5 Minutes to Chaos

Summary In this episode, Mike Willis and Debbie Blyth discuss a cyber attack on the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the crisis management response to it. The attack occurred in February 2018 and affected CDOT's systems, including HR, payroll, contractor payment, variable message signs, toll collection, and more. The attack was initiated through a misconfigured virtual server in public cloud infrastructure, which allowed the attackers to gain access to the CDOT domain. The response involved the collaboration between CDOT, the Colorado Office of Emergency Management, and the Colorado National Guard. The National Guard was mobilized through a state emergency declaration by Governor Hickenlooper. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration and trust in crisis management. The establishment of a unified command and the use of incident management teams were key in coordinating the response. Nutrition and hydration were prioritized to ensure the well-being and performance of the response team. The joint information center played a crucial role in managing public and internal messaging. Emergency purchasing and tracking were supported by the Office of Emergency Management. Lessons from this incident can be applied to the corporate sector, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity and crisis management teams to work together. Takeaways The cyber attack on CDOT was initiated through a misconfigured virtual server in public cloud infrastructure. The attack affected various systems and operations within CDOT, causing significant disruption. The response involved collaboration between CDOT, the Colorado Office of Emergency Management, and the Colorado National Guard. The National Guard was mobilized through a state emergency declaration by Governor Hickenlooper. Collaboration and trust are foundational in crisis management. Establishing a unified command and using incident management teams help coordinate the response. Prioritizing nutrition and hydration improves the performance of the response team. A joint information center is crucial for managing public and internal messaging. Emergency purchasing and tracking are important for cost assessment and accountability. Lessons from this incident can be applied to the corporate sector, emphasizing the need for collaboration between cybersecurity and crisis management teams. Contact Information Debbi Blyth https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-blyth/ Mike Willis https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigadier-general-ret-michael-willis-a8b49a37/

Summary In this conversation Podcast Host Steven Kuhr interviews Sarah Lux, an emergency management public information officer from Lake County, Florida. They discuss the role of public information officers (PIOs) in crisis management and share their experiences in the field. Sarah talks about her background in anthropology and how she transitioned into government communications. She also highlights the importance of utilities in crisis management and the challenges of communicating with the public during emergencies. They discuss the use of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19 testing and the need for effective communication strategies that go beyond social media. In this conversation, Steve and Sarah discuss the importance of having a comprehensive communication plan during emergencies. They highlight the need for social media to be part of a larger communication strategy that includes other tools like flyers, signage, and press conferences. Kuhr emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the media and other PIOs to ensure effective communication. Sarah shares her experiences during deployments and the challenges of rebuilding public trust after a lack of communication. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of trust, early and accurate messaging, and admitting mistakes in crisis communication. Takeaways Public information officers (PIOs) play a crucial role in crisis management by ensuring effective communication with the public. Utilities face unique crisis situations and require proactive communication to address customer concerns and educate the public. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) can be a valuable tool for predicting and managing public health crises, such as COVID-19. Effective crisis communication requires a combination of social media, traditional media, and building relationships with the press. Collaboration and coordination between PIOs from different organizations and municipalities are essential for consistent and unified messaging during emergencies. Having a comprehensive communication plan that includes social media as well as other tools like flyers, signage, and press conferences is crucial during emergencies. Building relationships with the media and other PIOs is essential for effective communication. Rebuilding public trust after a lack of communication can be challenging and requires admitting mistakes and providing accurate information. Early and accurate messaging is key in crisis communication, and it is important to set realistic expectations for the media and the public. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmadelinelux/

Summary In this episode, host Steven Kuhr welcomes Bob Ingram, a former battalion chief in the FDNY to the show. They discuss various topics related to emergency management and crisis response. They start by talking about a recent bridge collapse in Baltimore and the response to similar incidents in New York. They then delve into Bob's FDNY career and his role in special operations and hazmat. They also discuss the merger of EMS and FDNY and the challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the historical hazards of picric acid and asbestos. In this conversation, Chief Bob Ingram discusses the post-9/11 FDNY operations and the establishment of hammer teams to respond to white powder calls. He highlights the challenges and events that followed 9/11, including anthrax attacks, plane crashes, and a titanium explosion. Chief Ingram also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard and military, and the need to maintain capabilities and funding in the face of budget issues. He concludes by remembering Brian Mulhearn, a key figure in New York City emergency response. Takeaways Hammer teams were established to respond to the high volume of white powder calls post-9/11. The years following 9/11 were marked by numerous challenges and events, including anthrax attacks, plane crashes, and explosions. Collaboration with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard and military, was crucial in emergency response efforts. Maintaining capabilities and funding is essential to be prepared for future threats and disasters. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-ingram-35300a7/

Summary In this episode of Five Minutes to Chaos, host Steven Kuhr interviews Paul Penn, an experienced emergency management leader. They discuss the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland - which occurred on the day of the recording - and how crisis management architecture potentially helped the response. They highlight the importance of communication in crisis management and the quick response to the Mayday call from the captain of the vessel. They also touch on the challenges of aging infrastructure and the need for crisis management in various industries. The conversation delves into the role of emergency managers and the importance of diversity and collaboration in the field. In this conversation, Steven Kuhr and Paul Penn discuss various topics related to emergency management and crisis management. They touch on the importance of public access to information about chemicals used in communities and the need for communities to be prepared for offsite consequences. They also discuss the role of Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in emergency planning and the need for all-hazard programs. They highlight the importance of communication, coordination, and cultivating champions in emergency management. They also emphasize the need for executive support and the integration of health and safety principles in emergency management. Takeaways Communication is the backbone of failure and crisis management. Quick response to crisis situations can save lives. Aging infrastructure poses challenges and requires maintenance operations. Emergency managers need to consider diverse perspectives and collaborate with different disciplines. Public access to information about chemicals used in communities is important for community understanding and preparedness. Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) play a crucial role in emergency planning and should have an all-hazard focus. Communication and coordination are essential in emergency management, and there is always room for improvement in these areas. Executive support is necessary for effective emergency management. Cultivating champions and building relationships with key stakeholders can enhance the success of emergency management programs. Emergency management should integrate health and safety principles and consider the mental health impacts of emergencies. Prevention, mitigation, and resilience efforts are important in emergency preparedness. Emergency managers should have direct access to leaders and be able to communicate with all stakeholders. Being first, right, and credible in communication is crucial in emergency management. Emergency managers should focus on common sense and consideration in their decision-making. Emergency management is a combination of crisis management, environmental management, and health and safety management. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-penn-11b236/

Summary In this conversation, Steven Kuhr and Battalion Chief Jerry Tracy discuss the various units and operations of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). They highlight the extensive experience and expertise of the FDNY in responding to complex emergencies and crises. They also discuss the formation and role of squad companies, which are specialized units that can respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of training and preparedness in effectively managing and responding to emergencies. The conversation covers various topics related to firefighting and emergency response. Some key themes include the importance of backup and coordination between different departments, the impact of tragic events on changing tactics and procedures, the need for integration between EMS and fire operations, and the development of rapid intervention teams (RIT) or firefighter assistance search teams (FAST). Chief Tracy discusses various topics related to firefighting and emergency response. He shares insights on the challenges faced when dealing with high-rise fires and the importance of effective communication during emergencies. Chief Tracy emphasizes the need for clear and concise communication between different agencies and departments to ensure a coordinated response. He also highlights the significance of strategic communication in emergency management. The conversation touches on the importance of training and preparedness, as well as the need for continuous learning and improvement in the fire service. Takeaways The FDNY is the largest fire department in the United States. Squad companies are specialized units within the FDNY that are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including fires, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. The FDNY has a diverse range of units and resources, including hazmat teams, urban search and rescue teams, wildland fire companies, and mobile respiratory units. Training, preparedness, and collaboration with other agencies are key factors in the FDNY's ability to effectively respond to emergencies and protect the public. Backup and coordination between different departments are crucial in emergency response situations. Tragic events often lead to changes in tactics and procedures. Integration between fire and EMS operations can improve overall response effectiveness. Rapid intervention teams (RIT) or firefighter assistance search teams (FAST) play a vital role in firefighter safety. Firefighters continue to face challenges and make sacrifices in their line of duty. Buildings can be 'born sick and dying,' referring to new construction, renovations, and abandoned or demolished structures. Emergency responders must be prepared for any situation. Effective communication is crucial during emergencies. Incident commanders and responders should have clear channels of communication to ensure a coordinated response. The incident process system is a structured approach to incident command that helps relieve the incident commander of micromanaging tasks. It allows units to fall into place as they arrive on the scene. Strategic communication between police, fire, and EMS is essential for a unified response. Agencies should work together to develop a coordinated strategy. The importance of training and continuous learning in the fire service cannot be overstated. Firefighters should be knowledgeable about their responsibilities and be prepared to adapt to different situations. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-tracy-6749b127/

Summary In this conversation, Steven Kuhr and Michael Moquin discuss their experiences and observations in the emergency management and crisis management fields. They highlight the broad scope of emergency management, which encompasses both the public and private sectors. They also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, with an increase in crisis management jobs in the private sector. They emphasize the importance of reading job descriptions carefully to understand the specific focus of each role. They also discuss the need for a generalized crisis management framework that can be applied to various incidents, along with incident-specific annexes or playbooks. In this conversation, Steven and Mike discusse the importance of understanding the specific risks and hazards that a business or organization may face. They emphasizes the need for crisis managers to have a comprehensive understanding of the business operations and dependencies, both domestically and internationally. Mike and Steve also highlight the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry, as well as finding a niche within emergency management. Mike suggests that aspiring emergency managers should pursue certifications that align with their interests and career goals. Takeaways Emergency management is a broad field that includes both the public and private sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in crisis management jobs in the private sector. Job titles in emergency management can vary, so it's important to read job descriptions carefully to understand the specific focus of each role. A generalized crisis management framework, along with incident-specific annexes or playbooks, is an effective approach to emergency management planning. Crisis managers should have a thorough understanding of the specific risks and hazards that a business or organization may face. It is important for crisis managers to have a comprehensive understanding of the business operations and dependencies, both domestically and internationally. Networking and building relationships within the industry is crucial for career development in emergency management. Aspiring emergency managers should pursue certifications that align with their interests and career goals. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-moquin/

Summary In this episode, host Steve Kuhr is joined by three guests to discuss the importance of exercises in crisis management. The guests include Rob Burton, the CEO of prepared X and ICMC, Tod Langley, the co-founder and CEO of Crisis Response Leader Training, and Adam Montella, a crisis manager and emergency manager and SVP at SummitET. They discuss the different types of exercises, such as tabletops, functional exercises, and full-scale exercises, and the importance of continuous improvement and taking action based on the lessons learned. They also highlight the challenges of engaging senior leaders and stakeholders in the exercise process and the need for a formalized crisis management team in organizations. The conversation focused on the use of exercises in crisis management and the role of technology in enhancing these exercises. The participants discussed the importance of understanding the consequences and impacts of decisions, as well as the need for executives to be involved in the recovery process. They also highlighted the prevalence of cyber events and the need for organizations to be prepared for them. The conversation touched on the use of technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, in conducting exercises, but emphasized the importance of human expertise and emotional intelligence in guiding the exercise process. Overall, the participants emphasized the value of exercises in improving preparedness and the need for a combination of technology and human facilitation in conducting effective exercises. Takeaways Exercises are a crucial component of crisis management and can range from tabletop discussions to full-scale simulations. Continuous improvement is essential in exercises, and organizations should take action based on the lessons learned. Engaging senior leaders and stakeholders in the exercise process can be challenging, but it is crucial for effective crisis management. Having a formalized crisis management team is important for organizations to effectively respond to crises and disasters. Understanding the consequences and impacts of decisions is crucial in crisis management. Executives need to be involved in the recovery process and understand the importance of the first 10 minutes and the subsequent 12 to 24 hours in determining the outcome of a crisis. Cyber events are prevalent and organizations need to be prepared for them. Technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, can enhance exercises, but human expertise and emotional intelligence are still essential in guiding the exercise process. Exercises are valuable in improving preparedness and organizations should strive for a combination of technology and human facilitation in conducting effective exercises. Contact Information Rob Burton https://www.linkedin.com/in/robburton9/ Tod Langley https://www.linkedin.com/in/tod-langley-ceo-80103654/ Adam Montella https://www.linkedin.com/in/disasterguy/

Introduction Jeannette Sutton, Ph.D., specializes in disaster and risk with a primary focus on online informal communication, and public alerts and warnings disseminated via short messaging channels. Much of her research investigates the evolving role of information and communication technology, including social media and mobile devices, for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Her current work centers on message design and testing across a range of hazard contexts including atmospheric, meteorological, geological, technological, biological, and human induced threats for communication via Wireless Emergency Alerts and other alerting channels. She is employed at the University at Albany, SUNY, as an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She is also the director of the Emergency and Risk Communication Message Testing Lab. And in her spare time, she critiques Wireless Emergency Alerts on Twitter (@warningrater) and hosts a webpage called “The Warn Room” thewarnroom.com. Dr. Sutton has held numerous grants from the National Science Foundation, FEMA-IPAWS, DHS, NOAA, USGS, and the Office of Naval Research. Her research has been published in Risk Analysis, the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management; the Proceedings of Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management; Information, Communication, and Society; Health Communication; and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Jeannette is an appointed member of the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Board at NIST. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postdoctoral training at the Natural Hazards Center. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannettesutton/

Introduction Peter is the Senior Risk Solutions Specialist for The Markel Group. He has been in EMS, emergency management and safety for over 30 years, having worked as a paramedic in NYC, as the Paramedic Director at Jersey City Medical Center and the Director of EMS and Disaster Preparedness for Saint Barnabas Health Care System. Peter was also the Safety Officer for the NJ State EMS Task Force. He remains a member of the Executive Board of the International Association of EMS Chiefs after completing his term as the President. Peter has published numerous textbook chapters and articles related to EMS and Emergency Management and routinely speaks at state and national conferences. His credentials include a master’s degree in public health, a bachelor’s degree in EMS Management, and he has his CEM from the IAEM and is a Fellow of the American College of Paramedic Executives. Peter is also a Master SCUBA instructor and for fun - a certified Kansas City BBQ judge. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-dworsky-mph-nrp-cem-facpe-a8b1347/

Show Notes Five Minutes to Chaos has reached its 52nd episode, marking a significant milestone in the success of the podcast. The podcast has featured a diverse range of guests and panel episodes, covering various crisis events and innovative approaches to crisis management. For this special episode, Steven Kuhr discusses the topic of heat emergencies, which he believes captures the essence of emergency management. Key elements of managing heat emergencies include interagency collaboration, communications, public information, and the establishment of cooling centers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Milestone 00:56 Conceptualizing the Podcast 03:21 Monologue Episode 04:14 Choosing the Topic: Heat Emergencies 08:08 History of Emergency Management in NYC 09:29 Heat Emergency in Chicago 11:25 Jerry Hauer and the Task Force 12:53 Interagency Collaboration 18:42 Reducing Heat Deaths 19:09 Monitoring and Intelligence 20:04 National Weather Service and Regional Calls 21:46 Emergency Operations Center 24:36 Communications and Public Information 27:27 Unity of Effort and Shared Situational Awareness 29:53 Cooling Centers and Transportation 32:17 Summary and Gratitude About Steven Kuhr Steven Kuhr has spent his career in Emergency Management, building a diverse portfolio of leadership positions across multiple sectors. Mr. Kuhr served as Director of Emergency Management, Enterprise Continuity, and Security Operations at Colorado Springs Utilities. While serving in this position, Mr. Kuhr oversaw crisis, risk, and resiliency operations for energy and water utilities, as well as dam operations for Colorado’s second largest city. During this time, Mr. Kuhr also served as a Director with InfraGard-Denver and co-founded the Colorado Critical Infrastructure Alliance. Earlier, Mr. Kuhr served with the New York City Office of Emergency Management as a founding Deputy Commissioner where he led emergency operations and multi-risk emergency planning. Prior to that he served with the New York City Fire Department as EMS Deputy Chief and Special Operations Commander. Mr. Kuhr is a trusted Crisis Management Leader. He has advised elected officials, CEOs and “C-Suite” Leaders during complex emergencies, major disasters, and terrorist attacks. Mr. Kuhr is also a respected consultant, having served as Managing Director and Emergency Management Practice Leader at Kroll Inc., and President and Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Emergency Group LLC. Mr. Kuhr has advised a variety of organizations in several business industries and government sectors to include federal, state, and local government agencies, transportation (rail, aviation, seaport, and surface), financial, energy (electricity/natural gas), water/wastewater, dams, major league baseball, cable news, commercial properties, defense, justice, law enforcement, and an agency serving people with disabilities and special needs. Mr. Kuhr Hosts “5 Minutes to Chaos – A Podcast”, a weekly podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, where he and guests explore the complexities of crisis management. Mr. Kuhr holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security Management and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration. He is a Colorado Certified Threat Liaison Officer and held a certification as an Advanced EMT-IV Paramedic. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/skuhr/