The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Episode SummaryWhat if the future of emergency management is already here, just not where we’ve traditionally looked?In this episode, Todd DeVoe sits down with Marcus T. Coleman Jr., Vice President for Community Resilience Strategy at United Way Worldwide, for a candid, practitioner-level conversation about the evolving landscape of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Drawing on more than a decade inside FEMA and DHS, and experience supporting over 50 presidentially declared disasters, Marcus offers a clear-eyed view of what is changing and what emergency managers need to rethink.This is not a polished success story. It is an honest discussion about the gaps between government systems and community reality, the increasing influence of philanthropy, and the hard truth that resilience is being built from the ground up, often outside of traditional emergency management structures.Key Themes and ConversationThe Shift to Community-Led PreparednessMarcus breaks down the movement away from top-down models toward locally driven resilience. Programs like United We Prepare are not just outreach efforts, they represent a fundamental shift in who owns preparedness. Communities are no longer passive recipients of government planning, they are becoming co-creators. The conversation challenges emergency managers to rethink authority, control, and engagement in preparedness efforts.Mental Health as a Core Recovery FunctionUsing real-world examples like the Greater Valdosta United Way response to Hurricane Helene, Marcus highlights a persistent blind spot in disaster recovery. Mental health is not a secondary issue, it is central to long-term recovery. The discussion explores how trauma, anxiety, and prolonged stress shape community outcomes and why emergency management systems continue to under-resource this space.Real-Time Data and the Power of 211The conversation turns to data, not the static kind found in after-action reports, but live, dynamic data that tells the story of unmet needs in real time. Marcus explains how 211 systems are becoming critical intelligence tools, capturing gaps that traditional assessments miss. With 19 million referrals in 2025 alone, including dramatic increases in housing and food assistance requests, this data offers a new lens for situational awareness before, during, and after disasters.Public-Private Interdependence in CrisisEmergency management has always relied on partnerships, but the stakes are higher now. Marcus discusses the growing interdependence between government, nonprofits, and private sector partners like Uber and Lyft. These relationships can accelerate response and recovery, but only if they are intentionally designed. When they are not, they introduce friction, inequity, and delay.The Quiet Influence of PhilanthropyOne of the most candid parts of the conversation explores how philanthropy is shaping recovery timelines and priorities. Funding streams, donor interests, and nonprofit capacity are influencing outcomes in ways that are rarely discussed in formal emergency management circles. This raises important questions about equity, accountability, and who ultimately drives recovery decisions.Why This Matters for Emergency ManagersThis episode challenges the profession to confront an uncomfortable reality. The systems we rely on are no longer sufficient on their own. Community organizations, data networks like 211, and private sector partnerships are not supporting actors, they are central to the mission.If emergency managers are not actively integrating these elements into planning and operations, they are not just missing opportunities, they are creating gaps.About the GuestMarcus T. Coleman Jr. serves as Vice President for Community Resilience Strategy at United Way Worldwide. He previously spent over a decade at FEMA and DHS, where he built national partnerships across nonprofit, faith-based, philanthropic, and private sector organizations. Marcus has supported response and recovery for more than 50 presidentially declared disasters under three FEMA Administrators and has advised thousands of organizations on preparedness, response, and recovery.Closing ThoughtResilience is no longer something we deliver to communities. It is something communities build, often with or without us. The question for emergency managers is simple, will we lead in that space, or will we struggle to catch up?Tagscommunity resilience, nonprofit partnerships, disaster recovery, emergency management leadership, 211 data This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s EM Morning Brief covers a multi-day severe weather outbreak across the central United States, including an EF-2 tornado in Ottawa, Kansas that triggered a state disaster emergency, and widespread wind and flood damage across Wisconsin and Michigan. We cover the Cheboygan Dam flood response, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake near Silver Springs, Nevada, continued evacuations at the Newman Drive Fire in Collier County, Florida, and the latest Kīlauea status from HVO. On the federal side, CISA adds two new vulnerabilities to the KEV catalog, the State Department updates travel advisories for Nigeria, Oman, Ethiopia, and parts of Colombia, and FEMA denies Colorado’s major disaster appeal. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways• Severe weather outbreak: Multi-day threat of strong tornadoes, giant hail, and damaging wind from the southern Plains into the southern Great Lakes through April 16.• Kansas disaster emergency: Gov. Kelly declares a state disaster emergency after Monday’s EF-2 tornado in Ottawa and Miami County damage; state EOC activated.• Michigan flood response: Cheboygan Dam within inches of crest; SEOC activation extended; levee breach and a failed Alcona County dam prompt evacuations.• Nevada earthquake: M5.7 near Silver Springs with 125+ aftershocks; light to moderate damage near Fallon; no major critical-infrastructure impacts reported.• Florida wildfire: Newman Drive Fire at roughly 1,733 acres and 60% containment in Collier County; evacuations and smoke refuge remain active near Naples.SourcesCISA• CISA Adds Two Known Exploited Vulnerabilities to Catalog (Apr 14) — Microsoft Office RCE and Microsoft SharePoint Server improper input validation added to KEV.• Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — Full KEV catalog and remediation due dates.FEMA• FEMA Disasters and Declarations — Index of current and past federal disaster declarations.• Colorado will not receive FEMA aid for last year’s fires and flooding — KUNC (Apr 14) — FEMA denial of Colorado major disaster appeal.NIFC / InciWeb• Incident Management Situation Report — Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 0730 MDT — National PL 2; 22 uncontained large fires; 11 new large incidents.• InciWeb — Incident Information — Active wildland fire incidents, including the Newman Drive Fire.USGS• USGS Significant Earthquakes — 2026 — Catalog of significant events including the Silver Springs, Nevada M5.7.• USGS Volcano Notice — Kīlauea, Apr 14, 2026 18:03 UTC — HVO status: episode 44 paused; episode 45 forecast Apr 19–26.• Kīlauea — Volcano Updates — HVO’s Kīlauea update landing page.NOAA / NWS• Storm Prediction Center — Day 1 Convective Outlook (Apr 14, 2026, 1300 UTC) — Severe weather outlook for the southern Plains into the southern Great Lakes.Travel Advisories• U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisories — Official advisory levels and updates.• Updated advisories: Nigeria, Oman, Ethiopia and others (Apr 13–14) — Summary of Level 3 moves and broader advisory updates.Florida• Newman Drive Fire near Naples causes evacuations — NBC 6 South Florida — Fire acreage, containment, and evacuation areas.• Evacuations remain as brush fire burns along I-75 — Fox Weather — Incident context and smoke impacts.Kansas• Gov. Kelly declares disaster emergency after storms, tornadoes — KCTV5 (Apr 14) — State disaster emergency for northeast Kansas; SEOC activated.• Kelly issues disaster emergency for storm-hit areas — WIBW — Additional detail on the declaration and state support.Michigan• State Emergency Operations Center — Severe Weather Updates (Michigan State Police) — Statewide flood response activation and updates.• Cheboygan Dam at risk as floodwaters rise — Detroit News (Apr 14) — Water level near dam crest; DNR pumps operating; hydro plant work underway.• Whitmer extends emergency center amid rising water levels — CBS Detroit — Extension of SEOC activation; statewide flood impacts.Nevada• USGS: Magnitude 5.7 Quake Strikes in Nevada — Insurance Journal — Official magnitude, location, and aftershock guidance.• Magnitude 5.7 earthquake hits near Silver Springs — KRNV MyNews4 — Local damage reports and no major infrastructure impacts.Wisconsin• Tens of thousands without power after overnight storms — CBS 58 — We Energies outage totals and storm path.• Heavy rain causes street flooding, evacuations in Clintonville — WBAY (Apr 14) — Flash flood warning for potential Big Falls Dam failure on the Little River.Severe weather outbreak (multi-state)• Multiple tornadoes hit Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin — The Watchers — Preliminary tornado and hail reports for April 13–14.• Strong tornadoes, giant hail threaten Iowa to southern Great Lakes — The Watchers — April 14 severe weather redevelopment outlook. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

EMN Podcast DescriptionIn this episode of The Emergency Management Network Podcast, Andrew Boyarsky sits down with Todd DeVoe to unpack a powerful and timely idea: the world is not falling apart; it is revealing itself.Drawing from Todd’s latest article, the conversation explores how today’s risk environment is no longer defined by single incidents, but by a convergence of interconnected stresses across geopolitical systems, the economy, climate, technology, and public trust. What feels like instability is, in reality, a clearer picture of how fragile and interdependent our systems have always been.Todd challenges the profession to rethink preparedness in a VUCA environment, where volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity demand adaptability over rigid planning. The discussion goes beyond traditional emergency management approaches and calls for a shift toward capability building, honest communication, and genuine whole-community engagement.This episode is not about fear; it is about clarity. It is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really means to prepare communities for a future that will not follow the plan.Show NotesIn this episode, Andrew and Todd explore the idea that what we are experiencing today is not a breakdown of systems, but a revelation of their true nature under stress. Multiple systems are being strained at the same time, from geopolitics and supply chains to climate extremes and cyber threats, and each one amplifies the others.The conversation reframes how emergency managers should think about risk. Rather than planning for isolated hazards, the focus must shift to understanding interconnected threats and building systems that can operate under continuous pressure.A central theme of the discussion is VUCA, a concept borrowed from the military that describes a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Todd argues that while the term is widely used in emergency management, it is often misunderstood. It should not be used to explain why things are difficult, but to drive a fundamental shift in how preparedness is approached.The episode also challenges a long-standing assumption in public communication: that emergency managers must avoid creating fear. Instead, Todd emphasizes that fear is not the real issue. Helplessness is. Communities can handle difficult truths when they are given clear information and meaningful ways to act.Andrew and Todd discuss the implications for whole-community preparedness, arguing that it must move beyond messaging into a genuine partnership. When individuals understand their role and feel a sense of agency, they are far more likely to respond effectively during crises.The conversation also addresses a difficult but necessary reality: the federal safety net is becoming less predictable. Emergency managers must begin preparing communities with this in mind, shifting the narrative from reliance on external assistance to building local capability and resilience.The episode closes with a call to action. Preparedness is no longer about having the right plan on the shelf. It is about building adaptable systems, strengthening relationships, and leading communities through complexity with honesty and clarity.Key ThemesConvergence of risk across multiple interconnected systemsVUCA as a framework for action, not just descriptionThe gap between planning and true capabilityThe danger of avoiding hard conversations with the publicWhole community as partnership, not messagingShifting from federal reliance to local resilienceLeadership in complexity and uncertaintyEpisode Title OptionsThe World Isn’t Falling Apart… It’s Revealing ItselfVUCA Is Here, Now WhatPreparedness in a Converging Crisis EnvironmentFrom Plans to CapabilityLeading Through ComplexityTagsEmergency Management, VUCA, Community Resilience, Leadership, Disaster Preparedness This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Tropical Storm Sinlaku intensifies in the western Pacific as Guam declares Condition of Readiness 3 with a potential Category 3-4 typhoon landfall projected by Monday. FEMA faces a $10 billion disaster reimbursement backlog and internal readiness concerns ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. CISA and federal partners warn of ongoing Iran-linked cyberattacks targeting programmable logic controllers across government, water, and energy sectors, with a new Ivanti EPMM vulnerability added to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. State-level updates include Colorado wildfire evacuations, a Kilauea volcanic eruption watch in Hawaii, Mississippi disaster designations, historic wildfires in Nebraska, and a boil water advisory in South Carolina. Full state-by-state coverage and sourced intelligence for emergency management professionals.EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Takeaways:* Tropical Storm Sinlaku is projected to intensify into a Category 3 or 4 typhoon.* The U.S. Coast Guard is actively coordinating a unified response across the Marianas region.* FEMA faces significant challenges with disaster reimbursements amid the ongoing storm preparations.* Communities throughout the nation are awaiting nearly $10 billion in disaster relief funding.* Severe weather alerts have been issued for various regions, including heavy rainfall and potential flooding.* Nebraska is experiencing historic wildfires, with the Morrill Fire having burned approximately 642,000 acres.SourcesGuam / Northern Mariana Islands• Guam Homeland Security — COR 3 Joint Information Center Release, April 10, 2026• RNZ News — Tropical Storm Sinlaku strengthens, could hit CNMI as typhoon by MondayFEMA• WWNO/NPR — Communities waiting on billions in disaster funding, April 10, 2026• WBUR Here & Now — FEMA worker says warning signs came early, April 9, 2026CISA / Cyber• ABA Banking Journal — CISA, federal agencies issue advisory on Iran-related cyberattacks• The Hacker News — Iran-linked hackers disrupt U.S. critical infrastructure by targeting PLCs• Qualys ThreatPROTECT — CISA added Ivanti EPMM CVE-2026-1340 to KEV catalog• CISA — Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, April 8, 2026 additionNWS / NOAA• NOAA Storm Prediction Center — Day 1 Convective Outlook, April 10, 2026Travel Advisories• U.S. Embassy to Angola and Sao Tome and Principe — Travel Advisory update, April 8, 2026Colorado• CPR News — Mandatory evacuations ordered for wildfire near Carter Lake, April 8, 2026Hawaii• USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory — Kīlauea Episode 44 precursory activity notice, April 8, 2026• Spectrum Local News Hawaii — Major disaster declaration request pending, April 3, 2026Mississippi• USDA FSA — FEMA designates 3 counties in Mississippi as disaster areas, April 9, 2026Nebraska• Governor Pillen — Emergency declaration for wildfires in central/western NebraskaSouth Carolina• Clean Air and Water — Berkeley County boil water advisory, April 9, 2026U.S. Virgin Islands• St. Thomas Source — WAPA major units offline, power rotations, April 2–9, 2026 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s emergency brief takes you through the biggest safety and emergency updates making news right now. We start with a troubling cybersecurity alert involving Iranian-affiliated threat actors and growing concerns about attacks on critical infrastructure.From there, we check in on wildfire activity across the country and the efforts underway to contain dangerous blazes. We also discuss rising tensions in the Middle East, including a Shelter in Place advisory issued for U.S. citizens in Bahrain.We wrap up with the latest on Kilauea in Hawaii, severe weather building across the Southern Plains, and other urgent public safety developments, including water advisories. It’s a clear, concise roundup of the risks, response efforts, and evolving situations you should know about.Takeaways:* CISA has issued a critical advisory regarding Iranian threat actors exploiting vulnerabilities in PLCs.* Organizations utilizing Rockwell Automation’s technology must prioritize remediation of exploited vulnerabilities.* The recent Shelter in Place directive for Bahrain reflects heightened security concerns in the region.* Wildfire activity across the United States has reached significant levels, necessitating ongoing suppression efforts.* Heavy rainfall continues to pose a threat in Florida, with moderate flash flood risks identified.* A substantial severe weather threat is anticipated in the Southern Plains over the coming days.SourcesCISA / Cyber- CISA Advisory AA26-097A — Iranian-Affiliated Cyber Actors Exploit PLCs Across US Critical Infrastructure (April 7, 2026)- CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-26-097-01 (April 7, 2026)- CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog — CVE-2026-35616 (April 6, 2026)- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities CatalogNIFC / Wildland Fire- NIFC/NICC Incident Management Situation Report (April 7, 2026, PDF)- NIFC National Fire NewsUSGS / Volcanoes- USGS Kīlauea Volcano Updates- USGS Volcano Updates (all U.S. volcanoes)NWS / NOAA / Severe Weather- NWS Miami — Flood Watch for Southeast Florida (April 7, 2026)- Storm Prediction Center — Convective OutlooksU.S. Department of State- U.S. Embassy Manama — Security Alert: Bahrain Shelter-in-Place (April 6–7, 2026)- State Dept — Middle East Regional Travel AdvisoryFAA / Aviation- FAA Ground Stop at Miami International Airport (April 7, 2026) — CBS MiamiCalifornia- CAL FIRE — Springs Fire Incident PageFlorida- Flood Watch, Heavy Rain for South Florida (April 7, 2026)Hawai’i- Big Island Video News — Earthquakes Swarm Before Kīlauea Eruption Episode 44Illinois- City of Freeport — Boil Order April 6, 2026- WIFR — Boil Order Lifted in Freeport (April 7, 2026)Texas- TDEM — Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources (March 31, 2026) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

The ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, now in its 37th day, constitutes the most pressing national emergency management concern at present. As the self-imposed pause by President Trump on potential strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure nears its expiration, analysts describe the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as the most significant energy supply disruption since the 1970s oil crisis. Concurrently, the rise in gasoline prices by approximately 37% since the commencement of the conflict underscores the profound economic implications of this situation. Emergency managers are thus urged to closely monitor fuel supply chains, logistics, and mutual aid costs in this increasingly volatile environment. Moreover, the episode further delineates the heightened wildfire risks across various states, exacerbated by climatic anomalies and ongoing drought conditions, necessitating vigilant preparedness and response strategies.Takeaways:* The ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has now reached a critical 37-day mark, presenting significant national emergency challenges.* The closure of the Strait of Hormuz since late February is noted as a major energy supply disruption, comparable to the 1970s oil crisis.* Regular gasoline prices in the United States have surged by approximately 37% since the commencement of the conflict in the Middle East.* The International Energy Agency has issued warnings regarding worsening supply constraints in April as pre-war crude oil shipments are depleted.* Emergency managers are urged to closely monitor fuel supply chains and logistics costs amidst the current geopolitical tensions.* National wildfire conditions in the United States are significantly exceeding historical averages, with over 810,000 acres burned thus far in 2026.SourcesDHS / NTAS* DHS — National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)State Department / Travel Advisories* State Dept — Middle East Global Events Page* State Dept — Worldwide Caution* State Dept — Travel Advisories Landing Page* U.S. Embassy Ethiopia — Travel Advisory Renewed April 1, 2026NOAA / NWS* NOAA SPC — Day 2 Convective Outlook (April 6, 2026)* NOAA Weather Prediction Center — HomeUSGS* USGS — Significant Earthquakes 2026* USGS — Latest Earthquakes MapNIFC / InciWeb* NIFC — Incident Management Situation Report, April 3, 2026 (official update ~72 hours ago)* NIFC — National Fire News* InciWeb — Wildland Fire Application Information PortalFEMA* FEMA — Newsroom* FEMA — Disaster Declarations* FEMA — Hazard Mitigation Deadline Extension (March 24, 2026)CISA* CISA — Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories* CISA — ICS Advisories* CISA — Emergency Directive 26-03: Cisco SD-WAN Vulnerabilities (February 2026)CDC* CDC — Health Alert Network (HAN) ArchiveIran War / Energy Crisis* NPR — Iran war updates, April 6, 2026* CNN — Live updates: Iran war, April 6, 2026* Bloomberg — Trump escalates threats to bomb Iran’s power plants, April 5* CNBC — IEA warns oil supply crunch will worsen in April* Wikipedia — 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis (context)Alaska* FEMA — Alaska Typhoon Halong Disaster Assistance (deadline passed April 3)California* CAL FIRE — Springs Fire incident page* Newsweek — California Wildfire Update: Evacuations Lifted as Springs Fire Contained* ABC7 Los Angeles — Springs Fire / Crown Fire live updates* NBC Los Angeles — Evacuations underway for Crown Fire in northern LA CountyFlorida* Fox Weather — Florida fire danger spikes as extreme drought reaches 25-year high, state of emergency declared* WUSF/NPR — Florida’s drought caused a surge in wildfires, peak season still ahead (April 2, 2026)* Florida Governor — Executive Order 26-33 (February 9, 2026)* Florida DEM — Morning Situation Report, April 4, 2026Hawaii* Nomad Lawyer — Hawaii flooding alert: March 2026 stormKansas* KSN — Wildfire burns 145,000+ acres in Kansas and OklahomaNebraska* Wikipedia — 2026 Nebraska wildfiresNew Mexico* Albuquerque Journal — New Mexico could face high wildfire risk in 2026 due to warm winter, poor snowpack* NM Fire Info — Current wildfire informationNew York* City of Plattsburgh — MLD Power Outage, April 6, 2026 at 8:30 AMNorth Carolina / South Carolina* NWS Wilmington — 2026 Spring Climate Outlook for Southeast NC and Northeast SCOklahoma* Oklahoma OEM — April 2026 Newsletter* Direct Relief — Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas wildfires: evacuations underway* Wikipedia — 2026 Oklahoma wildfiresTexas* TDEM — Governor Abbott activates emergency resources ahead of severe weather, March 31, 2026* NOAA WPC — Fort Worth/Dallas weather forecast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

The current state of preparedness in the United States is critical, as evidenced by the National Interagency Fire Center’s designation of preparedness level 2, with over 51 uncontained large fires actively threatening various regions. This episode delves into the multifaceted hazards facing the country, particularly the elevated tornado threat spanning several states, including Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, amidst extremely dry conditions that exacerbate fire risks in the Great Plains. We examine the ramifications of a severe weather outbreak that is anticipated to unfold, potentially leading to significant tornado activity and damaging winds throughout the Midwest. In addition, we discuss the ongoing drought conditions in Florida, which represent the worst in a quarter of a century, and the implications of these environmental crises on state resources and emergency responses. Furthermore, we highlight FEMA’s reopening of applications for disaster mitigation funding, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure in light of these escalating risks.Takeaways:* The National Interagency Fire Center has reported 51 uncontained large fires currently burning across the nation.* Severe weather warnings have been issued for several states, highlighting the potential for significant tornadoes and severe wind gusts.* FEMA has reopened applications for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, with $1 billion in funding available for hazard mitigation projects.* Florida is facing its worst drought in 25 years, prompting emergency measures and burn bans across numerous counties.* The State Department has elevated its travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates due to escalating security threats following regional conflicts.* A tornado watch is currently in effect for large portions of Oklahoma, indicating a significant risk of severe weather events.SourcesNIFC / Wildfire* NIFC — National Fire News* NIFC — IMSR Wednesday April 1, 2026 (PDF)* NIFC — Monthly/Seasonal Outlook, April 1, 2026 (PDF)NWS / Severe Weather* NWS Storm Prediction Center — Convective Outlook* NWS SPC — Day 1 Convective Outlook Apr 1, 2026* NWS SPC — Day 2 Convective Outlook Apr 1, 2026 (April 2 threat)* Cabarrus Weekly — Iowa/IL/WI/IN/MO EF2+ tornado threat April 2* Cabarrus Weekly — KS/OK/TX/KY/VA/MD/NJ severe setup April 1* OKC Fox — Tornado Watch issued for majority of Oklahoma* Newsweek — Tornado map, risk level across TX/KS/OK* WTRF — Flood Warning portions of Ohio ValleyTexas* TDEM — Governor Abbott activates state emergency resources (March 4, 2026 release)* Texas Governor — Abbott activates resources ahead of severe storm riskFEMA* PBS NewsHour — FEMA complies with court order, resumes BRIC grant program* WSAW — FEMA resumes BRIC after yearlong hiatus (March 26, 2026)DHS / NTAS* DHS — National Terrorism Advisory SystemCISA* CISA — BRICKSTORM Backdoor Malware Analysis Report* CISA — Warning on BRICKSTORM malware, PRC state-sponsored actors* Industrial Cyber — CISA, NSA update BRICKSTORM with Rust-based variantsTravel Advisories* Travel and Tour World — UAE Level 3 Travel Advisory, April 2026* Meskerem.net — Ethiopia Travel Advisory updated April 1, 2026* Travel.State.Gov — Travel AdvisoriesUSGS / Volcanoes* USGS HVO — Volcano Notice April 1, 2026 (Kilauea)* USGS HVO — Volcano Notice April 1, 2026 (Kilauea update)* Hawaii Volcano Expeditions — Episode 44 forecast April 6-14Hawaii* Hawaii News Now — Hawaii still awaits word on Presidential Disaster Declaration (April 1)* Hawaii HIEMA — March 2026 Kona Low Storms disaster page* Al Jazeera — Flash flooding swamps Hawaii, 5,500 evacuated (March 2026)Nebraska* Wikipedia — 2026 Nebraska wildfires* Omaha World-Herald — Nebraska wildfire updates: Morrill fire state’s all-time largest* Nebraska Governor Pillen — Documents addressing wildfiresNorth Carolina* NCAGR — Wildfire activity intensifies, 626 new ignitions over 10-day period* WECT — Woman accused of starting 420-acre wildfire in NC mountains (April 1)Florida* Fox Weather — Florida fire danger spikes, extreme drought at 25-year high* Wikipedia — 2026 Florida wildfiresVirginia* 12 On Your Side — Colonial Heights under boil water advisory (April 1)California* Bloomberg — California snowpack at 18%, drought and wildfire risks grow (April 1)* Insurance Journal — California Drought, Wildfire Risks Grow (April 2) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

The primary focus of today’s discourse is the ongoing wildland fire activity, which currently maintains a nationally coordinated preparedness level of 2. Despite the occurrence of 342 fires and the emergence of 18 new large incidents, all fires are being managed under a comprehensive suppression strategy. In addition to fire management, we delve into pressing matters concerning cybersecurity, specifically addressing the newly identified exploited vulnerabilities that require immediate attention from organizations to ensure timely remediation. Furthermore, we examine a significant public health concern, namely the multi-state E. Coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand raw dairy products, emphasizing the FDA’s ongoing investigation and the precautionary measures advised for affected products. As we traverse various states, we provide updates on fire containment status and the potential threats posed by these incidents, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in these critical situations.Takeaways:* The national wildland fire activity currently operates at a preparedness level of 2, indicating a need for continued vigilance.* Recent reports indicate that there are currently 342 fires and 18 new large incidents across the nation.* Organizations should prioritize patching newly identified vulnerabilities to mitigate potential cybersecurity threats effectively.* The FDA is actively investigating a multi-state E. Coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with certain raw dairy products, emphasizing the importance of food safety.* The U.S. Department of State has updated travel advisories, maintaining a level 2 alert for various risks including crime and civil unrest.* Several states report ongoing wildfires, with specific incidents detailing containment percentages and active fire behavior, necessitating close monitoring.SourcesNIFC / Wildland Fire* NIFC/NICC Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) — March 30, 2026 (PDF)CISA / Cyber* CISA — Latest Operational Information (alerts feed)* CISA — Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) CSV feed (shows “Date Added” entries)FDA / Public Health* FDA — Outbreak Investigation: E. coli O157:H7 linked to RAW FARM-brand raw dairy products (Current Update: March 30, 2026)U.S. Department of State / Travel Advisories* State Dept — Gabon Travel Advisory (updated March 30, 2026) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe