This Show is a Disaster

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Learn about safety, security, emergency management, disaster preparedness and other related issues. SME guests as they are available. Email: podcast@jasonmcclaren.com

Jason McClaren


    • Aug 28, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 7m AVG DURATION
    • 63 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from This Show is a Disaster

    061 Above Ceiling Compliance

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 12:01


    In this final episode I talk about how above ceiling compliance can be accomplished effectively.

    060 6 Steps Schools Must Take to for COVID Guidelines

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 8:37


    Monitoring building access and optimizing HVAC systems to limit the spread of COVID-19 are just a few ways K-12 schools can reopen with confidence.

    059 Mask Safety - Security Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 4:18


    In this episode I discuss issues with everyone wearing a mask and simple solutions for organizations to consider.

    058 Mentorship in the Security Industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 14:31


    My guest on this episode is Joel Nest, a fellow podcast host, author and private security company director. We talk about how the security industry is not for everyone, but those it is for, we thrive in it everyday.

    057 Heat and Pet Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2020 3:48


    Summer heat is here. Protect your pets! They need shade and water. Limit exercise so they don't overheat, and watch out for paws on asphalt. And please don't leave them in a car!

    056 Emergency Preparedness for Elderly and those with Disabilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2020 5:12


    In this episode I discuss basic issues to address when planning for emergencies as an elderly individual or person with disabilities.

    055 Uniforms in Public Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 5:03


    In this episode I discuss uniforms in public service, specifically as they relate to emergency management personnel.

    054 Business Continuity and Customer Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2020 4:58


    In this episode i talk about how a nationwide internet service outage was dealt with by a communications vendor.

    053 Safety While Attending Fireworks Displays

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 5:44


    In this episode I discuss Safety While Attending Fireworks Displays and things you should be aware of when you go to a public fireworks show.

    052 Independence Day Safety Part 3 - Firework Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 5:29


    Fireworks: The 6 Things You Must Know To Put On Your Own Show Putting on your own fireworks show can be a dazzling, albeit dangerous undertaking and knowing about the effects as well as the dangers of the different types of fireworks is vital. Before you start, it is essential to call your fire station and local police and find out which fireworks are legal and which are not. The six most important factors in putting on your own fireworks show in include: Selecting a site that is appropriate: Take into consideration the firing area, the fallout area and the spectator area. Select an open area that is away from hospitals and other buildings and make sure the ground is level and there is no dry brush or grass around the display area. Also make sure there is plenty of space around the display area where aerial fireworks can safely fall back on without causing any damage or harm. The spectator area should be at an appropriately safe distance. Choosing the right combination of fireworks: If you have an adequately safe space, go all out and create a brilliant pyrotechnics show with an assortment of aerial fireworks including rockets, finned missiles, roman candles, helicopters, multi-shot repeaters and reloadable shells kits. You have to limit your choices if you have a smaller space. Safety: Protect yourself by wearing clothes that are resistant to fire as well as a good pair of safety goggles. It is vital that there should be some source of water nearby, whether it is a water hose or several gallons of water in containers. Setting up the display: Make all preparations during daylight hours. Place the fireworks with smaller ones in front and the large, high flying ones at the back and further away from the spectator area. Firing the display: Before starting up the display confirm the direction of the wind and make sure that the fallout area is still downwind and spectator area is still upwind. If the wind direction has changed, you will have to change the position of the fireworks and how they are fired. Have two people handling the display one for the ground fireworks and the other handling the aerial display. This will reduce the gaps in the display and enhance the continuity. Cleaning up after the show: Inspect the whole after the show and make sure there are no smoldering embers left anywhere. Bag up all used fireworks including those that did not light and dispose of them safely. Leaving firework litter around could be highly dangerous.

    051 Independence Day Safety Part 2 - Barbecue Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2020 4:32


    When it comes to barbecuing, what could be more fun than whipping up sumptuous food on the grill in the company of family and friends? The thing of course is finding the right place for grilling and barbecuing. One favorite spot among true barbecue aficionados would be their very own backyard or outdoor kitchen with their own brick barbecue pit. Actually, any outdoor area is a potential spot for a barbecue but truth be known, the best places for a barbecue are the safest ones. Choose a location for your BBQ grill that is away from trees, leaves, brush and overhanging limbs. Do not setup your gill in a high traffic area where someone may accidentally brush up against the hot grill. When barbecuing in your backyard, be sure that you’re 5 to 10 feet away from your house or any material that can potentially catch fire. Also, be sure the grill is stable and is away from children or pets that may bump into it. It would also be a good idea to have a water supply nearby like a garden hose. If you live in an apartment building with a balcony or rooftop or any other outdoor space, be sure to consult with your building administrator (or in some instances, your local fire department) regarding specific restrictions. Generally, using charcoal and gas grills indoors or anywhere above the first storey is prohibited so you may want to consider electric grills instead for your barbecuing efforts. Another great place to barbecue is in a campsite. Camping is such an exciting way to experience the great outdoors and barbecuing food over a campfire is definitely one of those practical yet cozy things you can do. Just be sure that you are at least 15 feet away from your tent and other camping gears. Protect yourself by using the correct BBQ utensils such as oven mitts, thongs and a good spatula. Avoid wearing loose clothing while near the grill. Always leave the lid to a gas grill open when lighting the fire so the gas does not build up under the cover. If the fire does not initially start, turn off the gas, leave the lid open and wait for at lest five minutes before trying again. It is always a good idea to give your grill a checkup before using for the first time of the season and always store your tanks outside in a upright position where the temperature will never go over 125 degrees. Of course, it’s not just the atmosphere of being outdoors that can make a barbecue fun and special. It’s also in the delicious barbecue dishes that you share with your loved ones. To make it all the more special, try a variety of BBQ rubs, marinades, salsas and BBQ sauce to capture the true taste of great outdoor barbecuing.

    050 - 4th of July Safety Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 6:47


    The Fourth of July is a favorite summer holiday for most Americans. And after all, what’s not to like? When we’re not in the middle of a pandemic, July 4th is day for patriotic parades, backyard barbecues and brilliant fireworks displays lighting up the night sky. In this episode I introduce the 1st in a 5 part series on 4th of July safety.

    049 Surviving the Family Road Trip

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2020 4:15


    Although we are still battling Coronavirus families will be traveling this summer. Traveling with the family can be a great way to spend quality time together but it can also be stressful. Increase your chances of a fun, stress-free and safe vacation by following these simple tips:

    048 The FDA Hand Sanitizer Notice and Reliable Vendors

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 5:13


    The FDA issued a warning for 9 hand sanitizers with a toxic ingredient. In this episode I talk about vendor reliability and safety in the supply chain.

    047 Data and Emergency Management - Andrew Owlett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2020 4:38


    This is a clip of my interview with Andrew Owlett. Andrew is a Resilience, Risk, and Strategy Leader; Startup Leader , Professor and Doctoral Candidate with over 14 years of experience in the Crisis Management and Resilience + Strategy, Innovation, and Data Analytics space. The full interview can be found on our sister podcast Leadership Loading in a few weeks.

    046 Interview with Tiffany Parker - Emergency Manager and Author

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 8:28


    In this episode, Tiffany Parker and I discuss her new book "Whispered like Wildfire" which you can pick up at https://amzn.to/3hcfkq2 and Reclaim611.org. An organization that is uniting front-line providers to Recognize, Respond, Report and Reclaim victims of human trafficking. (clip from our sister podcast, Leadership Loading)

    045 Emergency Managers Now Advising 7 Days of Supplies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2020 4:02


    In this episode I discuss the new trend for 7 day emergency supply kits. Get a free supply kit list at www.jasonmcclaren.com/products-/

    044 Mental Health and COVID lockdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2020 5:18


    In this episode I discuss the basics of mental health and how we can break out of lockdown safely.

    043 The worldwide shortage of PPE and what Miakomo is doing to help - Jason and Tara Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 10:07


    In this episode I talk to Jason and Tara Anderson about the Miakomo PPE mask frame and how it is being used to battle the Coronavirus, how it can help in future pandemics and how the shortage of PPE around the globe can benefit. Use code "McClaren25" for 25% off at www.miakomo.com

    coronavirus ppe tara anderson
    042 Kid Safe Week - Burns and Scalds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2020 6:27


    In this episode I talk hard facts about burns and scalds Fire/burn related injuries are among the leading ten causes of unintentional injury in children ages 0 to 5, with children 2 and younger at greatest risk. Every day, 300 children ages 0 to 19 are treated in emergency departments for burn-related injuries. Top Tips Preventing Burns and Scalds Create a kid-free zone. Teach younger children to stay at least 3 feet away from your cooking space. If you need to watch babies while cooking, place them in highchair outside of the kid-free zone where you can see them. Keep hot objects out of children’s reach. Cook on the back burners of the stove and turn pot handles away from the edge. Keep hot foods and drinks away from the edge of your counters and tables. Teach older children how to cook safely. Make sure they don’t leave the kitchen while cooking and use oven mitts or potholders to carry hot pots and pans. Check bathwater temperature. Before placing your child in the bath, check the water temperature with on the inside of your wrist. The water should feel warm to the touch, not hot. Watch children around fireplaces. When a gas fireplace is turned on, the glass is extremely hot and can take more than an hour to cool down after it is turned off. Keep children away from the fireplace to prevent burns from the hot glass.

    041 Protesters, Looting, Rioting and Hurricanes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 4:41


    In this episode I discuss some of the security issues with riot prevention and the start of Hurricane Season

    040 Scrubbing the SpaceX shuttle launch, work from home fatigue.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 5:41


    In our 40th episode! I talk about the safety factors that led to scrubbing the SpaceX shuttle launch on May 27, 2020 and how it is going with working from home. www.jasonmcclaren.com/podcast

    039 The first complete redesign of the fire extinguisher in over 65 Years.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2020 20:15


    In this episode I sit down with John Tabacek. John is the VP of Sales for Fire Technology Innovations, a Master Distributor for the Rusoh Eliminator, the first complete redesign of the fire extinguisher in over 65 Years. John Tabacek j.tabacek@teamfti.com www.rusoh.com

    038 The crewed SpaceX launch May 2020

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2020 5:22


    In this episode I talk about what is going on with the SpaceX crewed rocket launch and how it relates to safety/emergency preparedness.

    037 - EMS Week Thoughts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 7:38


    In this episode I cover the different goals for EMS week this year.

    036 - Ways to Recognize Your Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2020 6:06


    In this episode I discuss a few ways to recognize your employees or staff during the coronavirus response. COVID Challenge coins available at https://lnkd.in/ekb-QvQ

    035 - Why business should be your second or terminal degree.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 6:38


    In this episode I talk about why even though you may be in a public safety or emergency preparedness field. Your second or terminal degree should be in the business course of study.

    034 - Minuteman Disaster Response - Matt Payne

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2020 11:53


    Minuteman Disaster Response (MDR) is a first-responder support team comprised of well-trained volunteers. Matt is the Executive Director for MDR and got involved with Minuteman because he felt a need to serve others in their time of need while building relationships with like-minded individuals in an atmosphere of service and adventure. Check them out at https://www.minutemanresponse.org

    033 - Surge in emergency management and homeland security field?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2020 4:32


    In this episode I give my thoughts on this article about the possible surge in careers in the emergency management and homeland security field due to COVID-19. Source: https://universitybusiness.com/a-pennsylvania-college-expects-surge-in-emergency-management-and-homeland-security-field/

    032 - Hurricane Preparedness Week - Strengthen Your Home

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 3:15


    In this episode I talk about a few ways you can protect your home during a hurricane.

    031 Hurricane Preparedness Week - Check your Insurance - This Show is a Disaster

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 2:43


    In this episode, I talk about 3 tips to ensure your insurance is adequate in case of a hurricane.

    030 Hurricane Preparedness Week - Build a Kit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 3:55


    In this episode, I talk about what you should consider in building your evacuation kit.

    029 Hurricane Preparedness Week - Develop an Evacuation Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 3:08


    In this episode I talk about what to consider in developing your hurricane evacuation plan.

    028 Central Texas Disaster Assistance Response Team - Andrea Forte

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 10:02


    In this episode, Andrea and I discuss how the VOAD Cen-Tex DART responds to disasters and how they support local and regional emergency operations. Find out more about them at www.centexdisasterresponders.org

    027 Security and Safety while returning from the stay at home orders.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 4:28


    In this episode I talk about some of the safety and security issues you should consider when returning to work after a long time away.

    026 Reopening America and the safety issues that are associated.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 5:31


    In this episode I talk about the plan to reopen America and some of the recurring disaster we have to deal with while battling COVID-19.

    025 Business Continuity During the Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 6:27


    In this episode I talk about business continuity and some of the local efforts I have seen take shape during the COVID-19 pandemic and some not so fruitful responses. www.jasonmcclaren.com

    024 Volunteer Week Day 5 with Matthew Lerret

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 9:06


    In this episode I chat with Matt Lerret, he is a 3x AmeriCorps Alum and current emegency manager at FEMA. We talk about how Americorp helps the nation during disaster.

    023 Volunteer Week Day 4 with Ken Bush KB5YBI

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2020 10:00


    On this episode Ken Bush KB5YBI and I chat about how HAM radio operators volunteer during emergencies. Learn more about HAM radio, the ARRL and ARES at http://www.arrl.org/ares

    022 Volunteer Week Day 3 with Cilla Wichmann

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 9:32


    In this episode, Cilla and I discuss how CERT assists in disasters and how she got started as a CERT Regional Coordinator in East Texas.

    021 Volunteer Week Day 2 with Nick LaGrassa

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2020 11:12


    In this episode, Nick and I discuss volunteering, a little how VOADs can assist in disasters and how sometimes volunteering can be just one on one.

    020 Volunteer Week Day 1 with Charlie Palocy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 17:08


    In this episode, Charlie and I discuss how volunteers are helping in the COVID pandemic. Check out Charlie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlespalocy/ This episode in partnership with Miakomo, premium face masks that allow utilizing 1 -N95 as several filters. Check out www.miakomo.com

    019 Did we over respond to the pandemic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 5:04


    In this episode I talk about if we over responded to COVID-19, how we are managing multiple disasters.

    018 Routines while working remotely with Lucas Root

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 10:28


    In this episode Lucas Root and I talk about how we can keep our routines while working remotely and transitioning back to the workplace when the pandemic quarantine is over.

    017 Front-line Response to the pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2020 13:17


    In this episode Mike Allen and I talk about his hazardous materials (HAZMAT) background, the Center for Domestic Preparedness and how that helped his agency respond to the COVID-19 efforts.

    016 Is it recovery time for the pandemic?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 9:28


    In this episode I discuss the recovery options during the COVID-19 pandemic and some examples on why I think we are a bit too early.

    015 Using Quarantine for Professional Development - Chad Hardesty

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 6:27


    In this episode Chad and I discuss what led him to develop the Facebook Group "AF Quarantine University" and how it is helping Air Force Service Members maintain professional development during the COVID-19 quarantine.

    014 Networking in your career - Pablo Gonzalez

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 8:57


    Networking is important in all careers but even more so in the emergency preparedness, security and safety industries. In this episode Pablo and I talk about why networking is important and tips he has. http://connectwithpablo.com/

    010 Social Media during the pandemic, good or bad?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 9:20


    In this episode I discuss the good and bad trends that I have seen over the first couple of weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. Not sure why the audio is playing in semi-slow mode but you get the idea :)

    013 Communications and Emergency Management

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2020 7:27


    In this episode I talk about communication methods and why it is important to have redundant systems. Did I miss anything? Email me jason@jasonmcclaren.com

    012 Emergency Trailers - Casey Waits

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 9:26


    Casey and I talk about emergency trailers and how they are a resource and tool for safety, security and emergency management agencies. Check them out at www.emergencytrailer.com or www.instagram.com/emergencytrailer/

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