More Severe Weather Strikes Midwest and Southeast

Disaster Podcast

Our resident meteorologist and disaster emergency management expert, Becky DePodwin, shares her take on the preparedness challenges when a broad weather front crosses the nation. Many states are dealing with severe rain, winds, and flooding that have caused more than a dozen deaths. In fact, the month of March was the windiest on record.

Dr. Joe Holley talks about the post-storm USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) efforts. He also delves into the recent Dominican Republic nightclub disaster. The roof collapse at the popular club is responsible for more than 200 deaths and hundreds more injured.

Our episode was hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

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Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

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Podcast Discussion Summary

Severe Weather Trends in Midwest

The team discussed the severe weather trends in the Midwest and the South, particularly the Midwest and the South experiencing tornadoes, floods, and winds. They also discussed the impact of the windiest March on record, with over 1,500 reports of wind damage submitted to the National Weather Service.

The team also discussed the potential for wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma due to the wind. They discussed the severe weather outbreaks and tornado outbreaks, and the flooding potential across Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky, Western Tennessee, and the Gulf Coast. They also discussed the bomb cyclone that went through the Northwest and the potential for severe weather in the coming weeks.

First Responder and USAR Emotional Well-being

Joe discussed his team’s experience in the area, focusing on their local and state-level activities. They were involved in a search for a missing child, which unfortunately ended in a tragic discovery. Joe highlighted the emotional challenges of their job, particularly when dealing with difficult situations. Sam shared his understanding of these challenges from his Dmat experience.

Resource Availability for Teams After Situations

Jamie and Joe discussed the availability of resources for teams after dealing with difficult situations. Joe mentioned that there is variability at the federal level, with some resources coming from local, regional, and state levels, often from private or non-profit organizations.

He acknowledged that there is still work to be done in pulling all these pieces together. Sam asked Becky for her opinion on local groups with expertise to handle such situations.

In the meeting, Sam, Becky, Jamie, and Joe discussed the mental health challenges faced by first responders, particularly in dealing with traumatic events. They noted the lack of specialized resources for first responders and the need for more financial support at the state and local levels.

Joe mentioned the involvement of local universities with strong psychology departments in supporting first responders. Becky highlighted the emotional toll on meteorologists who conduct damage surveys after natural disasters. The team also discussed the importance of preparing first responders to ensure their families’ safety during emergencies.

Improving Community Preparedness and Resilience

Jamie emphasized the need for better community preparedness and resilience, particularly among first responders. He noted that the community’s numbers often reflect the surrounding community’s preparedness, and that first responders are not always better at being prepared.

Sam and Joe agreed, with Sam suggesting that recent events might help increase resilience. Becky agreed, noting that unprecedented events can happen anywhere. Jamie also highlighted the difference in resilience between coastal and inland communities, using the example of the hurricane in Central North Carolina and Florida.

Natural Disasters and Tragedies Discussed

Sam and Joe discussed various natural disasters and tragedies, including a tornado in New York and a building collapse in the Dominican Republic. Joe shared that a friend was on a mission trip near the collapse site and sent him pictures.

Jamie updated the death toll in the Dominican Republic to 221 people, most of whom were crushed under the concrete ceiling. The team acknowledged the scale of the tragedy and the challenges in providing healthcare in the affected area.

Severe Weather and Safety Training

Jamie, Sam, Becky, and Joe discussed the importance of severe weather, safety, and flooding safety, with Becky suggesting a future episode on the topic. Jamie proposed revisiting the story of navigating bad weather and rising floodwaters for lessons to be learned.

Joe shared a preliminary project on supraglottic airways and upcoming labs in Florida. Jamie encouraged listeners to consider customized disaster and preparedness training for their responder communities.

Catch the full episode using the player above or on your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Disaster Podcast for weekly insights from leaders in disaster response and research!