State of Ready with Ed Colson and Bill Fogarty is back for Season 4.  We have brought some new content to our podcast series with a series called OnScene where we interview those who have responded to disasters and what we as emergency managers, first responders, and everyone interested in disaster response can learn.  In Episode 1, we interview our own co-host, Bill Fogarty, and his response to the 2010 San Bruno Pipeline explosion.  What's the thought process that begins when you hear a call like that on the radio? How does you mind react when you come on scene and starts p ..read more

Weather hazards have always been with us and were the first disasters emergency managers had to deal with. What roles do meteorologists play when warning and preparing the public for weather events? How can emergency managers coordinate with their weather partners and help their community? And what does the future hold as we look to weather and climate contributing to larger and more intense disasters?  Join Ed and Bill as we chat with Ashley Morris, an expert on both topics, and what we al can do to maintain our State of Ready.  ..read more

2020 was another catastrophic year for wildfires around the world. Although it is only March, forecasters predict another busy wildfire season in the United States. If you have not experienced a wildfire yet, or live in an area prone to wildfires, listen to our guest Brad Hartzell, a retired firefighter and now wildfire vegetation manager, share his experiences in dealing with and responding to wildfires.  Visit StateofReady.com and download your personal wildfire ready checklist and hit the subscribe button!  ..read more

When you think of security, do you think of roving patrols and a desk to check in at? Security plays a critical role in supporting our critical infrastructure protection and is often the first on-scene during a disaster. What role is that? Where can emergency management work hand in hand with facility security? What does it take to get into this field?  Join Bill and Ed as we interview our guest Robert Whitham, an emergency and security manager for a public utility, as we discuss the important role of security and emergency management.  ..read more

There's no words to describe 2020. We had the pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, economic disaster and more. How do we go on and emerge stronger on 2021? Join Ed &Bill as we chat with an expert in resilience : Robin Niemeyer who will walk us through steps to be mentally and emotionally resilient in 2021 ..read more

In this 2019 recap from State of Ready we talk about what 2019 brought about. We also highlight what 2020 it's going to bring for you listeners ..read more

What's in your Go-Bag?  If your new year's resolution is to be more prepared for a disaster, a Go-Bag filled with emergency and disaster supplies should be at the top of your list!  In this episode, Ed and Bill discuss the origins of the Go-Bag, the "Must" have and "Should" have of supplies and where to put it all.  Take our Twitter poll on the subject as well!  Remember to hit "Subscribe"!  ..read more

Bill and Ed review all that's happened this year and wrap it all up in a 2018 review. We also discuss what we have in store for 2019! Remember to subscribe and reach out to us on Twitter! @StateOfReady Ed - @Ready_Northwest Bill- @21clets ..read more

We're back! Ed and Bill are back with a new episode, this week focused on Evacuations- How to Know When to Go. Hurricanes, wildfires, hazmat; OH MY. Why would we evacuate and who would make that decision. Tune in! We are joined by special guest Brent Bowden to discuss the Quick Series app and how it assists emergency management and businesses by providing awareness tools before, during, and after an evacuation. Also, stay to the very end because we want to hear from you, our State of Ready listeners ..read more

This week the State of Ready team chats with Mike Sutton of Civic Plus on Emergency Alert systems. We discuss different types of alerting systems, how to get your community to sign up, and what messaging to use. We also learned not to record on a Friday afternoon ..read more