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The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Todd T. De Voe

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.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Today

Episodes20

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  • Today · 12 min

    Manufacturing Quiet Tuesdays

    Manufacturing Quiet Tuesdays National Emergency Management Awareness Month, and a Confirmed Administrator at Last Host: Todd T. DeVoe, CEM Runtime: 11:45 Recorded: August 8, 2026 SHOW NOTES August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month, and this year it arrives alongside news the field has waited two years to hear. On Friday, August 7, the Senate confirmed Cameron Hamilton as Administrator of FEMA, part of a block of 74 nominations. After two years of acting titles and senior officials performing the duties of, there is a name on the door that stays there. Todd DeVoe uses the occasion for something other than policy analysis. This one is a thank you. Not the conference kind. The real one. He works through the profession person by person. The one-person department that also serves as the planning section, the logistics section, and the PIO. The planner who has read the same evacuation annex forty times, looking for the change that will matter, and who will never be told it worked. The duty officer at two in the morning, with the full picture assembled by four. The recovery specialist is still sitting at a kitchen table over a three-year-old declaration. The exercise designer who wrote a scenario meant enough to embarrass people, because an exercise that everybody passes taught nobody anything. The FEMA staff who stayed through the uncertainty. And the twenty-six-year-old, at their first activation, convinced everyone else in the room that they knew something they did not. They do not. Everybody is reading the same situation report. Then the harder part. This profession’s best work is invisible by design. The evacuation goes smoothly, and there is no story. The warning goes out early and the numbers stay low. Success is indistinguishable from a quiet Tuesday. Todd reaches for Marcus Aurelius on the vine that produces grapes and does not go looking for applause, and lands on what Awareness Month is actually for: not asking for credit, but explaining what the quiet costs and who pays for it, so the October budget conversation goes a little easier. The last thank you goes to the families. The empty chair at dinner. The eleven-word activation text that reorganizes a week. The skill of falling back asleep after the duty phone rings at three. And the thing most people miss entirely is being the first responder to the responder who came home from a bad one and could not yet talk about it. There is no ICS position for that. Maybe there should be. CHAPTERS 00:51 The Senate confirms Cameron Hamilton as FEMA Administrator 02:56 Doc, welcome back. Why a permanent name on the door matters 03:07 Awareness Month, year two, and the traction it has built 04:08 Thank you, department by department 06:13 To the ones who are new: stay 06:40 When you do your best work, nothing happens 07:05 Marcus Aurelius and the business of manufacturing quiet Tuesdays 07:58 To the spouses, partners, and kids 09:26 A wildland firefighter son, and both sides of that door 09:42 Not a profession in decline. A profession that took a hit and stayed on its feet 10:52 Your assignment for the rest of August YOUR ASSIGNMENT It takes about four minutes. Find one person in this field whose work you have benefited from and tell them. Not on social media. Call them, and name the specific thing they did. Then find one family member, yours or someone else’s, and thank them for the hours that got taken from them. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE IAEM launched National Emergency Management Awareness Month in August 2025. Auburn, Washington signed its proclamation on August 3. San Bernardino County is running a campaign called Behind the Ready. Senate confirmation of Cameron Hamilton, August 7, 2026, in a block of 74 nominations, 51 to 47. 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

  • July 27 · 40 min

    National Emergency Management Advocacy Month: Why Our Voice Matters

    Episode Description August is National Emergency Management Advocacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of speaking up for the emergency management profession and the communities we serve. In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky discuss why advocacy is essential to the future of emergency management. From educating elected officials and building partnerships to securing resources and strengthening community resilience, advocacy isn’t about politics—it’s about ensuring emergency managers have a seat at the table before decisions are made. Todd and Andrew share practical ways emergency managers at every level can become advocates, explain the difference between advocacy and lobbying, and discuss how small conversations can lead to meaningful change. Whether you’re a student, practitioner, volunteer, or executive, this episode will inspire you to help advance the profession and better prepare the communities you serve. Show Notes In This Episode Emergency management has never been more important, yet many people—including policymakers—still don’t fully understand what emergency managers do. National Emergency Management Advocacy Month provides an opportunity to change that. Todd and Andrew discuss: * What National Emergency Management Advocacy Month is and why it exists * Why advocacy is a professional responsibility * The difference between advocacy and lobbying * How emergency managers can educate elected officials and community leaders * Why relationships built before disasters matter * The importance of telling the emergency management story * How advocacy can improve funding, staffing, planning, and preparedness * The role of professional organizations like IAEM and NEMA * Practical advocacy ideas for emergency managers at the local, state, tribal, territorial, federal, private-sector, and nonprofit levels * How every emergency manager can make a difference—even without holding a leadership position Key Takeaways * Advocacy is about education, not politics. * Emergency management deserves a voice wherever public policy is discussed. * Strong relationships built today strengthen disaster response tomorrow. * Every emergency manager is an ambassador for the profession. * Advocacy helps build safer, more resilient communities. Challenge for Listeners During National Emergency Management Advocacy Month: * Schedule a meeting with a local elected official. * Invite community leaders to tour your Emergency Operations Center. * Share your emergency management story on social media. * Mentor someone entering the profession. * Participate in advocacy efforts through your professional association. * Take time to explain what emergency management really does to someone outside the field. Quote of the Episode “Advocacy isn’t about asking for more. It’s about helping people understand the value emergency management brings before, during, and after disaster.” Connect With Us Follow the Emergency Management Network for more conversations with leaders from across the emergency management profession. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with a colleague who is passionate about building more resilient communities. 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

  • July 13 · 42 min

    The Most Beautiful Game: Managing the FIFA World Cup 2026 from the JTOC

    EMN Podcast Episode Description The Most Beautiful Game: Managing the FIFA World Cup 2026 from the JTOC What does it take to keep one of the largest sporting events in history running safely behind the scenes? In this special episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, host Todd DeVoe takes listeners inside the Joint Tournament Operations Center (JTOC) during the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering a rare, first-hand look at the emergency management professionals who worked around the clock to support one of the world’s most complex events. While billions of fans watched the action unfold on the pitch, another team was monitoring weather, coordinating intelligence, tracking team movements, managing rumors, preparing for protests, supporting public safety, and solving problems before the public ever knew they existed. From the Planning Section to logistics, communications, technology, and multi-agency coordination, this episode explores what it really means to operate at the center of a global event. Todd shares stories from more than a month inside the JTOC, lessons learned from building an interagency team under pressure, and the leadership principles that transformed a room full of professionals into a family. You’ll hear about the challenges no one saw, the victories no one celebrated on television, and why success in emergency management is often measured by what doesn’t happen. Whether you’re an emergency manager, first responder, public safety professional, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain of a mega-event, this episode provides an inside look at the planning, coordination, and resilience required to support the most beautiful game. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How a Joint Tournament Operations Center functions during a global sporting event. * The role of emergency management in supporting FIFA World Cup operations. * Lessons in leadership, planning, and multi-agency coordination. * How situational awareness, information sharing, and decision-making work in real time. * Why relationships—not technology—remain the most important resource during complex incidents. Join us as we pull back the curtain on one of the most ambitious emergency management operations ever undertaken and discover how thousands of hours of preparation made the extraordinary look effortless. The FIFA Tournament Operations Center serves as the central hub connecting host cities, venue operations, security, communications, and tournament leadership to ensure seamless coordination across the competition. Because in emergency management, the best stories are often the ones the public never hears. 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 8 · 7 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. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources Seismic 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 Hawaii Wildfire operations · NIFC: Incident Management Situation Report, Sunday June 7, 2026, 0730 MDT (source for all state fire incidents and acreage) · NIFC: National Fire News Severe 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 Dakota Tropical weather · NHC: Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook · NOAA: NOAA predicts below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season Volcano · USGS: Kilauea volcano updates FEMA 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 · 5 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. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources NIFC / Wildfire • NIFC Incident Management Situation Report — National daily wildfire situation report and preparedness level • NIFC National Fire News — National wildland fire activity summary CISA • 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 deadlines USGS — Volcano • USGS Kilauea Volcano Updates — Hawaiian Volcano Observatory status and alert level for Kilauea Severe 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 outlooks FEMA • 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 flooding USGS — Earthquakes • USGS Significant Earthquakes — 2026 — No significant U.S. seismic events in the last 24 hours California • 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 page New 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 information South 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 · 7 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. Sources FEMA • 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 System NOAA NWS and SPC • NHC: Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Tropical Weather Outlook • SPC: Day 1 Convective Outlook • Climate Prediction Center: Probabilistic Hazards Outlook USGS • 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 map Alaska • 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 index Travel 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 · 35 min

    Chemical Reality Check: Garden Grove’s 50,000-Person Evacuation

    Episode Description What 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 Episode Understanding 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 Hosts Todd 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 · 39 min

    The 48 Laws of Emergency Management:

    Episode Description In 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 Notes The 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 professionals The 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. Tags Emergency 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 · 40 min

    FEMA Review Council: Reform, Reality, and the Future of Emergency Management

    Episode Description This 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 Summary The 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 resilience Discussion 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 Thoughts Emergency 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 · 33 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 Conversation The 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 · 12 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. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources CISA • 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-brief NIFC 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-brief FEMA • 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-brief USGS • 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-brief NOAA 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-brief Travel 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-brief Alaska • 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-brief California • CAL FIRE incidents, current fire activity and evacuations: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents?utm_source=em-morning-brief Colorado • 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-brief Florida • 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-brief Georgia • 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-brief Hawaii • USGS Kilauea volcano updates, current eruption status and forecast: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates?utm_source=em-morning-brief Illinois • 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-brief Kentucky • 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-brief Michigan • 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-brief Mississippi • 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-brief Missouri • 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-brief Nevada • 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-brief New 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-brief Oklahoma • 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-brief Pennsylvania • 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-brief Tennessee • 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-brief Texas • 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-brief Northern 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 · 35 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 resonates Why 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 · 11 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. Sponsors The NIMS Store - The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources Storm Prediction Center / NWS • SPC Apr 27, 2026 Day 1 Convective Outlook • SPC Apr 26, 2026 Day 1 Fire Weather Outlook DHS / CISA • DHS National Terrorism Advisory System • CISA Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories • CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog FEMA • 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 Updates NIFC / InciWeb • Incident Management Situation Report, Sunday, April 26, 2026 • NIFC National Fire News • Sand Drain Fire (FLFNF) on InciWeb CDC / Public Health • CDC Health Alert Network archive • CDC Measles Cases and Outbreaks (2026 data) U.S. Department of State • Travel Advisories California • 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 InciWeb Georgia • 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 Wildfires Hawaii • USGS HVO Kīlauea Volcano Notice (Apr 26, 2026) • Office of the Governor (HI): FEMA Affirms Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaiʻi Maryland & Pennsylvania • FEMA to Evaluate Readiness for Peach Bottom REP Exercise Severe 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

  • April 24 · 11 min

    Trump signs CNMI Major Disaster Declaration after Super Typhoon Sinlaku; tornado emergency hits Enid and forces Vance AFB closure

    On today’s EM Morning Brief for Friday, April 24, 2026: President Trump signs a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, unlocking federal Individual and Public Assistance for Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands. A tornado emergency strikes Enid, Oklahoma, late Thursday, damaging Gray Ridge Estates and forcing Vance Air Force Base to close while crews restore power and water. The Storm Prediction Center carries an Enhanced Risk for severe storms on Friday from the Ark-La-Tex through Little Rock and into Memphis, with all severe hazards possible. Georgia’s Pineland Road Fire grows to roughly 29,600 acres as the statewide burn ban remains in effect. Kilauea’s Episode 45 ends after 8.5 hours of fountaining, and HVO downgrades the alert to ADVISORY/YELLOW. Critical fire weather continues across the central Plains, and FEMA disaster recovery operations advance in Whatcom County, Washington. 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 Declaration: President Trump signs the declaration Friday morning, unlocking FEMA Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation funding across Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. • Enid Oklahoma Tornado Emergency: NWS Norman issued a Tornado Emergency near Vance Air Force Base; Gray Ridge Estates suffered major damage, at least ten injuries reported, no fatalities; Vance AFB remains closed until further notice. • Friday Severe Weather Outbreak: SPC Enhanced Risk covers northeast Texas, the Ark-La-Tex, central Arkansas, the Memphis metro, and the Missouri Bootheel; supercell tornadoes, very large hail, and damaging winds possible. • Georgia Wildfires: Pineland Road Fire in Clinch and Echols counties at approximately 29,606 acres / 10 percent contained; Highway 82 Fire in Brantley at approximately 4,438 acres / 15 percent contained; statewide burn ban and 91-county State of Emergency continue. • Florida Railroad Fire: Holds at 4,406 acres with 65 percent containment; mop-up underway, voluntary evacuations remain on Varney Road and Woodard Lane. • Kilauea Episode 45 Ends: Halemaumau eruption episode ended at 10:01 a.m. HST April 23 after 8.5 hours of fountaining; HVO downgrades alert level to ADVISORY and Aviation Color Code to YELLOW. • Montana East Side Fire: Approximately 1,200 acres at 0 percent containment; 100 personnel and aviation engaged; cold front and possible heavy snow expected by Saturday evening. • Critical Fire Weather: Red Flag Warnings continue across portions of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming for April 24. • Arizona Doney Park Boil Water Advisory: Precautionary advisory remains in effect for roughly 6,000–9,000 customers after APS Public Safety Power Shutoff disrupted high-elevation water pressurization northeast of Flagstaff. • Michigan Statewide Flooding Emergency: Whitmer’s State of Emergency under Executive Order 2026-9 remains active; 40+ counties affected; State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. • CISA Cyber Updates: April 20 KEV deadline for three Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager flaws hit April 23; remaining five additions due May 4; six new ICS advisories issued April 23. • Washington Whatcom County DAC: FEMA Disaster Assistance Center at Advent Christian Church in Sumas continues operations; Individual Assistance application deadline June 10, 2026. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources FEMA • FEMA press release — President Donald J. Trump Approves Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands — https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260424/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-commonwealth • RNZ News — Trump approves major disaster declaration for Northern Marianas following Sinlaku — https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific_northern-marianas/593330/trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-for-northern-marianas-following-sinlaku • Isla Public Radio — Trump approves major disaster declaration for CNMI after Sinlaku destruction — https://www.islapublic.org/news/2026-04-24/trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-for-cnmi-after-sinlaku-destruction • FEMA Disaster Declarations index — All current declarations — https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations • Whatcom County DAC — FEMA Disaster Assistance Center opens at Advent Christian Church — https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260420/disaster-assistance-center-will-open-whatcom-county DHS • DHS NTAS — National Terrorism Advisory System — no active bulletin — https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system CISA • CISA KEV catalog — Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog • CISA April 20 KEV alert — Eight KEV additions including three Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager flaws — https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2026/04/20/cisa-adds-eight-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog • CISA ICS Advisories index — Recent ICS advisories list — https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories • CISA ICSA-26-113-06 — Intrado 911 Emergency Gateway — https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-113-06 NIFC and InciWeb • NIFC IMSR — Incident Management Situation Report — https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf • NIFC National Fire News — National wildland fire news and statistics — https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn • InciWeb East Side Fire — Custer Gallatin NF East Side Fire incident page — https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnf-east-side-fire NWS and Storm Prediction Center • SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook — Storm Prediction Center Friday outlook — https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html • NWS Active Alerts — All current National Weather Service alerts — https://www.weather.gov/alerts • Cabarrus Weekly summary — Arkansas, Memphis, and Shreveport severe weather outbreak Friday April 24 — https://cabarrusweekly.com/arkansas-memphis-and-shreveport-square-up-for-severe-weather-outbreak-friday-april-24-with-large-risk-zone/ • NWS Little Rock outlook — All severe hazards possible Friday afternoon and night — https://cabarrusweekly.com/all-severe-hazards-possible-as-scattered-strong-to-severe-storms-target-arkansas-friday-afternoon-into-friday-night/ • Watchers.news — Tornado Watch issued for NE/IA/MO; higher-end threat across KS and OK on April 23 — https://watchers.news/2026/04/23/tornado-watch-issued-nebraska-iowa-missouri-higher-end-threat-expected-across-kansas-oklahoma/ USGS • HVO Kilauea volcano updates — Episode 45 ended; alert downgrade — https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates • USGS HVO notice 2026-04-23T19:07:34Z — Volcano notice for Kilauea — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-04-23T19:07:34+00:00 • USGS AVO notice 2026-04-23T20:33:52Z — Great Sitkin volcano notice — WATCH/ORANGE — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-AVO-2026-04-23T20:33:52+00:00 • Honolulu Star-Advertiser — Lava fountains from Kilauea Episode 45 end after 8.5 hours — https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026/04/23/breaking-news/lava-fountaining-marks-start-of-episode-45-at-kilauea-summit/ Travel Advisories • U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisories index — https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html FDA and CDC • CDC HAN Archive — Health Alert Network Archive — https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/index.html • FDA Recalls and Safety Alerts — FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts — https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts FAA • FAA NAS Status — National Airspace System Status — https://nasstatus.faa.gov/ Alaska • AVO Great Sitkin notice — April 23 volcano notice — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-AVO-2026-04-23T20:33:52+00:00 Arizona • KNAU — Boil water advisory impacts 9,000 residents northeast of Flagstaff — https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2026-04-23/boil-water-advisory-impacts-9-000-residents-northeast-of-flagstaff • FOX 10 Phoenix — APS shuts off power to 6,000 Flagstaff-area customers for wildfire prevention — https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/aps-shuts-off-power-6000-flagstaff-area-customers-wildfire-prevention • AZFamily — Power restored to northern Arizona APS customers after fire risk shutdown — https://www.azfamily.com/2026/04/23/power-restored-northern-arizona-aps-customers-after-fire-risk-shutdown/ Arkansas • Cabarrus Weekly — Arkansas Friday severe weather outbreak details — https://cabarrusweekly.com/all-severe-hazards-possible-as-scattered-strong-to-severe-storms-target-arkansas-friday-afternoon-into-friday-night/ Florida • News4JAX — Railroad Fire holds at 4,406 acres, reaches 65% containment — https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/04/23/railroad-fire-holds-at-4406-acres-reaches-60-containment/ • First Coast News — Railroad Fire in Clay and Putnam counties — maps and updates — https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/wildfire/railroad-fire-in-clay-county-and-putnam-county-maps-updates-evacuation-routes/77-66c1436f-8259-462c-bd1e-11beb090f66d Georgia • Office of the Governor — Gov. Kemp declares State of Emergency in response to South Georgia wildfires — https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-04-22/gov-kemp-declares-state-emergency-response-south-georgia-wildfires • Georgia Forestry Commission — Current Wildfire Information and Resources — https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/ • ABC News — Two major Georgia blazes grow to more than 34,000 acres — https://abcnews.com/US/georgia-wildfire-destroys-dozens-homes-spreads-5000-acres/story?id=132268739 • WRDW — Wildfires continue to rage in Georgia as state gets federal help — https://www.wrdw.com/2026/04/23/wildfires-continue-rage-georgia-state-gets-federal-help/ Hawaii • Spectrum News Hawaii — Kilauea’s 45th episode sends lava fountains hundreds of feet into the air — https://spectrumlocalnews.com/hi/hawaii/news/2026/04/23/kilauea-45th-episode-starts • USGS HVO notice — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-04-23T19:07:34+00:00 Iowa • WOWT — Tornado touches down in southwest Iowa as severe weather rolls through Omaha metro — https://www.wowt.com/2026/04/23/first-alert-6-weather-day-strong-storms-possible-thursday-afternoon/ • WOWT viewer video — https://www.wowt.com/video/2026/04/24/viewer-video-tornado-southwest-iowa/ Michigan • Michigan Whitmer Executive Order 2026-9 — https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/state-orders-and-directives/2026/04/20/executive-order-2026-9-declaration-of-state-of-emergency • Michigan State Police EM&HSD — https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/emhsd/2026-statewide-flooding Montana • Billings Gazette — https://billingsgazette.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_bfe3fbe2-9ca5-462e-a179-5a83d2d8850f.html • InciWeb East Side Fire — https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnf-east-side-fire Oklahoma • CBS News — Tornado roars through Enid; Air Force base forced to close — https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tornado-roars-through-parts-of-oklahoma/ • FOX Weather — Photos: Violent tornado rips through Enid, Oklahoma — https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/tornado-rips-through-oklahoma-community-first-responders-action • News9 — Vance Air Force Base closed until further notice following severe storms — https://www.news9.com/oklahoma-city-news/vance-air-force-base-closed-until-further-notice-following-severe-storms • Watchers.news — https://watchers.news/2026/04/24/tornado-enid-oklahoma-damage-homes-vance-afb-april-2026/ • Enid News & Eagle — https://www.enidnews.com/news/breaking-no-fatalities-reported-after-gray-ridge-estates-hit-by-tornado/article_1967e27b-1268-4217-b959-9cedaa9c397d.html Texas • Cabarrus Weekly — https://cabarrusweekly.com/arkansas-memphis-and-shreveport-square-up-for-severe-weather-outbreak-friday-april-24-with-large-risk-zone/ Washington • FEMA Whatcom County DAC — https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260420/disaster-assistance-center-will-open-whatcom-county • KING 5 — https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/fema-begins-home-inspections-whatcom-county-flood-victims-months-devastating-sumas-flooding/281-9d5fab34-763b-4441-88bb-a65e82f45798 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam • FEMA press release — President Trump approves Major Disaster Declaration for CNMI — https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260424/president-donald-j-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-commonwealth • Marianas Press — Trump approves CNMI major disaster declaration request — https://marianaspress.com/news/article/breaking-trump-approves-cnmi-major-disaster-declaration-request • ASPR HHS — Public Health Emergency for Guam and CNMI — https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/PHE-Typhoon-Sinlaku.aspx • ReliefWeb — https://reliefweb.int/report/northern-mariana-islands-united-states-america/cnmi-s-disaster-declaration-approved-white This is a public episode. 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  • April 23 · 13 min

    Georgia declares statewide wildfire State of Emergency; CISA Cisco Catalyst KEV deadline arrives

    On today’s EM Morning Brief for Thursday, April 23, 2026: Georgia’s governor declares a State of Emergency across 91 counties as the Brantley and Echols County wildfires burn more than 20,000 combined acres and destroy at least 54 homes. CISA’s April 23 federal remediation deadline hits for three actively exploited Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager flaws, with five additional KEV additions due May 4. A Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning covers southern Colorado, and severe storms capable of hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes target Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. FEMA announces a Major Disaster Declaration for Montana’s Lincoln County, Kīlauea remains at WATCH/ORANGE within its episode 45 forecast window, and Typhoon Sinlaku recovery continues across the Mariana Islands. 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 • Georgia State of Emergency: Governor Kemp declares a State of Emergency for 91 counties in South Georgia, with the first statewide mandatory burn ban in GFC history; Brantley County fire destroys at least 54 homes, and Echols County residents evacuate. • CISA KEV Cisco Deadline: FCEB agencies are required to remediate three actively exploited Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager vulnerabilities today; the remaining five KEV additions are due May 4. • Critical Fire Weather: Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning in southern Colorado, with widespread Red Flag Warnings extending across Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Texas. • Severe Storms Plains-to-Midwest: SPC Slight Risk for large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes from southern Kansas into southern Minnesota on Thursday, with additional severe weather expected through the weekend. • Montana Disaster Declaration: FEMA announces Major Disaster Declaration for Lincoln County for December severe winter storms and flooding; Public Assistance available. • Montana East Side Fire: Custer Gallatin NF fire stands at 1,204 acres with 0% containment; evacuations lifted but crews watch for increasing southwest winds. • Florida Railroad Fire: Approximately 4,186 acres burning along the Clay–Putnam county line at 55% containment; shelter open at Bostwick Community Center. • Texas Flash Flooding: 20 families evacuated from Williamson County RV parks as the San Gabriel River rises; Hobby Airport issued a ground stop for thunderstorms; Central Bowie County under boil water advisory. • Volcanic Activity: Kīlauea at WATCH/ORANGE with episode 45 lava fountaining likely April 22–23; Alaska’s Great Sitkin remains at WATCH/ORANGE with continued lava effusion. • Boil Water and Water Systems: Active boil water advisories include Stanardsville VA, Paintsville KY, Tangipahoa LA, Central Bowie County TX; West Columbia SC lifted and Rota CNMI lifted. • Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery: HHS Public Health Emergency remains in effect for Guam and CNMI; CNMI major disaster declaration awaits final presidential signoff; Saipan and Tinian remain under boil water advisories. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources CISA • CISA Adds Eight KEV April 20, 2026 — federal deadlines April 23 and May 4 — https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2026/04/20/cisa-adds-eight-known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog • CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog • The Hacker News coverage — CISA adds 8 KEV with federal deadlines — https://thehackernews.com/2026/04/cisa-adds-8-exploited-flaws-to-kev-sets.html • CISA ICS Advisories index — https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories DHS • DHS National Terrorism Advisory System — no active bulletin — https://www.dhs.gov/national-terrorism-advisory-system FEMA • FEMA Disaster Declarations list — https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations • Lincoln County, Montana Major Disaster Declaration — April 22, 2026 — https://vp-mi.com/news/2026/apr/22/lincoln-co-gets-major-disaster-declaration-for-fed/ • Whatcom County, Washington Disaster Assistance Center opens April 22 — https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fema-begins-home-inspections-wa-023653871.html NIFC and InciWeb • NIFC Incident Management Situation Report — April 22, 2026 — https://www.nifc.gov/nicc-files/sitreprt.pdf • NIFC National Fire News — https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn • InciWeb — East Side Fire (Custer Gallatin NF) — https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnf-east-side-fire NWS and Storm Prediction Center • SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook — https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day1otlk.html • SPC Day 2 Convective Outlook — April 22, 2026 — https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/day2otlk.html • NWS Active Alerts — https://www.weather.gov/alerts • Multi-state Red Flag Warnings — April 22, 2026 — https://watchers.news/2026/04/22/multi-state-red-flag-warnings-issued-as-strong-winds-and-very-low-humidity-raise-wildfire-danger-across-central-us/ • NWS Pueblo PDS Red Flag Warning — Colorado — https://krdo.com/weather/alerts-weather/2026/04/22/red-flag-warning-issued-april-22-at-157pm-mdt-until-april-23-at-900pm-mdt-by-nws-pueblo-co/ • Severe thunderstorms forecast Oklahoma to Minnesota April 23 — https://watchers.news/2026/04/21/severe-thunderstorms-forecast-from-northern-oklahoma-to-southern-minnesota/ USGS • Kīlauea Volcano Notice — HVO April 22, 2026 — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-04-22T17:23:37+00:00 • Kīlauea Updates — https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates • Great Sitkin Volcano Notice — AVO April 22, 2026 — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-AVO-2026-04-22T19:13:12+00:00 Travel Advisories • U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories index — https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories.html FDA and CDC • CDC Health Alert Network Archive — https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/index.html • FoodSafety.gov Recalls and Outbreaks — https://www.foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks • FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts — https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts FAA • FAA National Airspace System Status — https://nasstatus.faa.gov/ • Hobby Airport ground stop April 22 2026 — https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/04/22/ground-stop-issued-at-hobby-airport-hou-due-to-thunderstorms/ Alaska • AVO Great Sitkin April 22 notice — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-AVO-2026-04-22T19:13:12+00:00 Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming — Red Flag Warnings • Red Flag Warnings issued across Plains and Southwest — April 22 — https://weatherboy.com/red-flag-warnings-issued-for-fire-threat-across-portions-of-texas-colorado-arizona-kansas-oklahoma/ Colorado • NWS Pueblo PDS Red Flag Warning — zones 224 and 225 — https://krdo.com/weather/alerts-weather/2026/04/22/red-flag-warning-issued-april-22-at-157pm-mdt-until-april-23-at-900pm-mdt-by-nws-pueblo-co/ • Particularly Dangerous Situation Red Flag Warning explainer — KKTV — https://www.kktv.com/2026/04/22/what-is-pds-red-flag-warning/ Florida • Railroad Fire latest — Clay and Putnam counties — https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2026/04/22/railroad-fire-latest-evacuations-closures-warnings-more-as-wildfire-spreads-in-clay-putnam-counties/ Georgia • Governor Kemp declares State of Emergency — Office of the Governor — https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-04-22/gov-kemp-declares-state-emergency-response-south-georgia-wildfires • Brantley County fire grows — 54 homes destroyed — https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/brantley-county-wildfire-only-10-contained-flames-rage-across-south-georgia/4O4RBWHIGZF67F34HOXGANQZBY/ • Echols County mandatory evacuation — WALB — https://www.walb.com/2026/04/22/mandatory-evacuation-issued-echols-co-residents/ Hawaii • HVO Kīlauea April 22 notice — episode 45 forecast window — https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2026-04-22T17:23:37+00:00 Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska — Thursday Severe Risk • Severe storms likely to impact Iowa — April 22 — https://westerniowatoday.com/2026/04/22/severe-storms-likely-to-impact-iowa-high-winds-and-hail-expected-thursday/ • Multi-day tornado outbreak possible — Plains to Dixie Alley — https://saludastandard-sentinel.com/multi-day-tornado-outbreak-possible-from-kansas-nebraska-iowa-oklahoma-and-texas-through-dixie-alley-as-spc-flags-severe-weather-threat-thursday-through-monday/ Kentucky • Paintsville boil water advisory — April 22 — https://wsipam.com/boil-water-advisory-issued-for-portions-of-paintsville/ Louisiana • Tangipahoa Water District boil water advisory — Hammond area — https://www.wafb.com/2026/04/23/tangipahoa-water-district-issues-boil-water-advisory-hammond-area/ Montana • East Side Fire burns 1,204 acres — Daily Montanan — https://dailymontanan.com/2026/04/21/east-side-fire-burns-1600-acres-185-evacuated-south-of-red-lodge/ • InciWeb East Side Fire — https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/mtgnf-east-side-fire • Lincoln County Major Disaster Declaration — April 22 — https://vp-mi.com/news/2026/apr/22/lincoln-co-gets-major-disaster-declaration-for-fed/ New Mexico • Fire-weather threat continues into April 23 — The Watchers — https://watchers.news/2026/04/22/multi-state-red-flag-warnings-issued-as-strong-winds-and-very-low-humidity-raise-wildfire-danger-across-central-us/ Oklahoma • NWS Norman severe weather outlook — https://www.weather.gov/oun Oregon • TripCheck Oregon Road Conditions — https://tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions South Carolina • West Columbia boil water advisory lifted — April 22 — https://westcolumbiasc.gov/boil-water-advisory-4-22-26-lifted/ Texas • Williamson County flooding — CBS Austin — https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/wilco-officials-to-provide-update-on-flooding-response-after-road-closures-evacuations • Williamson County RV parks evacuation — KXAN — https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/williamson-county-rv-parks-told-to-evacuate-due-to-flash-flooding/ • Hobby Airport ground stop — Click2Houston — https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/04/22/ground-stop-issued-at-hobby-airport-hou-due-to-thunderstorms/ • Central Bowie County boil water advisory — April 22 — https://kygl.com/ixp/152/p/bowie-county-water-boil-notice/ Virginia • Stanardsville boil water advisory — 29News — https://www.29news.com/2026/04/22/stanardsville-boil-water-advisory-likely-continue-thursday/ Washington • Whatcom County Disaster Assistance Center — April 22 — https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fema-begins-home-inspections-wa-023653871.html • FDA shellfish recall — Hammersley Inlet — https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts Guam and CNMI • HHS Public Health Emergency — Guam and CNMI — https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/PHE-Typhoon-Sinlaku.aspx • Recovery Rundown — April 22, 2026 (NMI News Service) — https://www.nminewsservice.com/recovery-rundown-april-22-2026/ • Rota boil water notice lifted; Saipan and Tinian still under advisory — https://www.nminewsservice.com/rota-boil-water-notice-lifted-sinlaku-cuc/ • Joint FEMA–USACE Sinlaku operations — U.S. Army — https://www.army.mil/article/291908/joint_fema_usace_operations_underway_following_devastating_super_typhoon_sinlaku This is a public episode. 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  • April 22 · 11 min

    CNMI Sinlaku major disaster declaration on President's desk; FEMA opens Whatcom DAC; CISA adds 8 KEV entries

    Wednesday’s EM Morning Brief for April 22, 2026 leads with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Super Typhoon Sinlaku major disaster declaration package now with the President; today’s opening of a FEMA Disaster Assistance Center in Whatcom County, Washington; and Federal Register publication of Presidential Public Assistance declarations for Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. The brief also covers CISA’s eight new Known Exploited Vulnerability entries and ten fresh ICS advisories, Kīlauea’s escalation to WATCH/ORANGE ahead of lava fountaining episode 45, the East Side Fire south of Red Lodge, Arizona’s Shaw Fire, Michigan’s U.P. flooding emergency, Iowa’s five-county disaster proclamation, USDA drought designations across North Carolina and Tennessee, and Florida’s Red Flag fire weather. 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 Sinlaku declaration: Governor Apatang’s major disaster request, with DHS sign-off, is with the President; response expected within 24 hours and includes 100 percent federal cost share for debris and protective measures. • Whatcom County DAC opens today: FEMA Disaster Assistance Center opens at Sumas Advent Christian Church for December storm and flooding survivors; application deadline is June 10. • Federal Register: Idaho, Montana, Oregon: Presidential Public Assistance declarations for December 2025 windstorm and storm/flooding events are formally published today, opening applicant intake windows. • CISA KEV and ICS advisories: Eight exploited CVEs added to KEV — including three Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager flaws — with April and May federal remediation deadlines; ten new ICS advisories including critical Siemens and Silex items. • Kīlauea WATCH/ORANGE: HVO raised alert level to WATCH/ORANGE on April 20 evening; lava fountaining episode 45 likely to begin April 22 or 23. • Montana East Side Fire: 1,500 to 1,600 acres south of Red Lodge with 185 homes evacuated; forecast 40 to 50 mph gusts may challenge containment today. • Arizona Shaw Fire: Forward progress stopped near Cochise Stronghold at roughly 20 acres with two structures lost; crews working toward containment. • Michigan U.P. flooding: State of emergency extended to Iron and Marquette counties on April 20; snowmelt and rain continue to drive river-level concerns. • Iowa disaster proclamation: Five counties designated under Governor Reynolds’ April 20 proclamation; Individual Assistance Grant Program and Disaster Case Advocacy Program activated through May 20. • USDA drought designations: 40 NC counties and 22 TN counties (plus seven contiguous TN counties) designated; emergency loans available through December 10. • Florida fire weather: Red Flag Warning across NE and Central Florida through 8 p.m. EDT Tuesday; 99 percent of Florida in drought with rapid-spread risk. • Severe weather outlook: SPC Day 2 Slight risk Thursday from northern Oklahoma into southern Minnesota for very large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources FEMA • Disaster Assistance Center Will Open in Whatcom County — FEMA press release announcing the April 22 DAC opening at Sumas Advent Christian Church. • Apply Separately for State, Federal Assistance for December Storms in Washington — April 21 FEMA notice outlining dual application tracks for Washington. • Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Montana (FR) — Federal Register publication of FEMA-4901-DR. • Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Idaho (FR) — Federal Register publication of FEMA-4905-DR. • Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Oregon (FR) — Federal Register publication of Oregon Public Assistance declaration. DHS / NTAS • National Terrorism Advisory System — DHS NTAS page — no active advisories. • Recovery Rundown — CNMI Sinlaku (April 21) — Status of CNMI declaration request on the President’s desk (DHS Secretary sign-off). CISA • CISA Adds Eight Known Exploited Vulnerabilities to Catalog — Official CISA alert adding eight exploited CVEs (Official update ~36 hours ago). • ICS Advisories (CISA) — Hub page for April 21 ICS advisories (ICSA-26-111-03 through -12). • CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — Authoritative KEV catalog with federal due dates. State Department • Travel Advisories (Travel.State.Gov) — Authoritative current advisory list and Level indicators. USGS / Volcano & Seismic • Kīlauea Volcano Update — HVO updates on episode 45 precursory activity. • HVO Notice — April 21, 2026 (18:14 UTC) — Formal HANS notice reflecting Kīlauea WATCH/ORANGE escalation. • Mount Spurr (AVO) — Alaska Volcano Observatory status for Mount Spurr. NIFC / Wildfire • Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) — National wildland fire situation reporting hub. • NIFC Monthly Outlook (April 1, 2026) — Predictive Services monthly seasonal outlook covering April. • InciWeb — Authoritative incident information system (Shaw Fire, East Side Fire). NWS / SPC • SPC Day 1 Convective Outlook (April 21, 2000 UTC) — SPC Day 1 hazard outlook. • SPC Day 2 Convective Outlook — SPC Day 2 hazard outlook (Thursday enhanced risk setup). FAA / Transportation • FAA National Airspace System Status — NAS status and active airport events (SFO). Arizona • Shaw Fire — forward progress stopped — Arizona’s Family update on Shaw Fire status and structures destroyed. • Shaw Fire 70% contained (April 22) — Next-morning containment update. Florida • Red Flag Warning (News4JAX) — NE Florida / SE Georgia Red Flag Warning context and drought status. Hawaii • Kīlauea Alert Level Raised to Watch — Local confirmation of escalation to WATCH/ORANGE. Idaho • President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Idaho (IOEM) — Idaho Office of Emergency Management announcement. • FEMA to allow access to disaster relief support (Bonner County Daily Bee, April 21) — Local coverage of the FEMA aid process for the windstorm. • Minidoka Memorial Hospital updates Easter morning cyberattack — DataBreaches.Net update on Minidoka Memorial incident and Blackwater claim. Iowa • Gov. Reynolds Issues Disaster Proclamation for Five Counties (April 20) — Official press release naming the five counties and programs activated. • Proclamation of Disaster Emergency (April 20, 2026) — Text of the Governor’s proclamation. Michigan • Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency for Marquette, Iron Counties — Local coverage of U.P. emergency extension. • Flooding emergencies declared for two more Michigan counties — Detroit News report on April 20 executive action. • 2026 Statewide Flooding (Michigan State Police) — Michigan State Police EMHSD statewide flooding operations page. Montana • East Side Fire burns 1,600 acres, 185 evacuated (Daily Montanan) — Reporting on fire size, evacuations, and resources. • UPDATE: Crews beat back Red Lodge fire to 1,500 acres — Billings Gazette status update. North Carolina • USDA Designates 40 North Carolina Counties as Natural Disaster Areas — Official USDA FSA designation and emergency loan details. Oregon • FEMA approves disaster aid for Oregon after December 2025 storms — Local coverage of Oregon disaster approval context. Tennessee • USDA Designates 22 Tennessee Counties as Natural Disaster Areas — Official USDA FSA designation for Tennessee. Washington • Applications open for $2.5M in Washington state disaster assistance — Governor Ferguson press release on state-level parallel assistance. • FEMA disaster assistance center to open Wednesday in Sumas — Local coverage of the DAC opening. Territories (CNMI) • The Recovery Rundown: CNMI Sinlaku (April 21, 2026) — Territorial readout on the presidential declaration package. • FEMA assesses damage after Super Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall in CNMI — Context on damage-assessment operations. 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 21 · 15 min

    CISA adds Eight Vulnerabilities to KEV; FEMA Montana, Idaho, Oregon Disaster Declarations Published

    On today’s EM Morning Brief, CISA adds eight actively exploited vulnerabilities to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog with a May 11 federal remediation deadline. FEMA major disaster declarations for Montana, Idaho, and Oregon tied to December 2025 storms were published in the Federal Register, opening Public Assistance funding. Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery continues across Guam and the CNMI under active federal emergency and public-health emergency determinations. Red Flag Warnings span the Plains, Southwest, and High Plains with critical fire weather peaking midweek, and the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory revises its Kilauea Episode 45 forecast window to April 21 through 26. State updates cover Texas flash flooding, Wisconsin tornado recovery, Oklahoma wildfire containment, and the ongoing response to the Minidoka Memorial Hospital cyber incident in Idaho. 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 • CISA KEV update: Eight new actively exploited CVEs added April 20 (PaperCut, JetBrains TeamCity, Kentico, Quest KACE, Zimbra, three Cisco SD-WAN Manager). Federal patch deadline May 11. • FEMA declarations published: Major Disaster Declarations for Montana (DR-4901), Idaho (DR-4905), and Oregon formally appear in the Federal Register, opening Public Assistance for December 2025 storm damage. • Sinlaku recovery: Federal emergency declarations and HHS public-health emergency remain in effect for Guam and the CNMI. Power and water restoration on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota may take weeks. • Kilauea Episode 45: HVO revises the lava-fountaining forecast window to Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26. Summit remains paused but inflating. • Fire weather: Red Flag Warnings active across Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Wednesday expected to be most dangerous day of the week. • Texas flash flooding: Flash Flood Warning along San Antonio to New Braunfels corridor; SAFD reports nine water rescues. Houston metro sees localized urban flooding with rainfall rates up to three inches per hour. • Wisconsin storm response: SEOC Update 4 reports 28 resource requests and continued coordination with county and tribal emergency managers following confirmed April 14 tornadoes and flood damage. • Idaho hospital cyber incident: Minidoka Memorial Hospital restores imaging services April 19. Blackwater ransomware group claims April 17 and threatens data publication after April 24. • April 17 tornado cleanup: NWS confirms a high-end EF-2 in Lena, Illinois; EF-1 tornadoes in Jo Daviess County, Illinois and Washington County, Iowa; and an EF-2 in Rochester, Minnesota with two injuries. Sponsors The NIMS Store - https://thenimsstore.com/ Sources CISA • CISA Alert — Eight new KEV entries (April 20, 2026) — PaperCut, JetBrains TeamCity, Kentico Xperience, Quest KACE SMA, Zimbra, and three Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Manager CVEs; federal patch deadline May 11, 2026 • CISA — Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — Authoritative catalog of actively exploited CVEs FEMA • Federal Register — Montana Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4901-DR) — Public Assistance Only for December 9-11, 2025 severe storms and flooding • Federal Register — Idaho Major Disaster Declaration (DR-4905-DR) — Public Assistance Only for December 16-18, 2025 straight-line winds • Federal Register — Oregon Major Disaster Declaration — Public Assistance Only for December 15-21, 2025 storms and landslides • FEMA — DR-4901-MT page — Montana disaster assistance details and deadlines • FEMA — Emergency Declaration for Guam — April 17, 2026 press release on Super Typhoon Sinlaku support NIFC and wildland fire • NIFC — National Fire News — April 20, 2026 daily national fire activity summary • NICC — Incident Management Situation Report — Daily SITREP from the National Interagency Coordination Center • InciWeb — Incident Information System — Active wildland-fire and incident records USGS and volcano • USGS — Kīlauea Volcano Updates — HVO summit eruption status and Episode 45 forecast window • HVO Volcano Notice — April 19, 2026 — Revised Episode 45 timing: April 21 to April 26 window • USGS — Significant Earthquakes 2026 — Catalog of significant events including the April 20 M7.4 near Miyako, Japan NOAA/NWS • NOAA Storm Prediction Center — Day 1 Convective Outlook — National severe-weather risk areas • NOAA SPC — Fire Weather Outlook — Red Flag / critical fire-weather areas HHS/CDC • HHS ASPR — Public Health Emergency: CNMI and Guam / Typhoon Sinlaku — April 17, 2026 determination by the Secretary • CDC HAN — Medetomidine Advisory — Prior HAN on illicit-drug-supply risk (context) DHS • DHS — National Terrorism Advisory System — NTAS bulletin page (no new bulletin in the last 24 hours) FAA • FAA — Daily Air Traffic Report — Weather-related delays and advisories • FAA — National Airspace System Status — Real-time airport and NAS status Alabama • NWS Birmingham — Regional fire-weather and forecast Alaska • Alaska Earthquake Center — Adak M4.7 — April 20, 2026 Aleutian event, no tsunami Arizona • NWS SPC — Fire Weather Outlook — Red Flag conditions across the Southwest Arkansas • Arkansas Division of Emergency Management — State-level EM updates California • Cal Fire — Incidents — Active incident list and evacuation information Colorado • BoulderCAST — This Week in Colorado Weather (April 20, 2026) — Red Flag timing and wind outlook Florida • Florida State Watch Office — Florida Division of Emergency Management situation reports • NWS Miami — Hazardous Weather Outlook — South Florida severe and marine hazards Hawaii • Hawai‘i County — Emergency Proclamation (April 2026) — Severe weather and concurrent hazards proclamation • HVO — Kīlauea Notice April 19, 2026 — Episode 45 revised window Idaho • DataBreaches.net — Minidoka Memorial Hospital update (April 20, 2026) — Imaging services restored; Blackwater leak deadline April 24 • Comparitech — Blackwater claim and hospital impact — Ransomware claim and hospital response • Idaho Office of Emergency Management — State-level disaster and mitigation updates Illinois • NWS Quad Cities — April 17, 2026 event summary (updated April 20) — Confirmed EF-2 and EF-1 tornadoes across western Illinois • WQAD — April 17 tornado outbreak recap — Damage assessments and local impact Indiana • NWS Indianapolis — Freeze Warning — East-central and southeast Indiana Iowa • NWS Quad Cities — April 17 event summary (updated April 20) — Washington County EF-1 details Kansas • NWS SPC — Fire Weather Outlook — Red Flag areas across southern Plains Minnesota • NWS — April 17 Tornadoes (updated April 20) — Rochester EF-2 and regional damage Mississippi • WLOX — April showers? More like April drought — Dry-pattern context and rainfall totals Montana • FEMA — DR-4901 designated areas — County eligibility for Public Assistance Nebraska • KGFW — Red Flag Warning for central Nebraska — Noon to 9 p.m. Monday critical fire weather Nevada • NWS SPC — Fire Weather Outlook — Southwest wind and fire-weather details New Mexico • KRTN — Schwachheim Fire Update, April 20, 2026 — Local fire-line assessment Ohio • NWS Wilmington — Freeze Warning (April 20, 2026) — Southern Ohio overnight freeze Oklahoma • Oklahoma Department of Agriculture — Fire Situation Report (April 20, 2026) — Lightning Roll and Sunny Fire containment Oregon • Federal Register — Oregon Major Disaster Declaration — Public Assistance Only for December 2025 storms and landslides South Dakota • Men’s Journal — Red Flag Warnings across the High Plains — South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas zones through Monday evening Texas • NWS San Antonio / Texas Storm Chasers — Flash Flood Warning along the San Antonio to New Braunfels corridor • Click2Houston — Houston severe threat, April 20, 2026 — Two to three inches per hour and heightened crash risk Utah • Snoflo — Utah snowpack status — Statewide snowpack near 32 percent of normal Washington • FEMA — Disasters and Other Declarations — Washington December 2025 winter-storm declaration West Virginia • WCHS — Freeze Warning remains in effect for most of West Virginia — Monday night through Tuesday morning Wisconsin • Wisconsin Emergency Management — SEOC Update 4 (April severe storms and flooding) — Resource requests and ongoing state coordination • WTMJ — Governor Evers state of emergency — April 15, 2026 declaration Wyoming • NWS SPC — Fire Weather Outlook — High Plains critical fire-weather pattern Guam • FEMA — Emergency Declaration for Guam — April 17, 2026 press release • Stars and Stripes — DoD schools to reopen, port operations (April 20, 2026) — Recovery status update from Guam Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands • Isla Public — FEMA damage assessment after Sinlaku landfall — Published April 19, 2026 • HHS ASPR — Public Health Emergency: CNMI and Guam — Secretary’s April 17 determination 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 20 · 44 min

    The World Is Coming to Inglewood (and 16 other cities): Emergency Management at the Global Stage

    Episode Description:The FIFA World Cup isn’t just coming to Los Angeles—it’s coming to Inglewood. And with it comes one of the most complex, high-visibility operational environments emergency managers will face in a generation. In this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky break down what it really means to prepare for a global mega-event. This isn’t just about stadium security or crowd control. It’s about managing a living, breathing system of international stakeholders, real-time intelligence, public safety coordination, and global expectations—all under the world's watchful eye. Todd brings the practitioner’s perspective from inside the City of Inglewood’s planning efforts, while Andrew challenges assumptions and explores the broader implications for the profession. Together, they unpack how events like the World Cup are reshaping emergency management, pushing it beyond traditional models and into something far more dynamic, integrated, and high-stakes. This conversation goes beyond tactics. It’s about the future of emergency management. Key Topics Discussed: The shift from traditional EOC models to integrated coordination structures like Joint Tournament Operations Centers (JTOCs)What makes the FIFA World Cup different from other large-scale events like the Super Bowl or the OlympicsThe complexity of coordinating across local, state, federal, and international partnersIntelligence-driven operations and the importance of real-time situational awarenessManaging dignitary movements, team logistics, and global media attentionThe role of private-sector partners, including stadium operators and security teamsPublic safety challenges tied to fan culture, international travel, and geopolitical dynamicsWhy emergency management is moving toward a more proactive, systems-based approachHow planning for the World Cup is forcing innovation in technology, communication, and coordination Why This Matters:Mega-events like the FIFA World Cup are stress tests for emergency management systems. They expose gaps, challenge assumptions, and force agencies to operate at a higher level of coordination and complexity. What is learned in Inglewood won’t stay in Inglewood—it will shape how cities across the country and the world prepare for large-scale events and disasters alike. Quotable Moment:“We’re not just planning for a game. We’re planning for a global system that lands in our city, operates at full speed, and expects everything to work.” Call to Action:If you’re in emergency management, public safety, or event operations, this episode is a must-listen. Share it with your team, start the conversation, and ask yourself—if the world showed up in your city tomorrow, would you be ready? Tags:Emergency Management, FIFA World Cup, Inglewood, JTOC, Public Safety, Mega Events, Crisis Leadership, Urban Security, Event Planning, Situational Awareness 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 20 · 7 min

    Midwest Tornado and Flooding Cleanup Expands with Michigan State of Emergency; NOAA SWPC Reports G2 Geomagnetic Storm

    Today’s EM Morning Brief covers the continued federal response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku in Guam and the CNMI, where U.S. Coast Guard operations press northward and ports at Saipan, Tinian, and Rota remain closed. Michigan’s statewide emergency has expanded to Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and 38 counties as flooding and dam concerns persist at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex. Cleanup continues across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota after Friday’s EF-3 and EF-2 tornado outbreak, and the National Interagency Fire Center reports national preparedness at PL 2 with fire activity running at roughly 200 percent of the 10-year average. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center reports G2 moderate geomagnetic storm levels, and USGS recorded a M4.7 earthquake near Reno, Nevada, and a small M3.0 offshore event near Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 • Typhoon Sinlaku response: USCG operations continue in Guam and CNMI; ports at Saipan, Tinian, and Rota remain closed as federal and territorial partners restore power, water, and road access. • FEMA Hawaii Kona Low: Residents of Hawai’i, Maui, and Honolulu counties can apply for Individual Assistance under DR-4909-HI through June 7, 2026. • Michigan state of emergency: 38 counties plus Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo now covered; Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex remains at Level 2 with evacuation preparation in effect. • Midwest tornado outbreak recovery: EF-3 in Marathon County, WI (approximately 75 homes damaged); EF-2 tornadoes confirmed in Lena, IL and Marion Township, MN; Ann Arbor, MI debris removal began April 20. • NIFC IMSR: National preparedness level is PL 2; 992 personnel assigned to uncontained large fires; YTD acreage is approximately 200 percent of the 10-year average. • Texas Neon White Fire: 1,259 acres and 90 percent contained near Dickens as of April 19. • Space weather: NOAA SWPC reports G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm; minor grid, HF radio, and satellite impacts possible at high latitudes. • Seismic activity: USGS M4.7 near Reno, Nevada (April 19) and M3.0 offshore USVI near Charlotte Amalie (April 20); no damage reported. Sources FEMA • FEMA — President Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Guam (April 17, 2026) • FEMA — President Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (April 17, 2026) • FEMA — Residents of Maui, Hawaii and Honolulu Counties Impacted by March Kona Low Can Apply for Assistance (April 17, 2026) • FEMA — DR-4909-HI Hawaii Kona Low Weather Systems • FEMA — Disasters and Other Declarations (index) NIFC / Wildfire • NIFC — Incident Management Situation Report, Sunday April 19, 2026 (PDF) • NIFC — Fire Information NOAA / NWS / SWPC • NOAA SWPC — G2 (Moderate) Geomagnetic Storm Levels Reached • NOAA SWPC — Homepage (3-day forecast and alerts) • NWS Quad Cities — April 17, 2026 event summary (updated April 19) USGS • USGS — Latest Earthquakes map • USGS Earthquake Hazards Program USCG / Typhoon Sinlaku • Maui Now — USCG recovery intensifies, support continues in Guam following Super Typhoon Sinlaku (April 19, 2026) • NPR Marianas (Isla Public) — FEMA assesses damage after Super Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall in the CNMI (April 19, 2026) Hawaii • Office of the Governor Josh Green — FEMA Affirms Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Hawai’i • Hawaii News Now — FEMA affirms Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii (April 16, 2026) Illinois • Shaw Local / Sauk Valley — Multiple tornadoes sweep through northern Illinois; EF-2 tornado destroys homes in Lena (April 19, 2026) • NWS Quad Cities — April 17, 2026 event summary (updated April 19) Michigan • Michigan MSP/EMHSD — 2026 Statewide Flooding • Michigan MSP/EMHSD — 2026 Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex • City of Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor was hit hard by a severe storm. Here’s what residents should know • Click On Detroit — Whitmer declares state of emergency for Ann Arbor after EF-1 tornado (April 18, 2026) Minnesota • FOX 9 Minneapolis — 6 tornadoes confirmed in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin (Olmsted County storm damage) • Post Bulletin — Storm cleanup near Marion Road Southeast on April 18, 2026 Nevada • EarthquakeList.org — Shallow M4.7 earthquake near Reno, Nevada (April 19, 2026) Texas • Wikipedia — 2026 Texas wildfires (Neon White Fire details) • NIFC — IMSR April 19, 2026 (national context) Wisconsin • Wausau Pilot & Review — EF-3 tornado that tore through Weston and Ringle packed winds up to 145 mph (April 19, 2026) • Wisconsin DNR — Flood Waters Begin To Recede At Portage; Road Closures Remain, Well Water Testing Offered • Ready Wisconsin — April 2026 Severe Storms and Flooding Guam / CNMI • FEMA — Emergency Declaration for Guam (April 17, 2026) • FEMA — Emergency Declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (April 17, 2026) • Maui Now — USCG recovery intensifies, support continues in Guam (April 19, 2026) U.S. Virgin Islands • USGS — Latest Earthquakes map (M3.0 offshore Charlotte Amalie, April 20, 2026) 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 17 · 7 min

    Sinlaku recovery continues in CNMI and Guam; FEMA affirms Hawaii Kona-low disaster; CISA adds Apache ActiveMQ to KEV

    Federal recovery operations continue across the Mariana Islands under FEMA Emergency Declarations for Guam and CNMI following Super Typhoon Sinlaku; the President affirms a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii tied to the March Kona-low storms; CISA adds an Apache ActiveMQ flaw to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and publishes four new ICS advisories; SPC highlights an Enhanced Risk of severe storms across the Plains and Mississippi Valley today; and several states post boil-water actions after water-main breaks. 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 • Super Typhoon Sinlaku response: FEMA Emergency Declarations cover Guam and the CNMI; Saipan and Tinian remain without full power, water, and road access as federal resources deploy. • Hawaii disaster declaration: Presidential Major Disaster Declaration affirmed for Kona-low storms (March 10–24); Individual Assistance available in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Maui counties; IA deadline June 7, 2026. • CISA KEV update: CVE-2026-34197 Apache ActiveMQ added to the KEV catalog on April 16; federal civilian agencies must remediate under BOD 22-01. • CISA ICS advisories: Four new advisories (ICSA-26-106-01–04), including Delta Electronics ASDA-Soft stack-based buffer overflow — Critical Manufacturing sector. • Severe weather outlook: SPC Enhanced Risk today across Upper/Middle Mississippi Valleys and Central/Southern Plains; WPC Slight Risk for excessive rainfall; SWPC G2 geomagnetic storm watches April 17–18. • NIFC situational picture: April 16 IMSR shows 1,744,190 YTD acres burned; eight large uncontained fires; 770 personnel assigned nationwide. • Florida — Newman Drive Fire: 1,733 acres, 60% contained; evacuations remain for five streets in Collier County; pet-friendly shelter open at Golden Gate Community Center. • Water-system advisories: New boil-water notices or active advisories in Silver City, Nevada; portions of Newark/Belleville/Bloomfield, New Jersey; Rotterdam, New York; five counties in southwest Iowa; and portions of Guam. Sources FEMA • FEMA — CNMI Emergency Declaration (Typhoon Sinlaku) — Federal assistance available to CNMI for Typhoon Sinlaku beginning April 11, 2026. • Hawaii News Now — FEMA Affirms Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii — Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Kona-low storms. • Governor of Hawaii — FEMA Affirms Presidential Major Disaster Declaration — State reaction and federal assistance breakdown; June 7, 2026 IA deadline. • FEMA Newsroom — Official FEMA press releases. CISA • CISA — Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog (Apr 16, 2026) — CVE-2026-34197 Apache ActiveMQ improper-input-validation vulnerability. • CISA — Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — KEV catalog landing page with remediation deadlines. • CISA — ICSA-26-106-01 Delta Electronics ASDA-Soft — Stack-based buffer overflow in Critical Manufacturing sector software. • CISA — ICS Advisories index — Listing of current ICS/OT advisories including ICSA-26-106-01 through 04. NOAA / NWS / SWPC • Storm Prediction Center — Day 1 Convective Outlook — Enhanced severe risk across Upper/Middle Miss Valleys and Central/Southern Plains. • Weather Prediction Center — National precipitation and flash flood guidance. • NOAA SWPC — G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watches April 17–18, 2026. NIFC / Wildfire • NIFC — Incident Management Situation Report (April 16, 2026) — National wildland fire synopsis: 1,744,190 YTD acres; 8 uncontained large fires; 770 personnel assigned. • NIFC — National Fire News — Daily national wildfire activity summary. DHS / NTAS • DHS — National Terrorism Advisory System — Current NTAS bulletins and updates. Travel Advisories • U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisories — Country-by-country levels and recent updates. CDC / Public Health • CDC HAN — Medetomidine in the U.S. Illegal Fentanyl Supply — Health Advisory on overdose and severe withdrawal syndrome risk. Florida • WUSF — Newman Road Fire containment rises to 60% — Collier County wildfire at 1,733 acres; 60% contained; evacuations in place. • WGCU — Newman Drive Fire evacuations and shelter info — Evacuation streets and Golden Gate Community Center pet-friendly shelter. Iowa • We Are Iowa — Boil order across five counties — Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass counties on Regional Water system. • Iowa HSEMD — Regional Water boil order bulletin — Official Iowa HSEMD bulletin forwarding boil-order details. Nevada • Nevada Appeal — Silver City boil-water notice — Notice issued 7:45 a.m. April 16 by Storey County for all Silver City residents. • KOLO — Silver City boil-water notice — Additional coverage with resident guidance. New Jersey • Clean Air and Water — New Jersey boil-water advisory (April 15, 2026) — Summary of Newark-area advisory following water-main break in Belleville. • Newark Patch — Boil Water Advisory guidance — Ward-level impact in Newark and resident instructions. New York • WGY — Rotterdam residents under boil-water advisory — Precautionary boil advisory after April 15 water-main break. Hawaii • Star-Advertiser — Trump issues disaster declaration after Kona-low storms — Declaration detail and affected counties. • Hawaii Public Radio — Federal disaster aid for storm-impacted residents — Governor Green deploys federal IA for affected counties. Guam • Kandit News — GWA boil-water notice update — Sustained pressure loss in distribution system following Typhoon Sinlaku. • Commonwealth Utilities Corporation — Precautionary Boil Water Notice — Official utility notice for affected islands. Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) • Isla Public — CNMI/Guam federal emergency declarations — Status of the April 11 emergency declaration as Sinlaku advanced. • The Watchers — Sinlaku cripples Saipan and Tinian — Infrastructure, power, and road impact summary. • NPR — Super Typhoon Sinlaku pounds remote U.S. islands — National coverage of the storm’s Mariana Islands impact. 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