DHS&EM Get Ready Alaska Podcast

Get Ready Alaska – Alaska Qualification System with DHS&EM’s Jonathan Nicoles

Get Ready Alaska – Alaska Qualification System with DHS&EM’s Jonathan Nicoles
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) Training Section is launching a statewide Emergency Management Qualification System. This system is designed to help emergency managers identify and document the skills and experience needed to fulfill roles within the Incident Command System (ICS).
Jonathan Nicoles from DHS&EM joins Get Ready Alaska to explain the purpose behind the new program, how individuals can get involved, and what the process looks like once a task book is completed.
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Get Ready Alaska - 2025 River Watch with APRFC Kyle Van Peursem and Jen Wallace

Get Ready Alaska – Riverwatch with Jen Wallace (DHS&EM) and Kyle Van Peursem (APRFC)
Each spring, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) partners with the Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (APRFC) for the Riverwatch Program. This collaborative effort monitors Alaska’s rivers—particularly the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and other waterways prone to ice jams—during the spring breakup season.
Riverwatch teams take to the skies to observe the breakup front in real-time, providing critical updates to riverine communities at risk of flooding.
In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, Kyle Van Peursem from the APRFC and Jen Wallace from DHS&EM join us to share insights about the Riverwatch Program, the risks posed by ice jam flooding, and what this year’s breakup forecast means for Alaskans.
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Get Ready Alaska – Alaska Volcano Observatory with Kristi Wallace and David Schneider

Get Ready Alaska – Alaska Volcano Observatory with Kristi Wallace and David Schneider
Alaska is home to numerous active volcanoes, making volcanic monitoring and research essential for public safety. The Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) plays a crucial role in tracking volcanic activity, studying both past and present eruptions, and issuing alerts when volcanic events pose risks to communities and transportation systems. In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, AVO experts Kristi Wallace and David Schneider discuss the methods used to monitor and study volcanoes, the potential impacts of eruptions, and how the public can stay informed about volcanic activity. Additionally, they provide insight into the recent activity at Mount Spurr and explore the possible consequences of an eruption on Southcentral Alaska.
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Get Ready Alaska - Part 2: Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Andrew Jen Wallace and Dave Reilly

Get Ready Alaska - Part 2: Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Andrew Jen Wallace and Dave Reilly
When disaster strikes, affected states can call on neighboring states for help through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This mutual aid agreement enables all 50 U.S. states and territories to request and provide disaster-related support.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, several DHS&EM staff members were deployed to North Carolina to assist. Part two of this two-part series explores the critical work done by DHS&EM’s Jen Wallace, Dave Reilly and other DHS&EM staff, who helped run a massive distribution center in a hard-hit North Carolina county. 
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Get Ready Alaska - Part 1: Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Andrew Sather & Jonathan Nichols

Get Ready Alaska - Part 1: Emergency Management Assistance Compact with Andrew Sather & Jonathan Nichols
When disaster strikes, affected states can call on neighboring states for help through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). This mutual aid agreement enables all 50 U.S. states and territories to request and provide disaster-related support.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, several DHS&EM staff members were deployed to North Carolina to assist. Part one of this two-part series explores the critical work done by DHS&EM’s Andrew Sather and Jonathan Nichols, who supported North Carolina’s Emergency Management Agency in organizing and coordinating the state's EMAC process.
Tune in to Get Ready Alaska on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible/Amazon, Google Podcasts, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - Izzy Brown with the Youth Preparedness Council

Get Ready Alaska - Izzy Brown and the Youth Preparedness Council
The FEMA Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) empowers young people to take an active role in emergency preparedness. Izzy Brown, a member of the YPC from Denali, Alaska, joins Get Ready Alaska to share her experiences with the council. In this conversation, she discusses the importance of giving back to her community, the friendships she's made, and her Crisis Zone podcast.
To learn more about the FEMA Youth Preparedness Council, visit Youth Preparedness Council | FEMA.gov.
Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility with Sandy Baker

Get Ready Alaska - Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility with Sandy Baker
After a disaster, water is one of the most essential resources in demand. Sandy Baker from the Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss AWWU's infrastructure, the disruptions caused by the 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake, boil water notices, and practical steps people can take to prepare for potential water emergencies.
For more information about AWWU go to www.awwu.biz or call 907-564-2762. 
After a disaster, water is one of the most essential resources in demand. Sandy Baker from the Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss AWWU's infrastructure, the disruptions caused by the 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake, boil water notices, and practical steps people can take to prepare for potential water emergencies.
Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - Mat-Su Borough Animal Care Facility

Get Ready Alaska - Mat-Su Borough Animal Care Facility
The Mat-Su Borough Animal Care team joins Get Ready Alaska to discuss pet care during disasters and emergencies. We'll explore recent disaster events, the care of exotic pets, managing pet-related donations, and more.
Learn more about Mat-Su Animal Care at matsugov.us/department/animal-care.
Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska: Earning a Degree in Emergency Management with Dean Cam Carlson from the UAF School of Business and Security Management

Get Ready Alaska: Earning a Degree in Emergency Management with Dean Cam Carlson from the UAF School of Business and Security Management
Emergency management is a dynamic field that attracts professionals from diverse backgrounds including law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, and charitable organizations. Those with specialized degrees in emergency management are increasingly leading innovations and advancements within the profession.
Dean Cam Carlson of the UAF School of Business and Security Management joins Get Ready Alaska to explore the UAF Emergency Management program. Discover the unique opportunities available to UAF Emergency Management students and find out how you can learn more about this exciting field.
For more information, visit the UAF School of Business and Security Management at UAF CBSM.
Tune in to the Get Ready Alaska Podcast on popular platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podbean.

Get Ready Alaska - Alaska Emergency Management Association with Casey Cook and Bethany Buckingham Follett

The Alaska Emergency Management Association (AKEMA) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the communication, credentials, and advocacy of Alaska’s emergency management community. In this episode of Get Ready Alaska, Casey Cook and Bethany Buckingham Follett discuss the benefits of AKEMA membership, who is eligible to join, and the process of becoming a member.
For more information about AKEMA, visit their Facebook page.
To join, contact Casey Cook via email at Casey.Cook@Matsu.gov.us.