Preparedness in your Pocket
By The Maryland Emergency Preparedness Network (EPN)
This is brought to you by the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Network, a communications network that provides no-cost education, training, and resources to home and community-based professionals, patients, and caregivers.
Podcast Emergency Kit's Made Easy ft OP&R from MDH
In “Emergency Kits Made Easy,” we move from receiving emergency alerts to taking action. Sara Barra joins host Kendal Lee from the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Preparedness and Response to discuss one of the most essential tools in preparedness: your emergency kit.
In this episode, you will learn:
• Why emergency kits matter before, during, and after an emergency
• What every kit should include
• How to tailor kits for health needs, mobility considerations, pets, and seasonal risks
• How Maryland-specific risks influence what you pack
• Practical, budget-friendly steps to build or refresh your kit
Whether you are just getting started or updating supplies, this conversation breaks preparedness down into manageable, realistic steps.
🎧 Listen today and take one meaningful action toward strengthening your readiness.
Because emergencies may be unpredictable — but your preparedness does not have to be.
Insure It to Endure It: Protecting Your Future Before, During, and After Emergencies
Episode Description
When we think about emergency preparedness, we often picture go-bags, flashlights, or weather alerts. But preparedness isn’t only about how we respond in the moment -it’s also about how we plan ahead and how we recover afterward.
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee explores a critical - but often overlooked- part of preparedness: insurance. Your insurance policy is more than paperwork - it’s a powerful tool for financial protection and peace of mind. From helping you rebuild after a disaster to protecting your assets before one occurs, understanding your coverage is essential to enduring emergencies with confidence.
What You’ll Learn
- Understand how insurance fits into your overall preparedness plan
- Identify the types of insurance most critical during emergencies
- Learn how to avoid common coverage gaps
- Gain practical tips for reviewing your policy and preparing to file a claim
Meet the Speaker
Patricia Dorn serves as the Associate Commissioner for Consumer Education and Advocacy at the Maryland Insurance Administration. With more than a decade of service, she leads the Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit (CEAU), which focuses on helping Maryland residents better understand insurance products and their rights and responsibilities under their policies. Her work centers on empowering consumers through education, outreach, and direct assistance.
Previously, Patricia served as the Health Insurance Administrator for the Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT), where she supported Marylanders navigating enrollment, appeals, and coverage challenges. Her leadership also supports key initiatives like the Rapid Response Program, which helps consumers resolve property and casualty insurance claims efficiently - especially following emergencies. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and a Professional of Insurance Regulation designation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Pocket Sized Series: Creating Your Communications Plan: Staying Connected When It Matters Most
Guest Expert: Jorge Castillo, Chief Spokesperson and Branch Manager, Communications & Outreach, Maryland Department of Emergency Management
Episode Description:
When an emergency strikes—whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or getting separated in a crowd—our first instinct is to reach out to those we love. But what happens when your usual communication tools aren’t available?
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee is joined by returning guest and communications expert Jorge Castillo to explore the power of having a family communication plan. Together, they break down what a communication plan is, why it matters for both large-scale disasters and everyday disruptions, and how to build one that’s personalized, inclusive, and ready when you need it most.
By tuning in, you’ll learn:
- What makes a communication plan different from other emergency plans
- Real-life scenarios where a plan can make all the difference
- Key elements every plan should include
- Tips for customizing your plan to meet your unique needs
- How to keep your plan updated and accessible
- Tools and resources to help you take the first step today
Whether you’re building your plan from scratch or refreshing an existing one, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you stay connected when it matters most. Because even the most effective plans start with one conversation at a time—and we’re here to have it with you.
🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a more connected, prepared future.
Episode Resources:
Creating Your Communications Plan: Staying Connected When It Matters Most
Guest Expert: Jorge Castillo, Chief Spokesperson and Branch Manager, Communications & Outreach, Maryland Department of Emergency Management
Episode Description:
When an emergency strikes—whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or getting separated in a crowd—our first instinct is to reach out to those we love. But what happens when your usual communication tools aren’t available?
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee is joined by returning guest and communications expert Jorge Castillo to explore the power of having a family communication plan. Together, they break down what a communication plan is, why it matters for both large-scale disasters and everyday disruptions, and how to build one that’s personalized, inclusive, and ready when you need it most.
By tuning in, you’ll learn:
- What makes a communication plan different from other emergency plans
- Real-life scenarios where a plan can make all the difference
- Key elements every plan should include
- Tips for customizing your plan to meet your unique needs
- How to keep your plan updated and accessible
- Tools and resources to help you take the first step today
Whether you’re building your plan from scratch or refreshing an existing one, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you stay connected when it matters most. Because even the most effective plans start with one conversation at a time—and we’re here to have it with you.
🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward a more connected, prepared future.
Resources:
Pocket Sized Series: Weather Alerts Demystified: Watches, Warnings and What to Do
Description: Weather can change unexpectedly, and being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, meteorologist Austin Mansfield from NOAA/NWS helps us navigate the often-confusing world of weather alerts. He explains the differences between an Advisory, a Watch, and a Warning and shares practical steps to stay safe during severe weather events.
Meet Our Guest:
Austin Mansfield is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sterling, VA. Beyond forecasting, he serves as the program coordinator for the Marine, Outreach, SKYWARN Storm Spotting, and GIS programs. With a master's degree in meteorology from UNC Charlotte and an Applied Atmospheric Science degree from East Carolina University, Austin has spent five years at NWS, providing high-level weather briefings to officials at all levels, including the White House and Pentagon. His passion lies in educating the public and decision-makers on how to prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
What You'll Learn:
- Understanding Weather Alerts: Clear explanations of Advisories, Watches, and Warnings, with easy-to-remember examples.
- Why Alerts Matter: Real-world stories that highlight how timely action can save lives.
- Practical Preparedness Tips: Simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones in any weather emergency.
- How to Stay Informed: Easy ways to sign up for alerts and ensure you are always ready.
Being prepared doesn't have to be overwhelming; small efforts can lead to big peace of mind. Tune in and take the next step toward weather readiness!
Weather Alerts Demystified : Watches, Warnings, and What to Do
Description: Weather can change unexpectedly, and being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, meteorologist Austin Mansfield from NOAA/NWS helps us navigate the often-confusing world of weather alerts. He explains the differences between an Advisory, a Watch, and a Warning and shares practical steps to stay safe during severe weather events.
Meet Our Guest:
Austin Mansfield is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sterling, VA. Beyond forecasting, he serves as the program coordinator for the Marine, Outreach, SKYWARN Storm Spotting, and GIS programs. With a master's degree in meteorology from UNC Charlotte and an Applied Atmospheric Science degree from East Carolina University, Austin has spent five years at NWS, providing high-level weather briefings to officials at all levels, including the White House and Pentagon. His passion lies in educating the public and decision-makers on how to prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
What You'll Learn:
- Understanding Weather Alerts: Clear explanations of Advisories, Watches, and Warnings, with easy-to-remember examples.
- Why Alerts Matter: Real-world stories that highlight how timely action can save lives.
- Practical Preparedness Tips: Simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones in any weather emergency.
- How to Stay Informed: Easy ways to sign up for alerts and ensure you are always ready.
Being prepared doesn't have to be overwhelming; small efforts can lead to big peace of mind. Tune in and take the next step toward weather readiness!
Pocket Sized Series : Becoming Md- Ready How Text Alerts Empower Our Preparedness
In this pocket-sized episode of Preparedness In Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee summarizes the full-length episode "Becoming Md-Ready: How Text Alerts Empower Our Preparedness," in which she was joined by two special guests: Jorge Castillo, Chief Spokesperson and Branch Manager of Communications and Outreach from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), and Kenyn Benjamin, Business Architect and Operations Consultant from 211 Maryland.
Discover how Maryland’s local alert systems, like MD-Ready, keep residents informed and safe, especially during emergencies.
What you will learn:
- The relationship between federal, statewide, and hyper-local emergency alerts.
- The history behind the partnership between MDEM and 211 Mt made the Md-Ready text alert program possible.
- How the Md- Ready Text Alert Program works.
- How to sign up for MD-Ready Alerts and what to expect.
Whether you live in Maryland or are curious about local emergency alert systems, this episode is for YOU! It offers valuable insights and actionable steps to stay alert and be Md-Ready!
Resources:
Md-Ready Factsheet (English)
Md- Ready Factsheet (Spanish)
Becoming Md-Ready : How Text Alerts Empower Our Preparedness
In this episode of Preparedness In Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee explores Maryland’s emergency alert systems with two special guests Jorge Castillo, Chief Spokesperson and Branch Manager of Communications and Outreach from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), and Kenyn Benjamin, Business Architect and Operations Consultant from 211 Maryland. Discover how Maryland’s local alert systems, like MD-Ready, keep residents informed and safe, especially during emergencies.
What you will learn:
- The relationship between federal, statewide, and hyper-local emergency alerts.
- The history behind the partnership between MDEM and 211 Mt made the Md-Ready text alert program possible.
- How the Md- Ready Text Alert Program works.
- How to sign up for MD-Ready Alerts and what to expect.
Whether you live in Maryland or are curious about local emergency alert systems, this episode is for YOU! It offers valuable insights and actionable steps to stay alert and be Md-Ready!
Episode Materials:
Resources:
Pocket Sized Series: Staying Informed - The Power of Emergency Alerts ft FEMA Region 3
Welcome to Preparedness in Your Pocket!
This is the pocket-sized version of our first episode, "Staying Informed: The Power of Emergency Alerts."
Host Kendal Lee summarizes the full-length episode, in which she was joined by Jacqui Robinson, Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 3, to explore emergency alerts and warnings—what they are, who sends them, and when to expect them.
Learn how these alerts keep us safe, their role in promoting inclusivity and accessibility, and practical actions to take when an alert is issued. Jacqui also shares examples of real-life situations where alerts saved lives and tips on using resources like the FEMA app to stay informed.
What You’ll Learn:
• Types of emergency alerts and who sends them
• How alerts keep us safe and prioritize inclusivity
• Key actions to take when an alert is issued
• Practical resources like the FEMA app
Listen now to take a step toward preparedness today!
Resources:
Staying Informed: The Power of Emergency Alerts ft FEMA Region 3
Show Notes for Preparedness in Your Pocket: Episode 1
Episode Title: Staying Alert with Emergency Alerts — Guest: Jacqui Robinson from FEMA
Description:
Welcome to the first episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, where we make preparedness education easy to carry with you! In this episode, host Kendal Lee is joined by Jacqui Robinson, Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 3. Together, they dive into the world of emergency alerts and warnings, exploring everything you need to know to stay informed and ready.
Jacqui shares insights on the types of emergency alerts, who sends them, and when to expect them. Kendal and Jacqui cover essential topics, from how alerts reach us to the critical role these systems play in keeping us safe. Inclusivity and accessibility are central to emergency alerts, so they discuss how these systems ensure everyone can receive vital information.
If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to different alerts, why they matter, or even how you can customize alerts for your needs, this episode has you covered. Jacqui also brings examples of recent situations where emergency alerts saved lives and offers practical tips and resources (like the FEMA app) that you can use to stay informed.
What You’ll Learn:
• Types of emergency alerts and who sends them
• When and how alerts are used to keep us safe
• How emergency alerts prioritize inclusivity and accessibility
• Key actions to take when an alert is issued
• Practical resources to stay informed, like the FEMA app
Listen now and take a step toward preparedness today!
Transcript: https://bit.ly/48JdiZM