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To kick off the new year on the Safety Scoop, host Kirsten Barber has a discussion with Responder Assistance Initiative psychologist Nicolas Sirianni around mental health in the first responder field. While you listen, you’ll learn simple exercises for meditation and regulation as well as encouraging words on how to not only check in on others, but yourself (whether or not you are a first responder). Mindfulness Practices: - Body Scan Meditation (11:36) - 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique (25:56) - Distraction Grounding (28:35) - Box Breathing (31:11) - Belly Breathing (31:54) - Bilateral Stimulation (33:17) If you are a first responder or NC Department of Public Safety employee that needs to connect with the Responder Assistance Initiative, call their resource/request line at 866-731-6901 and leave a detailed message. Someone will return your call. This is not a crisis line.

Continuing the panel discussion in episode 11, "New and Emerging Technology in State Government," panelist Chris Chappell provides a detailed overview of how tech was used to aid first responders during Tropical Storm Helene response. Helpful Links from the Episode: Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) - ⁠https://fiman.nc.gov⁠ Resilience Analysis Framework for Transportation North Carolina (RAFT) - ⁠https://rmp.nc.gov⁠NC OneMap - ⁠https://www.nconemap.gov/⁠NC DACS hosts the Multi Hazard Threat Database - ⁠https://www.ncmhtd.com/⁠School Risk Management Plan (SRMP) - ⁠https://sera.nc.gov/srmp/⁠State Emergency Response Application (SERA) - ⁠https://www.ncdps.gov/sera⁠/ 

This Safety Scoop episode brings together a panel of experts across state government to explore the possibilities, challenges and risks of incorporating newer technologies into current systems. Helpful Links from the Episode: Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for mobile devices, and the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) - https://www.ncdps.gov/emergency-alertsFlood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) - https://fiman.nc.gov Resilience Analysis Framework for Transportation North Carolina (RAFT) - https://rmp.nc.govNCEM Risk Management Portal - https://rmp.nc.gov/NC OneMap - https://www.nconemap.gov/NC DACS hosts the Multi Hazard Threat Database - https://www.ncmhtd.com/NCDIT AI Accelerator - https://it.nc.gov/resources/artificial-intelligence/ai-acceleratorSchool Risk Management Plan (SRMP) - https://sera.nc.gov/srmp/State Emergency Response Application (SERA) - https://www.ncdps.gov/sera/ State of NC Cybersecurity Strategic Plan - https://it.nc.gov/programs/cybersecurity-risk-management/state-north-carolina-cybersecurity-strategic-plan DIT Next Generation 911 Network - https://it.nc.gov/about/boards-commissions/nc-911-board/next-generation-911DIT FirstTech Program - https://it.nc.gov/programs/firsttech

We are living in a time where false information can be disseminated easily and effectively. So how can we protect ourselves and others from falling prey to disinformation campaigns, especially during times of emergency? This episode's guest Brian Haines, Senior External Affairs Specialist for NC Emergency Management, speaks with host Kirsten Barber about disinformation and misinformation and how bad actors use emergencies to spread untruths that can cause harm and division. While there is no way to avoid disinformation in the digital age, you can learn how to recognize it and stop the spread. Listen to learn more about how to keep yourself and others safe and informed.

Eva Setal is the Safety Director for the NC Department of Public Safety -- a big endeavor and a unique position in state government. In this episode, Eva shares how anyone can take a proactive approach to safety every day and walks through how you can find your "safety moment." Safety doesn't have to be complicated, but it should always be in the back of your mind. Email Eva or her team at [email protected]. Watch Eva's Public Safety Story Time here.

It's 2025, and the NC Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is celebrating 90 years of spirited service. As the regulatory body over the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption and possession of all alcoholic beverages across the state, the commission is committed to enhancing public safety and protecting public health across the state. This episode features ABC Commission Deputy Commissioner Mike DeSilva. Listen as he takes you behind the scenes of the commission and shares what has changed and what has stayed the same since it’s founding in 1935.

The Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy, which opened its doors in 1994, provides structure, discipline and a path for at-risk 16- to 18-year-olds. In this safety scoop episode, we hear from father/daughter duo Rob Davis and Morgan Raines, who both have shared experiences with the North Carolina National Guard and the Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy.

The North Carolina National Guard is an all-volunteer force of around 10,000 soldiers and airmen who serve in both federal and state capacities. In this episode, Col. Mark Almond describes how North Carolina National Guard citizen soldiers and airmen support and defend the citizens of the state and nation against crisis, natural disasters and other threats. He also shares details about his experience over the last 29 years with the NC National Guard. Learn more about the NC National Guard at ng.nc.gov, or follow them on social at @NCNationalGuard.

In part two of the Office of Victim Compensation Services series, listeners will learn more about how the Rape Victims Assistance Program support victims of crime throughout their recovery. Contact VCS: 800-826-6200 (calling from NC)919-733-7974 (calling outside of NC) Office of Victim Compensation Services4232 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, North Carolina 27699-4232

A 2022 report by the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Forceshowed that from 2019 to 2021, the rate of firearm deaths among children and youth in North Carolina more than doubled. This made firearms the leading cause of injury-related death for children and youth in the state. With guns falling into the wrong hands, our state was experiencing an urgent problem. Something had to be done. NC S.A.F.E. , which stands for Secure All Firearms Effectively, was one solution. Now, two years after the initiative began, two members behind the effort share progress and future plans to achieve the overall goal of a safer state. NC S.A.F.E. is not associated with any advocacy-based initiatives related to gun laws or regulations. The initiative is run by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and funded in part through the 2023 Byrne-State Crisis Intervention Program. Learn more at ncsafe.org.

The Victim Compensation Program is the subject of the latest Safety Scoop episode. Hear from Office of Victim Compensation Services Investigator Felisa Frances as she guides listeners through the eligibility and application process for the program.

Around 1,600 state troopers monitor more than 80,000 miles of roadway across North Carolina. These troopers perform hundreds of thousands of traffic stops every year and respond to countless additional requests for service. In this episode, two members of the NC State Highway Patrol answer multiple "What do I do if ..." questions about vehicles and NC roadways. From fender benders and flat tires to seeing those blue lights flash behind you, First Sergeant Chris Knox and Sergeant Marcus Bethea detail steps you can take to respond properly and most importantly, stay safe.

NCDPS has a robust internship program that offers professional experience for students in a variety of majors. Hear from the department's internship coordinator and a past intern to learn more about careers in the public sector and how to make the most of your time as a student intern. Learn more at ncdps.gov/internship.

Happy 2025! The NC Department of Public Safety is excited to bring you another season of The Safety Scoop. Subscribe and follow along with new episodes every month.

Greg Hauser, NC Emergency Management Communications Branch Manager, joins this episode of the Safety Scoop to tell his team's Helene response story. He shares enlightening details on the "magic" that goes on behind the scenes that keeps connectivity operational across the state for all individuals and the critical task of keeping tower lights blinking.