 Encore: How Unexpected Moments Can Reveal Your Inner Leader with Jocksana Corona

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

"Being a volunteer is a privilege… I wasn't documented so I volunteered a lot. And that volunteer work led many doors to be opened up for me." -Jocksana Corona

Episode Description:

When disaster strikes a community, ordinary people frequently discover an inner strength and sense of purpose they never knew they possessed. Driven by a desire to help their neighbors through difficult circumstances, emergent leaders step forward to direct rescue efforts, organize relief supplies, provide calm guidance, and more. Though they may lack formal titles or training, these individuals understand that leadership isn't defined by a position, but rather by one's willingness to serve others in their hours of greatest need.

Jocksana Corona exemplified what it means to be an emergent leader, rising to the forefront of her community's response and recovery efforts following the devastating Alameda Fire in Southern Oregon. Through empathy, initiative, and an unwavering commitment to helping others, she made a profound difference for many families during an incredibly challenging time.

Tune in as Jocksana discusses the obstacles faced by mixed-status families in navigating recovery systems not designed with their needs in mind, the emotional toll of loss, and the strength and resilience required in supporting others in the face devastation.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/after-the-fire-usa-8241b7217/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:28 When the Reg Flag Stands

16:46 Stuck In Between Two Fires

21:53 A Tearful, Sleepless Night

25:40 Finding Shelter Amidst COVID

30:44 Being a Volunteer is a Privilege

41:19 The Beauty of a Community

45:53 Challenges Faced by the Undocumented Community

56:39Housing and Undocumented Communities

01:03:16 54 Days and Reunited

012 Encore: How to Rebuild as a Public Sector Official with Tennis Wick

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

"You're in that place where disaster hasn't hit you, but you know it's coming. Start training now." -Tennis Wick

Episode Description:

In the aftermath of the devastating 2017 wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes in Sonoma County, Tennis Wick found himself at the center of recovery efforts as the director of Permit Sonoma.

This interview explores how to effectively navigate the dual roles of public servant and fire survivor in the crucial period after the fires. Listen in as Tennis details the immense challenges of the initial disaster phase from managing emergency response operations around the clock to setting up a local assistance center where displaced residents could access vital services.

Jennifer and Tennis also discuss how Permit Sonoma adapted its processes to better serve overwhelmed homeowners seeking permits with a commitment to rapid five-day turnarounds, creative problem-solving through the block captain system and leveraging community relationships, and lessons learned about the importance of mitigation and managing wildfire risk proactively.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/after-the-fire-usa-8241b7217/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:11: On the Disaster Frontline

11:15: Meeting the Needs

16:04: How to Approach Rebuild Projects

20:35 The Role of a Block Captain

25:15 The Problem with Contractor Fraud

30:19 Be Disaster Smart

36:51 Risk Mitigation is a Collective Effort

42:31 How Helpers Can Help Themselves

011 Encore: How to Serve Vulnerable Communities with Alma Bowen

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

SERIES: Role of the Non-Profit

"You cannot approach a community without respecting in full who they are and their autonomy. If you can't approach it that way, it's going to come off as ingenuine, and they're going to read it right away, and that disengages people right off the bat." -Alma Bowen

Episode Description:

In the event of a disaster, first responders receive calls beyond number, but only a small fraction of these come from communities that need help the most. Oftentimes, they are the last to receive assistance because of language barriers, documentation issues, disabilities, and lack of technical knowledge. Hence, this episode focuses on helping 3 of the most vulnerable groups build resiliency: the Latin X community, seniors, and undocumented immigrants. Tune in as Jennifer and Alma Bowen, the CEO and Founder of Nuestra Comunidad, discuss the best practices and most appropriate approaches to bring the culture of preparedness and resiliency into these communities. They talk about practical steps to address problems in communicating information, creating an alert system, power outage, evacuation plans, and transportation. In addition to helping communities, hear how Alma and her team launched a special project on training the younger generations to become Preparedness Ambassadors. As a former 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatcher, Alma also shares how first responders can cope up with personal losses and trauma as they continue to serve the community. Join the conversation and discover ways to strengthen your capacity to serve!

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.
Website : https://afterthefireusa.org/
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

05:12: A Life-Altering Night

13:52: Helping the Vulnerable Population

25:07: Training Young "Preparedness Ambassadors"

30:06: Acknowledging the Bigger Problems

36:18: Meeting the Needs of the Undocumented Population

44:38: Helping the Senior Population

50:05 Building Capacity

53:04: How to Serve

010 Encore: How to Serve Communities Pre and Post Disaster with Christa López PhD CEM

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

SERIES: Role of the Public Sector Leader

"Sometimes we think physically doing something for someone is what's best for them. But sometimes they just want someone to hear their story… Sit back and listen. People want to be heard." -Christa López

Episode Description:

There are so many layers to unpack in a disaster. Everything happens so quickly, people are anxious, supplies are running low, and people's lives and livelihoods are at risk. If you are a leader, you may be challenged with making sure you address the needs of each community in your jurisdiction and help them develop resiliency at the same time. This can be a demanding yet exciting task. In this episode, Jennifer interviews one of the strong leaders of today, Dr. Christa López. Dr. López is the Chief of Staff for Community Development and Revitalization for the Texas General Land Office. Listen in as they teach how you can obtain the best knowledge possible during a crisis, find trustworthy investments, get the most of your insurance, and prepare for necessities during the YOYO (You're On Your Own) period in a disaster. Dr. López also shares valuable insights for long-term recovery in terms of disaster housing, managing donations, and considering the culture of a community. Whether you are a leader or a community member, you can find ways to help- the right way. And sometimes, that help is simply becoming a friend who is ready to sit and listen to the victims.

Highlights:

02:52: Life Lessons About Real Life Disasters

09:10: The First Step- Investments

15:12: Taking Care of the Needs of Those in Your Jurisdiction

18:26: Considerations Before Making Donations

21:44: Respect for Community Culture

24:21: Sit and Listen

31:05: Where Can You Help

36:18: How to be Resilient

42:00: Always Document

46:15: Disaster Housing and Innovations

52:20: No One Should be Re-traumatized

009 Encore: How to Design and Implement a Mental Health Collaborative with Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

SERIES: Role of the Mental Health Care Leaders

"We have to go beyond education, we need mental health action!" -Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.

Episode Description:

What's more terrifying and costly than cancer? Untreated mental health issues. Mental health is a huge part of recovery after a disaster. This week, Jennifer interviews Dr. Adrienne Heinz for an in-depth discussion about mental health. Dr. Heinz talks about the mindsets most people have about mental health, why it is important to address trauma as a community and as helpers, and how to overcome crisis fatigue. She also shares helpful apps and exercises to help you slow down, de-stress, and fight off anxiety. Join the conversation, recover from the inside, and reimagine a new tomorrow!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

05:17: The Struggle with Collective Trauma

11:55: The Digital Aspect of Mental Health Intervention

19:19: The Stages of Grief

25:13: The Present and Future of Apps

29:33: The Value of Mental Health

35:26: Overcome Crisis Fatigue

38:38: Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve

41:25: Breathing Exercise

008 Encore: How to Create a Rebuild Organization with Charles Brooks

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

"Be very careful what you promise unless you know you can deliver something. There is enough heartbreak in a disaster that people don't need to hear that you're going to solve all their problems, and then you don't." -Charles Brooks

The last thing we want to do in a disaster is to create another disaster, that's why having an organization to help build a system is invaluable. This week, Jennifer interviews Charles Brooks, the Executive Director of Rebuild Paradise Foundation. The Rebuild Paradise Foundation, incubated through the North Valley Community Foundation, is a grassroots movement of Camp Fire survivors and community leaders from the public and private sectors who are dedicated to serving the long-term needs of Butte County's disaster-affected residents, businesses, and workforce. Founded in January of 2019 under the mentorship of Rebuild Northbay Foundation, this non-profit foundation provides access to resources and helps lower barriers to entry for those repopulating the disaster affected areas. The Rebuild Paradise Foundation is proud to partner with other non-profits, corporate donors, private donors, and government agencies to accomplish our mission.

Charles talks about building a sustainable model- from conceptualizing to framing projects that will serve the community best. We also learn how to measure and reach the target population, leverage resources to get the most impact, work with the public sector, relate your story, and furnish implementation. Emergent leaders are humans too. Hear Charles' advice on how to avoid crashes and burns and be sustainable in giving. Most importantly, never give up on your dream to get people back to their homes. If you are receiving a chain of rejections to prospect funders, tune in and find out the secret to turning their NO into an ABSOLUTELY YES!

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:57: The Building of a Rebuild Org

07:50: The Value of Connections

12:33: The How of Fundraising

21:32: Facing the Hurdles

29:01: Develop Relationship with the Public Sector

32:17: Telling Your Story

40:49: Sustainable Giving

45:12: Do You Have a Disaster Buddy?

52:12: How to Create a Rebuild Organization

56:02: Be Careful What You Promise

007: How to Overcome the Challenges of Meeting Urgent Needs Post-Disaster While Building Future Resilience with Michael Morter

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

"You have to have some structure so that when that event happens, there's a trusted grassroots network in place." —Michael Morter

Episode Description:

It is said that disaster recovery is part problem-solving and part relationship-building. It recognizes that both practical solutions and social connections are vital to restoring what was lost and building resilience for the future.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with former Wildfire Recovery Ombudsman for Oregon, Michael Morter. Michael helped communities navigate rebuilding challenges after the devastating 2020 wildfires and worked to address barriers that were impeding recovery efforts. Drawing on his experience in state government and insurance, he now advises communities through his consulting firm on navigating disaster recovery.

Listen in as Jennifer and Michael offer a behind-the-scenes look at disaster recovery coordination and insights directly from someone who has navigated these challenges first-hand.

They also discuss the importance of engaging local builders and navigating complex debris removal processes, innovative programs that increase access to recovery resources, as well as valuable lessons on community engagement, building social capital before disasters strike, and establishing trusted roles like an Ombudsman to cut through bureaucracy.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:23 Building Social Capital in Disaster Response

10:03 Identifying Barriers Impeding Recovery Efforts

15:02 The Wildfire Ombudsman Project

19:19 Engaging Local Builders

25:17 Disaster Recovery Resources and Insurance and Settlements

35:12 Gentrification and Infrastructure in Rural Communities

40:03 Affordability Concerns and Alternative Sanitary Methods

44:02 The Importance of Community Involvement

49:23 The Importance of Trust and Building Relationships

54:44 The Importance of Having a Dedicated Ombudsman in Recovery Efforts

006: Ensuring Equitable Recovery— How to Support Diverse Communities with Alicia Johnson and Dave Reid

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

"If you're a local leader, you're knee-deep in it, moving at the speed that the community wants you to move, in the direction that they're willing to go. That's the basis of a successful recovery." —Alicia Johnson

"We have to learn and be able to educate our communities around … the why behind what rebuild looks like." —Dave Reid

Episode Description:

Disasters can exacerbate pre-existing disparities, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals, people of color, and those with limited access to resources. Therefore, in order to ensure equity, recovery efforts should champion equal access to relief, resources, and support. By doing so, communities can rebuild in a fair and sustainable manner. After all, a society is only as strong as its most vulnerable members.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Alicia Johnson, the CEO of Two Lynchpin Road, and Dave Reis, the Director of the Office of Recovery and Resiliency for the County of Santa Cruz. Alicia and Dave have worked together on various projects related to emergency planning and community organizations in Santa Cruz County. Their shared experience fired their passion for issues of equity and serving diverse communities in disaster recovery.

Listen in as Alicia and Dave talk about the challenges of ensuring an equitable recovery, the difficulties of navigating FEMA assistance and the denial process, the importance of long-term recovery groups and disaster case management, post-disaster housing options, workforce development, as well as lessons that can be applied to the recovery efforts in Maui from recent flooding.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

05:49 Disaster Management and Equity

08:29 Wildfire Impacts on Varying Socioeconomic Statuses

17:53 Rebuilding Trust After Disasters

24:56 Finding Contractors Who Match The Community

33:09 The Importance of Metabolizing Trauma

44:39 Post-Disaster Housing Solutions

57:36 Disaster Response and Community Involvement

005: How to Self-Care— Recovery Leaders and Helpers with Jolie Wills

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

"One of the beautiful things disasters have to teach us is how to not just offer support, but receive it." —Jolie Wills

Episode Description:

Emergent leaders and frontliners are akin to shock absorbers in a car. They absorb a heavy load of impact, cushioning the rest of the community. These individuals, by virtue of their roles, are at the frontlines of disaster response, spearheading the recovery efforts and acting as the life rope for those affected. But, even the sturdiest of shock absorbers can break under sustained pressure from constant exposure to distress, trauma, and physical and emotional burnout.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Jolie Wills, the CEO of Hummingly, an organization that provides practical tools and resources, all gathered from real disaster and crisis situations, to help individuals and organizations around the world navigate the toughest of times.

Listen in as Jennifer and Jolie explore the gap in providing help to our front liners, what leaders can do to help their team, and how leaders can care for themselves as well. They also share how community members can show respect for each other's decisions, how to overcome the self-imposed guilt of prioritizing self-care, and how to manage secondary stress.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

05:19 The Mission of Hummingway

17:59 The Gap in Helping The Helpers

25:46 How to Support Leaders

37:28 How to Self-Care: Recovery Leaders

45:01 It's Hard Because It's Hard

52:30 The Burden of Guilt

01:01:56 Managing Secondary Stress

004: Navigating Financial Challenges in a Disaster with Kate Bulger

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

"Helping people adjust to that new financial reality is really critical in helping them adjust quickly. Because the longer someone goes where they're spending more than they're making every month, the harder it is for them to recover long-term." —Kate Bulger

Episode Description:

When disaster strikes, loss of income is often an unpleasant reality. Whether it's due to business shutdowns or property damage in a natural disaster, the reduction in income can cause significant financial strain. Moreover, disasters can lead to unforeseen expenses. Repair costs for properties, medical bills, or short-term accommodation can quickly pile up.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with the Vice President of Business Development at MMI, Kate Bulger. Kate began her personal involvement in disaster recovery in 2011 when she visited Joplin, a city left in ruins by an EF5-rated tornado. Her first-hand experience illuminated the enduring and challenging journey to complete recovery.

In 2012, Kate started contributing to partner programs that concentrate on mitigating housing-related issues, enhancing financial health, and assisting victims of natural disasters in their recovery from financial setbacks. Her commitment to these initiatives has been unyielding.

Listen in as Jennifer and Kate explore the importance of trauma-informed recovery, how survivors can protect themselves from fraud and scams, the benefits of applying for SBA, supportive techniques for survivors during initial recovery years, and what helpers can learn about self-care.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:15 A Journey Into The Disaster Recovery World

10:34 Trauma-Informed Recovery

15:03 The Danger of Fraud and Scams

19:10 Overcoming the First Impulse

24:36 The Impact of Disaster on Renters

32:48 Applying for SBA

38:18 Long-Term Outcomes

41:53 Helping the Helpers

003: HTD Quick Tips with Reina Pomeroy

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

"It's a matter of keeping the guardrails up and making sure that people continue to be safe." —Reina Pomeroy

Episode Description:

When disaster strikes, there's no time for mixed messages. Misinformation can fuel panic, hamper recovery efforts, and even endanger lives. Effective disaster response isn't just about physical aid— it's also about keeping the facts straight and delivering them to the right community.

The essence of addressing misinformation and communication in a disaster lies in building trust. Only when people trust the source of information will they accept and act accordingly. By combining technology with a strong emphasis on trust and authority, it's possible to stem the tide of misinformation and ensure accurate, life-saving information is circulated swiftly and efficiently.

Join Jennifer and Reina Pomeroy of Marshall Together as they share how messaging apps like Slack can help maintain the balance between openness and data privacy, truth and misinformation, and organization and fluidity. They also discuss the importance of limiting members, keeping the communication channels organized, some challenges that may occur in moderating the communication, and how to solve them.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:52 Misinformation in a Disaster

08:10 What is Slack?

12:01 Addressing Misinformation

15:34 Pass Along the Info

002: How to Address Childcare In the Midst of Disaster with Mikey Latner

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

"Disaster relief needs a space where we can provide support for kids because it has so many knock-on effects. The only way a community up and running again is if they have reliable childcare." —Mikey Latner

Episode Description:

Natural disasters can be very frightening for children. They may see or hear about things that are frightening, such as death, destruction, and violence. They may also be separated from their parents or other loved ones.

But unfortunately, disasters can strike at any time, without warning. That's why it's so important to make sure that our children are safe and have their needs met during and after a disaster.

Project Camp, founded by Mikey Latner is an organization that made this need its very mission. Along with their partners, Project Camp has become a sanctuary for young ones, providing safety in a fun and creative way.

Learn more about Project Camp's mission as Jennifer and Mikey revisit the organization's origin and the process of creating a space of safety and normalcy for kids— from the organization and preparation to the actual building of camps. They also discuss the role of professionals in supporting children in the face of disaster, bridging the gap in the relief space, the importance of "writing your plans in pencil", implementing strategic collaboration among partners, and how to help the helpers practice self-care as individuals and as an organization.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:06 The Project Camp Mission

07:46 Your Skill Matters

11:59 Creating a Safe and Creative Space for Kids

15:53 Meeting Kids Where They're At

25:31 Growing the Camp

31:57 Leveraging People to Do the Work

33:41 Self-Care in the Organization

38:47 Defining Service Delivery

001: Embracing Climate Resiliency— How to Disaster Season 5

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Welcome aboard to Season 5 of the How to Disaster Podcast!

When we launched this podcast a couple of years ago, we could not have foreseen the escalation of global warming in such a short span. Climate change is no longer a distant reality, and its impacts are being felt across the globe. Our health, economy, and social structures are experiencing unprecedented strain due to these cascading crises.

This global challenge layered over our existing health crisis has made it apparent that we must act fast. And we believe that the key to surviving and thriving in this new environment lies in our ability to be resilient and adaptable.

Recognizing the interconnected nature of these issues has prompted us to shift our focus this season on exploring approaches to increase resilience whilst confronting both challenges.

For the past four seasons, we've brought extraordinary minds who are truly making strides in battling climate-based disasters. This season, we aim to unleash an exciting lineup of enthusiasts who have rolled up their sleeves and faced these challenges head-on to make a lasting impact.

We are grateful for the unwavering support you have shown us throughout the past seasons. Your encouragement and engagement have fueled our passion to provide you with the best resources for navigating through challenging times. Our commitment remains steadfast in delivering valuable content that equips you with the knowledge and skills to handle disasters effectively.

We encourage you to tune in to our upcoming episodes, like, and share them with others. We value your feedback and take it seriously as we continuously work towards refining our content and delivering a tailored experience that meets your expectations.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of our journey. We look forward to embarking on this new season alongside you, as we strive to bring you the best resources on HOW TO DISASTER.

Resources:

Find us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qf4grpRpMbegzl56vM4fM?si=CeHOPe8nSumMahhIexJKkA&dl_branch=1

Find us on Our Libsyn Distribution Portal:

Highlights:

00:24 The Past Seasons

00:39 Season 5

00:57 What to Expect

01:09 Thank You

010: How to Improve Community Preparedness After a Wildfire with Pamela Van Halsema

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"It's through those human relationships that make this whole thing tolerable to do because it's about the people involved." -Pamela Van Halsema

Episode Description:

Wildfires are a natural part of the globe's ecosystem. But in recent years, they've become more common and destructive due to climate change. Wildfires have been occurring with greater frequency and intensity.

When preparing for a wildfire, it's important to think about the community as a whole. This kind of planning is important because it ensures that everyone in the community has access to the resources they need when disaster strikes and after.

In this episode, Pamela Van Halsema returns as an official part of the After the Fire family. She serves as the Director of Community and Digital Programs and oversees the organization's Community to Community Series.

Listen in as Jennifer and Pamela discuss how we can rebuild with climate resiliency in mind, how to help survivors emotionally and prepare them for the next steps, what adaptable systems can we use, and why getting to know our neighbors is a big factor in resilience.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

04:56 Pam About Helping One Another

09:09 Helping People Build Back

13:49 The Scope of Work to be Done

19:16 Different Responses to Disasters

29:38 Know the People You Are Trying to Help

36:41 Helpful Resources for Rebuilding

43:47 2022 Wildfire Leadership Summit

49:15 It's About the People Involved

009: How the North Bay Forest Improvement Program Mitigates Wildfire Risks with Molly Curley O'Brien

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

To just have fire experts talk about resilience is not going to create a resilient project and so it's a good thing to have folks to be part of the conversation. We do not know the full scope of what's needed to get done. And together, we can figure it out." -Molly Curley O'Brien

Episode Description:

While forest landowners play a critical role in mitigating wildfire, they often face challenges that make this difficult.

For instance, many are not sure how to get started even if they want to start managing their lands for wildfire protection. They may feel overwhelmed by the task of preparing their land for wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. They may lack knowledge on how to mitigate wildfires safely and effectively or the access to funding mitigation efforts.

That's why, in an effort to provide a solution to these problems, After the Fire has launched its North Bay Forest Improvement Program/NBFI with the leadership of the Director of Grants and Government Programs for ATF, Molly Curley O'Brien. NBFIP is an initiative to help landowners get compensated for work they perform on their forested lands.

This week, Jennifer and Molly discuss more about NBFIP, how it came to be, and why this initiative is crucial in fire mitigation efforts. They also talk about the importance of building collective resilience, how to help our technical experts, how innovation is tied to resilience, and why funding should be a priority in sustaining these mitigation efforts.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

05:20 What is the North Bay Forest Improvement Program

09:32 Why Compensation is Needed

17:15 The Secret Sauce

21:49 Technical Experts Need Help

26:06 Inside the Processes

30:28 Collective Resilience

37:20 A Dire Need in the Resilience Space

42:44 A Regional Effort

008: How Building Materials Make a Difference in Disasters with Alister Watt and Daniel Gorham

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"We know that we're not powerless against wildfires. It's a question of, 'what are the steps? What are the actions that really make a difference?'" -Alister Watt

"Wildfire doesn't acknowledge boundaries— we need to be thinking about resilience and preparedness with that in mind." -Daniel Gorham

Episode Description:

When it comes to disasters, building materials are not just useful—they're essential. Every time we build something that can help prevent fires from happening or spreading, we're influencing how wildfire impacts our properties and the community we live in.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), an independent, 501 (C) nonprofit scientific research and communications organization, works to provide practical solutions to build more resilient communities.

This week, we are joined by the organization's Chief Product Officer Alister Watt and Research Engineer, Daniel Gorham to talk about how our choice of building materials can make a difference during a disaster. They also help us understand the trend of fires in the wildlands vs urban communities, how the layout of an environment influences the extent and gravity of a disaster's impact, why we need to change our view of aesthetics, what ember casts are and how to prevent them from entering our homes, and how Wildfire Prepared, a project of IBHS, can help us get better insured.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:13 Meet Alister and Daniel and Their Work with IBHS

06:29 Understanding the Trend: Wildland vs Urban Fires

12:09 Rural Community Fire vs Condensed Fire

17:42 The Role of Insurance in Disaster Preparedness

21:04 A Change Needed in Our View of Aesthetics

24:50 It's All About Ember

30:24 How to Prevent Embers From Entering Our Homes

39:37 We Are Not Powerless Against Wildfires

45:13 Recreating Hazards: What Happens "During"

49:53 Spend More to Build It Right

52:58 The Benefits of Being Prepared

007: How Our Homes Can Improve Disaster Resilience with Louie Delaware

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"You need to be prepared for all sorts of scenarios as to what comes into play." -Louie Delaware

Episode Description:

Homes are meant to be safe havens. They're the places we retreat to in times of need and they help us avoid the brunt of a disaster.

The structure and design of our home says a lot about how resilient it is when a disaster strikes. Of course, our goal should not only be to make our homes resilient, but also as livable as it can be. After all, it is where we build our memories and our future.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Louie Delaware, the Founder of Living in Place LLC. Living in place is the leader in professional building, designing, and medical education. Their mission is to connect people and improve their quality of life by providing the highest quality of accessible, healthy, and safe building standards.

Join in as Jennifer and Louie discuss how we can weave resiliency into designing a house for people with disability, how to make it more livable and safer without sacrificing style, what modifications can we make to reduce the peripheral damage of our home due to smoke exposure, how to make an exit plan for emergencies, and why we should prepare in advance for future needs.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:42 Living in Place— Connecting People

05:21 Building Homes for the Disabled Population

12:31 Resiliency and Home Design

17:59 Resilient Home with Style

23:16 How to Make Your Home Safer and More Accessible

28:10 When Power is an Issue

34:06 Making a Plan Out

38:33 Anticipating Future Needs

44:00 Take Care of Your Future Self

006: How to Improve the Impact of Distributed Goods and Charities with Jim Alvey

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"[Helping] is a passion that goes deep. If we could steer that passion towards funding for the nonprofits that needed to do what they know they need to do, we can facilitate product donations at a much, much higher level." -Jim Alvey

Episode Description:

One of the biggest problems with donated goods is that a lot of them end up in landfills. This is because people often donate items that they no longer need or want, without considering whether or not someone else could actually use them. This thoughtless act, although coming from a genuine desire to help, results in what we call 'secondary disaster'.

Therefore, we have to make sure that our intentions are truly meeting a need. The key is to have the right goods for the right people at the right time.

This is the goal of Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving. Their mission is to connect organizations who want to donate with nonprofits who actually need that specific help.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with Good360's VP of Disaster Recovery and Philanthropy, Jim Alvey. Jennifer and Jim discuss how to close the 'need gap' in product donations distribution and identify the unmet needs for a community's long-term recovery. They also talk about the disadvantages of unsolicited goods and the short attention span of donors and the public, the importance of rebuilding at the right pace, Good360's partners, and building resilience into recovery.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AURoOcmEwvk&list=PLGiVHREZs3hTQujvz8vgNTCjXE1MMMvRv

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:44 Doing Social Good with Good360

08:00 Donations and Disaster Response

15:38 Right Goods, Right People, Right Time

22:51 Employing Tech in Disaster Response

26:53 Right Rebuilding at the Right Pace

35:40 Closing the Gap Between Impact and Recovery

40:11 Facilitating Donations at a Higher Level

45:09 Resilience Response

52:57 #Undaunted

005: How to Finance MicroGrid and Green Building in Disaster with Will Heegaard

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"It's really exciting to think about what could be done when the generator is not the problem." -Will Heegaard

Episode Description:

Rebuilding a community after a disaster is a lot like building a house. You have to make sure that the foundation is strong and secure, and you have to make sure that you're using the right materials for the job. The best way to do this is by rebuilding back with green energy in mind.

However, many people reason that this is not a practical step as green energy sources like solar generators can get expensive. But is it really?

Green energy is clean, renewable, and sustainable—and that means it's more resilient than traditional power sources like coal or nuclear plants. And because it's kinder for the environment, we're actually helping fight climate change, which reduces the intensity and frequency of disasters we experience. So in effect, rebuilding with green energy is more cost-effective in the long run.

However, having sufficient funds can be hard for a disaster-stricken community. So how can we finance this big project?

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Will Heegaard, the Operations Director of Footprint Project, a non-profit organization that brings sustainable power generation to disaster affected communities.

Listen in as Jennifer and Will talk about what microgrids are, how they can be a great tool for disaster response, and how to get the funds needed for these projects. They also discuss the gaps in the disaster response space, how we can break the negative loop of causing another disaster, how we can normalize green energy in the community, and Will's advice to find motivation in moving towards progress despite huge challenges.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:47 Building Back Greener with Footprint Project

10:04 Footprint Project's 3 Power Up Programs

17:33 Equity and Rebuilding Greener

27:22 Break the Negative Loop

35:41 Benefits of Cleaner Power Systems

44:57 Climate Resiliency Programs

51:59 Helping Normalize Green Energy

55:52 Something Better

004: Home Hardening Best Practices to Mitigate Wildfire with Stuart Mitchell

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"It's really based on how people maintain their properties. They're all the homes that look identical but they're actually different." -Stuart Mitchell

Episode Description:

Fire is one of the most destructive disasters that can happen to a home. It can take just minutes for a fire to completely destroy everything you have worked so hard for. Therefore, fire mitigation practices should start in our homes. This means that we need to be prepared for the worst and have a plan in place.

This week, Jennifer interviews Fire Mitigation Advisor, Stuart Mitchell. Jennifer and Stuart discuss how we can make our homes self-defended, what tools and resources can help us be better prepared for fires, what we should know about landscaping and fires, what we can do to minimize the effect of ember casts, how we can turn our pools into assets, how we can be organized as a community to help each other in times of need, and more!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

04:59 Where Mitigation Begins

12:26 Redundancy of Alert Notifications

18:42 Landscaping Habits and Fire

28:58 How to Deal with Ember Casts

36:44 Make Your Pool an Asset

43:04 How to Prepare for Evacuation

50:27 When Communication Breaks Down

55:15 When Asked to Leave, Leave

58:47 Home Hardening and Insurance

01:03:20 It All Comes Down to Maintenance

003: How the Readiness for Resilience Program Helps Communities Build Disaster Resilience with Steve Crout

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"We can't meet this challenge as individual organizations. We need to band together and create a voice." -Steve Crout

Episode Description:

Every community is different, and every community's needs are different. But one thing that all communities have in common is the need to build disaster resilience—and that's where CANVAS for Recovery and Resiliency comes in.

Co-founded by our host, Jennifer Thompson and CityTech Strategy Group's President, Steve Crout, CANVAS' main mission is to help communities prepare for disasters through cross-sector collaborations. They work with local leaders, community members, and organizations that are experienced in the disaster recovery and mitigation space to help advocate for local communities affected by disasters. Together, they aim to "listen locally, act regionally, and reform nationally".

Listen in as Jennifer and Steve discuss the inspiration behind this initiative, what resiliency means, where the focus should be when it comes to building community resilience, how we can keep the continuity in disaster preparedness, how we can better address compound disasters, what makes fundings hard to access, and how leveraging the 5G network can help improve communication during a disaster.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:15 Could We Do More?

11:55 Keep the Continuity in Disaster Preparedness

16:39 Barriers to Accessing Fund

20:53 CANVAS for Disaster Recovery and Resiliency

26:23 Equity in Disaster

28:49 Addressing Compound Disasters

33:19 Improving Communication During Disaster

002: How to Improve Community Resilience and Preparedness with Michelle Luckett

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"The significance of the average person understanding the consequence of what's coming is huge." -Michelle Luckett

Episode Description:

Every community is unique. It's not just about the geography or demographic, but also the way a community responds to a disaster. So it's important that we take the time to assess our community's resilience.

Community resilience is about bringing together all of the resources and people in our neighborhood to make sure that everyone has what they need to survive in the case of a disaster. As part of this, it's important to make sure that we, ourselves, are prepared for any kind of emergency, and that everyone in the community is, too— down to the most vulnerable ones.

In this episode, Jennifer interviews Michelle Luckett, the CEO of Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies/ BRACE. Michelle answers the question, what do we rebuild first— businesses or residences? She also shares practical steps that small businesses and ordinary citizens can do to prepare for compound disasters and strengthen their resiliency, and the secret to staying in the resiliency and recovery space long-term.

In order to initiate recovery, most people require assistance. However, in a disaster, it's a challenge to qualify for one. And even if we do, it will probably take a long time before we get our hands on it. This can be discouraging, especially if we've lost both our homes and our jobs— that sense of loss that drives many to hopelessness. Listen in as Michelle shares a less known provision that displaced workers can take advantage of and what to do to qualify for it.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:45: BRACE and Its Focus Goals

14:52: How Small Businesses Can Prepare for a Disaster

22:21: A Provision for Displaced Workers

29:31: What to Rebuild First— Business or Residence

36:27: Dealing with Compound Disasters

39:18: How to Build Community Resilience

44:35: How to Approach the Next Decade

52:11: Mental Health for First Responders

001: Welcome to the FOURTH Season of HTD

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"There's no place on the globe that is safe from climate-based disasters. So. it's all of our jobs to not engage in magical thinking at all, but instead to lean all of the ways in to figure out how we are going to get to the other side and when the worst happens, how we recover, rebuild, and reimagine." -Jennifer Thompson

Episode Description:

Welcome to the FOURTH season of How to Disaster Podcast!

We are truly humbled by everyone's support throughout the past three seasons. We have been blown away by your enthusiasm for this mission and how you've stuck with us from the beginning. You are our inspiration behind what we do. We appreciate you very much!

This season, we're excited to bring you inspiring stories from the front lines, new perspectives, and more conversations with experts and community members about what it means to recover, rebuild, and reimagine after a wildfire. We'll also hear how wildfire recovery is evolving and how we can work together to protect people and property in the face of a wildfire.

We hope you continue listening, sharing, and supporting the podcast. We're always looking for ways to grow so please let us know what you think, and we'll keep listening for your feedback. We hope you enjoy this season as much as the past ones.

We look forward to sharing this new season with you!

You can find all of our episodes conveniently located on our YouTube Channel. Below are the links to each season:

Season One: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGiVHREZs3hRazzvZw5-5TNp34f9yEbdq

Season Two: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGiVHREZs3hRaoPtRnNOkf6Qz0TQnj7n6

Season Three:

Take 5's:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTGlo3O84sg&list=PLGiVHREZs3hTHIUEp1OGHfh9zr6D2V9GY

Find us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qf4grpRpMbegzl56vM4fM?si=CeHOPe8nSumMahhIexJKkA&dl_branch=1

Find us on Our Libsyn Distribution Portal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AURoOcmEwvk&list=PLGiVHREZs3hTQujvz8vgNTCjXE1MMMvRv

Highlights:

00:32 Thank You!

01:22 A Glorious Privilege

02:18 A Wonderful Couple of Years

024: What We Learned in Season 3

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 13:00:19 +0000

"Be safe, be prepared, and be ready." -Jennifer Thompson

Episode Description:

Three seasons have passed and it's been an incredible journey!

As we take a moment to reflect on the past three seasons, we want to say a big, big thank you to all of you!!

We are so grateful for the community of people who have supported us along this journey— from those who watched us grow from the ground up to those who helped us find our voice and purpose, your support has been unwavering. We couldn't have done it without you!

Join Jennifer as she highlights remarkable episodes and guests who brought us unforgettable lessons from season three, and her touching message of appreciation to all who made this success possible.

We're excited about all the amazing things coming up in season 4 and we hope that this new season will be even more rewarding than the last. We're so glad to be able to continue this journey with you, and we hope that you'll stick around for it!

You can find all of our episodes conveniently located on our YouTube Channel. Below are the links to each season:

Season One: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGiVHREZs3hRazzvZw5-5TNp34f9yEbdq

Season Two: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGiVHREZs3hRaoPtRnNOkf6Qz0TQnj7n6

Season Three:

Take 5's:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTGlo3O84sg&list=PLGiVHREZs3hTHIUEp1OGHfh9zr6D2V9GY

Find us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qf4grpRpMbegzl56vM4fM?si=CeHOPe8nSumMahhIexJKkA&dl_branch=1

Find us on Our Libsyn Distribution Portal:

Highlights:

00:20: A Big Thank You to All!

02:48: Season 4: What to Expect

04:17: Be Safe, Be Prepared, and Be Ready!

023: How to Prepare for Disaster: Our Pets, Livestock, and Animal Companions with Julie Atwood

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:00:38 +0000

"For every animal we rescue during an incident, we are all together going to save hundreds and thousands through education and preparedness." -Julie Atwood

Episode Description:

When an emergency strikes, we all want to do our best to take care of each other and our homes. But sometimes, the victims of a disaster are not humans—they're our beloved animals.

Our pets, livestock, and animal companions are part of our family, and losing them in a disaster is painfully devastating. But in an emergency, it can be hard to keep track of what's happening and what you need to do. There is no time for anything during a wildfire. We may only have minutes to get out of the house and into safety before the fire engulfs it completely.

So, how can we make sure that our animal companions are taken care of during a disaster?

In this episode, Jennifer sits with Horses and Livestock Team Emergency Rescue/HALTER Project founder, Julie Atwood. Julie started the HALTER Project in 2013 to provide local communities across the US with the resources they need to ensure the welfare of their animals during emergencies.

Listen in as Jennifer and Julie share how to determine what we need and how much we need in terms of food, water, medication, sanitation, and documentation— both for us and our pets, how to plan for evacuation with our animals during the pandemic, and how to ensure the safety of our animals if we have no choice but to leave them during evacuation. They also discuss why we should set multiple plans in place in case of an emergency, how to failsafe everything in a disaster, and how to prepare for communication fails.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/erTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:27: When There's Nowhere to Go

11:17: Why Have Multiple Plans in Place

24:26: What You Need and How Much You Need

32:02: Evacuating with Your Animals During a Pandemic

36:49: Taking Care of Your Livestock and Large Animals

49:14: Preparing for Communication Fails

57:50: Know the Warning Signs

01:07:20: The Odin Story

022: How Buildings with LEED and PEER Certification Make us More Resilient to Disaster with Hon. Katherine Hammack

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"Doing it now at your leisure is much better than doing it at haste during an emergency." -Katherine Hammack

Episode Description:

In disaster preparedness, the need for resilient buildings is often overlooked. Resilient buildings are those that can withstand the effects of a disaster and continue to function as needed. They include things like emergency communication systems and energy efficiency measures that ensure that utilities aren't compromised by damage. By taking steps now to make our buildings more resilient before disaster strikes, we'll be better equipped when it does hit—and that can make all the difference between staying safe or not.

And when it comes to resilience, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and PEER (Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal) certifications are some of the most important building standards in existence today—and they're gaining traction fast. LEED is a globally recognized rating system that provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, while PEER is the world's first certification program that measures and improves power system performance and electricity infrastructure.

These certifications indicate that our buildings are safer, more energy efficient, more reliable, and more innovative than conventional buildings. It means less strain on the environment, more security to people, and less building cost! In addition, when a disaster strikes, we won't have to worry about whether or not our buildings will be able to handle it. These certifications are proof that we understand how the building industry fits into our world—and how it can help us make sure we're all prepared for whatever comes our way.

Listen in as Jennifer and Hon. Katherine Hammack, the Senior Director of Green Building Council Inc. (GCBI) discuss more about these certifications and how they can help us be more resilient in the era of mega disasters.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:03: GBCI and Its Role in Sustainable Building

07:42: Sustainable Building vs Unsustainable Building

10:41: How CLT Wood is Making a Difference

17:12: Go Above Building Codes

21:06: The True Cost of Unsustainable Building

26:43: Rebuilding After a Disaster with the LEED and PEER Standard

29:03: Microgrids Contribute to Resilience

34:16: Build Back Better

40:27: Adapting to Disaster

44:00: NOW is Better than LATER

021: Take 5 - After the Hurricane - Puerto Rico, New Orleans, Florida

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with: Viequeslove:

Website: https://viequeslove.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/viequeslove

Twitter; https://twitter.com/viequeslove

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vieques_love/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/viequeslove

Connect with Christa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christasandelierlopez/

Connect with George:

Website: https://mirsoniagroup.com/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LawsPR51

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-laws-garcia/

"In five days, we had over $500,000, and it was just an incredible show of love for Vieques." -Kelly Thompson

"Take the time when there is not a disaster to adjust from the lessons learned and to use these resources that are being put out there to build resiliency." -Mark Martin Bras

"I'm always updating what's in my house and what my house looks like for insurance purposes. Most people have a smartphone so you can do it." -Christa López Ph.D., CEM

"That inequality that happens under colonialism creates a structural vulnerability that becomes exacerbated and highlighted." -George Laws Garcia

Episode Description:

We often talk about wildfires here at After the Fire. But in this episode, we are going deep into the extreme opposite of the spectrum, hurricane— a type of disaster that is equally deserving of our attention.

A hurricane or tropical cyclone is a type of storm that generally develops in tropical regions and has a brewing center below the surface of the ocean. Hurricanes are most common in the summer and fall.

And when the hurricane season approaches, it's hard to not feel a sense of threat and dread. Whether you are a recent storm victim or looking to be prepared for future hurricanes, this episode is for you!

Our guests share steps to ensure that you have the resources you need to prepare and recover from this disaster. Here from Viequeslove's Co-Founder Mark Martin Bras and Executive Director Kelly Thompson, Chief of Staff for Community Development and Revitalization for the Texas General Land Office Dr. Christa López, and Mirsonia Group's Executive Director, George Laws Garcia.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:32: How to Face Disaster on an Island (Hurricane Maria) with Kelly Thompson and Martin Bras

05:19: How to Serve Communities Pre and Post Disaster with Christa López PhD CEM

09:43: How to Bridge the Gap Between Federal and Local Policy with George Laws Garcia

020: How Nonprofits Can Improve Disaster Response and Preparedness with Jim White

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"Not everybody has to create a new nonprofit to do something… This is not about the ego of one individual and their mission to help people. It's about how an organization can be structured to support these people who've been hurt." -Jim White

Episode Description:

Nonprofits are often the first on the ground in times of disaster. And often, they are composed of everyday citizens who do not hesitate to help those affected by any means available, and it has led to some of the most heartwarming stories in history.

But of course, no organization is perfect. As disasters evolve in intensity and frequency, the nonprofit sector ought to keep evolving as well in how they can serve better because the best nonprofits practice continuous improvement. Considering their work is so important and since their impact can be so wide-reaching, the sector cannot afford to be complacent or content.

Disaster response and preparedness are important things to consider when it comes to the safety of those they hope to help through their organization or volunteer works. So what are nonprofits doing right? What room for improvement do they have? How does the level of disaster declaration limit the services they can offer? How can they work in collaboration with government agencies and private citizens to provide better services? And why is it necessary to think long-term with regards to managing funds? Tune in as Jennifer and Jim White, the Executive Director of The Nonprofit Association of Oregon discuss how nonprofits can improve disaster response in terms of preparedness, recovery, and collaboration.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:07: Community Leads

10:49: Meeting Certain Standards of Care

17:58: Mega Fires and Fire Responses

26:04: The Implications of Disaster Declaration

31:54: Nonprofits and Human Services

40:05: Addressing the Community's Lack of Capacity

45:29: The Inequity in Disaster Relief Response

49:14: Think Long-Term Funding

54:27: The Misconceptions Around Charitable Works and Compensation

019: Take 5— Three Rs- Be Disaster Ready

Mon, 30 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Nancy:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-brown-phd-0b99336a/

Connect with Alma:

Website: https://nc707.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/308881973079543

Twitter: https://twitter.com/teamNC707

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nc707abowen/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alma-bowen-9381083b

Connect with Josh:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshua.farrell.961

"Make a list of those things [that you might need]. And once you've done that, you're a long way to understanding how to support each other because you know who has what and where to go get it when you need it in a hurry." -Nancy Brown, PhD

"I want to build a culture of preparedness where conversations around preparedness, actually preparing, and taking the steps necessary is just part of what we do and not a weird thing on the side." -Alma Bowen

"The biggest thing that I thought of when I was coming back from the fire is… to make electronic files to put on a USB drive.— That stuff, the FEMA check. Super important!" -Josh Farrell

Episode Description:

It's important to be prepared for a disaster, but it's also important to keep in mind that being prepared means being able to respond quickly. If we think we have time, that's when we really don't have time. The inevitable truth about disaster is that it does not discriminate nor does it show mercy— lives are at stake, our lives!

Disaster preparedness may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth doing. And it's not just about keeping our families safe; it's about helping our community safe too. In this episode, our guests discuss practical steps and tips on how to be prepared for a disaster as a community, as a family, and as individuals. They also share what must-have items to put in our go bags, how to prepare for when communication fails, how to keep documentation for claiming financial aid after a disaster, and how to work together as a community to meet the needs of each member. Tune in and hear from Sonoma County's Community Preparedness Program Manager Nancy Brown, Nuestra Comunidad Founder Alma Bowen, and Citizen Prepper Joshua Farrell.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:33: Season 2 Ep 2— How to Help Communities Prepare and Respond to Disaster with Nancy Brown, PhD

03:57: Season 2 Ep 6— How To Serve Vulnerable Communities with Alma Bowen

09:40: Season 1 Ep 2&3— How to Prepare: Citizen Prepper Part 1&2 with Josh Farrell

018: The Role of Art in Recovery After a Disaster with Rina Faletti, PhD

Mon, 23 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"Art is actually a lifeline…When presented in conjunction with important ideas, art can change us inside. It changes the way we see, think, feel, and the way that we talk about things that are important to us." -Rina Faletti, PhD

Episode Description:

When a disaster strikes, the conversation typically focuses on what has been lost: homes, livelihoods, and even lives. The emotional and spiritual toll of a disaster can be harder to recognize, but it is every bit as important.

But in times like these, it's crucial to remember that humans are creative creatures, and we have access to a wonderful tool that can help us heal: ART. As survivors work to rebuild their homes and their lives, art can help them feel less alone by providing an opportunity for shared experience and expression. Art teaches them to see things differently—to notice details, to find beauty where they may not have seen it before, and to connect with their community and themselves.

Art-Responds was curated by Dr. Rina Faletti with the same vision. As the importance of art and community became apparent in disaster recovery, Dr. Faletti began gathering artist-responders that are also active in making this vision possible: Oscar Aguilar Olea, Julia Crane, Andrea Dale, Lowell Downey, Laura Resen, Jeff Frost, Linda Gass, Edmund Ian Grant, Norma I. Quintana, Kristi Rene, and Brian Fies who is also our guest in Season 3 Episode 6. As they strive to bring art into disaster recovery, they also open the opportunity for deeper conversations on community engagement, disaster preparedness, and recovery.

Tune in as Dr. Faletti discusses how important it is to introduce art as one of the first responses to recovery and not the last, what gathering artist-responders and putting together an exhibit is like, the unifying and healing power of art, and the importance of storytelling in recovery.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:04: Fire Goes Where Water Flows

12:25: We are Reflections of Nature

17:56: Gathering Artist-Responders Together

23:15: The Role of Art in Recovery

28:46: Why Art Should be on the Front of Recovery

37:18: Art Brings Community Together

42:00: The Unifying Power of Art

45:45: Meet the Artist-Responders

017: Take 5— Media and Disaster Reporting- A Focus on Information Transfer and Responsibility

Mon, 16 May 2022 23:09:53 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Pat:

Connect with Sydnie:

Connect with Wendy:

"If we are in a position to be able to save lives, let's make sure we are absolutely adamantly prepared to do that." -Pat Kerrigan

"Understand [not only] the power that you have, but also the responsibility you have to tell a very strong but truthful story with the powerful tools that we all carry." -Sydnie Kohara

"I'm getting back to the preventative side of things. There are little things every homeowner could do to harden their homes." -Wendy Nystrom

Episode Description:

Media is arguably one of the most powerful resources in terms of information gathering and distribution. As the old adage goes, "the pen is mightier than the sword." Media, especially that which has gone digital and wirelessly transmitted to smartphones and televisions has become a force unto itself — capable of bringing changes in the society, influencing people to action, and even saving lives.

In critical events, some people have played significant roles in saving lives, and they are not people of authority but ordinary citizens who have used the power of the media to deliver critical facts and stories. They are called "citizen journalists". If we can harness the power of media personalities and citizens as information gatekeepers during a disaster, this will be a game-changer in the field of disaster response and recovery.

This episode is focused on the current media landscape, its role in disaster reporting and the responsibility it owes to the public, and how the public can also be reliable and authentic storytellers. Our guests, award-winning radio host Pat Kerrigan, Kohara Studio Founder Sydnie Kohara, and Environmental Social Justice founder, Wendy E. Nystrom talk about what the media and the community can do beforehand to deliver information as fast and factual as possible and utilize the tools a.k.a. our gadgets to add value to the community during a disaster. We also hear practical advice on how working with different sectors such as agriculture and first-responders can help bridge the gap in information transfer and build a more resilient community.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:34: Season 2 Ep 1— How to Broadcast Media: Radio with Pat Kerrigan

04:43: Season 2 Ep 12— How to Inform the Public as an Information Gatekeeper During a Disaster with Sydnie Kohara

08:46: Season2 Ep 19— How to Address Wildfire Risks and Insurance with Indigenous Practices and Community-Wide Preventative Responses

016: How to Manage Charitable Donations Post-Disaster with Jake Bentz

Mon, 09 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"It's either you have resiliency or you don't. It's more of a character trait. But I think the willingness to try something new and be wrong is probably my closest definition of that word. A lot of willingness to try—that's exciting!" -Jake Bentz

Episode Description:

Charitable giving surges during periods of natural disaster. In a time when the heartstrings are being tugged and people are donating like crazy, it is easy to be overwhelmed with donations.

Unfortunately, most items donated to shelters do not suit the immediate needs of survivors. As a result, donations often do not reach their intended target. Hence, it is important for organizations to set up stations dedicated to managing donated items following a disaster.

Santiam Hospital's Donation Distribution Coordinator, Jake Bentz started volunteering in this field as a young 18-year-old. Little did he know that his passion would grow fast and big. Today, he continues to explore possible avenues to offer support in disaster recovery.

In this episode, Jake talks about his work around managing and distributing donations to wildfire survivors, how an influx of donations can cause secondary disaster, and what donations are tagged for immediate needs and which are for long-term recovery. Jake also relates the challenges and benefits of being a young leader and how the younger generation can contribute to disaster response efforts.

If you are someone who is passionate about giving back and supporting causes you are concerned about, this episode is for you!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:05: The Best of Mankind

08:47: Service Integration

12:13: Donations- Potential Secondary Disaster

17:07: How Donations Are Distributed

20:26: Donations- For Now

27:16: Donations- For Later

29:44 The Challenges and Benefits of Being a Young Leader

33:03: The Younger Generation and Resiliency

015: Take 5— Three Rs - Insurance, Rebuilding, and Legal Aid Relating to Disaster

Mon, 02 May 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Amy Bach:

Connect with Kendall Jarvis:

Connect with the Legal Aid of Sonoma:

YouTube

Connect with Zack Rosenburg:

Connect with Saint Bernard Project (SBP):

"Insurance is part of the spectrum so our roadmap to recovery includes personal finance decision making." -Amy Bach, Esq.

"Take one step at a time. Some days, you are going to be able to make great strides, other days, you're going to want to stay in bed." -Kendall Jarvis, Esq.

"We can't just tell these people 'good luck, have a nice life'. We will do what we know how to do well—building houses and we'll go raise money for them." -Zack Rosenburg

Episode Description:

There are things we often don't want to talk about— but need to know, including insurance and legal aid. Not many people enjoy getting insurance, but it's becoming more and more necessary as we continue to experience stronger and more frequent disasters.

However, even these recovery processes can be taxing and even more painful than the disaster itself. As we venture out of our safe places and repair what was damaged, we're often left on our own to navigate what can be a confusing process with all the terms and legalities that come along with litigation. Although the situation may seem bleak in the immediate aftermath, there are organizations and groups to help you recover.

Our guests, United Policyholders Founder, Amy Bach, Esq., Disaster Relief Attorney for Legal Aid of Sonoma County, Kendall Jarvis Esq., and CEO of Saint Bernard Project/SBP, Zack Rosenburg share how their organizations are helping people get the help they deserve, the factors that contribute to underinsurance, how to navigate financial decisions in the midst of a traumatic event, the mechanisms and processes that take place before funds are released, and the socio-economic and racial implication of reimbursements. Tune in and discover resources you can tap into for long-term recovery.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:31: Season 1 Ep 7&8— How to Navigate Insurance Before, During, and After a Disaster with Amy Bach

05:38: Season 2 Ep 16—How to Provide Legal Aid to Disaster Survivors with Kendall Jarvis, Esq.

10:06: Season 3 Ep 10— How to Persevere Through the Turbulence of Disaster Recovery with Zack Rosenburg

014: How ToolBank USA Helps Improve Recovery and Community Preparedness with Trey Bearden

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"It's not just what happens in the immediate response… But also how we span the entire spectrum to be able to provide those necessary resources because it does take a long time to rebuild." -Trey Bearden

Episode Description:

Many people lost not just their homes and belongings during a disaster, but also the ability to continue working. On top of dealing with their own loss, many families find it difficult to afford the additional costs of repairs and rebuilding when something happens. And, sometimes, people just don't have the tools to do some of the most basic tasks. There are those who were only able to save a few tools or none at all during the evacuation because of all the chaos. Indeed, tools and equipment can help improve the outcome of disaster recovery.

Thankfully, there are organizations working to change this situation, such as ToolBank USA. In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Toolbank USA's Chief Program Officer, Trey Bearden. Tune in to learn more about the work they do, what services they offer, how your community can benefit from this organization's resources, and what we can do to become better equipped and better prepared as individuals and as a community.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

00:44: ToolBank Disaster Services

11:31: Bridging the Gap— Limited Resources

20:25: How to be a Resource

29:21 Strategic Initiatives with the Highest Probability of Success

40:14: What Organizations Are Needed

49:49: The Small Role We All Can Play

54:59: Allow Yourself to be Taken Cared of

013: Take 5 — Resilience and Technology- A Focus on Future Solutions

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below: Connect with Amy:

Connect with MuGrid:

Connect with Bailey:

Connect with Cynthia:

"Micro (µ) grid is a collection of energy generation, amps, storage, and distribution assets that sit together very close to where the energy is going to be used. That's a different architecture from what we currently have." -Amy Simpkins

"There is some information out there that we can gather together or aggregate in a way that is really valuable… Knowing that there's one place for that information is absolutely essential knowing that you can have things under control." - Bailey Farren

"The only way we get anything done anymore is through collective will. It's when we all decide that we have a common purpose, a common ground, and we're going to work on this together." -Cynthia Murray

Episode Description:

As we watch global events unfold, we realize that there will be more climate-related disasters in the coming years. The devastating truth is that we will never be able to stop natural disasters from happening, but there is something we can do to build our homes and communities with more tolerance to disasters.

As the world becomes more and more tech-savvy and able to innovate for more sustainable answers, we now have the capabilities to not just recover from disasters, but to help prevent them, strengthen our resilience, and rebuild better. And in this regard, a focus on securing a more sustainable source of energy, communication, and delivering information is vital.

In this episode, we will hear critical insights from our guests MuGrid (µgrid) Analytics CEO Amy Simpkins, Founder, and CEO of Perimeter Bailey Farren, and CEO of Northbay Leaders Cynthia Murray. Tune in and discover how these technologies and practical solutions can help your community improve its communication, information dissemination, and energy generation in a disaster.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:32: Season 2, Ep 18— How Equity Can be Enhanced in Sustainability and Disaster Preparedness with Amy Simpkins

04:16: Season 1, Ep 12— How to Help the Helpers (First Responders) with Bailey Farren

09:12: Season 1, Ep 8— Communication Failures in Disaster: The Impact on the Private Sector with Cynthia Murray

012: How Data and GIS Helps FEMA Equitably Allocate Resources with Heather Milton

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

"If your community has a disaster, help with the planning. Help figure out what you want to happen next because if you don't play, you can't win." -Heather Milton

Episode Description:

Disasters can devastate communities greatly. When this happens, the focus of those affected is on survival, but after the immediate danger has been thwarted, many then turn their attention to longer-term issues of survival and recovery. For them, the most important thing is to get their lives back to normal.

In this event, disaster management is one of the most important public services that governments are responsible for. However, this statement immediately presents a challenge: How can we design a system to equitably distribute the limited resources so that as many people as possible are helped in the wake of a disaster?

Tune in as Jennifer interviews Heather Milton, a member of FEMA's Interagency Recovery Coordination team on the role of FEMA and GISCorps in ensuring that certain measures are observed to allow the underprivileged to access the same resources as the rest of the population. They also talk about how valuable data is for the government, where planning for allocation starts, the limitations of FEMA, how to design recovery programs, how to lead and redesign your community, and how individual members can contribute to the recovery of the community.

The system isn't perfect, but when the government, organizations, and communities work together, quick disaster recovery is possible.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:05: What is GISCorps?

08:57: The Limits of FEMA

16:41: Factors to Consider in Resource Allocation

21:01: Lead and Design Your Community

29:39: Creative Ways Communities Recover

36:20: Resources are Not Unlimited

42:45: Underserved Communities

52:04 The Housing Issue

56:17 Misconceptions and Myths to Debunk

01:00:06 If You Don't Play, You Don't Win

011: Take 5 - Before the Fire - A Focus on Vegetation and Land Management

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Che:

Connect with Dr. Micheli:

Connect with Lomakatsi Restoration Project:

Instagram

"There is a viable way to make money and contribute to keeping your community protected and fed at the same time." -Algeo Che Casul

"The forest has changed dramatically from what would have been a more sustainable framework, and yet we're very attached to the way it looks today." -Dr. Lisa Micheli

"We're looking to set the stage that our communities can be more resilient and our ecosystems can sustain." -Marko Bey

"We all need to make changes in order to address this climate chaos that we're in. We got ourselves here and we can get ourselves out." -Belinda Brown

Episode Description:

Mega wildfires are an anomaly. They aren't supposed to happen. Fires aren't supposed to burn millions of acres of land in a single year. More than that, they aren't supposed to be a multi-billion dollar problem. This episode is focused on private landowners and the role they play in preventing and mitigating fire risks on their land.

Our guests, 7th generation rancher Algeo Che Casul, Pepperwood CEO Dr. Lisa Micheli, and Lomakatsi Restoration Project's Marko Bey and Belinda Brown talk about how prescribed fire can be an effective strategy in preventing mega-fires, how to train the younger generation for the big work ahead, and how to prioritize the work that needs to be done.

We are making decisions today that impact not only us but also the next seven generations that are yet to come. While our knowledge and resources may be limited at present, there is something we can do to leverage them. Tune in and discover how to connect indigenous practices and Western knowledge to create better outcomes!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:34: S2 Ep5- How to Manage Private Lands in the Era of Mega Fires with Algeo Che Casul

04:34: S2 Ep11- Episode 11: How to Manage Wildlands Collaboratively in the Era of Megafire with Lisa Micheli, Ph.D.

08:52: S2 Ep14- How to Implement Ecosystem & Forest Restoration Using Indigenous Practices with Marko Bey and Belinda Brown

010: How to Persevere Through the Turbulence of Disaster Recovery with Zack Rosenburg

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"Outputs for clients are far more important than our temporary discomfort. You've got to get through tough times." -Zack Rosenburg

Episode Description:

It's impossible to look at the devastation brought by wildfires and not be overwhelmed with sadness. It's a natural tendency to want to beat yourself up when things aren't going well. And while it is heartbreaking to realize that the ongoing recovery will last years, we shouldn't lose hope.

There's a reason that people rebuild in the wake of natural disasters — they want to stay in a community they love, so they make the commitment to persevere through the turbulence of disaster recovery and make something beautiful out of it.

Disasters can be overwhelming and the path to recovery is often fraught with challenges and roadblocks. Listen in as Jennifer and SBP co-founder, Zack Rosenburg explore the concept of constructive discontent and how it can help you push through the turbulence of disaster recovery. They also discuss the role of a nonprofit in disaster, how to manage limited resources, the socio-economic and racial equity implications with regards to resilience funds, and the importance of YOKOTEN, a Japanese term referring to the value of sharing.

Outlook greatly impacts recovery. With the right attitude and perseverance, you can not only get through the disaster faster but also come out stronger on the other side.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

00:59: From a Vacation to a Vocation

05:19: Constructive Discontent

09:43: Steer Through Turbulence

14:27: What Type of Communities Win?

19:18: Where We Get Lost in the Recovery Process

25:20: If You Do It Well, Share It!

30:41: Owning Our Mistakes

009: Take 5- Three Rs - A Focus on Helping the Helpers

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Sue:

Connect with Debbie:

Connect with Dr. Adrienne:

"We need the senior folks to be able to lead the younger ones down the trenches so they know how to keep themselves safe." -Sue Farren

"You have to get over yourself because this is not about turf… Let's work together collectively." -Debbie Mason

"We have to not only go beyond education, we need mental health action." -Dr. Adreinne Heinz

Episode Description:

In times of crisis, it is the first responders who show up to help those in need. They work non-stop to help the victims. They risk their lives for us each time they respond to an emergency situation. For this reason, we owe it to them to give back. But, giving back does not mean writing a $5 check or buying them a t-shirt. We can do much more than that.

Tune in as Jennifer sits with First Responders Resiliency Inc. Founder Sue Farren, Tidewell Foundation President Debbie Mason, and Dr. Adrienne Heinz break down the three R's of helping our helpers. In this focus episode, you will hear why addressing this issue benefits the whole community, how more experienced folks can assist younger ones, and how to ignite the spirit of togetherness.

First responders continue to put their lives on the line day after day. Seeing them like this shows the depth of their humanness. But they also need help as much as we do, maybe even more than we do, and we have the privilege of contributing to whatever effort is being made for our first-responders who are suffering in the shadows.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:32: S1 Ep12: How to Help the Helpers (First Responders) with Sue Farren

05:16: S1 Ep 10: How to Create a Mental Health System with Debbie Mason

07:59: S2 Ep 3: How to Design and Implement a Mental Health Collaborative with Adrienne Heinz, Ph.D.

008: Understanding Air Quality Impacts of Wildfires with Chisato Fukuda Calvert Ph.D

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"An ethnographic look into how complex the air pollution problem is, is important because it's not a symptom, it's a structural problem." -Chisato Fukuda Calvert, Ph.D.

Episode Description:

Air quality is drastically affected by wildfires, which can lead to health risks that extend beyond the immediate danger of the fire itself. The region where the fire occurs is usually at the highest risk of air quality deterioration. However, smoke plumes can develop and travel far distances, impacting areas well beyond the wildland-urban interface.

Wildfires are an urgent matter that has been burning for decades. From the natural history of wildfires to their role in the environment, we know there's a lot to understand. That's why we're dedicating today's entire podcast to understanding the relationship between wildfires and air quality.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with Dr. Chisato Fukuda Calvert, the Interim Director of Open AQ and member of After the Fire Board of Directors. They talk about the urgency of the air pollution problem, the culture, equity, and politics around air pollution, and how to build trust and connection to help the community better navigate this systemic issue. Dr. Chisato also shares her study on air pollution and how it affects our physiology.

Wildfire smoke and its health impacts are something that can occur without warning and without notice. These natural disasters, unfortunately, happen all too often, but we are not left without resources. Tune in as Dr. Chisato shares practical ways we can safeguard our health and that of our family.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Website https://afterthefireusa.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/

Twitter https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

01:33: Living with Air Pollution

08:01: Navigating a Systemic Issue

12:33: The Central Work in Disaster Recovery

18:01: A Basic Necessity for a Big Job

20:53: Air Quality and Equity

25:54: The Threshold of Air Pollution

34:28: Cost-Effective Air Purifiers

39:14: Finding the Silver Lining

44:04: An Opportunity to Do Better

007: Take 5- Advice from Policy Makers

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with James Gore:

Connect with Reva Feldman:

Connect with Belia Ramos:

"Our community wants to know what's going on. They want to know how to empower themselves. They want to know what they need to change. They have power, you just have to create some infrastructure underneath." -James Gore

People know their neighbors and they know their neighborhoods. Even a small amount of training can be a huge resource to connect with people." -Reva Feldman

"What happens when the message arrives at that person is what actually will impact whether someone is able to survive a disaster or not. That's where equity comes into play. The way in which we communicate that message- the medium of delivery, the language that is used in that message- that is where we can actually save a life." -Belia Ramos

Episode Description:

Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. In such emergencies, a need for someone to step up and lead the response and recovery efforts arises. And in every case, those efforts are led by leaders and policymakers. But what does it take to be a servant leader during a disaster? What does being on the frontlines teach you about leadership? How do you keep your cool under pressure? How do you maintain momentum when everything seems to be going wrong? And how do you handle communication failures? Listen in as Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore, Malibu's City Manager Reva Feldman, and Napa District Supervisor Belia Ramos share their insights on leading during a disaster while keeping in mind culture, diversity, and equity when advocating for the public sector.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:33: S1 Ep19- How to Lead the Public Sector (Local) with Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore

06:51: S1 Ep7- Communication Failures in Disaster: A Case Study in Malibu, California with Reva Feldman

11:19: S1 Ep13:- How to Advocate for the Public Sector with Belia Ramos

006: How to Memorialize Our Fire Story, A Conversation with Author Brian Fies

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"Art doesn't seem very important in an event like this. And yet sometimes, it's the thing that lasts the longest and means the most." -Brian Fies

Episode Description:

Wildfires are devastating. They destroy homes, businesses, and sometimes even entire communities. And when they're over, what's left is often a wasteland of charred earth and blackened trees. In a few minutes, everything you've built has burned to the ground, without having the chance to say goodbye. But the most painful thing is to be forced to move on when you're still grieving your loss. They say it's just stuff, but it's your life embedded in them.

But as much as you want to, there's no going back. You can only build a new life. And in this new life, it's important to remember and tell your story. One way to memorialize your story is through art. It's a way to connect with others who have gone through something similar and help them heal. Author, artist, and fire survivor Brain Fies and his family were one of the thousands who lost their home during the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Four years later, he still continues to inspire others through his art.

Tune in as Brian relates the painful events of that day and how being an artist enabled him to be a source of strength for his family and others who have gone through the same experience. Jennifer and Brian also discuss the wisdom found in following building codes and landscaping, how climate change plays a huge role in these global wildfires, the demarcations of life before and after the fire, controlling your fire narrative, allowing yourself time to grieve, and the role of an artist in disaster recovery.

As an artist or journalist, you have a powerful voice. Let your story be a source of healing for yourself and your community.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

02:12: Breathing Thy Neighbors' Lives

06:27: Unbelievable Things That Fire Can Do

12:49: Control the Fire Narrative

17:24: Grieve- You Have To

22:38: From the Eyes of a Fire Survivor

31:42: The Exact Perfect Word

37:39: The Role of an Artist in Disaster Recovery

41:30: Before and After the Fire

46:04: A Fire Story is a Climate Change Story

52:37: It Takes Time

005: Take 5- Community Engagement

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 14:00:54 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Rebuild Paradise Foundation:

Website https://www.rebuildparadise.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paradiserebuilds

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rebuildparadiseca/

Connect with Jenna Murray-Johnson:

Website https://www.ridgerealtor.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jennamurrayrealtor

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jennamurrayrealtor/

Connect with Chops Teen Club:

Website https://www.chopsteenclub.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chopsteenclub

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chopsteenclub/

"This is going to speak to the value of community organizations coming together in a space that allows them to cross collaborate and to have meetings identified by certain needs... Participating in those committees and being very focused on making sure that you're attending those community meetings, and being a part of that is really critical." -Charles Brooks

"When you're in the same zone, you can utilize people, reduce costs, and do less work, because it's centralized." -Jenna Murray-Johnson

"When the day is in the bleakest and the darkest, hold on hope because tomorrow shall come. A unique thing you can bring as a leader is hope for people." -Lorez Bailey

Episode Description:

Disasters can happen anywhere, and when they do, it is vital that the community comes together to help rebuild. That's where effective leadership comes in - leaders can help to coordinate and manage community efforts, and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to recover.

Community engagement is key to a successful recovery from a disaster. In this Take 5 episode, Rebuild Paradise Founder Charles Brooks, Camp Fire Zone Captains Co-Founder Jenna Murray- Johnson, and Executive Director at Chop's Teen Club Lorez Bailey discuss how communities can come together to support each other and be more resilient in coping with the challenges of a disaster.

Disasters can be a time of great need and also of great opportunity. With the right leadership and engagement, communities can come together to rebuild and recover stronger than before!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:31: S1 Ep 6- How to Create a Rebuild Organization with Charles Brooks

04:46: S1 Ep17- How to Zone Captain: Rural Area with Jenna Murray-Johnson

08:26: S1 Ep 14- How to Lead During a Disaster & Racial Reckoning with Lorez Bailey

004: How to Address Compound Disasters with Renae Hanvin Part 2

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"Preparedness and resilience is a shared responsibility." -Renae Hanvin

Episode Description:

For years, we've seen how the intensity and scope of disasters have evolved, but our preparedness is yet to be tested again with this new thing called "compound disasters''. It is already happening and will keep happening in the years to come. What can we do to address this? Jennifer and corporate2community founder, Renae Hanvin comes together for part 2 to discuss how serious compound disasters can be and what approaches and strategies are needed to increase resiliency, access, and equity despite the chaos. They also talk about how to bridge the gap between higher-level policies and grassroots, how fundings can sometimes fall into the hands of "overnight" resiliency experts and the extent of damage it can bring, and how to set up systems and processes that will allow us to give more and help better.

If you are a leader, you no doubt have the heart to help others, keeping it anonymous if possible. But while you want to shine the spotlight on the people you want to help, it is imperative that you also make yourself visible. Why is that? Press the play button to hear the answer!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

00:59: Compound Disasters is the New Thing

07:44: Grants and Recovery Programs

20:34: CoDesign and Collaborations

25:23: Recovery Planning Approaches

30:47: Focus on the Outcome

38:51: Team Human!

44:59: Understand the Risks and Consequences

49:33: Make Yourself Visible

003: Take 5- Fire Survivor Stories

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Links are provided where to find all three guests' organizational or personal affiliations below:

Connect with Larkfield Resilience Fund:

Connect With Coffey Strong:

Connect With Peter Alan:

Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/6qf4grpRpMbegzl56vM4fM?si=CeHOPe8nSumMahhIexJKkA&dl_branch=1

"We cannot and should not let our community down and go through another wildfire and lose another life. That should be our mission. That should be our goal." -Brad Sherwood

"Strong recovery comes down to people." -Pamela Van Halsema

"You called me a second responder, I'd never heard that term before for an artist… It was just pouring out of me, I couldn't keep up with myself. It was like the best problem I've ever had!

Episode Description:

Welcome to the first episode of After the Fire Podcast Take 5 Series, where you get to hear the best of every episode in under 10 minutes!

Disasters happen when we least expect them. And often, we are left with very little time to take action. In these emergency situations, how we respond means the difference between life and death for us and someone else. Every second counts! But sometimes, we tend to panic and let our fear get the best of us. When everything is on the line, how do we maintain our composure? And most importantly, how can we manage to keep calm and lead others out of a disaster while also mourning our loss and healing ourselves? Let's hear from our guests, Co-Founder of Larkfield Resilience Fund Brad Sherwood, Coffey Strong Board Member Pamela Van Halsema, and second-responder artist Peter Alan.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:34: S1 Ep5: How to Advocate the Local and State Level with Brad Sherwood

04:09: S1 Ep4: How to Block Captain in Suburban and Urban Areas with Pamela Van Halsema

07:06: S1 Ep15: How to Heal Through Art with Peter Alan

002: How to Get Federally Declared Disaster Assistance Through FEMA with Cherry Jochum

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"Your despair is real…. If you don't get the answers you want, appeal. Ask the right people and keep asking till you get to the right person." -Cherry Jochum

Episode Description:

Signed by President Jimmy Carter, Executive Order 12127 established the Federal Emergency Management Agency, widely known as FEMA, as the primary agency in charge of emergency management and civil defense. Among its many functions, FEMA also manages disaster assistance funds, from which many families and organizations have benefited. Still, in desperate times, many people can't help but ask why the process takes too long and what makes it complicated.

In this episode, we are joined by FEMA's Interagency Recovery Coordination Lead and Recovery Funding Advisor, Cherry Jochum to answer some of the questions that have puzzled many for years. Cherry explains the structure, function, and limitations of the agency and the roles that FEMA plays during a disaster. Jennifer and Cherry also talk about the behind-the-scenes before a declaration is approved, leveraging funds and every resource possible, and the responsibility of each community in leading their recovery. Securing funds during a disaster is really challenging, but your persistence will pay off. Don't give up just yet! Tune in and learn how you can get federally declared disaster assistance from FEMA.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

01:59: By Necessity, Not Design

08:50: The Life of a Reservist

12:55: The Limitations of FEMA

17:43: Behind the Scenes of FEMA Approved Declaration

23:09: The Role of Foundations

32:12: Matching and Leveraging Funds

38:28 Appeal

001: What to Expect from Season 3 of the How to Disaster Podcast

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 14:00:00 +0000

"The only way through this is together." -Jennifer Thompson

Episode Description:

We've come so far! And we did it together!

Thank you ever so much for being with us until this moment.

In Season 1 &2, we've met incredible people who faced life-threatening and terrifying wildfires and yet proved themselves resilient and selfless emergent leaders. We've also learned priceless lessons on the power of community, being prepared as a family, and living with wildfires. But the learning isn't over!

Now, we enter a new year and a new season. In this episode, Jennifer breaks down the goals of the How to Disaster Podcast and exciting features you'll surely love! This season, we are launching Take 5's, where the most memorable lessons, best moments, and inspiring messages from your favorite episodes are condensed in 5-10 minutes clips. Tune in as Jennifer shares what you can expect from Season 3!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

00:41: We've Come This Far!

02:38: What to Expect From Season 3

04:41 The Goals

023: What We Learned from Season(s) [One &] Two of the How to Disaster Podcast

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

"You are not alone if you're going through a disaster. What we share is humanity." -Jennifer Gray Thompson

Episode Description:

Two seasons have passed since you walked this journey with us on How to Disaster. As we close the season and welcome another, we want to express our eternal gratitude to you for the support and love you've shown for the show.

In this episode, Jennifer sums up heartwarming lessons we've learned about humanity, disaster, and community. May these lessons inculcate in our hearts that we are not alone- we never are and we will never be.

You can find all of our episodes conveniently located on our YouTube Channel page, or below in the following links to each season. Season Three will begin in 2022, and we're looking forward to bringing you many more professionals who have experience in the disaster response, recovery, community engagement, philanthropy, and public health sectors.

Thank you again!

Season One: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGiVHREZs3hRazzvZw5-5TNp34f9yEbdq

Season Two: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGiVHREZs3hRaoPtRnNOkf6Qz0TQnj7n6

Find us on Spotify or at our distribution portal

Libsyn Distribution Portal

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

00:37 The Story Behind How to Disaster

03:15 Show Up for Humanity

022: How to Heal from Trauma and Rebuild Your Property After a Fire- Practical Lessons from a Woolsey Fire Survivor with Gary Jones Part 2

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

"When the call for evacuation comes, take it seriously. When the fire is coming at you, you don't have any time." -Gary Jones

Episode Description:

"All the big decisions in life are before you", says Gary Jones, a Woolsey Fire survivor. We have heard Gary's story in part 1 of this interview. This week, Jennifer and Gary discuss practical lessons on survival, healing, and positivity. Tune in as Jennifer and Gary engage you in an insightful and fun conversation about the levers of recovery, rules and tips on rebuilding your property, and simple strategies for easier claiming of insurance. Most importantly, Gary shares how he was able to look at the positive side of things. A fire brings change and from that change comes the opportunity to make things better, acquire new things we can value, and create new memories we can fondly look back to.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

03:18: What's It Feel Like Losing Everything?

06:20: Document Everything

10:20: Dealing with the Trauma

19:49: Fire Can Be Beautiful

24:13: Fire Mitigation

27:27: Take Warnings Seriously

021: How to Help Firefighters (Volunteer Firefighters Specifically) with Jacqui Jorgenson

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

"Let the timing flow, be open to finding your space. There is a room for everyone and a need for everyone to participate. We're at a critical point in human evolution where we don't have the luxury of waiting for everyone else to solve the problems. We have to do this together." -Jacqui Jorgenson

Episode Description:

Majority of firefighters are volunteers. However, after risking their lives, they end up suffering behind the curtain- physically and emotionally. The trauma and health implications they have to go through go unnoticed. Compared to the level of work they do, the system owes them the respect, recognition, and assistance they deserve. This gap in the response system is an overlooked crisis that must be addressed if we are to move forward together.

In this episode, Jennifer sits with Volunteer Fire Foundation CEO and Founder, Jacqui Jorgenson. Jennifer and Jacqui discuss the lack of support experienced by volunteer firefighters, the disparities in resources and funding between fire agencies, the deeper unmet needs they have to endure, and the negative effects of heroification. When we are in our darkest moments, volunteer first-responders come to our rescue without hesitation. Certainly, they deserve more than getting paid in gratitude. Tune in as Jacqui shares how you can take part in helping the helpers remain safe, healthy, and sane.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

02:03: Stepping Into Something New

05:33: Who are the Volunteer Firefighters

11:50: The Percentage of Volunteer Firefighters

16:25: Unmet Needs

25:27: Firefighters and Their Health

33:10: Be Careful Not to Push Them in Isolation

37:23: Stop Paying in Gratitude

43:09: Grant Scenarios

47:38: Support Volunteer Fire Foundation

56:13: We Have to Do This Together!

20: How to Heal from Trauma and Rebuild Your Property After a Fire- Practical Lessons from a Woolsey Fire Survivor with Gary Jones Part 1

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"Fire never has enough. It has an insatiable appetite." -Gary Jones

Episode Description:

"911 showed up six days later", says Gary Jones, a Woolsey Fire survivor. During a fire, you are on your own for days. So one of the biggest decisions we can make during a fire is to heed warnings immediately. On November 8, 2018, a bush fire was reported in Ventura County, California. The powerful Santa Ana winds caused this fire to accelerate and spread out. Gary ignored prior calls for evacuation, and this was one of the most regretful decisions he has made. He lost his property, three of his dogs, and nearly lost his life. In this episode, Gary relates the events of that terrifying day three years ago, and practical lessons he learned on heeding warnings as promptly as possible. Tune in as Jennifer and Gary engage you in a heart-wrenching conversation about being a fire survivor.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

00:36: The Woolsey Fire

06:08: Running Away From a Fast Raging Fire

11:40: Seeking for a Refuge

15:50: The Lenght of Recovery

20:47: Fire and Its Insatiable Appetite

23:38: Who Will Take Responsibility?

019: How to Address Wildfire Risks and Insurance with Indigenous Practices and Community-Wide Preventative Responses with Wendy E. Nystrom

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:00:00 +0000

"We have much worse wildfires due to everything that climate change has caused. We need to have a forward-thinking conversation, not a reactionary one." -Wendy Nystrom

Episode Description:

We are living in a major historical event- climate change. And the best mechanism we have to combat this is community. By working together, we can overcome unprecedented events. Learn how your community can reduce the cost of preventive and mitigation measures while strengthening resiliency. In this episode, Jennifer interviews Wendy Nystrom, an expert on environmental and pollution risk management. One challenge faced by fire survivors is the lack of proper insurance. It is a lengthy and tricky process that sometimes causes more loss rather than support. Jennifer and Wendy address the pressing issue we face on insurance coverage, policies, fraud, climate change, giving more value to indigenous practices, and making the best use of the technology we have at hand. Wildfires will be a part of our life for the years ahead, but we can learn to live with them and craft sustainable strategies as a community. Beware of "predators", and save your community from cost, trauma, and grief. We all have a role and a responsibility in this. If you're wondering where to best start, tune in and find your match with this new "tinder" for fuel mitigation.

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

02:19: Insurance, Wildfires, and Loses

11:20: A Time For Action

17:53: A Tinder for Fuel Mitigation

21:10: Down the Cost Up the Resiliency

29:32: Save Your Community from Cost, Grief, and Trauma

38:08: Beware of "Predators"

45:11: Unprecedented Over Unprecedented Events

50:54: Think Beyond

018: How Equity Can be Enhanced in Sustainability and Disaster Preparedness with Amy Simpkins

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"A fundamental principle of innovation is that if you want more diversity of ideas and possibilities, you need to have more diverse brains in the room. That's not a diminishment of anyone. In fact, that's an elevation of everyone." -Amy Simpkins

Episode Description:

Electricity is probably one of the most significant achievements of all time. The biggest industries down to individual residences all rely upon electricity for almost everything. But what if power grids suddenly fail? With the traditional grids getting outdated and less inefficient, this is likely to happen IF interventions keep being delayed. About ⅓ of energy is delivered to end-users; the greater fraction goes to waste. Moreover, outdated traditional grids continue to pose security, safety, and equity issues. How? In this episode, Jennifer sits with MuGrid Analytics CEO, Amy Simpkins to uncover this overlooked problem we have today. Jennifer and Amy talk about the advantages of shifting from large centralized power plants that we use today to localized, distributed energy using microgrids. Learn how communities can maximize resiliency, advocate for energy equity, and ensure safety and security. The world needs a new way to define sustainability and renewable energy. Tune in and discover effective ways to pattern resilience metrics as Amy shares how to solve wicked problems with math and modeling!

Connect with After The Fire USA:

Highlights:

02:52: Microgrid- Definition and Benefits

06:35: The Danger of Traditional Grids

14:55: How to Increase Resiliency

17:52 Security Issues and the Political Landscape

23:42: Modeling Resilience Metrics

30:43: Energy Equity and Environmental Issues

35:11: The Advantages of CHP-Based Solution

41:46: Evolve with the New Energy Economy

43:38: Women Power

50:00: Define Resilience in Your Own Life

017: How to Bridge the Gap Between Federal and Local Policy with George Laws Garcia

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"After every disaster, communities need to be rebuilt, but it shouldn't just be the powers from above that decide how that happens. There should be a participatory process for people to engage and reassess." -George Laws Garcia

Episode Description:

What happens when politics enters into the disaster space? It depends on the community you ask, and for Puerto Rico, it's an unfair battle. For 123 years, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the US, yet is treated differently in Congress. This presents a huge challenge during a disaster. When Hurricane Irma and Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, they had to rely on other states to do the advocacy work since they do not have representatives in the Congress. Puerto Rico has faced and continues to face injustices in the system, but they are learning how to navigate politics and disaster as a community.

Led by George Laws Garcia, Mirsonia Group helps their clients develop innovative and effective public policies. George is a bold advocate for Puerto Rico, especially in terms of legislative matters. In this episode, George helps us navigate political aspects of managing natural disaster emergencies. Jennifer and George recount their own stories and observations about the government and federal laws, leadership during a disaster, biases and inequalities in resource allocation and action, flexibility in rebuilding, boosting resiliency and capacity, and investing in sustainable recovery. Be the author of your own resiliency story. Stay tuned until the end to hear three realistic and practical ways we can do to bridge the gap in public policies and disaster recovery.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.
Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/after-the-fire-usa-8241b7217/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

016: How to Provide Legal Aid to Disaster Survivors with Kendall Jarvis, Esq.

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"Advocate for yourself as best as you can in terms of knowing what your rights are. There's this element where you lack confidence as a survivor, you think that that person knows more than you do and that's not true." -Kendall Jarvis Esq.

Episode Description:

After a disaster, people go through two of the most complicated recovery issues at the same time: trauma and legal. It is almost impossible to make a sound judgment regarding financial matters amidst a traumatic event. And it's terrifying to make these decisions knowing criminals and exploiters are waiting to take advantage of your vulnerability. This week, Jennifer brings Kendall Jarvis, Esq. on the show to talk about helping disaster survivors and vulnerable communities receive the legal aid they deserve. As the Lead Disaster Attorney for Sonoma, Kendall has seen countless inequities, injustices, and unmet needs among survivors. In this episode, Kendal brings in her expertise in terms of navigating the legal aid appeal process, dealing with the primary and secondary impacts of a disaster, protection from fraud and tenant rights violation, and the injustices faced by undocumented communities because of the ironies in the immigration system. Recovery is a lengthy process. Tune in and learn practical ways you can do to advocate for yourself and your family.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/after-the-fire-usa-8241b7217/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

02:41: The Biggest Recovery Issues

12:02: The Appeal Process

21:20: How to Deal with Disaster Impacts

29:56: Fraud Awareness

34:21: Tenant Protection

47:15: Advocate For Yourself

58:05: The Injustices Faced by the Undocumented

015: How to Rebuild as a Public Sector Official with Tennis Wick

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"You're in that place where disaster hasn't hit you, but you know it's coming. Start training now." -Tennis Wick

Episode Description:

The community often looks to public sector officials for everything, and any delay or failure often turns to blame. Most people forget that these officials are victims themselves. The only difference is that the public sector stands at the frontline despite their own loss. Disaster is a battlefield where many lives and properties could potentially be lost. In order to win, collective action is needed. In this episode, Jennifer and Sonoma's PRMD Director, Tennis Wick discuss effective approaches and systems that can help leaders and individuals make the transition from disaster response to recovery. Tennis also speaks about ways to deal with misinformation, address contractor fraud, allocate funding wisely, meet the needs of thousands of victims, and help them get their life back together. Rebuilding and recovery is an exhausting process, and those at the forefront need to take time for themselves, otherwise they'll be drained completely. Hear how Tennis makes sure he keeps his physical and mental well-being at optimum level. Tune in and be disaster smart!

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/after-the-fire-usa-8241b7217/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

03:09: On the Disaster Frontline

08:01: Meeting the Needs

14:04: How to Approach Rebuild Projects

21:07: The Role of a Block Captain

26:07: The Problem with Contractor Fraud

30:22: Be Disaster Smart

38:48: Risk Mitigation is a Collective Effort

42:25: Start Training Now

45:15: How Helpers Can Help Themselves

014: How to Implement Ecosystem & Forest Restoration Using Indigenous Practices with Marko Bey and Belinda Brown

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"We don't have the time to be in constant debate. We have to find solutions… and we're going to set the stage for a future that's going to be brighter." -Marko Bey

"We need to have a plan in place, and we need to practice these incidents before they ever occur. Preparation is crucial in this. Prevention response, recovery, mitigation- all are in a whole community response." -Belinda Brown

Episode Description:

The only way to address the health of our forests and ecosystems and the threats to our communities is through collaborative conversation. Therefore, building partnerships before disasters happen is crucial to our safety and existence. Marko Bey and Belinda Brown have been in the restoration work for over 30 years, and they continue serving communities through the Lomakatsi Restoration Project. Marko serves as Lomakatsi's Executive Director, while Belinda works as the Tribal Partnership Director. In this episode, Marko and Belinda talk about the best systems in implementing restoration and mitigation practices. They also share practical approaches to address collaboration mistrust among sectors and communities, equity issues, communication barriers, and raising sustainable funding. Tune in and join the #OneVoiceOneMindOneAccord movement for a more resilient today and a brighter tomorrow!

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/after-the-fire-usa-8241b7217/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

08:20: How to Address the Need for Collaboration

14:07: How to Help "America's Secret Family"

22:24: How to Manage Cross-Sector Collaboration

32:14: How to Handle Rural-Urban Mistrust

38:42: How to Speak for the Ones Who Don't Have a Voice

45:39: How to Navigate the Mitigation and Restoration Work

52:06: How to Raise Sustainable Fundings

58:36: One Voice, One Mind, One Accord

013: How to be an Emergent Leader with Jocksana Corona

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"Being a volunteer is a privilege… I wasn't documented so I volunteered a lot. And that volunteer work led many doors to be opened up for me." -Jocksana Corona

Episode Description:

On September 8th of 2020, Oregon continues in high alert as another brush fire sparks along Almeda Drive, the 18th fire of the 2020 Wildfire Season. With unusually strong winds and extremely dry conditions, the recipe for an impending inferno is complete. Raging NW through Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix, the Almeda Fire finally ended its rage in the county's very seat in Medford. It burned 3200 acres of land, destroyed over 3000 structures, and left 3 fatalities.

Jocksana Corona, a citizen from Talent, remembers that day like an unending nightmare. They had to evacuate four times in 24 hours, their house burned down, their family member was stuck between two fires, their cats missing, and their hopes crushed to the ground. In this episode, Jocksana relates the heart-wrenching story of how they battled through the burning embers of the wildfire and the society's relief system as a member of the undocumented community. Stay until the end to hear how this story ends!

As an emergent leader, Jocksana also shares how her prior volunteer works have helped her during these challenging times and how it opened the way for her to support fellow undocumented members of the community before, during, and after the fire. Like Jocksana, there are millions of undocumented citizens living in the US alone, and they are paying into a system where they cannot access. During a disaster, they are deprived of the right to rebuild, recover, and reimagine. Join the conversation and find out how we can rectify this dysfunction in our system and create a better world for everyone, regardless of status and background.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/

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Highlights:

00:43 When the Reg Flag Stands

16:22 Stuck In Between Two Fires

21:26 A Tearful, Sleepless Night

27:29 Finding Shelter Amidst COVID

32:44 Being a Volunteer is a Privilege

40:00 The Beauty of a Community

45:00 Challenges Faced by the Undocumented Community

54:07 Housing and Undocumented Communities

59:51 54 Days and Reunited

012: How to Inform the Public as an Information Gatekeeper During a Disaster with Sydnie Kohara

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

"Sometimes, it's not going to be pretty. And sometimes, it's not going to be easy, but we're going to make it, and we're going to move on and move forward, oftentimes, to a better place." - Sydnie Kohara

In times of disaster, providing accurate information is crucial to public safety and recovery. In this episode, Jennifer interviews Sydnie Kohara, Founder of Kohara Studios on the role of journalist in informing the public during a disaster. Sydnie shares her experiences as a seasoned journalist who's gone through numerous disasters. She also offers her expertise on disaster preparedness, organization, self-care, and communication. Everyone can be a journalist. Tune in and find out how you can take part in delivering facts during a disaster and how it can save your family and neighbors.

Connect with After the Fire: Recover. Rebuild. Reimagine.