The Emergency Management Network Podcast

Host: Todd DeVoeCo-Host: Andrew BoyarskyGuest: Shannon McNamee, Author of Strategic Disaster Coordination
Episode Overview
Despite decades of investment, disaster response continues to struggle under pressure. The issue is not a lack of effort or experience. It is structural.
In this episode, Todd DeVoe and Andrew Boyarsky sit down with Shannon McNamee, author of Strategic Disaster Coordination, to examine a critical gap in the United States' disaster response. This is not a critique of performance. It is a conversation about system design.
Emergency management in the U.S. is built for incidents that are bounded, short-term, and controllable. Disasters are none of those things. Rather than redesigning the system, we have expanded it—adding layers, complexity, and cost without addressing the underlying mismatch.
This discussion focuses on the operational and strategic implications for emergency managers across all levels of government. The all-hazards framework remains essential, but the scale, duration, and interconnected nature of disasters demand a system built specifically for them.
About the Guest
For more than 15 years, Shannon McNamee has worked at the center of disaster response and coordination—leading operations, building cross-sector partnerships, and designing training that strengthens real-world readiness. Through her roles with FEMA and the American Red Cross, she helped guide large-scale response and recovery efforts while supporting planning, training, and policy development across all levels of government and community partners. As a consultant, she has focused on turning lessons learned into lasting, practical improvements.
She is the author of Strategic Disaster Coordination, a book that challenges conventional thinking in emergency management by arguing that the core issue is not performance, but system design. Drawing on field experience, policy analysis, and research, the book outlines why the current model falls short in disasters—and offers a framework for building a system intentionally designed for them.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Disasters ≠ EmergenciesEmergency systems are built for short, contained incidents. Disasters are prolonged, complex, and disruptive. Treating them the same creates failure points.
It’s a Design ProblemThe issue isn’t training or resources. The system is built for control and stabilization, not long-duration, networked crises.
More Layers, Same ProblemsWe respond to each disaster by adding plans and structures, increasing complexity without improving outcomes.
Old Thinking, New RisksCold War-era assumptions still shape policy, but modern disasters are nonlinear, interconnected, and unpredictable.
Why Lessons RepeatRecurring failures aren’t accidental. They are produced by the system itself.
Misaligned FrameworksA security-driven model has influenced disaster management, often at the expense of resilience and recovery.
Building What’s MissingEffective disaster management requires intentional design—integrated, adaptive, and built for how disasters actually unfold.



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The salient point of this podcast episode centers on the critical advisories issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State, particularly concerning the lack of current terrorism threats. As of March 23, 2026, there are no active advisories, which provides a sense of security for operations involving traveler support and evacuation assistance. However, we must remain vigilant given the recent developments in Hawaii, where a boil water notice has been issued for specific regions due to potential storm-related damage to the water system. This situation necessitates careful public messaging and coordination to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations. In summary, while there are no immediate threats, the ongoing response to the storm in Hawaii highlights the importance of preparedness and effective communication in emergency management.
Takeaways:
* The current National Terrorism Advisory System indicates no advisories as of this morning.
* The U.S. Department of State has updated its worldwide caution page on March 22, 2026.
* Hawaii is currently the only state reporting significant life safety impacts due to storm damage.
* A boil water notice has been issued for North Shore Oahu due to potential storm damage.
* Public messaging should include instructions to boil water before use for safety.
* Coordination with shelters is essential to support vulnerable populations affected by the storm.
Sources
DHS
* DHS Newsroom (shows NTAS status: “There are no current advisories.”)
Travel advisories
* State Department — Worldwide Caution (Last Updated: March 22, 2026)
* State Department — Consular Information for Americans in the Middle East (Last Updated: March 22, 2026)
Hawaiʻi
* Honolulu Board of Water Supply — Boil Water Notice Issued for Oʻahu (North Shore: Mokulēʻia to Turtle Bay)
* Hawaiʻi News Now — Storm damage/response impacts report (includes water advisory context)


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The salient point of today’s broadcast is the issuance of gale warnings and high wind advisories that are currently in effect for various regions, particularly the coastal waters of California and parts of Montana. I am Cedric, and I present to you the Emergency Management Morning Brief for Friday, March 20, 2026. We will delve into the specifics of hazardous sea conditions and the potential dangers posed by wind gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour. Moreover, I will provide updates regarding advisories issued by the US Department of State, particularly concerning travel to Venezuela and guidance for the Middle East. Additionally, we will touch upon ongoing volcanic activity in Hawaii that necessitates continued vigilance. Stay safe as we navigate these urgent updates.
Takeaways:
* The National Weather Service has issued marine warnings and high wind hazards for the upcoming weekend.
* Gale warnings and watches are currently active for specific areas along the California coastline.
* High wind warnings are in effect for parts of Montana, with gusts reaching up to 80 miles per hour.
* A recent update from the US Department of State includes a travel advisory for Venezuela.
* Ongoing monitoring of volcanic activity in Hawaii indicates a need for continued readiness regarding potential hazards.
* The latest brief reveals that all other states have reported no significant updates in the past 24 hours.
Sources
NOAA / NWS
* PTWC Tsunami Information Statement (M7.0 South Shetland Islands; “no tsunami threat”)
* NWS WWA text summary — High Wind Warning (includes MT warning text and timing)
* NWS WWA text summary — California coastal waters hazards (gale warning/watch, small craft advisories)
USGS (Earthquakes / Volcanoes)
* USGS HVO notice (Mar 19, 2026) — summit inflation and ongoing monitoring details
* USGS event page listing — M6.6 South Shetland Islands (time/depth/magnitude summary)
* USGS event page listing — M6.1 near Isangel, Vanuatu (time/depth/magnitude summary)
Travel advisories
* U.S. Department of State — Travel Advisories master list (shows Venezuela update dated March 19, 2026)
* State Department — “Consular Information for Americans in the Middle East” (current as of Mar 19, 2026)
California
* NWS CA coastal waters hazard text (gale warning/watch; small craft advisories)
Hawaii
* USGS HVO notice (Mar 19, 2026) — inflation / seismic observations
Montana
* NWS High Wind Warning text (MT zones; gusts and timing)


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The salient point of this morning’s briefing revolves around the critical updates related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities that necessitate immediate attention from emergency managers. Specifically, the recently released CISA’s Kev Catalog highlights two newly listed exploited vulnerabilities: Microsoft SharePoint CVE 2263, with a remediation deadline of March 20, and Zimbra Collaboration Suite CVE 22566376, due by April 1. It is imperative that organizations actively monitor these additions, prioritize patch mitigation for Internet-facing collaboration platforms, and validate compensating controls in situations where patching may be delayed. Additionally, we address the security alert issued by the US embassy for Iran, urging organizations with personnel in the region to ensure their communication plans are up-to-date. Lastly, updates from various states include ongoing wildfire responses in Nebraska and a public health advisory regarding a measles outbreak in Nevada, emphasizing the necessity for vaccination and infection control measures.
Takeaways:
* On March 18, 2026, CISA released updates regarding newly identified vulnerabilities requiring immediate remediation.
* Emergency managers must prioritize patching of collaboration platforms to enhance cybersecurity measures effectively.
* Organizations with personnel in Iran should maintain updated communication plans and ensure travel safety measures are in place.
* The Nebraska Governor’s Office is actively addressing the impacts of wildfires through community engagement and assessments.
* A public health advisory in Nevada emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding measles outbreaks and vaccination efforts.
* All other states reported no significant updates, indicating a period of relative stability in emergency management activities.
Sources
CISA / KEV
CISA KEV data (released 2026-03-18) — SharePoint CVE-2026-20963 & Zimbra CVE-2025-66376 added; due dates listed
Travel / Security
U.S. Embassy Iran — Security Alert: Iran (March 18, 2026 update)
Nebraska
Nebraska Governor — March 18 update: Tour Cottonwood Fire & visit Brady community (acreage/containment noted)
AP — Nebraska wildfire fight continues; scale/containment context
Nevada
Southern Nevada Health District — Public Health Advisory 03/18/2026: Measles outbreaks update (vigilance & vaccination)


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The primary focus of this podcast episode pertains to the ongoing wildfire incidents in Nebraska, specifically the Cottonwood Fire and Morrell Fire, which are currently 40% and 18% contained, respectively. As we delve into the details, we examine the operational challenges posed by red flag warnings and strong winds, which are anticipated to exacerbate the fire activity and hinder aerial firefighting efforts. Additionally, we discuss the federal assistance being mobilized through FEMA for both the Nebraska and Texas fires, highlighting the critical role of governmental response in managing such disasters. Furthermore, we address the precautionary boil water notice issued in Marion County, Florida, due to a water main break, underscoring the importance of public health communications during emergencies. This episode serves as an essential update on the current state of emergency management efforts and the implications for affected communities.
Takeaways:
* The Cottonwood Fire has consumed 131,259 acres and is currently 40% contained as of March 17.
* The Morrell Fire’s extent has reached 572,084 acres with only 18% containment reported on the same date.
* A red flag warning has been issued due to forecasted winds reaching approximately 50 miles per hour.
* Federal Fire Assistance is being mobilized for the Morrill Cottonwood Fire under FEMA’s declaration processes.
* A precautionary boil water notice has been enacted in Marion County, Florida, following a water main break.
* CISA has updated its catalog of known exploited vulnerabilities, emphasizing active threats for federal agencies.
Sources
CISA
CISA alert — adds one Known Exploited Vulnerability to KEV (published Mar 16, 2026)
Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog — reference list
FEMA
FEMA disaster page — Texas Corner Pocket Fire (FM-5625-TX) (posted/updated within last 24h)
FEMA disaster page — Nebraska Morrill-cottonwood Fire (FM-5623-NE) (posted/updated within last 24h)
FEMA declarations listing — includes Texas Corner Pocket Fire (FM-5625-TX)
Nebraska - NEMA — Cottonwood and Morrill Fires Update (March 17, 2026)
Florida, Marion County, FL — Precautionary Boil Water Notice for Spruce Creek area (posted Mar 17, 2026 8:46 PM)


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