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In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and Editor-in-Chief Cathy Feinman sit down with Corpus Christi Emergency Management Coordinator Jace Johnson and Oceans and Wildlife Institute Emergency Management Manager Mike Griffin to discuss the partnerships, planning, and communication strategies that strengthen disaster preparedness. Drawing on decades of experience in emergency response, hurricane operations, Coast Guard missions, and international disaster relief, they explore lessons from Hurricane Milton, the challenges of combating misinformation, and the critical role of regional collaboration before, during, and after a crisis. The conversation highlights why effective preparedness depends on trusted relationships, clear public messaging, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This is an article by Lauren K. Hagy and Jamie Biglow, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 30, 2026. Disinformation can undermine disaster response by creating confusion and threatening public safety. Learn how emergency management agencies can build resilience before disasters by using media literacy and inoculation strategies and by countering high-threat false narratives with timely debunking. Now to the featured article.

This is an article by Judy Kruger and Daryl Schaffer, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 23, 2026. Typhoons Halong and Merbok that hit coastal Alaskan communities exposed response and recovery gaps for Alaska Native communities. From shelter options for remote Alaska evacuees to provision of familiar foods that support Alaska Native culture, learn about the practical tools that can assist geographically isolated communities before the next storm. Now to the featured article.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and Editor-in-Chief Cathy Feinman speak with Joanne Culin, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Amarillo, Texas. Culin discusses how weather warnings are developed, the role of IPAWS and other alerting systems, and the importance of strong partnerships between emergency managers and the National Weather Service. She also shares insights into the future of warning communications, emerging technologies, and how preparedness professionals can better leverage alerting tools to protect their communities.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and editor-in-chief Cathy Feinman sit down with Mark Sloan, director and emergency management coordinator for Harris County Homeland Security & Emergency Management, to discuss the evolving role of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). Drawing on more than two decades of experience and the training of over 70,000 volunteers, Sloan shares lessons on volunteer recruitment and retention, managing spontaneous volunteers during disasters, and building preparedness programs that work in communities of all sizes. The conversation highlights how CERT strengthens community resilience before, during, and after emergencies.

This is an article by Alyssa Owen, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 16, 2026. Emergency preparedness messages can become easy to ignore when the public hears the same guidance again and again. Learn how a more creative approach, such as using a zombie theme, can engage youth and turn preparedness into broader family engagement that sparks action. Now to the featured article.

This is an article by Joanne Culin, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 16, 2026. The forecasted 2026–2027 El Niño is expected to strengthen, potentially becoming a major driver of weather variability across North America. Learn how its slow development provides valuable lead time to strengthen readiness and prepare for potential impacts before they begin. Now to the featured article.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and editor-in-chief Catherine Feinman speak with Elizabeth Van Nostrand, an expert in public health emergency law and grant funding. The discussion explores the rapidly changing landscape of disaster funding, including declining federal opportunities, increased competition, and new regulatory requirements shaping how grants are awarded and managed.

This is an article by Anthony Horton, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 9, 2026. A school shooting at Tanglewood Middle School in South Carolina put a well-practiced reunification plan into action and demonstrated the value of preparation during a crisis., Learn how advance planning can help schools reunite students with their families and reduce additional trauma, while revealing inevitable gaps. Now to the featured article.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips speaks with Dr. Garett Slater, assistant professor and state apiculture extension specialist at Texas A&M University, about the often-overlooked role of honey bees in emergency response and public safety. Drawing on more than 25 years of beekeeping experience, Dr. Slater discusses Africanized honey bees, feral colonies, bee-related emergencies, and the challenges first responders face when dealing with stinging incidents and overturned bee transport trucks. He also shares practical recommendations for emergency planning, responder safety, and developing protocols to better manage bee-related hazards in the field.

This is an article by John T. “Tim” Briery, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 9, 2026. In disaster-vulnerable regions, sole reliance on cellular and digital warning networks leaves populations in danger. Catastrophic flood events as in Kerr County in 2025 demonstrate how topographically isolated populations can be left without life-saving warnings despite advanced weather predictions. Learn how multilayered communication that deploys independent channels alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s warning system ensures life-saving information when primary networks collapse. Now to the featured article.

This is an article by Rashmeet Gujral, Gintu James, and Rosemary McDonnell, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 2, 2026. During a mass casualty incident, even experienced personnel can struggle to quickly understand where they fit within an unfamiliar command structure. North Shore University Hospital developed incident command management boards to make reporting relationships and responsibilities immediately visible during an emergency. Learn how strategic whiteboards help staff and external partners integrate into a hospital’s incident command structure with minimal delay. Now to the featured article.

This is an article by June Isaacson Kailes, an Article Out Loud from Domestic Preparedness, September 2, 2026. Strengthening trust as an overarching element in public-facing communication during emergencies means recognizing that even the best alerts and updates fail if people do not trust them. Learn how trust grows through deliberate systems that consistently deliver information that people can verify, understand, and use, which makes it an essential outcome of preparedness. Now to the featured article.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and guest Rebecca Jowers discuss the realities of human trafficking, the misconceptions that often prevent people from recognizing it, and the importance of education, prevention, and survivor-centered care. Learn how communities can identify vulnerabilities, support victims, and build stronger networks of protection for those at risk.

In this episode of Domestic Preparedness: The Podcast, host Nicolette Phillips and Editor-in-Chief Cathy Feinman sit down with Dee McCown, whose career spans service as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army (including two tours in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment), the FBI, international corporate security, and emergency preparedness training. Drawing on experiences ranging from sensitive counterterrorism operations to international kidnap case management in more than 150 countries, McCown discusses leadership, risk management, interagency cooperation, and the importance of anticipating threats before they become crises. He also reflects on lessons learned from 9/11 and explains why preparedness begins with integrity, awareness, and a mindset dedicated to tirelessly “working the problem” until the mission is complete.