Hometown Ready Emergency Management

What happens when the emergency isn’t just happening in the hospital, but to the hospital itself? From TV dramas to movies, we’ve all seen the chaos of a hospital during a crisis. But real-world healthcare emergency management looks a little different. In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how hospitals prepare for disasters, who makes the decisions when things go wrong, and how tea...

There's a team planning for emergencies long before they occur...and most people don't even know they exist. Settle in to meet the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). In this episode, we sit down with members of our LEPC to talk about what the group actually does, who’s involved, and how agencies, businesses, and responders work together to prepare for hazardous materials incident...

April 29, 2025 is a day many in our community won’t forget. In this special lookback episode, we sit down with partners from City Utilities and members of our Emergency Operations Center team to reflect on the severe weather that impacted our area and the coordinated response that followed. From restoring essential services to managing information and resources in real time, this episode takes lis...

Severe weather doesn’t follow a schedule...are you ready when it hits?  In this episode, we’re joined by Angelica, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, to talk through the purpose of Severe Weather Awareness Week and what it means for you. Whether you’re a seasoned severe weather fanatic or just need a refresher, this conversation is all about turning awareness into action. We break...

Airports can feel overwhelming. Security lines, turbulence, delays, and plenty of stress about what’s really happening behind the scenes.  In this episode, we sit down with Springfield-Branson National Airport personnel to talk about airport operations, community coordination, and some of the most common fears people have about flying. We explore how airports plan for emergencies, work with public...

Season 5 kicks off with a look at one of the most critical (and often unseen) parts of emergency management: logistics.  In this episode, we’re joined by our logistics specialist Kenny Norris to break down what it really takes to move resources, coordinate support, and keep operations running during disasters. This conversation highlights why effective logistics can make or break a response, and w...

As we close out Season 4, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories, lessons, and voices that shaped this chapter of the podcast. From K9 units and search-and-rescue teams to disaster mental health professionals and 911 dispatchers, this season highlighted the many roles that come together before, during, and after emergencies. Thank you for joining us throughout Season 4 and for supporting...

Disasters don’t end when the immediate danger passes.  In this episode, we explore how Missouri plans for and delivers mental health support in the aftermath of crises. We’re joined by Beckie Gierer with the Office of Disaster Services to discuss disaster mental health preparedness, Psychological First Aid training, and the statewide Crisis Counseling Program, Show-Me Hope. Learn how these service...

When the Joplin tornado tore through southwest Missouri, 911 dispatchers became a critical lifeline in the middle of chaos.  In this episode, April Ford shares her firsthand experience working behind the headset during one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. From managing her team in Jasper County with overwhelming call volumes to carrying the emotional weight of voices in crisis, April of...

Not all K9 heroes chase suspects, some bring comfort when it’s needed most.  In the final installment of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we explore the quieter, but equally vital, side of K9 work: emotional support and comfort. Pet Therapy of the Ozarks and the Springfield Police Department open up about their comfort K9 programs and how these dogs bring calm to chaos, support first respo...

When someone goes missing, every second counts. That’s where 3RK9 steps in.  In part two of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we meet the dedicated volunteers behind this specialized search and rescue group based in Joplin, MO. From wilderness searches to disaster response, these K9 teams train tirelessly to locate the lost and bring closure to families. Learn how 3RK9’s handlers and their...

 When seconds matter, K9 units bring skills no human can match.   In part one of our Dogs in Emergency Management series, we shine a spotlight on the Greene County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit. These highly trained dogs and their handlers play a crucial role in search and rescue, public safety, and emergency response. From rigorous training to real-world deployments, discover how K9 teams work alo...

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Sheila Driemeyer , who has joined the OEM team as our Administrative Manager. Tune in to learn how she got to emergency management and how this position aids in all types of disasters. Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE a...

In this episode, we welcome Nicolette Zangara , the new Public Information Officer for the Office of Emergency Management. Nicolette shares her background in broadcast meteorology, what brought her into the world of emergency management, and her passion for connecting communities with critical information before, during, and after emergencies. We talk about the importance of clear communication, b...

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Josh Bakehouse , who has joined the OEM team as our Training & Exercise Specialist.   Listen in to see how Josh completes the complex puzzle of emergency management within his position. Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AW...

On February 8, 2025, Christian County Emergency Management and the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management held their inaugural Volunteer Conference . The event was designed for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps, Fire Corps, VIPs, and all individuals involved in emergency services volunteering. Attendees participated in informative sessions covering...

Join us for a special episode as we wrap up Season 3 and share exciting plans for 2025. Plus, don’t miss the debut of the brand-new OEM song, "Ready On Alert" – a perfect way to close out the season and gear up for what’s ahead! Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!...

This podcast episode features an interview with April Ford , Director of the Springfield-Greene County Emergency Communications Center , to explore the world of 911.  The discussion centers on the evolution and current state of 911 emergency communication systems, including technological advancements like enhanced 911 and next-generation 911. Ford explains different types of 911 systems, call rout...

In this second installment of our two-part series, "Life on the Line," we delve into the critical services provided by Emergency Medical Services (EMS).   Join us as we speak with professionals from CoxHealth and Mercy to explore the wide range of services they offer, their collaborative efforts, and the challenges they encounter. Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you ca...

In this first installment of our two-part series, "Life on the Line," we delve into the critical services provided by Emergency Medical Services (EMS).   Join us as we speak with professionals from CoxHealth and Mercy to explore the wide range of services they offer, their collaborative efforts, and the challenges they encounter. Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can...

Join us on the March edition of the HometownREADY Podcast to learn about an often hidden but priceless gem in the emergency services world:  CERT!   Dive in with us as we learn about the Community Emergency Response Team and how they can help us with everything from major disasters to local special events.  Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.   Are you in the know?   Don’t forget to click the...

This month’s edition is a conversation with OEM’s newest employee, Ronnie Bell , who has joined the OEM team in a brand-new position, Community Engagement Specialist.   Tune in to learn what this position entails and how she can help you.  Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE...

We’re back!  On October 17, 2023, we announced that the HometownREADY  podcast would be taking a break from recording due to construction inside the Public Safety Center.  Our construction isn’t completely finished, but it is far enough along that we can ease in to publishing new episodes.  We’re kicking off Season 3, Episode 1 with a radio interview our director, Larry Woods, gave in a live appea...

Portions of the Public Safety Center are currently under construction, including the HometownREADY Podcast Studio .  We will be taking a short hiatus from the monthly podcasts but will return as soon as reasonably possible.  We apologize for the disruption and look forward to getting back in the seat with our future special guests!  Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can stay i...

Prevention, Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.  The 5 main components of emergency planning.  Join our host, Aubrey Johnson, as he talks to Katie Kovach (Area Municipalities Planner) and Gretchen Ruffa (City/County Planner) about all things related to emergency planning.  Don’t forget to click the subscribe button.  Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain Home...