This podcast features strategies and advice from today’s leaders and experts in emergency management. Its purpose is to empower and enrich current and future leaders. emnetwork.substack.com
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June 8, 2026Episode 1877 min
Magnitude 7.8 Philippines quake triggers tsunami advisory for Guam and the CNMI; NIFC holds at PL 2 with ten uncontained large fires and evacuations near Chelan
Today’s brief leads with a magnitude 7.8 earthquake off the southern Philippines that prompted a Pacific Tsunami Warning Center advisory for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with no threat to Hawaii or the U.S. West Coast. We cover national wildfire operations at Preparedness Level 2, including active fires threatening structures and infrastructure in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina, and Alaska, plus a multi-day Storm Prediction Center severe weather threat, two Pacific tropical depressions, a paused Kilauea eruption, and approaching FEMA assistance deadlines in Washington and Hawaii. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways· Tsunami advisory (Guam and CNMI): A magnitude 7.8 Philippines earthquake prompted a Pacific Tsunami Warning Center advisory for hazardous currents and sea level fluctuations; effects expected from about 12:45 p.m. ChST Monday, no full-scale evacuation called.· No threat to Hawaii or the West Coast: The Warning Center assessed no tsunami threat to Hawaii or the U.S. mainland Pacific coast.· Wildfire posture: NIFC remains at Preparedness Level 2 with ten uncontained large fires; the Chestnut Fire near Chelan, Washington has evacuations in effect, and the Michaud Creek Fire near Pocatello, Idaho shows extreme behavior threatening structures and energy infrastructure.· Seven Cabins Fire (New Mexico): Largest active incident at 31,870 acres, now 90 percent contained, with closures still in effect.· Severe weather: A multi-day SPC threat spans the Northern High Plains, Central Plains, Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, with damaging wind, large hail, and isolated tornadoes possible.· FEMA deadlines: Washington December-storm applicants have until June 10; Maui and Honolulu Kona Low applicants have until June 14.· Kilauea: Summit eruption paused at ADVISORY; next fountaining episode forecast June 12 to 15.SponsorsThe NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/SourcesSeismic and tsunami· Guam Homeland Security: Tsunami Advisory Remains in Effect for Guam and CNMI, 11:00 a.m. update, June 8, 2026· U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers: official tsunami messaging portal· USGS: Significant earthquakes, 2026· Hawaii News Now: M7.8 earthquake strikes Philippines, no tsunami threat to HawaiiWildfire operations· NIFC: Incident Management Situation Report, Sunday June 7, 2026, 0730 MDT (source for all state fire incidents and acreage)· NIFC: National Fire NewsSevere weather· NWS Storm Prediction Center: Day 1 Convective Outlook· The Watchers: SPC issues Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms across Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South DakotaTropical weather· NHC: Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook· NOAA: NOAA predicts below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane seasonVolcano· USGS: Kilauea volcano updatesFEMA assistance deadlines· FEMA: One month remains to apply for FEMA assistance in Washington (deadline June 10)· FEMA: Deadline to apply for FEMA assistance extended to June 14 for Maui, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
June 5, 2026Episode 1865 min
Seven Cabins Fire evacuations rescinded at 64% containment; central Plains brace for severe weather
Today’s brief leads with Orange County, where Garden Grove’s GKN Aerospace hazmat emergency de-escalates and all evacuation orders lift, returning the final 16,000 residents home with no injuries. New Mexico’s Seven Cabins Fire reaches 64 percent containment and Lincoln County rescinds all evacuations. CISA adds an actively exploited vulnerability to its KEV catalog, the central United States faces a multi-day severe-weather threat, Kilauea holds at ADVISORY, and FEMA assistance deadlines approach in Washington and Hawaii. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways• California hazmat: All Garden Grove GKN Aerospace evacuation orders lifted June 4; about 16,000 residents returned, no injuries, but tank cleanup remains delayed.• New Mexico wildfire: Seven Cabins Fire at ~31,867 acres and 64% contained; all evacuations rescinded June 4; Capitan Mountain forest closure still in effect.• Cyber / CISA: CISA added CVE-2026-45247 (Mirasvit) to the KEV catalog June 3 with an active-exploitation flag and a federal remediation deadline.• Severe weather: NWS and SPC flag a multi-day large-hail, wind, tornado, and flash-flood threat across the central Plains and mid-Mississippi Valley through the weekend.• Volcano: Kilauea remains at ADVISORY / Aviation Color Code YELLOW; eruption paused, episode 49 possible within ~10 to 15 days of June 1.• FEMA deadlines: Washington December-storm applications close June 10; Hawaii Kona Low Individual Assistance closes June 14.• Lifelines: City of Aiken, SC water main break June 4 affected ~60 connections; precautionary boil-water advisory to follow restoration.SponsorsThe NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/SourcesNIFC / Wildfire• NIFC Incident Management Situation Report — National daily wildfire situation report and preparedness level• NIFC National Fire News — National wildland fire activity summaryCISA• CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog (June 3, 2026) — CVE-2026-45247 Mirasvit deserialization flaw added to KEV• CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — Authoritative KEV catalog and remediation deadlinesUSGS — Volcano• USGS Kilauea Volcano Updates — Hawaiian Volcano Observatory status and alert level for KilaueaSevere Weather• NWS National Forecast — National Weather Service hazards and severe-weather summary• SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook — Storm Prediction Center severe-weather outlook for the central U.S.Tropical / NHC• National Hurricane Center — Atlantic and Eastern Pacific tropical weather outlooksFEMA• FEMA — Hawaii Kona Low deadline extended to June 14 — Individual Assistance deadline for Maui and Honolulu counties• FEMA — One month remains to apply in Washington — June 10 deadline for December storms and floodingUSGS — Earthquakes• USGS Significant Earthquakes — 2026 — No significant U.S. seismic events in the last 24 hoursCalifornia• ABC7 — Garden Grove chemical tank updates — OCFA lifts all evacuation orders June 4; residents return• City of Garden Grove — Hazardous Materials Incident — Official municipal incident information pageNew Mexico• NM Fire Info — Lincoln County rescinds Seven Cabins evacuations (June 4) — Evacuation orders rescinded; acreage and containment update• Lincoln National Forest — Fire — Forest Service fire and closure informationSouth Carolina• City of Aiken — Water Main Break Advisory (June 4) — York Street NE main break affecting ~60 connections This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
June 2, 2026Episode 1837 min
Kilauea Episode 48 ends after nine hours; Seven Cabins Fire grows to 29,531 acres in New Mexico
The Atlantic hurricane season officially opened June 1 as FEMA reaffirmed readiness and the National Hurricane Center continued to watch a high-probability disturbance in the Eastern Pacific. In New Mexico, the Seven Cabins Fire pushed past 29,000 acres with evacuations in Lincoln County and a Type 1 team transition. Hawaii’s Kīlauea ended Episode 48 of the Halemaʻumaʻu eruption after nine hours of fountaining, leaving the alert level at advisory. President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Delaware tied to February’s severe winter storm, and the Storm Prediction Center flagged severe thunderstorm risk across the Ozarks, Mid-South, and Central Plains. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways• Atlantic hurricane season opens June 1: FEMA states it is prepared, with NHC expecting no Atlantic formation in seven days. Operational focus turns to readiness messaging and posture verification.• Eastern Pacific watch: A disturbance southwest of Baja California carries a 70 percent 48-hour and 90 percent 7-day formation chance; a second system is expected off Central America later this week.• NIFC June 1 IMSR: 14 large fires under suppression, two new large fires, 2,825 personnel committed, roughly 2.4 million acres burned year to date.• Seven Cabins Fire, New Mexico: 29,531 acres in Lincoln County, evacuations north of the Capitan Mountains, command transferred to Southwest Area IMT 2 on June 1.• Kīlauea Episode 48 ends: Lava fountaining stopped at 1:37 p.m. HST June 1 after nine hours; alert ADVISORY, aviation YELLOW; eruption paused.• Delaware Major Disaster Declaration: Public Assistance available statewide for the February 22 to 23 severe winter storm in Kent and Sussex counties.• Severe weather today: Slight Risk across Ozarks/Mid-South and Central Plains; severe wind gust potential in eastern Montana and western North Dakota.• FEMA deadlines: King County, Washington Individual Assistance applications close June 10; Hawaii Kona Low applications close June 14.• Alaska volcano status: Great Sitkin remains WATCH/ORANGE with slow summit lava effusion; Mount Spurr remains NORMAL/GREEN.• New Jersey, Delaney Hall: State plans protected protest zones in Newark; federal staffing posture at Newark Liberty under public dispute.SourcesFEMA• FEMA: Major Disaster Declaration for Delaware (June 1, 2026)• FEMA: As Hurricane Season Begins, FEMA Stands Ready (June 1, 2026)• FEMA: New Dates and Locations Added for FEMA and SBA In-Person Support (May 28, 2026)NIFC and InciWeb• NIFC: Incident Management Situation Report, June 1, 2026• NIFC: IMSR archive• InciWeb: Incident Information SystemNOAA NWS and SPC• NHC: Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook• SPC: Day 1 Convective Outlook• Climate Prediction Center: Probabilistic Hazards OutlookUSGS• USGS HVO: Kīlauea Volcano Updates• USGS HVO: Newest Kīlauea volcano notice (June 1, 2026)• USGS AVO: Great Sitkin volcano page• USGS AVO: Mount Spurr volcano page• USGS: Latest Earthquakes mapAlaska• USGS AVO: Great Sitkin status (ongoing WATCH/ORANGE)California• CAL FIRE: Incidents• CPUC: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)Delaware• FEMA: Major Disaster Declaration for Delaware (June 1, 2026)Hawaii• USGS HVO: Newest Kīlauea volcano notice (June 1, 2026)• Spectrum News: Kīlauea kicks off 48th episode (June 1, 2026)Montana• InciWeb: Mthlf Jericho Creek incident• SPC: Day 1 Convective Outlook (eastern MT severe wind risk)New Jersey• Just Security: Early Edition, June 1, 2026 (Delaney Hall, Newark customs staffing)New Mexico• KRQE: Officials provide update on Seven Cabins Fire (May 31 to June 1, 2026)• NIFC IMSR: June 1, 2026 (Seven Cabins listed under Southwest Area)Washington• FEMA: Disaster Recovery Center Locator• FEMA: 2026 Disasters news indexTravel advisories and public health• U.S. Department of State: Travel Advisories• CDC: Health Alert Network This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
June 1, 202635 min
Chemical Reality Check: Garden Grove’s 50,000-Person Evacuation
Episode DescriptionWhat happens when a single industrial chemical tank threatens an entire community?In this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky examine the Garden Grove hazardous materials incident that led to the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents and businesses. What began as a concern over an overheating tank containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) quickly escalated into one of Southern California’s most significant precautionary evacuations in recent memory.Todd and Andrew break down the incident from an emergency management perspective, discussing the decision-making process behind large-scale evacuations, the challenges of public messaging during uncertain situations, and the realities of managing low-probability, high-consequence events. They also explore what this event reveals about industrial hazards in urban environments and how emergency managers can better prepare their communities for complex technological disasters.This conversation is not about assigning blame. It is about understanding risk, learning from real-world events, and strengthening preparedness before the next incident occurs.In This EpisodeUnderstanding the Incident* What happened in Garden Grove?* The role of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and why it created concern.* How emergency officials assessed the threat.* Why was a precautionary evacuation ordered?The Emergency Management Perspective* Decision-making under uncertainty.* Balancing public safety against disruption.* The importance of situational awareness and intelligence gathering.* Working with fire, law enforcement, public health, and industry partners.Evacuating 50,000 People* Challenges of moving large populations quickly.* Traffic management and public compliance.* Protecting vulnerable populations and special needs residents.* Shelter and mass care considerations.Public Information and Risk Communication* Communicating complex hazards to the public.* Managing rumors and misinformation.* Building trust during rapidly evolving incidents.* The role of social media and traditional media.Lessons for Emergency Managers* Planning for industrial and hazardous materials incidents.* Reviewing evacuation zones and protective action strategies.* Strengthening public-private partnerships.* Incorporating technological hazards into emergency operations plans.* Training for events that are unlikely but potentially catastrophic.Looking Ahead* What communities can learn from Garden Grove.* Emerging risks associated with industrial facilities in urban areas.* Building resilience through planning, exercises, and partnerships.* Why preparedness remains a community-wide responsibility.Key Takeaways* Rare events still require planning.* Protective actions must be based on available information, not perfect information.* Effective risk communication can be as important as operational response.* Strong relationships between emergency managers, fire agencies, law enforcement, and private industry are essential.* The Garden Grove incident serves as a reminder that technological disasters can have community-wide consequences.About the HostsTodd DeVoe, CEM, is the Editor-in-Chief of The Emergency Management Network, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Inglewood, educator, author, and IAEM-USA leader.Andrew Boyarsky is a veteran emergency management professional and co-host of the EMN Podcast, bringing practical insight and operational experience to discussions on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience.Tags#EmergencyManagement #HazMat #GardenGrove #PublicSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #RiskCommunication #DisasterManagement #CommunityResilience #HazardousMaterials #EMNPodcast #ToddDeVoe #AndrewBoyarsky #EvacuationPlanning #CrisisLeadership #WholeCommunityApproach This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
May 18, 202639 min
The 48 Laws of Emergency Management:
Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky introduce a new long-form series, The 48 Laws of Emergency Management.This series explores the hard-earned lessons, leadership principles, operational realities, and unwritten rules that define the profession of emergency management. Drawing inspiration from decades of field experience, philosophy, crisis leadership, disaster policy, and organizational behavior, Todd and Andrew discuss why emergency management is far more than plans and checklists. It is about people, decision-making, trust, adaptation, communication, and leadership under pressure.This opening episode serves as an overview of the series and lays the foundation for future conversations. The discussion examines how emergency managers operate in ambiguity, why relationships matter more than org charts, and how the profession continues to evolve in an increasingly complex world.Whether you are a new emergency manager, a seasoned practitioner, or simply interested in leadership and crisis management, this series aims to challenge assumptions and encourage deeper thinking about the profession and its future.Show NotesThe Emergency Management Network launches a new ongoing series: The 48 Laws of Emergency Management. Hosted by Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky, this series examines the deeper realities of emergency management through practical experience, philosophy, leadership lessons, and honest conversation about the profession.Emergency management is often taught through doctrine, frameworks, and plans, but the real work of the profession happens in the face of uncertainty. This series explores the lessons that emergency managers learn over years of disasters, activations, political environments, public expectations, and operational pressures.In this introductory episode, Todd and Andrew discuss:* Why emergency management is fundamentally about people* The unwritten rules of leadership during a crisis* How emergency managers build influence without direct authority* Why relationships matter more than organizational charts* The importance of trust, communication, and credibility* The tension between policy and operational reality* How philosophy and systems thinking apply to emergency management* Leadership lessons from military command philosophy and disaster response* Why is adaptability one of the profession’s most important traits* The future challenges facing emergency management professionalsThe conversation also explores how emergency management has evolved into a profession that requires strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, operational competence, and the ability to work across disciplines and political environments.This episode sets the stage for future installments, in which Todd and Andrew will break down individual “laws” and discuss the practical application of each principle in real-world emergency management.TagsEmergency Management, Emergency Management Network, EMN, Todd DeVoe, Andrew Boyarsky, Disaster Response, Crisis Leadership, FEMA, IAEM, Public Safety, Emergency Planning, Incident Command, EOC, Community Resilience, Disaster Recovery, Crisis Communication, Leadership, Systems Thinking, Homeland Security, Disaster Policy, Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Operations, Crisis Management, Disaster Leadership, Emergency Manager, Organizational Leadership This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
May 11, 202640 min
FEMA Review Council: Reform, Reality, and the Future of Emergency Management
Episode DescriptionThis week on the Emergency Management Network Podcast, we take a deep dive into the FEMA Review Council and what its work could mean for the future of emergency management in the United States. As conversations continue around disaster response, federal coordination, resilience policy, and the role of FEMA in an increasingly complex risk environment, the review process has become a focal point for emergency managers across the country.In this episode, we explore the political realities, operational concerns, and strategic questions surrounding the council’s recommendations and broader national discussions about FEMA reform. From federalism and funding to capability gaps, workforce challenges, climate adaptation, and the growing expectations placed on local emergency managers, this conversation examines what is at stake for the profession and the communities we serve.This is not just a conversation about FEMA. It is a conversation about the future identity, mission, and structure of emergency management in America.Episode SummaryThe Emergency Management Network Podcast examines the FEMA Review Council and the ongoing national conversation surrounding the future of FEMA and emergency management. The discussion focuses on the operational, political, and policy implications of potential reforms and how those changes may impact local emergency managers, state agencies, tribal governments, nonprofit partners, and the private sector.The episode explores whether FEMA is being asked to do too much, whether the current federal system supports or hinders disaster resilience, and how emergency managers can engage constructively in shaping the future of the profession amid growing disasters, increasing public expectations, and mounting fiscal pressure.The conversation also addresses the importance of professional identity, whole community coordination, and the challenge of balancing national consistency with local flexibility.Key Topics Discussed• What the FEMA Review Council is and why it matters now• The growing debate over the federal role in disasters and resilience• How federalism shapes emergency management in the United States• The increasing expectations placed on FEMA after major disasters• Whether FEMA has become overextended operationally and politically• Workforce challenges and the professionalization of emergency management• Disaster funding, mitigation investments, and long-term recovery concerns• The role of local emergency managers in future national preparedness efforts• Climate adaptation, catastrophic risk, and complex incident management• Why emergency management must maintain both operational credibility and policy influence• The importance of engaging elected officials and the public in conversations about preparedness and resilienceDiscussion Questions• What should FEMA’s core mission be in the next decade?• How can local emergency managers better shape national policy discussions?• Are we building a resilient system or simply managing recurring crises?• What capabilities should remain local, state, or federal responsibilities?• How should emergency management adapt to increasingly complex and overlapping disasters?Closing ThoughtsEmergency management sits at the intersection of policy, operations, leadership, and community trust. The FEMA Review Council represents more than an organizational review. It reflects a larger national conversation about preparedness, resilience, governance, and the future direction of the profession itself.As emergency managers, this is a moment not only to react to change, but to help define it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
May 4, 202633 min
The New Architecture of Resilience
Episode SummaryWhat if the future of emergency management is already here, just not where we’ve traditionally looked?In this episode, Todd DeVoe sits down with Marcus T. Coleman Jr., Vice President for Community Resilience Strategy at United Way Worldwide, for a candid, practitioner-level conversation about the evolving landscape of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Drawing on more than a decade inside FEMA and DHS, and experience supporting over 50 presidentially declared disasters, Marcus offers a clear-eyed view of what is changing and what emergency managers need to rethink.This is not a polished success story. It is an honest discussion about the gaps between government systems and community reality, the increasing influence of philanthropy, and the hard truth that resilience is being built from the ground up, often outside of traditional emergency management structures.Key Themes and ConversationThe Shift to Community-Led PreparednessMarcus breaks down the movement away from top-down models toward locally driven resilience. Programs like United We Prepare are not just outreach efforts, they represent a fundamental shift in who owns preparedness. Communities are no longer passive recipients of government planning, they are becoming co-creators. The conversation challenges emergency managers to rethink authority, control, and engagement in preparedness efforts.Mental Health as a Core Recovery FunctionUsing real-world examples like the Greater Valdosta United Way response to Hurricane Helene, Marcus highlights a persistent blind spot in disaster recovery. Mental health is not a secondary issue, it is central to long-term recovery. The discussion explores how trauma, anxiety, and prolonged stress shape community outcomes and why emergency management systems continue to under-resource this space.Real-Time Data and the Power of 211The conversation turns to data, not the static kind found in after-action reports, but live, dynamic data that tells the story of unmet needs in real time. Marcus explains how 211 systems are becoming critical intelligence tools, capturing gaps that traditional assessments miss. With 19 million referrals in 2025 alone, including dramatic increases in housing and food assistance requests, this data offers a new lens for situational awareness before, during, and after disasters.Public-Private Interdependence in CrisisEmergency management has always relied on partnerships, but the stakes are higher now. Marcus discusses the growing interdependence between government, nonprofits, and private sector partners like Uber and Lyft. These relationships can accelerate response and recovery, but only if they are intentionally designed. When they are not, they introduce friction, inequity, and delay.The Quiet Influence of PhilanthropyOne of the most candid parts of the conversation explores how philanthropy is shaping recovery timelines and priorities. Funding streams, donor interests, and nonprofit capacity are influencing outcomes in ways that are rarely discussed in formal emergency management circles. This raises important questions about equity, accountability, and who ultimately drives recovery decisions.Why This Matters for Emergency ManagersThis episode challenges the profession to confront an uncomfortable reality. The systems we rely on are no longer sufficient on their own. Community organizations, data networks like 211, and private sector partnerships are not supporting actors, they are central to the mission.If emergency managers are not actively integrating these elements into planning and operations, they are not just missing opportunities, they are creating gaps.About the GuestMarcus T. Coleman Jr. serves as Vice President for Community Resilience Strategy at United Way Worldwide. He previously spent over a decade at FEMA and DHS, where he built national partnerships across nonprofit, faith-based, philanthropic, and private sector organizations. Marcus has supported response and recovery for more than 50 presidentially declared disasters under three FEMA Administrators and has advised thousands of organizations on preparedness, response, and recovery.Closing ThoughtResilience is no longer something we deliver to communities. It is something communities build, often with or without us. The question for emergency managers is simple, will we lead in that space, or will we struggle to catch up?Tagscommunity resilience, nonprofit partnerships, disaster recovery, emergency management leadership, 211 data This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
April 30, 2026Episode 16012 min
FEMA major disaster declared for CNMI; CISA flags ConnectWise and Windows zero-days; Southern wildfires push the South to PL 4
Today’s brief covers the published Presidential major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the FEMA Alaska recovery update on Typhoon Halong, and CISA’s addition of two actively exploited vulnerabilities (ConnectWise ScreenConnect and Microsoft Windows Shell) to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. Wildfire activity in southern Georgia and northern Florida continues to drive Southern Area resourcing at PL 4, and critical fire weather is in place across eastern New Mexico, far western Texas, and the southern High Plains. Tornado damage assessments continue in Tennessee and Illinois, Michigan expanded its flooding state of emergency to 41 counties, and a M4.4 earthquake near Alamo, Nevada produced felt reports into Las Vegas. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways• CNMI major disaster declared: FEMA-4910-DR for Super Typhoon Sinlaku was published in the Federal Register yesterday; covers incident period April 11 to April 18, 2026.• CISA KEV update: Two actively exploited vulnerabilities added: ConnectWise ScreenConnect (CVE-2024-1708) and Microsoft Windows Shell spoofing (CVE-2026-32202). Federal remediation deadline May 12, 2026.• Southern wildfires: Brantley Highway 82 Fire in Georgia at 32 percent containment with 80 plus homes destroyed; Clinch and Echols fire at 23 percent containment over 50 plus square miles; Florida Gun Range and Sand Drain fires under continued USFS warning.• Critical fire weather: Red Flag and Critical Fire Weather conditions today for eastern New Mexico, far western Texas, southern High Plains, and portions of eastern Colorado.• Texas disaster declaration: Governor Abbott declared disaster for Lamar, Parker, and Wise counties; TDEM mobilized swiftwater rescue and debris teams; Mineral Wells continues recovery from Tuesday’s EF3 tornado.• Michigan emergency expanded: Whitmer added Tuscola County and the Village of Holly to the existing flooding state of emergency; 41 counties and three municipalities now covered.SponsorsThe NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/SourcesCISA• CISA KEV catalog (April 29, 2026), ConnectWise ScreenConnect and Windows flaws added: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?utm_source=em-morning-brief• Security Affairs, CISA adds Microsoft Windows Shell and ConnectWise ScreenConnect flaws to KEV: https://securityaffairs.com/191442/security/u-s-cisa-adds-microsoft-windows-shell-and-connectwise-screenconnect-flaws-to-its-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief• Cybersecurity Dive, CISA adds Microsoft and ConnectWise vulnerabilities to active exploitation catalog: https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/cisa-microsoft-connectwise-kev-update/818817/?utm_source=em-morning-briefNIFC and InciWeb• NIFC IMSR (April 29, 2026, 0730 MDT), national fire situation report: https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf?utm_source=em-morning-brief• InciWeb, Gun Range Fire (Florida), incident page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/flfnf-gun-range?utm_source=em-morning-brief• InciWeb, Sand Drain Fire (Florida), incident page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/flfnf-sand-drain?utm_source=em-morning-briefFEMA• Federal Register, Presidential major disaster declaration for CNMI (DR-4910), Super Typhoon Sinlaku, published April 29, 2026: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/29/2026-08343/presidential-declaration-of-a-major-disaster-for-the-commonwealth-of-the-northern-mariana-islands?utm_source=em-morning-brief• FEMA disaster page (DR-4910), Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4910?utm_source=em-morning-brief• FEMA press release (April 29, 2026), Alaska Typhoon Halong recovery, FEMA Is Still Here so Stay in Touch: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260429/fema-still-here-so-stay-touch?utm_source=em-morning-brief• FEMA disaster page (DR-4893), Alaska severe storms, flooding, and Typhoon Halong remnants: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4893?utm_source=em-morning-briefUSGS• USGS HVO volcano notice (April 29, 2026), Kilauea ADVISORY and Aviation Color Code YELLOW: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-04-29T14:07:09+00:00?utm_source=em-morning-brief• USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, M4.4 near Alamo, Nevada (April 29, 2026): https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?utm_source=em-morning-briefNOAA and NWS• NWS Storm Prediction Center, Day 1 Convective Outlook (April 29, 2026), severe weather guidance: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief• NWS Albuquerque, Red Flag Warning summary, fire weather alerts for New Mexico and adjacent areas: https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Red+Flag+Warning&utm_source=em-morning-brief• NOAA WPC, Excessive rainfall outlook for central Texas, April 29 to May 1: https://www.noaa.gov/weather-prediction-center?utm_source=em-morning-briefTravel advisories• U.S. Department of State, Travel Advisories, active list with current levels: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html?utm_source=em-morning-briefAlaska• FEMA, Typhoon Halong six-month recovery update, April 10, 2026 release: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260410/typhoon-halong-six-month-recovery-update?utm_source=em-morning-briefCalifornia• CAL FIRE incidents, current fire activity and evacuations: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents?utm_source=em-morning-briefColorado• 9News, Colorado doubles Red Flag Warnings days so far in 2026: https://www.9news.com/article/weather/weather-colorado/colorado-doubles-red-flag-warnings-days-2026/73-dddb29f1-4980-4343-8f2b-c51aa2789f8a?utm_source=em-morning-briefFlorida• WCJB, U.S. Forest Service issues warning for Gun Range, Sand Drain fires (April 29, 2026): https://www.wcjb.com/2026/04/29/us-forest-service-issues-warning-gun-range-sand-drain-fires/?utm_source=em-morning-briefGeorgia• Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, April 2026 Wildfires page: https://gema.georgia.gov/april-2026-wildfires?utm_source=em-morning-brief• News4JAX, Brantley County shifts to recovery, danger not over (April 29, 2026): https://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia/2026/04/29/the-latest-brantley-county-shifts-to-recovery-but-wildfire-danger-not-over-yet-officials-warn/?utm_source=em-morning-briefHawaii• USGS Kilauea volcano updates, current eruption status and forecast: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates?utm_source=em-morning-briefIllinois• KSDK, St. Louis meteorologists confirm three tornado touchdowns in Illinois: https://www.ksdk.com/article/weather/weather-impact/st-louis-tornadoes-confirmed-touchdown-monday-storms-missouri-april-28-2026/63-3e1403e0-0127-41f9-a6fd-33e6154bf3c9?utm_source=em-morning-briefKentucky• 14News, EF-0 tornado confirmed in Ohio County, Kentucky: https://www.14news.com/2026/04/29/ef-0-tornado-confirmed-by-weather-experts-ohio-county/?utm_source=em-morning-brief• NWS Louisville, another severe weather threat through tonight: https://www.weather.gov/lmk/Severe_Weather_Expected_Tonight?utm_source=em-morning-briefMichigan• State of Michigan, Executive Order 2026-10, declaration of state of emergency: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/state-orders-and-directives/2026/04/28/executive-order-no-2026-10-declaration-of-state-of-emergency?utm_source=em-morning-brief• State of Michigan press release, Whitmer expands previous state of emergency declaration: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/04/28/whitmer-further-expands-previous-state-of-emergency-declaration?utm_source=em-morning-briefMississippi• WTOK, City of Meridian issues a boil water notice (April 29, 2026): https://www.wtok.com/2026/04/29/city-meridian-issues-boil-water-notice/?utm_source=em-morning-brief• WDAM, Boil-water notice lifted in Taylorsville (April 29, 2026): https://www.wdam.com/2026/04/29/boil-water-notice-lifted-taylorsville/?utm_source=em-morning-brief• Action News 5, Severe storms pummel Mid-South including unconfirmed tornado: https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/04/29/severe-storms-pummel-mid-south-including-least-1-unconfirmed-tornado/?utm_source=em-morning-briefMissouri• Missourinet, Storms damage Central Missouri state prisons: https://www.missourinet.com/2026/04/27/storms-cause-damage-at-state-prisons-and-across-central-missouri/?utm_source=em-morning-brief• Springfield Citizen, Hail storm causes damage and 10,000 power outages in Springfield: https://sgfcitizen.org/weather/springfield-power-outages-hail-storm/?utm_source=em-morning-briefNevada• Fox Weather, Magnitude 4.4 latest in series of earthquakes to hit Nevada: https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/magnitude-4-7-earthquake-shakes-las-vegas?utm_source=em-morning-briefNew Mexico• The Watchers, Critical fire weather conditions forecast across eastern New Mexico and western Texas: https://watchers.news/2026/04/28/critical-fire-weather-conditions-forecast-across-eastern-new-mexico-and-western-texas/?utm_source=em-morning-briefOklahoma• AccuWeather, EF4 tornado devastates Enid, Oklahoma: https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/ef4-tornado-devastates-enid-oklahoma-amid-thursdays-severe-weather/1885149?utm_source=em-morning-brief• News9, Cleanup efforts continue following EF-4 tornado in Enid: https://www.news9.com/oklahoma-city-news/cleanup-efforts-continue-following-ef-4-tornado-in-enid-dozens-of-volunteer-helping?utm_source=em-morning-briefPennsylvania• WCCS Radio, Tornado warning for Indiana County cancelled (April 29, 2026): https://www.wccsradio.com/2026/04/29/tornado-warning-for-indiana-county-cancelled/?utm_source=em-morning-briefTennessee• WSMV, EF1 tornado leaves swirl markings in field north of Nashville: https://www.wsmv.com/2026/04/29/ef1-tornado-leaves-swirl-markings-field-north-nashville-during-early-week-severe-storms/?utm_source=em-morning-brief• WSMV, Damaging microburst confirmed in Lawrence County: https://www.wsmv.com/2026/04/29/damaging-microburst-confirmed-lawrence-county-storms-early-tuesday/?utm_source=em-morning-briefTexas• Office of the Texas Governor, Governor Abbott issues disaster declaration for North Texas storms: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-issues-disaster-declaration-for-north-texas-storms?utm_source=em-morning-brief• TDEM press release, Governor Abbott issues disaster declaration for North Texas storms: https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/4-28-26?utm_source=em-morning-brief• CNN, Tornado devastates Mineral Wells, Texas, on sixth straight day of severe storms: https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/28/weather/severe-storm-outbreak-tornadoes-hail-south-climate?utm_source=em-morning-briefNorthern Mariana Islands• FEMA disaster page (DR-4910), Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Super Typhoon Sinlaku: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4910?utm_source=em-morning-brief• Stars and Stripes, Many in Northern Marianas still without power nearly two weeks after super typhoon: https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2026-04-27/super-typhoon-sinlaku-recovery-21499079.html?utm_source=em-morning-brief This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
April 27, 202635 min
One Voice, One Purpose: Why Emergency Management Must Speak Clearly to Matter
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky take a hard look at a growing challenge within the profession: not a lack of effort or expertise, but a lack of clarity. Emergency management does extraordinary work across preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, yet too often struggles to articulate its value in a way that resonates beyond its own circles.Todd and Andrew explore why fragmented messaging weakens the profession’s influence at the policy level, limits public understanding, and ultimately affects funding, prioritization, and trust. Drawing on philosophy, leadership principles, and their real-world experience, they make the case that emergency management must begin speaking with greater coherence and purpose, not as a collection of disciplines, but as a unified voice grounded in outcomes that matter to communities.This conversation challenges listeners to rethink how they communicate their work, how they advocate for the profession, and how a shared narrative can elevate emergency management to where it belongs, at the center of decision-making.Key Topics Covered:Clear communication is a professional responsibility, not just a skillWhy fragmented messaging weakens policy influence and funding supportThe gap between what emergency managers do and what the public understandsLessons from philosophy and leadership on the power of a unified voiceEmergency management is a profession of purpose, not just functionMoving from technical language to a meaningful narrative that resonatesWhy This Episode Matters:If emergency managers cannot clearly and collectively explain why preparedness, mitigation, coordination, and recovery matter, others will define it for them, often incorrectly or incompletely. Todd and Andrew argue that this is not just a communications issue; it is a strategic risk to the profession itself.Call to Action:Take a moment to reflect on how you describe your role. Can someone outside the profession understand why your work matters in under a minute? If not, it may be time to refine the message. Share this episode with a colleague and start the conversation about what “one voice” really looks like in practice.Tags:Emergency ManagementLeadershipPublic PolicyCrisis CommunicationProfessional Development This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
April 27, 2026Episode 15711 min
Brantley County wildfire doubles past 22,000 acres; Moderate Risk severe weather threat targets Mississippi Valley
Today’s EM Morning Brief covers a Storm Prediction Center Moderate Risk for severe weather across Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee with strong tornado potential, three large active wildfires (Highway 82 in Georgia, Hummingbird in New Mexico, and Poitrey Canyon in Colorado), Extremely Critical fire weather across far western Texas and eastern New Mexico, the latest USGS update on Kīlauea, the Peach Bottom radiological exercise opening this week, and continuing recovery operations in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands following Typhoon Sinlaku. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for multiple states due to severe weather conditions.* Supercells are anticipated to develop today, potentially producing strong long track tornadoes and damaging winds.* Critical fire weather warnings have been issued for parts of Texas and New Mexico, with severe drought conditions persisting.* The CDC is actively monitoring a resurgence of measles, with nearly two thousand cases reported across numerous states.* Emergency preparedness exercises are currently underway in Maryland and Pennsylvania, focusing on nuclear facility readiness.* Significant wildfire activity is ongoing in several states, with mandatory evacuations in effect in Georgia.SponsorsThe NIMS Store - The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/SourcesStorm Prediction Center / NWS• SPC Apr 27, 2026 Day 1 Convective Outlook• SPC Apr 26, 2026 Day 1 Fire Weather OutlookDHS / CISA• DHS National Terrorism Advisory System• CISA Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories• CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities CatalogFEMA• FEMA to Evaluate Readiness of Pennsylvania and Maryland (Peach Bottom REP exercise)• Residents of Maui, Hawaiʻi and Honolulu Counties Impacted by March Kona Low Can Apply for FEMA Assistance• President Approves Emergency Declaration for Guam (Typhoon Sinlaku)USGS• USGS Volcano Notice for Kīlauea (Apr 26, 2026)• Kīlauea Volcano UpdatesNIFC / InciWeb• Incident Management Situation Report, Sunday, April 26, 2026• NIFC National Fire News• Sand Drain Fire (FLFNF) on InciWebCDC / Public Health• CDC Health Alert Network archive• CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks (2026 data)U.S. Department of State• Travel AdvisoriesCalifornia• CAL FIRE Carbon Fire incident page• Forward progress stopped on 200-acre Brea brush fire (CBS LA)• USGS Earthquake Catalog (Daly City Apr 26 M3.0)• Two earthquakes strike near Daly City; largest M2.9 (ABC7)Colorado• Cooler weather slows growth of Poitrey Canyon Fire (CBS Colorado)Florida• A look at Florida’s largest active wildfires (WUFT/WUSF)• Lynn Haven, FL Rescission of Precautionary Boil Water Notice• Sand Drain Fire (FLFNF) on InciWebGeorgia• Wildfire in Brantley County grows to more than 20,000 Acres (WTOC)• Highway 82 Fire maps, evacuations, road closures (First Coast News)• GEMA April 2026 Wildfires page• Gov. Kemp Declares State of Emergency for South Georgia WildfiresHawaii• USGS HVO Kīlauea Volcano Notice (Apr 26, 2026)• Office of the Governor (HI): FEMA Affirms Major Disaster Declaration for HawaiʻiMaryland & Pennsylvania• FEMA to Evaluate Readiness for Peach Bottom REP ExerciseSevere Weather (April 27 outbreak)• Severe storms and tornadoes, multi-day central U.S. outbreak (CNN)• Multi-day severe weather outbreak forecast for the Plains (EarthSky)New Mexico• Gila National Forest Hummingbird Fire Update 4/26/2026 (NM Fire Info)• Hummingbird Fire prompts evacuations near Gila National Forest (Santa Fe New Mexican)North Carolina• Boil water advisory lifted in Kannapolis (WBTV)Texas• SPC issues Extremely Critical fire weather outlook for far W TX Panhandle (The Watchers)Guam & CNMI• FEMA Emergency Declaration for Guam (Typhoon Sinlaku)• Joint FEMA-USACE operations underway following Super Typhoon Sinlaku (Army.mil)• HHS Secretary Declares Public Health Emergency for Guam, CNMI (ASPR) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe
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