wildfires

#32 The Motivational AAR, Interview with Patrick McGinn from The Salvation Army

After action reports (AAR) are critical in the emergency management pursuit to achieve excellence in disaster response. Using the 2020 Pandemic Wildfire Response as a framework, Patrick McGinn discusses personal, professional, and team after actions to help emergency managers learn and improve in the field.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Wildfires provided unique challenges to response organizations. During these fires, Patrick McGinn oversaw the feeding program to survivors in behalf of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is a critical VOAD member that works with the CalOES during large-scale disasters. Working with several partners, Patrick coordinated food delivery to 160 hotels. This provided him with great insight into the complexity of disaster response and will be able apply these lessons learned for the future. In this after action report (AAR) style episode, Patrick and our host, John Scardena, talk about individual and career growth, strengthening emergency management organizations, and the importance of coordination between all response groups.

#25 October - The 2020 All Hazards Month

President Trump has COVID-19. Wildfires are raging on the West Cost. Schools are looking to reopen in a pandemic before a vaccine is available, pandemic released inmates are committing crimes, and we are still in Hurricane Season. Emergency managers must be on the top of their game and self-correct to meet the numerous challenges of this month. This episodes provides ideas to emergency managers to help them address concerns with community partners. And bonus: Halloween Hunt idea!

Using, "In the moment after actions," this episode addresses the numerous hazards and potential threats that we are currently facing. From President Trump testing positive for COVID-19, to massive wildfires burning across California, Oregon, and Washington, to hurricane recovery, to potential civil unrest, to schools reopening... we look at each sector and suggest course corrections. We also talk about Halloween and how to prepare to celebrate the Holiday in an appropriate way. Big Hint- It's time to take it's place as the rightful holiday candy hunt.