DisasterClass Podcast | Your Masterclass in Disaster Preparedness.

Preparedness isn’t about disasters — it’s about the systems you rely on every day.When people think about preparedness, they often focus on hazards: storms, outages, emergencies. But real-world outcomes aren’t determined by the event itself — they’re shaped by how that event disrupts essential systems and how those disruptions interact with household vulnerabilities.In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, we break down what risk actually means and why the same emergency can affect households very differently. Using a simple, practical framework — Risk = Hazard × Vulnerability × Impact — we explore how power, communications, healthcare, income, and other essential community systems quietly support daily life, and how disruptions to those systems drive real consequences.This episode is designed as a mini masterclass to help you:Understand why disasters don’t impact everyone the same waySee preparedness beyond gear, supplies, or checklistsRecognize how essential systems shape riskIdentify household vulnerabilities without fear or panicMake better decisions before stress takes overWe also walk through three simple questions you can ask tonight to better understand your household risk — no shopping, no downloads, just awareness.Preparedness starts with understanding how your life actually works. That’s where real resilience begins.📱 FOLLOW & CONNECT📧 Questions, stories, or topic ideas?Email us at disasterclass@instinctready.com📲 Follow us on social media:@instinctready @sawyerproducts @emdisastergaming @stopthebleedcoalition @preppingwithpappy @higher_ground_survival @gobagwesley @thebestgobag @gobagready72🔗 Sponsors & Partners🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com00:00 Sponsor Message: STOP THE BLEED Coalition01:00 Preparedness Isn’t About Disasters01:48 Why Systems Matter More Than Emergencies03:00 What Risk Actually Means (Hazard × Vulnerability × Impact)04:05 Essential Community Systems Explained05:20 Why the Same Emergency Affects Households Differently06:35 Vulnerability Is Context, Not Weakness07:40 Three Questions to Understand Your Household Risk09:25 Preparedness Starts With Understanding

In Part 2 of our interview with Chris Grollnek, one of the nation’s leading experts in active shooter prevention and response, we transition from mindset to real-world action.This episode breaks down the practical, proven steps schools, workplaces, and communities can take right now to build a true culture of preparedness. Chris shares decades of insight from law enforcement, consulting, and high-risk incident response to help organizations strengthen prevention, response, and recovery long before a crisis occurs.Whether you’re a school administrator, safety coordinator, business leader, or simply someone who cares about community resilience, this episode provides actionable guidance you can implement immediately.🔔 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• The core components of effective organizational preparedness• Why some training fails — and how to make it stick• Practical steps for schools, workplaces, and public venues• How leadership drives a culture of resilience • Real strategies that empower everyday people to act under stress• How to prepare communities without overusing fear🎙 About Our Guest: Chris GrollnekChris Grollnek is a nationally recognized expert in active shooter prevention, counterterrorism, and complex threat response. His work focuses on realistic, research-supported strategies that help organizations prevent incidents and respond more effectively when seconds matter.🔗 Connect with Chris — Through ASPPPRO For training, consulting, organizational support, and media inquiries, connect with Chris Grollnek through:👉 ASPPPRO — Active Shooter Prevention ProjectWebsite: https://aspppro.com/Contact: https://aspppro.com/contactTraining & Services: https://aspppro.com/services🔗 Sponsors & Partners🧢 Sawyer Products Sawyer offers the most advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries—everything from high-quality water filtration systems to insect repellents. Every purchase supports clean water programs for those in need, both in the U.S. and around the world, including disaster relief efforts.👉 Visit: https://www.sawyer.com🎲 EM Disaster GamingEmergency preparedness doesn’t have to be boring. EM Disaster Gaming brings emergency management training to life through interactive tabletop wargames like Wildfire Mayhem, created by a Certified Emergency Manager. These games teach coordination, decision-making, and disaster response in a fun and engaging way.🌐 Visit: EMDisasterGaming.com🩸 STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. In just one hour, learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit scaling the national campaign to bring bleeding-control training and tools to communities across the country.🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org🛡️ Instinct ReadyDisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready—educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com0:00 Return on Regret – Cold Open 0:11 “That’s the shift we all need to make.” 0:16 DisasterClass Intro 0:52 Welcome Back / Episode Setup 1:22 Moving From Awareness to Action 1:53 Mindset Shift for Organizations 2:26 Corporate Disconnects in Readiness 3:08 Fortune 100 Leadership Example 4:01 Actuaries & the Cost of Prevention 6:00 How to Get Leadership Buy-In 7:02 Five-Question Assessment Method 7:17 Introducing the PRO Model (Prevention • Response • Options) 8:01 Why PRO Was Needed 9:00 The Shooting That Sparked the Shift 11:01 Faster Response ≠ Prevention 12:03 Prevention in Emergency Management 13:03 Bleeding Control Reality Check 14:14 Personal Connection to Sandy Hook 16:00 Tools Schools Can Implement 17:06 Communications, Interop & Detection 18:01 Gun Detection Technology (Types Explained) 21:00 How the U.S. Army Uses PRO 22:45 Gunshot Detection Accuracy 24:00 The 17 Elements of Prevention 25:04 Tabletop Exercises & Stakeholder Involvement 26:30 Why Traditional Drills Are Expensive 28:20 Harm of Hyper-Realistic Drills for Kids 29:17 Active Shooter Prevention Project Overview 30:54 Indoor Mapping & Real-Time Navigation 32:53 Mapping for EMS & Dispatch 34:44 All-Hazards Benefits of Prevention Tech 35:53 Free Resources at ASPPPRO.com 36:56 Closing Reflections from Jason & Wesley 37:52 Preparedness = Empowerment 38:25 Outro – Stay Educated, Prepared, Equipped

In this episode of DisasterClass, hosts Jason Perez and Jason Martin (aka Pappy) welcome back Arthur Simental, founder of EM Disaster Gaming, and first-time guest Todd Manns, CEO of The Blue Cell Group.Together, they discuss Complex Coordinated Attack, a groundbreaking new disaster war game designed to push the limits of training, preparedness, and decision-making for emergency managers and first responders.Discover how this innovative partnership combines The Blue Cell’s simulation system, Chelsea County USA, with EM Disaster Gaming’s immersive game design to create an experience that bridges training, strategy, and realism like never before. 🚨 What You’ll Learn:-How Complex Coordinated Attack redefines traditional tabletop exercises-The science behind gamification in disaster response training-Why simulation and immersion improve decision-making under pressure-How Chelsea County USA models real communities and crises-Insights into ICS (Incident Command System) and how gaming teaches structure-The future of emergency management education through interactive design🧠 Key Takeaways✅ Realistic decision-making through war gaming✅ Collaboration between public and private preparedness organizations✅ Bridging entertainment, education, and crisis readiness✅ Preparing for the unpredictable through play-based learning🔗 Learn More 🎮 EM Disaster Gaming → https://emdisastergaming.com🏢 The Blue Cell Group → https://thebluecell.comChapters00:00 – Cold Open: Welcome back to DisasterClass; preview of the return of Arthur Simental and introduction of the new game Complex Coordinated Attack.01:10 – Host Introduction: Jason Perez and Pappy set up the episode and recap the previous “Disaster War Gaming” discussion.03:00 – Guest Introductions: Arthur Simental (EM Disaster Gaming) and Todd Manns (The Blue Cell Group) join the show.05:05 – The Vision Behind Complex Coordinated Attack: Arthur shares the inspiration and evolution of the game concept.9:30 – The Gameplay Explained: Todd and Arthur describe how players simulate decision-making in a complex, multi-agency response scenario.14:15 – Why Gamification Works: Discussion on how interactive training improves engagement and retention in emergency management.18:40 – Real-World Applications: Exploring how agencies, schools, and private organizations can use the game for training and exercises.24:10 – Lessons Learned from Players: Early feedback, challenges, and takeaways from the first users of Complex Coordinated Attack.28:45 – The Future of Disaster Gaming: What’s next for EM Disaster Gaming and The Blue Cell Group — upcoming expansions and ideas.33:10 – Key Takeaways: Preparedness training doesn’t have to be boring — gaming as an educational and engaging alternative.35:25 – Closing & Call to Action: Where to find Complex Coordinated Attack and other preparedness resources from Instinct Ready.37:10 – Outro Bell: Episode wraps with the signature DisasterClass bell sound.💬 Join the ConversationWhat do you think about using gaming to train for disasters? Drop your thoughts in the comments below 👇📢 Connect with DisasterClass🌐 Website: https://www.instinctready.com/disasterclass📸 Instagram: @disasterclasspodcast🐦 Twitter/X: @DisasterClass▶️ Subscribe for more episodes on preparedness, response, and resilience!🔗 Sponsors & Partners🧢 Sawyer Products Sawyer offers the most advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries—everything from high-quality water filtration systems to insect repellents. Every purchase supports clean water programs for those in need, both in the U.S. and around the world, including disaster relief efforts. 👉 Visit: https://www.sawyer.com🎲 EM Disaster GamingEmergency preparedness doesn’t have to be boring. EM Disaster Gaming brings emergency management training to life through interactive tabletop wargames like Wildfire Mayhem, created by a Certified Emergency Manager. These games are designed to teach coordination, decision-making, and disaster response in a fun and engaging way. Learn more today and level up your preparedness! 🌐 Visit EMDisasterGaming.com.🩸STOP THE BLEED® CoalitionUncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and to learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org.🛡️ Instinct ReadyDisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com

Wildfires are burning hotter, faster, and in more places than ever before. In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, IBHS Senior Director Steve Hawks shares how post-fire research, Wildfire Prepared Home, and Wildfire Prepared Neighborhoods are helping families and communities build resilience against a growing national threat.📌 Learn more: www.wildfireprepared.org | IBHS: https://ibhs.orgFollow us on social: @disasterclasspodcast🌟 SponsorsSawyer Products → https://sawyer.comEM Disaster Gaming → https://emdisastergaming.comStop The Bleed Coalition → https://stopthebleedcoalition.org

What does it really mean to be hurricane ready?🌀 In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, we sit down with meteorologist Rachael Gauthier from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to uncover the science-backed strategies that protect homes against hurricane damage.Rachael explains:✅Why your roof is your home’s first line of defense✅How wind-rated garage doors prevent catastrophic structural collapse✅The role of FORTIFIED construction standards✅How grant programs are making upgrades affordable for homeowners✅The real-world results from Hurricane Sally, where FORTIFIED homes were 70% less likely to file insurance claimsWhether you’re a homeowner, builder, or emergency manager, this episode gives you practical steps and proven solutions to protect your property, reduce risk, and recover faster after severe storms.🔗 Resources from IBHS FORTIFIEDHome Program: https://fortifiedhome.org/Home Disaster Guides: https://ibhs.org/guidance/homedisasterguides/ Roofing Roadmaps: https://ibhs.org/roofing-roadmaps/Why Garage Doors Matter: https://ibhs.org/why-a-strong-garage-door-matters/Disaster Discussions Podcast (IBHS): https://ibhs.org/disaster-discussions-podcast/ IBHS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IBHS_org/videos📱 Follow IBHS on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/IBHSorgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibhs_orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-business-&-home-safetyTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ibhs_org🔔 Subscribe to the DisasterClass PodcastHelping you educate, prepare, and equip yourself for life’s disruptions. 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disasterclass/id1662144263🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NDYauzCjHLgYXHVZarBdE📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@disasterclasspodcast🌐 Website: https://www.instinctready.com/disasterclass🔗 Sponsors & Partners🧢 Sawyer ProductsSawyer offers the most advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries—everything from high-quality water filtration systems to insect repellents. Every purchase supports clean water programs for those in need, both in the U.S. and around the world, including disaster relief efforts. 👉 Visit: https://www.sawyer.com🎲 EM Disaster GamingEmergency preparedness doesn’t have to be boring. EM Disaster Gaming brings emergency management training to life through interactive tabletop wargames like Wildfire Mayhem, created by a Certified Emergency Manager. These games are designed to teach coordination, decision-making, and disaster response in a fun and engaging way. Learn more today and level up your preparedness! 🌐 Visit EMDisasterGaming.com.🩸STOP THE BLEED® CoalitionUncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and to learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org. 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS 📞 Call: (845) 244-6360 🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com

Most people don’t know their local emergency manager—but they should. In this episode of DisasterClass, we celebrate the very first National Emergency Management Awareness Month and break down what emergency management really is, why it matters to your business, community, and family, and how to connect with the professionals working behind the scenes to keep you safe.Joining us is Arthur Simental (@emdisastergaming), founder of EM Disaster Gaming and creator of the preparedness board game Wildfire Mayhem, who’s turning disaster education into something fun, engaging, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a business leader, community organizer, or just someone who wants to be ready when disaster strikes, this conversation will give you a new appreciation for the people and systems that protect our communities every day.📌 In This Episode: What emergency management actually means Why National EM Awareness Month matters How businesses and organizations can prepare for disruptions The story behind Wildfire Mayhem and EM Disaster Gaming How YOU can get involved in raising awareness🔗 Resources & Links:Learn more about National Emergency Management Awareness Month: https://www.iaem.org/KnowYourEMFollow EM Disaster Gaming: @emdisastergaming🎯 Get Wildfire Mayhem here (Affiliate Link): https://emdisastergaming.com/ref/8/👍 Like, Subscribe & Comment:If you learned something new about emergency management, hit the like button, subscribe, and drop a comment about how YOU plan to take action this month.#DisasterClassPodcast #EmergencyManagement #EMAwarenessMonth #KnowYourEM #IAmEM #WildfireMayhem #Preparedness #CommunityResilience #BusinessContinuity #DisasterPreparedness @emdisastergaming🔗 Sponsors & Partners🧢 Sawyer ProductsSawyer offers the most advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries—everything from high-quality water filtration systems to insect repellents. Every purchase supports clean water programs for those in need, both in the U.S. and around the world, including disaster relief efforts.👉 Visit: https://www.sawyer.com🎲 EM Disaster Gaming Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be boring. EM Disaster Gaming brings emergency management training to life through interactive tabletop wargames like Wildfire Mayhem, created by a Certified Emergency Manager. These games are designed to teach coordination, decision-making, and disaster response in a fun and engaging way. Learn more today and level up your preparedness!🌐 Visit EMDisasterGaming.com.🩸STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and to learn how you can get involved.🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org. 🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS📞 Call: (845) 244-6360🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com

Connecticut just raised the bar for bleeding control legislation — and the rest of the country is watching. In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, we dive into Connecticut’s groundbreaking new law that requires bleeding control kits and training across a wide range of public buildings — making it one of the most comprehensive bleeding control laws in the United States.Whether you're a parent, educator, emergency manager, or community member, this conversation is packed with essential insights to help you stay informed and prepared.In This Episode:\✅ What Connecticut’s new Bleeding Control Law (Public Act 25-160) actually requires✅ Which buildings and organizations must comply by July 1, 2026✅ How this law compares to bleeding control requirements in Texas, Indiana, New Jersey, and beyond✅ Why uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death✅ How preparedness saves lives — and how you can get ahead of the curve✅ What organizations in any state can learn from Connecticut’s approachWhy This Matters:Uncontrolled bleeding can turn deadly in minutes. Having the right equipment — and the training to use it — can mean the difference between life and death. Connecticut’s new law is a major step forward for public safety and community resilience, and it’s a sign of what’s to come nationwide.Want to Get Prepared?At Instinct Ready, we help organizations, schools, and communities get equipped with life-saving bleeding control kits, training, and emergency planning — without the stress and confusion.Learn more at: www.instinctready.comStay Connected:✔️ Subscribe to DisasterClass for expert insights on emergency preparedness✔️ Rate & Review to help others discover the show✔️ Send us your questions or preparedness stories: disasterclass@instinctready.com✔️ Follow us: @disasterclasspodcast🔗 Sponsors & Partners🧢 Sawyer ProductsSawyer offers the most advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries—everything from high-quality water filtration systems to insect repellents. Every purchase supports clean water programs for those in need, both in the U.S. and around the world, including disaster relief efforts.👉 Visit: https://www.sawyer.com🎲 EM Disaster GamingEmergency preparedness doesn’t have to be boring. EM Disaster Gaming brings emergency management training to life through interactive tabletop wargames like Wildfire Mayhem, created by a Certified Emergency Manager. These games are designed to teach coordination, decision-making, and disaster response in a fun and engaging way. Learn more today and level up your preparedness! 🌐 Visit EMDisasterGaming.com.🩸STOP THE BLEED® CoalitionUncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and to learn how you can get involved. 🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org.🛡️ Instinct ReadyDisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products.🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS📞 Call: (845) 244-6360🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com🪷 Blue Lotus Virtual ServicesLet Blue Lotus Virtual Services take care of the behind-the-scenes admin work so you can focus on growing your business and doing what you love.🌐 Get started today: https://www.bluelotusvs.com

In this episode of the DisasterClass Podcast, Jason and Pappy sit down with the incredible JaNae F — better known online as @preparedlikeamother — a preparedness influencer, mother, and passionate advocate for family and community readiness.JaNae shares the story of how she got started in emergency preparedness, what sparked her journey, and how it quickly turned into a mission. We talk about the viral reel that catapulted her message into the mainstream, reaching millions of viewers and inspiring families across the country to take preparedness seriously.She also walks us through the creation of her Preparedness Workbook, a practical, family-friendly resource designed to help households get ready for life’s unexpected disruptions. Plus, she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her growing website and brand, where she offers tools, tips, and empowerment for busy moms and preparedness newcomers alike.Whether you’re a parent, a prepper, or just preparedness-curious, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical insights. 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode: Follow JaNae on Instagram: @preparedlikeamother Visit her website: www.preparedlikeamother.com🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts. 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @DisasterClassPodcast #Preparedness #EmergencyPreparedness#MomLife #ViralReel #PreppingWithKids #PreparedNotScared #FamilyPreparedness #DisasterClassPodcast #PreparedLikeAMother #EmergencyPlanning🔗 Sponsors & Partners🧢 Sawyer Products Sawyer offers the most advanced solutions for protection against sun, bugs, water, and injuries—everything from high-quality water filtration systems to insect repellents. Every purchase supports clean water programs for those in need, both in the U.S. and around the world, including disaster relief efforts. 👉 Visit: https://www.sawyer.com🩸STOP THE BLEED® Coalition Uncontrolled bleeding is a leading cause of preventable death after injury. But in just one hour, you can learn three simple steps to save a life. The STOP THE BLEED® Coalition is a nonprofit organization formed to support and scale the national STOP THE BLEED® campaign, helping bring bleeding control training and tools to communities across the country. Find a class near you and to learn how you can get involved.🌐 Visit: StopTheBleedCoalition.org.🎲 EM Disaster Gaming Emergency preparedness doesn’t have to be boring. EM Disaster Gaming brings emergency management training to life through interactive tabletop wargames like Wildfire Mayhem, created by a Certified Emergency Manager. These games are designed to teach coordination, decision-making, and disaster response in a fun and engaging way. Learn more today and level up your preparedness!🌐 Visit EMDisasterGaming.com.🛡️ Instinct Ready DisasterClass is proudly brought to you by Instinct Ready, dedicated to educating, preparing, and equipping communities for emergencies and disasters through quality training, comprehensive planning, and premium products. 🎁 Get 10% off your order with code DISASTERCLASS📞 Call: (845) 244-6360🌐 Visit: https://www.instinctready.com🪷 Blue Lotus Virtual Services Let Blue Lotus Virtual Services take care of the behind-the-scenes admin work so you can focus on growing your business and doing what you love.🌐 Get started today: https://www.bluelotusvs.com