Special 3-Part Series: Recovery Unpacked - Public Assistance
In part 1 of the DisasterSmiths Special Series, we dive into one of FEMA’s most essential disaster recovery tools: the Public Assistance (PA) Program. From clearing debris to rebuilding public infrastructure, PA funding plays a critical role in helping communities bounce back after federally declared disasters. The Smiths are joined by Anne Bink, IEM Director of Recovery, and Jake Ganieany, Bureau Chief of Mitigation and Recovery for Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. Together, they unpack how the program works, who’s eligible, and how it’s evolved to strengthen communities recovering from catastrophic events. We explore the lifecycle of a PA grant—from application to reimbursement—and tackle common challenges and misconceptions jurisdictions face along the way.
--------
32:07
--------
32:07
Mutual Aid in the Dust: The Burning Man Project’s Emergency Ecosystem
What happens when a rural desert county of 7,000 people transforms into a pop-up city of 70,000 practically overnight? In this episode, we step into the playa with the emergency management and event planning professionals who help make Burning Man possible—and safe. Our guests include the local emergency manager for Pershing County, Nevada, and a Director from within the Burning Man project. Together, they offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how public agencies, private teams, and event organizers collaborate in one of the most unique and logistically complex annual gatherings in the world. From mutual aid agreements and contingency planning to sandstorms, heavy rain, and medical emergencies, we explore the critical partnerships that form the backbone of Burning Man’s emergency ecosystem.As emergencies become more complex and collaboration is more essential than ever, this is more than a story about managing risk—it's about trust, communication, and the power of relationships when it matters most.
--------
30:59
--------
30:59
Anthems of Resilience: The Soundtrack of Recovery
DJ, drop that beat! This DisasterSmiths episode hits differently. Our DisasterSmiths hosts are turning up the volume on resilience, diving into the powerful role music plays in recovery after disaster. From community singalongs to global benefit concerts that raise millions, music becomes more than a mood after a crisis; it becomes a movement. Join our hosts as they explore how songs from artists like Led Zeppelin and Kacey Musgraves transform into emotional lifelines, stitching hope into heartbreak and rhythm into resilience. For this episode, we are the DJs of Disasters—curating a playlist where every note tells a story of survival. Whether it’s the anthem that carried you through the storm or the beat that brought a community back together, this episode will leave you humming a tune of hope. Explore our playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HgtclBMQa7pkVeTt6sqyb?si=v6jFJfgdSu2-xKPrITAEEg
--------
32:18
--------
32:18
Public + Private: The Business Equation for Recovery
When disaster strikes, it's not just power grids and roads, rather entire local economies hang in the balance. In this compelling episode of DisasterSmiths, we pull back the curtain on Business Emergency Operations Centers (BEOCs). Sometimes overlooked, BEOCs are vital hubs where public agencies and private enterprises join forces in crisis. Joined by seasoned experts, our hosts dive deep into how BEOCs serve as the bridge between government response and business continuity, helping communities rebound faster and stronger. From pre-disaster planning to boots-on-the-ground coordination, discover how building these partnerships before disaster hits can mean the difference between temporary disruption and long-term devastation. This episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you thinking differently about the private sector's place in disaster response.
--------
30:33
--------
30:33
Critical Alliances: Elected Officials and Emergency Managers
When disaster strikes, leadership and coordination can mean the difference between chaos and recovery. In this gripping episode, we explore the high-stakes partnership between emergency managers and elected officials. These leaders must work in lockstep to protect and serve their communities. While their roles and perspectives may differ, their mission is the same: to lead with clarity, act decisively, and restore order amid crisis.Join us as we unpack real-world case studies, uncover the challenges of crisis communication, and reveal how trust, collaboration, and swift decision-making shape disaster outcomes. From emergency declarations to community messaging, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the critical alliances that keep communities resilient when every second counts.
IEM Unscripted presents DisasterSmiths, a dynamic podcast that dives into the heard of disaster resilience. Join us as we explore the practical solutions, innovative programs, and dedicated service delivery crafted to aid disaster survivors and fortify communities. Our mission is clear – to make our communities more resilient in the face of adversity.
USA