Episodi

  • Dry Decon Tools and Techniques with Amit Kapoor

    Dry Decon Tools and Techniques with Amit Kapoor
    Jun 12 2026
    First Line Tech CEO Amit Kapoor On this episode of the Disaster Podcast, Amit Kapoor, CEO of First Line Technology joins the show to talk about hazardous materials and decontamination techniques and tools. Among the novel tools and techniques are methods of Dry Decon which uses methods other than washing and dilution with copious amounts of water. First Line Technology designs and manufactures disaster preparedness and emergency response equipment – taking ideas from the Lab to Life-Saving Products. Among those products is FiberTect. This is a multi-layered, nonwoven composite designed to absorb and adsorb hazardous substances, including CWAs and TICs. Its lightweight, flexible design ensures easy use in emergency response and field operations. B-A-R Method Training teaches the Blot, Apply, Remove technique for effective decontamination. This structured approach ensures proper contaminant removal while maximizing efficiency and safety in the field. The BAR method is trusted by professionals to simplify decontamination while maintaining safety and effectiveness in high-stakes scenarios. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary CBRN Technology for First Responders Sam and Jamie discussed weather conditions, with Sam reporting dry weather in rural Missouri and Jamie updating on Tropical Storm Amanda in the eastern North Pacific. Amit Kapoor, president and CEO of Firstline Technology, joined the conversation to discuss his company’s 23-year focus on developing technology for first responders and first receivers, particularly in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) situations. Sam highlighted the importance of CBRN protection for first responders, sharing a personal experience about a paramedic who developed chemical pneumonia during a hazmat incident. CBRN Contamination Decontamination Methods AmitKapoor discussed the gap in secondary contamination issues during CBRN and hazmat incidents, focusing on challenges in transporting contaminated casualties to hospitals. He explained the differences between dry and wet decon methods, noting that dry decon eliminates the need for water, making it safer and more practical in various environments. AmitKapoor mentioned the PRISM study conducted by HHS, which provided scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of dry decon methods. Emergency Decontamination Misconceptions Discussion Amit Kapoor discussed common misconceptions about decontamination (Decon) in emergency medical services and fire communities. He explained that decon is often viewed as unattractive compared to more exciting aspects like detection and triage, and highlighted two key misconceptions: how clean is clean, and that decon has been overcomplicated. Amit emphasized the importance of hybrid decon approaches combining dry and wet methods, and stressed that while there’s no silver bullet solution, having the right knowledge and tools is crucial, particularly noting that water and dilution are not always the best approaches. CBRN Patient Decontamination Method AmitKapoor explained the BAR method (Blot, Apply, Remove) for decontaminating patients at CBRN incidents using FiberTech material, which is a DOD-funded textile containing activated carbon that absorbs and holds chemical threats. He demonstrated the method using a kitchen cleaning analogy, showing how contamination should first be blotted up, then a cleaning solution applied, and finally any remaining contamination removed. Jamie expressed interest in learning more about organizations’ responses to this approach and requested more information about presentations at conferences. Hospital Decontamination Systems Training Amit Kapoor discussed hospital decontamination systems and training approaches, explaining how his company provides modular decon kits (MDK) that can scale from single patients to mass casualties, along with comprehensive training programs including online courses and a free Decon Field Guide app. The discussion highlighted the importance of proper decon training, with Amit noting that many hospitals only train staff once yearly on outdated mass-casualty protocols rather than addressing everyday contamination scenarios. T he conversation also covered access to training resources through Firstline Technology’s learning management system and the need for better preparation across fire departments, EMS agencies, and hospitals for various contamination threats. Wrap up and updates The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon ...
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    32 min
  • Hot Weather Medical Emergencies with Dr. Joe Holley

    Hot Weather Medical Emergencies with Dr. Joe Holley
    Jun 4 2026
    This week on the Disaster Podcast Dr. Joe Holley comes on the show for a clinical update episode on Heat-Related Medical Emergencies. As we head into the summer months here in the Northern Hemisphere, the likelihood of encountering patients with heat emergencies increases. For disaster responders in the summertime, the risks are even greater as they wear gear and carry equipment that adds to their load while working in hot weather. Co-Hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis join Joe on the discussion. Types of heat emergencies Heat Cramps – The symptoms of heat cramps include painful involuntary muscle spasms brought on by loss of sodium through excessive sweating. Most often seen in people exerting themselves in extreme heat situations without rehydrating themselves or taking adequate breaks to allow the body cool down. Heat Exhaustion – Next on the spectrum of heat emergencies is heat exhaustion which progresses from heat cramps as the body starts to lose the ability to compensate for lack of adequate cooling. Symptoms include early signs of shock like dizziness, nausea, cool, pale, and clammy skin. Heat Stroke – The most severe level of heat emergency is heat stroke which is a true medical emergency that may result in permanent disability or death. Hot, dry skin, loss of consciousness, and complete failure of the body’s cooling mechanisms are key signs. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Heat Safety and Weather Discussion The group discussed weather conditions and heat safety. Sam shared updates about her new home in Missouri, including drainage issues due to lower acreage and recent heavy rains. Joe explained how humidity affects the body’s cooling system, noting that high humidity makes sweat less effective at evaporating and cooling the body, which can increase the risk of heat illness for people transitioning from drier climates. Heat Illness Spectrum and Prevention Joe explained the spectrum of heat illnesses, from heat cramps (caused by heavy sweating and salt loss leading to muscle cramps) to heat exhaustion (when cooling mechanisms fail and body temperature rises, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and clammy skin) to heat stroke (when internal temperature exceeds 104°F with severe neurological and cardiovascular effects). Jamie asked about factors affecting the progression from milder to severe heat illness, to which Joe responded that various factors including physical condition, medical conditions, medications, ambient conditions, and physical activity all influence how quickly someone might progress through the heat illness spectrum. Joe emphasized the importance of prevention through proper education, preparation, and having readily available cooling methods, noting that work cycles may need to be limited in extreme heat conditions. Heat Management in Disaster Situations Joe explained that preparing for heat management in disaster situations is crucial, especially for first responders working in austere environments with limited support systems. He highlighted the increased physical and mental demands of search and rescue operations in debris-filled areas following adverse weather conditions. When asked about immediate actions for heat stroke emergencies, Joe indicated that it is a life-threatening situation requiring immediate attention, though the specific response was not fully detailed in the transcript. Heat Stroke Treatment Techniques Joe shared his experience with a 16-year-old who suffered heat stroke during football practice, explaining the importance of cooling techniques like exposing skin, using water and fans, and eventually ice baths for treatment. He emphasized the need to monitor body temperature and avoid overcooling, noting that recovery from heat stroke typically requires intensive care and is not possible in the field. When asked by Jamie about managing teams in extreme conditions, Joe’s response was cut off at the end of the transcript. Heat Safety Response Procedures Joe explained the primary methods for managing heat safety during responses, including the buddy system and using cooling stations like ambulances or air-conditioned vehicles with vital sign monitoring every 30 minutes. He noted that dogs can only work for about 15 minutes in hot weather before needing downtime due to their fur covering and inability to communicate thirst effectively. Heat Stress Signs in Dogs The discussion focused on recognizing signs of heat stress in dogs, with Joe explaining that behavioral changes, lack of response to commands, stumbling, heavy panting, and laying down in cool areas are key indicators. Joe noted that dogs primarily regulate temperature ...
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    32 min
  • 2026 Hurricane Season Forecast Review

    2026 Hurricane Season Forecast Review
    May 16 2026
    This week on the Disaster Podcast we take a look at the 2026 hurricane forecast put out by several universities, NOAA, and groups like Accuweather. One key variable in predicting the coming season is the presence or absence of El Niño or La Niña in the equatorial region of the central Pacific Ocean. Dan DePodwin, our disaster weather expert breaks down the coming forecast and talks about how global weather and climate patterns impact storm formation half a world away. Dr. Joe Holley joins the discussion as well and we look at the messaging around hurricanes as they approach landfall. The National Hurricane Center recently updated their forecast cone graphic to make it easier to understand. Dan and Joe share their thoughts about the adjustments and about disaster messaging in general. Joe also shares his thoughts about preparedness for the coming season at the local, state, and federal levels. What to know about the new cone graphic: Incorporates all land-based (coastal and inland) tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands;Uses single shading for the entire 5-day outlook cone;Legend depicts symbols for areas where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are both in effect (represented by diagonal pink and blue lines); andFull and intermediate Tropical Cyclone Advisories are/will be publicly available on hurricanes.gov. NHC will also be introducing a new experimental version of the NHC’s Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone. Since its debut in 2002, the cone has shown where the tropical cyclone’s forecast center is likely to go, based on past forecast calculations. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Hurricane Season Forecast Discussion The podcast host Jamie Davis welcomed back Dr. Joe and Dan Depodwin to discuss upcoming weather events, particularly the hurricane season. Dr. Joe shared his upcoming schedule, including a Paragon lab in Florida and the First Care Conference in Fort Lauderdale in early June, which runs alongside the Gathering of the Eagles event. Dan discussed unusual weather patterns in the Northeast, noting chilly conditions in May despite early warm spells, and shared AccuWeather’s forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season, predicting 11-16 named storms and 4-7 hurricanes, which is around or slightly below average. He emphasized that even in a below-average season, multiple hurricanes could still impact the United States, using Hurricane Andrew in 1992 as an example. El Nino’s Impact on Hurricanes Dan and Jamie discussed how El Nino and La Nina affect hurricane seasons in the Atlantic Basin. Dan explained that El Nino, characterized by warmer than average water temperatures in the Pacific, typically leads to increased wind shear in the Atlantic, resulting in fewer hurricanes. They noted that while El Nino years generally have fewer storms, they don’t eliminate the possibility of storms. Dan mentioned that current forecasts indicate a strong or potentially record-breaking El Nino developing later in the summer and continuing into the fall. El Niño and Hurricane Season Dan explained that El Niño is driven by weakening easterly winds along the equator in the Pacific Ocean, which reduces cooler water upwelling and leads to warmer ocean temperatures. He noted that hurricanes play a crucial role in transferring energy globally by moving heat from the equator to higher latitudes. Dan emphasized that while this year’s hurricane season may have fewer storms than normal, the warm sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico will continue to fuel storm intensification, making preparation essential during the season running from June 1st to November 30th. Hurricane Preparedness and Response Planning The group discussed hurricane preparedness and response capabilities ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. Joe explained FEMA’s reorganization, noting that while federal response capabilities are effective, there may be variability in state-level preparedness and recovery efforts. The discussion included an analysis of updated National Hurricane Center forecast cone graphics, which now better show inland risks and warning areas. Dan and Joe emphasized the importance of heeding evacuation orders and preparing well in advance of storms, with Joe highlighting the need for experiential training and partnership between federal and state teams. Wrap up and updates The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the ...
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    34 min
  • Sam’s Move to Tornado Alley and Hurricane Messaging Updates

    Sam’s Move to Tornado Alley and Hurricane Messaging Updates
    May 9 2026
    New Look to Forecast Cone Today on the Disaster Podcast, co-host Sam Bradley and I discuss her recent move from Colorado to Missouri. She almost immediately ran into severe weather in the new house and talks about the things she did to improve her preparedness in the face of a change of location. Sam’s experience during the move had a profound impact on her and led her to locate the nearest shelter to their home for storm safety. We also looked at the upcoming hurricane season and discussed a quick overview of the 2026 hurricane forecast. We’ll have a more in-depth discussion with our meteorologists in a coming episode. One interesting topic that came up was the updated messaging from the National Hurricane Center and their cone of forecast track for hurricanes. They implemented new messaging upgrades to the graphic. What to know about the new cone graphic: Incorporates all land-based (coastal and inland) tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands;Uses single shading for the entire 5-day outlook cone;Legend depicts symbols for areas where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are both in effect (represented by diagonal pink and blue lines); andFull and intermediate Tropical Cyclone Advisories are/will be publicly available on hurricanes.gov. NHC will also be introducing a new experimental version of the NHC’s Tropical Cyclone Track Forecast Cone. Since its debut in 2002, the cone has shown where the tropical cyclone’s forecast center is likely to go, based on past forecast calculations. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Hurricane Season Preparation Discussion Sam shared her recent experience moving from suburban Colorado to rural Missouri, including challenges with severe weather, particularly tornado warnings during her drive. The group discussed upcoming hurricane season predictions, noting that while the storm count is projected to be near to below average, the risk remains significant due to potential rapid intensification and elevated early season threats. Jamie emphasized the importance of being prepared for hurricane season by having emergency supplies ready and staying informed through local emergency management centers and weather forecasts. Hurricane Forecast Graphics Updates Jamie and Sam discussed updates to hurricane forecast cone graphics from the National Hurricane Center, which will now include tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings, as well as single shading for the entire 5-day cone outlook. Jamie explained that these changes aim to make the information more understandable and help people better assess their risk and evacuation needs. They also discussed the importance of staying informed through apps and alerts, emphasizing the need for immediate action during severe weather events. Weather Updates and Emergency Preparedness Jamie and Sam discussed the impact of constant weather updates and news notifications on public awareness and decision-making. They also talked about military drills, with Sam sharing his experience from a 2015-2016 Urban Shield exercise in Alameda County that involved emergency services training. Sam described how the realistic nature of the exercise surprised some hospital interns who initially viewed it negatively but gained valuable insights during the debriefing. Emergency Response Training Collaboration Sam and Jamie discussed emergency response training, particularly focusing on the evolution of collaboration between police, fire, and EMS teams in active shooter situations. They highlighted the development of training programs like Rescue Task Force and Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVIRT), which aim to improve coordination and patient care in high-risk scenarios. Jamie mentioned the importance of unified communication systems and the challenges of maintaining effective communication in underground settings. The conversation concluded with plans to discuss recent severe weather trends and hurricane forecasts in a future episode with Dan. Wrap up and updates The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group. Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!
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    31 min
  • IBHS Supports Research into Hailstorms and Other Disasters

    IBHS Supports Research into Hailstorms and Other Disasters
    Apr 25 2026
    Hail Damage This episode of the Disaster Podcast featured a discussion about resilience and preparedness with guest Jake Sorber from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Jake explained IBHS’s research on severe weather hazards, particularly focusing on hail damage and wind-driven hail, which can cause significant additional damage to homes. He described IBHS’s unique ability to manufacture scientific ice spheres to accurately test building materials’ resistance to hail impacts. Becky DePodwin, our disaster emergency management expert joined the discussion along with our episode host, Jamie Davis. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Disaster Podcast: Resilience and Preparedness Jamie Davis welcomed listeners to the Disaster Podcast and introduced the topic of resilience and preparedness. He noted that Sam was unavailable due to her recent move, but Becky was present as a guest. Jamie then introduced Jake Sorber, a research project scientist at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, who discussed his background in atmospheric science and his current work studying the effects of hail and wind on residential homes and commercial structures. IBHS Structure Testing and Mitigation Jake explained how IBHS, an insurance industry organization, was founded to conduct full-scale testing of structures to better understand vulnerabilities to severe weather events like hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, and wildfires. He described a specific hailstorm in Rock Hill, South Carolina in April 2024 that demonstrated how wind-driven hail can cause damage beyond rooftops, including siding and windows, which can lead to water intrusion and significantly increase losses by 2-4 times. Jake emphasized the importance of identifying “damage amplifiers” – structural elements that fail and cause disproportionate damage, which helps in developing mitigation strategies. Hail Risk and Insurance Insights Jake explained that there is limited historical data on wind-driven hail frequency, and IBHS is developing an instrument to measure impact angles and forces during their annual hail field campaign. He noted that while storm severity has shifted, socioeconomic factors like urban sprawl and increased building costs have had a greater impact on insured losses than weather changes. Jake mentioned that severe convective storms now cause annual losses of $40-60 billion, up from $15 billion historically, primarily due to increased population in hazard areas rather than increased weather risk. Hail-Resistant Building Materials Assessment Jake explained that hail-resistant building materials do exist and are assessed based on IBHS’s testing protocol, which involves simulating hailstorms in a lab. He mentioned that synthetic composite roofs like F-Wave and metal roofs perform well against hail damage, though metal roofs may have cosmetic issues. Jake noted that while some materials like synthetic composites show no damage after multiple hail exposures, the distinction between cosmetic and functional damage is important to consider. Residential Building Weather Resilience Jake from IBHS discussed residential building resilience against severe weather hazards. He explained that while completely hazard-proof homes don’t exist, building materials and construction methods can significantly reduce risk, particularly in high-risk areas like Tornado Alley. Jake described IBHS’s work on developing resilience scores for structures and their unique ability to manufacture hailstones for testing building materials. He also covered wildfire preparedness, emphasizing the importance of defensible space and structure separation. The discussion concluded with information about IBHS resources available at ibhs.org. Wrap up and updates The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group. Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!
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    34 min
  • Disaster Trauma and Mental Health with Sonnet Daymont

    Disaster Trauma and Mental Health with Sonnet Daymont
    Apr 17 2026
    Sonnet Daymont, clinical therapist, joins the show this week with a look at the treatment and management of mental health trauma in both victims and responders following a major event. Her experiences following devastating wild fires in the Los Angeles area in January of 2025 help her define the needs of individuals in the short and long term. Dr. Joe Holley from Paragon Medical Education Group and Becky DePodwin, our disaster emergency management expert joined the discussion as well. The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Disaster Podcast Planning Meeting The team introduced themselves and discussed upcoming topics for the Disaster Podcast. Sam mentioned moving to Missouri and plans to build a tornado shelter in his garage. Becky advised keeping an eye on the severe weather forecast during the move. The group then introduced their guest for the episode, trauma expert Sonnet Daymont, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and consultant on films. They discussed her background and her upcoming book “When Dangerous Feels Like Home,” a true crime memoir about healing from trauma. Sonnet’s Trauma Therapy Memoir Discussion The discussion focused on Sonnet’s background as a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma treatment. She explained her upcoming book “When Dangerous Feels Like Home,” which is a true crime-inflected memoir about her journey to becoming a therapist through experiencing relational trauma. The conversation also touched on Sonnet’s work in the film industry, including consulting on a horror film about child abuse titled “Women in the Yard.” When asked about red flags for narcissistic personality traits, she began explaining how these traits relate to antisocial personality disorder and the challenges they present in relationships, though the transcript ended before she could complete her answer. Narcissistic Behavior Identification Discussion Sonnet advised that identifying narcissistic behavior involves paying attention to genuine empathy and listening carefully to others. They explained that while some behaviors like love bombing and grandiosity can be normal early in relationships, pathological versions might indicate manipulative or harmful intentions. Sonnet also clarified that mental health disorders like narcissism lack biomarkers and diagnostic criteria change over time, while explaining that Machiavellianism describes manipulative and cunning behavior lacking empathy. Psychological Disorders and Resilience The group discussed psychological disorders, focusing on the differences between psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder as defined in the DSM. Sonnet explained that while these conditions share some traits like low empathy, they represent distinct diagnostic categories, and individuals can exhibit multiple disorders simultaneously. Becky raised questions about nature versus nurture in personality development, to which Sonnet responded that brain scans show differences in people with reduced empathy or antisocial behavior, though the cause could be either genetic or environmental factors. The conversation then shifted to trauma and resilience, with Sonnet sharing insights about how supportive caregivers or mentors can help individuals process trauma constructively rather than developing problematic behaviors. Jamie introduced a new topic about disaster resilience, asking about preparation methods for people living in disaster-prone areas, but the transcript ended before this question was addressed. Disaster Responder Mental Health Strategies The meeting focused on discussing self-care and mental health strategies for disaster responders and survivors. Sonnet explained key components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including mindful awareness, thought restructuring, and exposure therapy, as effective tools for managing trauma and anxiety. The discussion highlighted how community support and social connections are crucial during disasters, with examples from recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The group agreed to bring back Sonnet for future discussions on mental health topics, particularly focusing on meteorologists’ experiences with disaster forecasting and its impact on their mental well-being. Wrap up and updates The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group. Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget...
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    44 min
  • Future Proof Homes Against Disaster with Ben Gilliland

    Future Proof Homes Against Disaster with Ben Gilliland
    Apr 10 2026
    The Disaster Podcast hosted Ben Gilliland from Future Proof Property Intelligence to discuss his company’s AI-powered solution for assessing and mitigating climate-related risks to homes. Ben explained how their technology uses smartphone video scans, NVIDIA AI, and IBM climate data to create 3D models of properties, identify risk factors, and provide remediation plans and cost estimates. The discussion covered how their system addresses the mismatch between rising weather risks and shrinking insurance options, with an average cost of $10,000-$40,000 for home remediation. Becky DePodwin joined the call as well to offer her thoughts on this technology. The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis. Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well. Podcast Discussion Summary Disaster Response Program Evolution The group discussed Joe, a Memphis-based medical director and ER doctor who runs Pentagon Medical Education Group, which provides experiential training for disaster responders using cadaver labs. Benjamin shared that his organization has shifted focus to develop a private sector solution for disaster mitigation after FEMA’s funding changes, working with Thomas Chandler from Columbia on developing remediation programs. Benjamin explained how their program has evolved to include three main areas: remediation, education, and preparedness, moving from a initial focus on house hardening to a broader approach including people engagement and warning systems. Resilience Technology Podcast Preparation The meeting focused on preparing for an upcoming podcast episode about using technology to enhance home and workplace resilience. Benjamin Gilliland from Future Proof Property Intelligence was introduced as the guest. The hosts, Jamie and Sam, discussed the format of the podcast and introduced Becky, a meteorologist and emergency management expert, as a participant. The conversation briefly touched on weather conditions and El Nino before transitioning to prepare for the main discussion about resilience technology. AI-Powered Home Assessment Solution Benjamin shared his extensive background, from his early career in lighting design for rock bands to his involvement in early Silicon Valley computing, where he funded several technology projects including the first spelling checker and multimedia initiatives. He explained how his non-profit TPHA.org, which focuses on affordable and climate-resilient housing in Hawaii, led to the development of Future Proof’s AI-powered solution. The system uses iPhone video recordings to create 3D models of homes, generating repair plans, budgets, and material lists while also identifying available government grants and financing options for home improvements. Disaster Preparedness and Risk Mitigation Benjamin and Sam discussed disaster preparedness and risk mitigation, particularly focusing on a three-silo approach involving home assessments, education, and emergency alerts. Benjamin explained their work with Columbia University, which includes developing a vision system using AI to help homeowners identify safe areas in their homes during disasters, while simultaneously creating video records of their belongings for insurance purposes. They also discussed a comfort bot with patent-pending technology that can adjust its messaging based on the listener’s age and situation during emergency alerts. AI Emergency Warning Conflicts Becky raised concerns about how AI systems might handle competing emergency warnings, such as conflicting advice during Hurricane Ida where tornado and flooding warnings contradicted each other. Benjamin acknowledged this was still an area being developed, mentioning NVIDIA’s work on reasoning components and noting that while the system could potentially handle house-related alerts, direct AI instructions for emergency warnings were still 2-3 years away. The discussion highlighted the need to address how AI systems might triage conflicting alerts based on house mapping and personal information, though current AI trustworthiness for direct emergency instructions was deemed insufficient. Address-Level Risk Assessment System Benjamin explained that their risk assessment system operates at the address level rather than broader grid squares, providing more granular data than what insurance companies currently use. He described how they can identify specific risk factors like trees near homes in Southern California versus central Missouri, where different hazards prevail. The system aims to empower homeowners with property risk information while creating a bridge between homeowners and insurance companies, allowing for better-informed decisions about insurance and potential ...
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    46 min
  • NAEMSP, EMS and USAR Training, and Disaster Response with Dr. Joe Holley

    NAEMSP, EMS and USAR Training, and Disaster Response with Dr. Joe Holley
    Mar 20 2026
    Dr. Joe Holley in USAR training

    The Disaster Podcast’s Dr. Joe Holley has been busy over the last month and a half traveling to conferences and training scenarios. In this episode, we talk with Joe about his recent travels to get his take aways from these events and what he sees in the near future for disaster responders. Also on the show were disaster emergency management expert Becky DePodwin and our disaster meteorologist Dan DePodwin.

    The episode is co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

    Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

    Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

    Podcast Discussion Summary

    US Severe Weather Discussion

    The group discussed recent severe weather events across the United States, including tornadoes, snowstorms, and a heat wave in the West. Becky explained that March is typically an active weather month due to jet stream patterns, and current conditions are being influenced by an amplified jet stream rather than El Nino or La Nina patterns.

    The discussion covered impacts including power outages, road closures, and challenges for emergency services in affected regions. The group noted that while weather conditions have been extreme, the forecast for the coming week appears calmer with no severe weather expected.

    EMS Developments and Education Updates

    Joe discussed his recent activities in EMS, including attending the National Association of EMS Physicians meeting in Florida and teaching a medical specialist class for urban search and rescue. He highlighted new developments in EMS, such as blood administration programs, changes in DEA regulations, and technological advancements in airways and patient monitoring.

    Joe also mentioned his work with Paragon Medical Education Group and the Commission on Accreditation of Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPSE), emphasizing the importance of quality continuing education for EMS providers. The group discussed potential future collaborations, including a planned episode featuring James Corbin to discuss experiential training.

    Wrap up and updates

    The team went through contact information and the team encouraged listeners to stay safe. The group discussed the role of specialized training, with Jamie highlighting the sponsorship of the Disaster Podcast by Paragon Medical Education Group.

    Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!
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    35 min