The GOHSEP Get a Game Plan Podcast

Show Notes: Hurricane Ida resulted in a major housing disaster for portions of Louisiana, something the state has faced for several recent events. The state created and implemented a FEMA supported program using travel trailers as a non-congregate, shelter option. We will examine the program and find out how it may benefit other areas facing a major recovery effort.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get a Game Plan Podcast, hear from FEMA officials working in the Lake Charles Recovery Service Center. The site offers one on one help for those recovering from the May floods and other recent events like hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Show Notes: The 2021 hurricane season is officially underway. We will speak with Collin Arnold, the director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness about the city's stance heading into the season and the wealth of resources his office provides to the public.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, we take a look at the recent weather patterns across Louisiana and the south. While the number of weather related threats has been steady, the number of severe weather events might surprise you. An expert from the National Weather Service helps break down some of the information and gives us some insight on the upcoming hurricane season.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get a Game Plan Podcast, we will speak with a forecaster for the National Weather Service on the weather threats we typically face during this time of year. Find out what information is available and why it's important for you to have an emergency plan and to stay informed. Also, new resources are available to help you navigate the ongoing fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Show Notes: The response and initial recovery is underway in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura made landfall Southwest Louisiana last month. The Category 4 storm strengthened as it crossed the Gulf of Mexico. Its impact was felt from the coast to the Louisiana-Arkansas border. On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, we analyze the tremendous response for the hurricane and what those in the impacted areas can expect in the coming weeks.

Show Notes: The fight continues to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Louisiana and other parts of the world. On this episode, we discuss the mask mandate currently in place and some of the business measures needed to stop the spread. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning explains how enforcement steps are being handled and his office's efforts to educate the public on how businesses can operate safely.

Show Notes: Louisiana is still dealing with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 emergency. While some positive steps have been made, the threat to Louisiana and other areas is far from over. On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, we speak with one of the state's leading health officials for an update on the state's efforts and we will discuss practical steps to help protect you and your family.

Show Notes: Forecasters say the 2020 hurricane season will be above average in terms of activity. We already have our 3rd named storm during the first few days of the season and it is threatening Louisiana and other gulf coast states. We will speak with officials with the National Weather Service to determine if this quick start is an indication of what we can expect for the rest of the season.

Show Notes: State emergency officials are working with local partners to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Those plans will have a different focus this year as everyone continues to stop the spread of COVID-19. On this month's The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, we will speak with an experienced local emergency manager to find out how the first level of action will be handled, what you can do as part of the planning process and how that activity is coordinated with the state.

Show Notes: The COVID-19 or Coronavirus emergency continues to influence our daily lives here in Louisiana and around the world. This pandemic can be extremely stressful for several different reasons. Health fears, economic concerns and other factors are something nearly all of us face. Even isolation or social distancing can take its toll on someone's health. On this episode, we address some of the issues that could make you feel overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety. Find out ways to identify and overcome those obstacles while we speak with the experts and examine the resources to help us cope with the COVID-19 emergency.

Show Notes: Concerns about the Coronavirus or COVID-19 are impacting many areas around the globe. Here in Louisiana, Governor John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Department of Health and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are ramping up efforts to respond to this threat. Louisiana has activated a Coronavirus Task Force to help establish plans and procedures for dealing with this health emergency. On this episode, the Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness at the Louisiana Department of Health joins us with information you need to protect your family and your business.

Show Notes: It's Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. More than one million people are expected to travel to New Orleans and other areas of the Louisiana for Fat Tuesday celebrations. This episode includes information to help you plan your travel and stay safe during parades and celebrations.

Show Notes: There are several options available when it comes to podcasts related to emergency management. We have been recording our GOHSEP podcast since late 2018. Our partners at FEMA are also utilizing this resource, including FEMA Region 6. We will speak to Patricia Mancha from FEMA about their new podcast and the types of information they will be sharing with the public. We will also have cybersecurity tips and safety information for you if you are planning on traveling for the spring or summer.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning will talk to us about fire safety during the winter holiday season. We routinely see a spike in house fires around the holidays. Find out how you can prevent that type of problem and the steps to take to keep you and your family. We will also hear from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services about foster parenting. Find out about emergency planning for foster families and we will share information about how you can help support young children in the program.

Show Notes: GOHSEP is marking a special occasion with our November podcast. This marks our second anniversary for this unique resource. Thank you for helping us grow this resource which has reached thousands of people in nearly every state and territory, along with others in roughly 25 countries. Pat Santos, the Governor's Recovery Liaison for Gov. John Bel Edwards', will join us to talk about recent events in Louisiana, recovery and how the lessons learned can help others in different regions. Plus, an expert from the National Weather Service will recap the 2019 hurricane season and give us insight on the forecast for the late fall and winter months.

Show Notes: October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. On this episode, we have practical information to help you and your business stay safe from an online attack. Also, Governor John Bel Edwards declared a Cyber Emergency earlier this fall after several Louisiana school districts were targets of a ransomware attack. It was the first time a state emergency was declared due to this type of incident. We will speak with one of the experts who helped the state manage this threat with no disruption to students heading back to class for the fall.

Show Notes: September is National Preparedness Month. It is a great time to get information to help protect you, your family, your home and your business. GOHSEP and many of our partners at the local, state and federal levels with provide tips to help you finalize your plans. On this episode, you will hear from people working on that type of outreach for GOHSEP and hear from a local official working with members of his community (including young people) to help prepare, respond to and recover from an emergency.

Show Notes: As we approach the height of the 2019 Hurricane Season, FEMA and GOHSEP would like to ensure private non-profit, religious organizations are aware of recent changes to the Public Assistance program. FEMA funding can be used, in certain cases, to repair or replace damaged facilities back to its pre-disaster design, function and capacity. We will explain that process and hear from leaders from two organizations that have been impacted by this change. Plus, are you prepared for an emergency? We will share census information to let you know if the public is ready for a potential disaster.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, we will talk to members of a volunteer group who organized to help their community after a devastating flood. They stayed together to help during the recovery process and continue to help in new ways today. Find out how the lessons learned by the West Feliciana Volunteers for Response and Recovery Foundation could help others trying to establish this type of network. River flooding continues to be an issue in Louisiana and other parts of the country. Heath Jones with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- New Orleans District joins us for a discussion on the rivers, the ongoing flood fight and the guidelines for operating structures like the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham joins us to talk about the start of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season. He will explain why it's important to look at the risks associated with each new event and tell us about some of the new technology the hurricane center has available for the public. Also- Louisiana State Fire Marshal Butch Browning will talk about some of the important steps in recovery for business owners and others. The fire marshal's office has streamlined some of those steps. He will explain the Plan Review process and how his office is working with state and local officials post-disaster.

Show Notes: It's time to finalize your emergency plans for the start of hurricane season. The 2019 Atlantic season starts June 1st. The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore, one of the most recognized weather experts in the world, will take a few minutes to join us. He will explain how the network approaches hurricane season and will discuss the recent string of severe weather impacting Louisiana and much of the South. Plus, are you protecting your financial documents from hurricanes and other severe weather events. The Louisiana Department of Revenue will explain how to keep that information safe.

Show Notes: GOHSEP recently helped the state of Alaska with some of their ongoing recovery work after a major earthquake impacted the state in late December 2018. On this episode, we look at how some issues related to emergency management are the same. One example is teaching people the importance of establishing a communications plan. We will also examine some of the unique challenges the 49th state faces when dealing with this type event.

Show Notes: River flooding is a major concern in many areas of the country this time of year. Governor John Bel Edwards recently signed an emergency declaration in Louisiana to help assist the state's local partners in what could be an extended river flood fight during 2019. We will hear from a hydrologist with the National Weather Service-Lake Charles about the river issues and provide you with information to monitor the changing conditions. We will also speak to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development about resources that agency provides the public. There are a number of issues that could cause you or your family to evacuate. These DOTD resources can help you finalize your evacuation plans.

Show Notes: On this episode of The GOHSEP Get A Game Plan Podcast, we speak to Kevin James, the newly appointed Assistant Deputy Director of Homeland Security and Interoperability for GOHSEP. He will examine some of the improvements being made in the state's cyber security and emergency communications fields. We also speak with East Baton Rouge Emergency Preparedness Director Clay Rives. He will update us on the ongoing recovery efforts following the 2016 flood and explain how Baton Rouge is taking a new approach to emergency response and recovery in the future.

Show Notes: Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate remains very active in the emergency management field. On this episode, he talks to us about what he's doing now, he examines some of the recent events impacting Louisiana and the US and he gives candid information about flood insurance and the need for communities to become more resilient. Also, it's time to Fight the Flu. Dr. Joseph Kanter is the assistant state health officer for the Louisiana Department of Health. He will examine the current flu season and give practical tips to help protect you and your family. All of us play a role in the flu fight.

Show Notes: The flood events of 2016 will leave a lasting mark on the state. But they are also at the center of disaster recovery reform efforts from Washington, D.C., down to the state and local levels. Congressman Garret Graves talks about that fight. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller joins us to explain how he hit the ground running due to the 2016 floods and other recent emergencies. He says those lessons learned will go a long way to helping the public in the future.

Show Notes: The Provisions Project is working to help the faith-based community and civic groups take on responsibilities after a disaster. Find out more and how you can possibly help. Plus, as hurricane season winds down, we face new weather threats during the fall and winter months. Our experts tell us what to prepare for this time of year.

Show Notes: On this episode of The Get a Game Plan Podcast, it's Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Louisiana. Governor Edwards recently signed a proclamation designating October as Cybersecurity Month. We will speak to a member of the state cybersecurity commission about what this means and why it's important for the state moving forward. Also, Catholic Charities will join us to discuss operations before, during and after an emergency. There is also new assistance available for certain families still recovering from the 2016 floods. And, if you want to help our neighbors in North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Florence, we have information you need.

Show Notes: On this episode of The Get a Game Plan Podcast we will speak with Dov Maisel, Vice President of Operations for Israel's United Rescue. He will talk about some of the unique challenges emergency managers face in Israel and the rescue work his organization has taken part in around the world. We will also hear from the Salvation Army on donation management after a disaster. A solid donation strategy is key to being more efficient, starting with the initial recovery process. September is National Preparedness Month. FEMA leaders will give us key steps to keep you and your family safe before an emergency.

Show Notes: We will take a look at what has been, up to this point, a very slow Atlantic Hurricane season. But as anyone along the Gulf Coast will tell you, things can change quickly! On this episode, we visit with Frank Revitte with the National Weather Service to discuss some of the factors involved in our season so far. Laura Mellem with the ‘NOLA Ready' program out of New Orleans also joins us on this episode to talk preparedness.

Show Notes: Summer is here! We are already dealing with scorching temperatures in Louisiana and across the country. Dr. Parham Jaberi from the Louisiana Department of Health will have heat safety information plus tell us about a new campaign called "Look Before You Lock" to prevent children from being left in hot cars. We will also introduce you to GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom. Director Waskom was appointed in 2016 and has already led the state response to several emergencies. Find out how his unique background has helped him lead those efforts.

Show Notes: Pets are a part of the family for many people. What emergency steps should you take to care for your pets during an evacuation? Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain will have information on protecting your pets and livestock. Also, we will speak with St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Director Joe Ganote. St. Charles recently hosted several events to gear up for hurricane season. We'll tell you what's happening in the River Parishes.

Show Notes: The Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness recently hosted the 2018 National Shelter and Housing Workshop in New Orleans. Several recent emergency and disaster events have highlighted the need for states to examine immediate sheltering options and to develop long term housing solutions for their populations. Louisiana is among the states that have recently been hit by natural disasters and is currently recovering from the devastating impacts of the 2016 floods. As a result, GOHSEP has worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal and state partners to develop the workshop which focused on addressing these sheltering and housing concerns after a disaster. The workshop includes reviews of Louisiana's Shelter at Home program, New York's Rapid Repair Housing program, Texas' Partial Repair and Essential Power for Sheltering program and Puerto Rico's Tu Hogar Renace (Your Home Reborn) program. This podcast includes interviews with participants and workshop organizers.

Show Notes: McNeese State University is taking a unique approach to emergency preparedness. We will speak with McNeese Police Chief Robert Spinks about some of the things his office is doing to keep students and faculty safe. Plus- maintaining power at critical facilities can be a challenge when an emergency strikes. We will speak with Lincoln Parish officials about the use of emergency grant money to implement a generator plan at these important sites.

Show Notes: FEMA is hiring! There are a number of career opportunities within the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Find out more about these jobs and steps you can take to begin a new career. Many people in Louisiana have an emergency game plan for supplies and evacuations. What about an emergency legal game plan? We speak with the experts about the legal steps you should take before an emergency to help protect you, your family, your home and your job.

Show notes: On this episode, La. DOTD officials explain what resources are available to help travelers before, during, and after an emergency. We also feature information on Louisiana's Business Emergency Operations Center. This first of its kind plan is now the model many other states follow to link the private sector.

Show notes: On episode 2 of The Get A Game Plan Podcast, we speak to the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Deputy Director Will Rachal about the lessons learned concerning the Shelter at Home program following the August 2016 flood. The foundation for this temporary housing program is now at the center of other recovery efforts in areas impacted by the 2017 hurricanes. We also speak with Meteorologist in Charge Ken Graham from the National Weather Service - New Orleans as we examine the record breaking activity during the 2017 hurricane season. Find out if the trends indicate this level of activity will continue.

Show notes: The premiere episode of The Get A Game Plan Podcast is now available from the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP). Episodes will be available on the second Monday of each month. Host Mike Steele speaks with Aaron Miller, the Orleans Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness about his office's use of social media and other technology used to keep the public informed. We then speak with GOHSEP Senior Project Coordinator Kimberly Poorbaugh about the importance of volunteerism and how we become more resilient before the next disaster strikes.