DisasterClass Podcast | Your Masterclass in Disaster Preparedness.

When disaster strikes specialized search and rescue teams are deployed to search and care for victims. These operatives need to be completely self-sufficient as they perform their missions. In this episode, Jason & Wesley talk to Rick Cummins, and experienced paramedic and search & rescue operative. Rick shares his tips and insight into being prepared for the worst. Rick has been deployed...

There are so many different ways to start a fire, and so many opinions on which way is best. After trying out several different fire starting tools, Jason and Wesley are convinced that they found the easiest option. On this episode of DisasterClass, Jason and Wesley interview Mike Beyrodt, the inventory of Pull Start Fire. This amazing fire starting tool is unlike anything Jason or Wesley have eve...

It’s time for everyone’s favorite subject–food! Well, it’s at least Jason and Wesley’s favorite subject. However, when it comes to a disaster setting, how much food should you be preparing? As the guys find out, what comes in a lot of premade kits is nowhere near sufficient. In this episode, Jason and Wesley talk about food prep and even taste test some Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy. Mountain...

September is national preparedness month and we are challenging you to do just one thing this month to be better prepared. In this episode, Jason and Wesley explore Ready.gov, the official community-centered website of FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. There, they find some free useful resources that you can use right away to increase your readiness. This is a public episode. If you w...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit irjay.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit irjay.substack.com

It’s time for part-two of the interview with meteorologist Cheryl Nelson. Cheryl discusses the value of planning ahead along with practical suggestions of what to put in your disaster kit. Preparing for an emergency is not as hard as you think. As Jason and Wesley learn, it’s a lot easier than forecasting the weather. Listen as Cheryl also describes a chilling story of her coverage of a tornado ou...

You cancel your plans because the forecast calls for snow, but all that happens is a few flurries. Sound familiar? Yeah, we get it. It can be frustrating when the forecast is off, but have you ever stopped to think of what it takes to forecast the weather? What can you do to increase your weather literacy? Get the inside scoop from professional meteorologist Cheryl Nelson. Cheryl is an award-winni...

Rejoin Jason and Wesley on their road-trip to Atlanta, Georgia, for a special emergency management training and product launch. See a whole new side to Wesley as the two get into a colorful discussion about bug-out vehicles. What would be your ideal bug-out vehicle? Let us know in the comments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonu...

Does emergency planning really work? In this episode, Jason and Wesley talk with Sherry Henderson, one of Jason’s former college classmates, to answer this question. As part of her graduate studies in emergency & disaster management, Sherry worked with some residents of Co-op City in the Bronx, New York, to assess their risk, create an emergency plan, and develop a training and exercise progra...

Staying informed of impending hazards is a crucial part of preparedness. But, how exactly do you do that? Well, fortunately, there is an entire infrastructure in place within the United States to keep you in the know. In this episode, Jason and Wesley talk with Justin Singer and Jody Smith from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or,...

There are critical functions and services that we rely on everyday within our communties. These are called Community Lifelines, and they are essential for modern life. What makes up these lifelines? And, how could we be affected if a hazard impacts them? Jason and Wesley dive deep into this subject by breaking down the seven different lifelines identified by FEMA, and they look at some recent disa...

Every year millions of people suffer the wrath of Mother Nature, as infrastructure is demolished, houses are flooded and swept away, and lives are lost. Why do we continue to place cost over safety while the technology exists to build homes capable of withstanding hurricanes, fires, and tornadoes? In this episode, Jason and Wesley explore this question as they talk with George Siegal, the director...

Water is by far the most precious resource on earth! However, waterborne contaminants are a leading cause of illness around the world. During a disaster, water can become contaminated and lead to serious illness and death. In this epsisode of DisasterClass, Jason and Wesley talk with Travis Avery of Sawyer about an amazing little product that is provinging a big solution in the world of water puri...

Flooding is one of the most commonly occurring natural hazards in the United States. Jason and Wesley talk with Robert Chaney and Jason Bourgeault from Rooftop Liferafts in this episode. They discuss some of their experiences, the importance of flood preparedness, and a unique and innovative product for flood safety. Website: https://rooftopliferafts.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RTLRsys...

In this special episode, Jason and Wesley talk with former acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, Pete Gaynor. Upon his appointment by the President of the United States, Mr. Gaynor oversaw some 300 disasters in his tenure as FEMA administrator, including one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons in history...

Preparing for a disaster goes well beyond having food, water, and shelter. In this episode, Jason & Wesley talk with Mistofer Christopher, a children’s book author, about the importance of mental preparedness, and overcoming fear and anxiety. Chris offers some valuable insight and perspective on human nature and how different people react during an emergency. Connect with Mistopher Christopher...

Don’t forget the kids! They can prepare too! Jason & Wesley talk with Heather Beal, a seasoned Navy Vet, Emergency Manager, and Author. Heather discusses the importance and value of educating the young ones, and what she is doing to help fill a critical need in childcare and education. Heather is the author of several children's books that help prepare young ones for emergency situations. To l...

In this episode, Jason and Wesley talk with Austin G from Wyoming as he shares a close call with nature's powerful forces. They discuss lessons learned from this intense story. DisasterClass is brought to you by: Instinct Ready Instinct Ready is working to educate, prepare, and equip the everyday person for disasters through comprehensive education and premium products. DisasterClass listeners can...

In this episode, Jason and Wesley pick up where they left off in Prep101. They discuss the concept of hazard mitigation, which can decrease your disaster risk and save you lots of money and headaches. How can homeowners mitigate some common hazards? Check out this mitigation fact sheet from FEMA that has some ways you can mitigate wind and flood damage for your home? https://www.fema.gov/sites/def...

Jason and Wesley dive into understanding disaster risk through the use of a risk assessment, a process for identifying hazards and understanding their impacts. They also talk with John Scardena, an experienced Emergency Manager to get his expert scoop on assessing risk. Jason and Wesley discuss some tools available to the public to research hazards and understand their impacts. Below are your “cou...

Meet your hosts in this introductory episode, Jason Perez and Wesley Long. They are active EMTs with a passion for educating the public. Jason and Wesley discuss their journeys into the preparedness field, why they feel preparedness is important, and what you can expect to get out of DisasterClass. This podcast takes on a new approach to disaster planning and preparedness, using research, expert t...