State of Disaster Episode 2, with Anthony S. Mangeri, MPA, CPM, CEM

In my conversation with my friend Anthony, we discuss the capabilities, funding, and authorities needed to enable disasters to be managed effectively at the local level. Anthony has worn so many hats in government and emergency management, that it provided a perfect opportunity to dig into how Anthony the Town Manager could collaborate with Anthony the State Hazard Mitigation Officer, and all the other Anthonys that play into the disaster paradigm. From local capital funds to grants like BRIC (RIP) to insurance policies, we explore what today’s emergency manager needs to understand about ensuring the longevity of their operations.

In a continuation of Eric Kant’s discussion about the Local Emergency Managers Alliance, we discuss the urgent need for emergency managers to conduct local and regional capability assessments. We also try to look on the optimistic side of the frustration and confusion that we’re experiencing from the federal government - there are opportunities to redefine and improve the way that we approach the work that we do locally.

From my perspective, I think the most important piece of this conversation is the need for a shift in culture, where all sectors are integrating risk mitigation and resilience into all aspects of our communities, starting from the design phase. I even find an opportunity (as usual) to mention the need for marketing to help the public understand the work that we do and the funds we need to do it right.

My final question was for Anthony the professor: “What do students looking to break into the field right now need to be focused on?” Listen to this episode to find out what Anthony’s answer is to this question, and make sure to catch next week’s episode when I interview Sarah Miller, PhD and Darcy Leutzinger, PhD on what prospective students should look for when selecting an emergency and disaster management degree program.