The COVID-19 Pandemic has put the discussion of the uses and effectiveness of face coverings center stage. People that have never been required to wear face coverings, masks, or N-95s are now donning these devices with varying expectations regarding protection for themselves and others.

You’ve watched Olympians like Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad jump over hurdles and smash world records along the way. You smiled when Simone Biles got back on the beam and eloquently demonstrated the perfect balance. You sat in awe of Caeleb Dressel’s stellar execution of his races, which allowed him to bring home five gold medals. These athletes and many others are truly spectacular, yet none of it would have happened without the behind the scenes work and diligence of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
-Abraham Lincoln

The (Often Unsung) Heroes
When it comes to risk-based planning in a community, emergency managers weigh the likelihood of the threat verses the potential for harm to the environment and human life.

Most of us are not exposed to toxic chemicals or hazardous materials in our day-to-day jobs. Nonetheless, ASG is committed to making the world a safer place for everybody, which means looking to those who are at high risk for potential hazards. ASG takes into account a series of concerns: from hazardous material facilities to geographic locations and populations vulnerable to natural disasters because we believe all people deserve to live safe and healthy lives.

Have you ever considered how many hazardous materials (Hazmat) are in your community? It may shock you if you looked into it. The majority of communities across the U.S. have businesses that are storing, transporting, manufacturing, or utilizing Hazmat.

What comes to mind for you when you think about the 4th of July? For me, I picture the warm summer sun, food cooked over a fire, and of course, an extravagant fireworks show! However, I also reminisce on the delightful time shared with my family.

Hazmat Response Game Changer

What comes to mind when you think about Hazmat Response? For many, it is the image of a person decked out in a Level A Hazmat Suit with a detector outstretched to sample the hazard. This is the current all-hazards response approach to potential Hazmat incidents.

Counting the Cost of Preparedness

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin wrote these famous words to residents of Philadelphia in 1736, exhorting them to take the necessary measures to stop preventable fires. While this timeless quote was originally based on fire safety, it’s truth still rings true today about the importance of preparedness across all phases of emergency management.

As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues, employee health has been a major focus for both policy makers and businesses. The Pandemic has highlighted the risk of infectious diseases and has put an emphasis on business roles in preventing their spread to employees and customers. While these precautions, policies and procedures are crucial during a pandemic, the reality is that during times like these, other health risks, like emotional and psychological stress, may fall off the radar and cause significant harm to employees.

This video is part two of a series of videos on situational awareness developed from Alliance Solutions Group’s (ASG) course, Crisis Leadership and Decision Making. The course was developed for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has been delivered to thousands of public safety and private sector decision makers across the country.