Public Participation Episodes

Emergency alerts are supposed to reach everyone - but they don’t. In this episode, Tim Conrad speaks with Jen McEachen, a deafblind emergency management professional who has spent years identifying the gaps that leave millions of people behind during disasters. Jen shares what daily navigation looks like with deafblindness, why current public notification systems fail, and how simple changes can dramatically improve access.

After a disaster, the world moves on, but communities don’t. In this episode of the Wildfires, Floods and Chaos Communications Podcast, host Tim Conrad talks with Deb Borsos, one of BC’s most respected recovery specialists, about what really happens after the emergency ends. Deb shares decades of hard‑earned wisdom from wildfire zones, flood‑stricken towns, and remote communities in both Canada and Australia. She explains why communication failures can derail recovery, why co...

National Parks' search and rescue family liaison officer, Moose Mutlow, joins host Tim Conrad, APR, and shares how they connect incident command to families and friends to ensure strong communication throughout searches. Listen For: 01:50 - The roles of search and rescue and family liaison officers 10:33 - Setting the stage 28:40 - The idea of truth 40:28 - Finale - Three questions

How do you handle the unexpected when the stakes are at their highest?   Tim sits down with Shawna Bruce to break down the critical differences between a crisis communications plan and a full-fledged program.  Recorded live at the 2024 Canadian Emergency Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Convention in Ottawa, the conversation dives deep into the importance of preparedness, flexibility, and teamwork in crisis management.   Whether navigating social media pitfalls or leading a military response, Shawna and Tim explore what it takes to stay ahead of chaos.

Is building an emergency program a matter of simply responding to crises, or does it require something more?   In the final episode of the two-part series, host Tim Conrad talks with Steph Masun about the vital role of community, communication, and adaptability in emergency management.   With years of experience in the Cariboo Regional District's emergency program, Steph shares insights into the creation and continuity of an effective emergency response, emphasizing the importance of building a legacy, nurturing relationships, and continuous improvement.   From floods to fires, to landslides, learn how communities and emergency professionals can work together to navigate the unpredictable landscape of crisis management.

How do you rebuild communities after wildfires, floods, and chaos?   In the first of two episodes, Tim Conrad and emergency management expert Stephanie Masun dive deep into the challenges of post-disaster recovery in British Columbia's Cariboo Regional District.   From the devastation of the 2017 wildfires to multi-year recovery programs, they share powerful lessons on teamwork, community resilience, and emergency management.

Can strategic planning and empathy transform chaos into order? In this episode, Tim Conrad introduces Michele Toma, an information officer with expertise in research, analytics, and crisis communication strategies. They recount their experiences during the devastating 2023 British Columbia wildfire season, highlighting the importance of humanity, empathy, and meticulous documentation in managing crises. Michele shares her insights on strategic planning, stakeholder relations, and the critical role of business continuity plans. Their discussion underscores how turning negative feedback into opportunities for improvement can significantly enhance crisis response and communication efforts.