Weather Heroes explores the world of planning for and responding to disasters. We visit with key weather players from a wide range of backgrounds and today, we have the pleasure of meeting Raya Maday, a dedicated meteorologist and a key figure in organizing emergency responses to natural disasters.

Growing up in Florida, Raya’s fascination with weather and disasters began in 2004 when Hurricane Charley swept over her home. This event ignited a lifelong passion that has taken her on an incredible journey across various regions and weather phenomena.

Throughout her career, Raya has worked as a meteorologist in multiple locations. Quickly realizing the critical importance of effectively communicating the potential impacts of weather forecasts she developed innovative communication protocols and guidelines that have significantly improved how meteorologists share their forecasts with the public.

Recently, Raya played a crucial role in assisting with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated western North Carolina and parts of eastern Tennessee. Her efforts in helping coordinate response strategies made a substantial difference in these affected communities.

Raya Maday is a shining example of the new generation of Weather Heroes, paving the way for future meteorologists and emergency responders. Her dedication and expertise continue to inspire and lead the way.

Every day, businesses and organizations face the potential for reputational damage. Severe weather events and other catastrophes can create a sudden onslaught of challenges that can significantly increase the likelihood of something going wrong. In addition to a disaster plan, potential threats to a business’s reputation and brand should be included in their business continuity plan. After a catastrophe, the potential pitfalls from unexpected events are greatly magnified.

With these challenges in mind, we speak with Stephanie Craig, President of Kith, an elite crisis management firm that works closely with business partners to ensure they are ready to respond to reputation and brand challenges. Kith’s approach is very similar to that of disaster planning and response organizations everywhere—it all begins with a plan.

Join me as Stephanie shares her own disaster experiences and how they prepared her for her current role. Listen as she outlines both the macro and micro aspects of preparing for a reputational crisis, likening it to preparing for a natural disaster. She does an excellent job of detailing the challenges and responses. I think you’ll learn something. I certainly did. Give it a listen!

Kith Website

Stephanie Craig’s Biography

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jamie Rhome. He’s the Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. Jamie plays a crucial role in developing long-term strategies as well as coordinating the organization’s planning and day-to-day operations.

The NHC, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is essential in keeping us safe during hurricane season, June through November. It’s responsible for tracking and predicting tropical weather systems in the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Oceans. From issuing advisories and warnings to providing critical information for emergency planning, it’s at the forefront of hurricane preparedness and response.

Jamie and the entire NHC team work tirelessly to ensure we have the information we need to stay safe when a storm is on the horizon. So, if you’re a weather enthusiast, a disaster preparedness professional, or simply someone interested in learning more about hurricane safety, this episode is for you. Give it a listen!

Information Links!

· Jamie Rhome biography January 2024 (noaa.gov)

· National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov)

· NHC Storm Surge Risk Maps (arcgis.com)

· 4-28-22-Find-Your-Evacuation-Zone-Final.pdf (hurricanestrong.org)

· Hurricane Preparedness (weather.gov)

· Develop an Evacuation Plan (Hurricane Preparedness) (weather.gov)

In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes world of emergency management with Anna McRay. As the Assistant Director of Emergency Management for New Hanover County, Anna shoulders the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property during crises. Located in North Carolina, New Hanover’s coastal territory presents many challenges - experiencing hurricanes and floods over the years, and over 1,600 tornadoes since 1950. We explore how her team coordinates efforts across cities, counties, and state agencies, and even with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), when needed.

Anna’s passion for protecting her community shines through. She discusses the rewards and hurdles of emergency management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. From disaster planning to rapid response, her leadership exemplifies the spirit of “It takes a village.”

Tune in as we unravel the intricate web of emergency preparedness, resilience, and community support. Whether you’re a seasoned emergency management professional or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work, this episode promises valuable insights. Give it a listen!

Emergency Management | New Hanover County, NC (nhcgov.com)

https://weatherheroes.buzzsprout.com
weatherheroesrock@gmail.com

Hurricanes, heavy storms, tornadoes, floods, and similar disasters can lead to problems with a variety of insects and other creepy crawlies. With two broods of cicadas emerging and bugs in the news we talk with Paul Bello -entomologist extraordinaire. Paul has been battling bugs and creepy crawlies for decades. As the rains and flood waters abate, these pests become unwelcome guests in and around our homes and disrupt the response and recovery to the event. It’s fascinating how nature’s smallest creatures can become such significant challenges.

Paul’s insights are invaluable for dealing with these post event pest issues and his stories provide both practical advice and a touch of humor - some of these insects can be very persistent and invasive…but, hey, don’t let that “bug” you. Listen on!

Paul J. Bello ACE, BCE, MBA Author, Consultant, Speaker, & Educator (pjbpestconsultant.com)

Pest Problems After Storms and Other Disasters | NC State Extension (ncsu.edu)

2024 cicada map: Emergence updates; where to find Brood XIII, XIX (usatoday.com)

Samaritan’s Purse is an international, nondenominational, evangelical Christian disaster relief organization. Founded in 1970, it provides aid to people in need across the globe. Following the example of the Good Samaritan as found in the Bible, the organization provides assistance in crisis areas throughout the world. After a disaster they help with immediate needs as well as long-term recovery assistance. This humble and dedicated group partners with local and state officials to get the right help in the right place.

Today we are joined by Bruce Poss. Bruce is the Incident Response Manager for US Disaster Relief at Samaritan’s Purse discusses details about this non-profit organization’s response and recovery efforts as well as some of the international projects. Join me as Bruce shares some of the heart warming stories that make Bruce and all of Samaritan’s Purse Weather Heroes.

Samaritan’s Purse Web Site

As we enter the 2024 hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts an above-average year for named storms—somewhere between 17 and 25. Effective planning is crucial for successful disaster response, especially considering the likelihood of a named storm hitting the US coastline this year. One key partner in this process is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). We recently had an insightful conversation with FEMA’s Hurricane Program Director, Brandon Bolinski. Brandon’s meteorology background, experience in emergency planning at the state level, and tenure at the National Weather Service make him a valuable resource. His expertise will undoubtedly contribute to effective disaster management this hurricane season as he coordinates with officials at all levels. Brandon shares a lot of valuable knowledge and insights, so, have a listen!

As always, input welcome at Weather Heroes (weatherheroesrock@gmail.com).

NOAA predicts above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

Meet Brandon Bolinski | FEMA.gov

I've been on a bit of a hiatus camping out, communing with nature. There was a lot of rain and mud involved! The good news is I did catch (and release) a couple of speckled king snakes!

I try to get episodes out roughly every two weeks, so I’m a little behind… but, no need to fear, there are several exciting episodes coming up in the next few weeks.

We’ll be having a bug fest when we interview an entomologist on the challenges after disasters – what creepy crawlies and other pests are the biggest challenges and what can we do to reduce the impacts!

We're also going to be talking with Samaritans Purse and the great work they do both nationally and internationally as they respond to disasters as well as their heavy involvement in rebuilding efforts.

Finally, to kick off hurricane season we interview the hurricane coordinator for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He shares a lot of great information around FEMAs role and there's also a lot of discussion around evacuations and disaster planning.

Thanks for continuing to be part of the Weather Heroes team and keep a lookout for the next episode!

Email: Weatherheroesrock@gmail.com