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Our Podcast:
Podcast Description:
"Preparedness in Your Pocket" is your preparedness partner in your pocket—a podcast designed to make portable preparedness easy and accessible. Each episode is pocket-sized but packed with essential tips and information to help you stay prepared, no matter where you are
Episode 1:
Episode 1 Title: Staying Alert with Emergency Alerts — Guest: Jacqui Robinson from FEMA Region 3
Description:
Welcome to the first episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, where we make preparedness education easy to carry with you! In this episode, host Kendal Lee is joined by Jacqui Robinson, Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 3. Together, they dive into the world of emergency alerts and warnings, exploring everything you need to know to stay informed and ready.
Jacqui shares insights on the types of emergency alerts, who sends them, and when to expect them. Kendal and Jacqui cover essential topics, from how alerts reach us to the critical role these systems play in keeping us safe. Inclusivity and accessibility are central to emergency alerts, so they discuss how these systems ensure everyone can receive vital information.
If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to different alerts, why they matter, or even how you can customize alerts for your needs, this episode has you covered. Jacqui also brings examples of recent situations where emergency alerts saved lives and offers practical tips and resources (like the FEMA app) that you can use to stay informed.
Guest Bio:
Jacqueline (Jacqui) Robinson is the Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 3 based out of Philadelphia. She has been with FEMA for 3 years working in individual and community outreach. During her time at FEMA she has supported several disaster efforts including deploying for the California Statewide Winter Storms in April of 2023. Before coming to FEMA Jacqui served in the NJ Army National Guard as a Digital Journalist for 6 years.
What You’ll Learn:
- Types of emergency alerts and who sends them
- When and how alerts are used to keep us safe
- How emergency alerts prioritize inclusivity and accessibility
- Key actions to take when an alert is issued
- Practical resources to stay informed, like the FEMA app
Listen now and take a step toward preparedness today!
Episode Materials:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
- Transcript
Episode 1 Title: Becoming Md-Ready : How Text Alerts Empower Our Preparedness— Guest: MDEM, and 211 Maryland
Description:
In this episode of Preparedness In Your Pocket, we shift our focus from federal emergency alerts to the local systems in Maryland. Join host Kendal Lee as we dive into how Maryland’s emergency alert systems keep residents informed and safe. We’re joined by two amazing guests—Jorge Eduardo Castillo from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and Kenyn Benjamin from 211 Maryland. Together, they’ll provide insights into the state’s alert systems, the partnership behind MD-Ready Alerts, and how residents can ensure they are prepared for emergencies. If you live in Maryland or want to learn how emergency alerts work at the local level, this episode is for you!
Guest(s) Bio:
Jorge Eduardo Castillo is the Branch Manager for Communications & Outreach and Chief Spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM).
During his tenure at MDEM, he has not only expanded the reach and breadth of its communication strategy but also spearheaded the revitalization and rejuvenation of MDEM's brand. These efforts have propelled MDEM to achieve the largest number of digital followers among any State Department in Maryland and a top 5 spot among emergency management departments/agencies nationally. Mr. Castillo has been a speaker nationally and internationally, as well as a guest lecturer at Towson University, Loyola University Maryland, and New York University and has held leadership roles at the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (as Chairman and President), R2Integrated, Passport Health, and the Baltimore City Emerging Technologies Center.
Kenyn Benjamin
Kenyn Benjamin is a certified business architect specializing in aligning business operations to organizational strategy. As an Operations Consultant at Maryland Information Network, 211 Maryland, Kenyn plays a key role in advancing innovative programs like MDReady. Kenyn brings expertise in developing systems that support community need through effective service delivery.
What You’ll Learn:
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The importance of emergency alerts for Maryland residents and the role they play in community safety
- How Maryland’s alert systems work alongside national systems, like Wireless Emergency Alerts
- The alert options available at the local county level and how to customize your preferences
- How Maryland tailors emergency alerts to meet the needs of vulnerable populations
- An overview of the MD-Ready Alert System and its partnership with MDEM and 211 Maryland
- How to sign up for MD-Ready Alerts and what types of information you can expect to receive
Listen now and take a step toward preparedness today!
Episode Materials:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
- Transcript
Episode Resources: