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  <title>The Alerting Authority</title>

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  <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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  <description><![CDATA[<p><b>The Alerting Authority</b> is a podcast dedicated to improving how we warn the public when seconds matter. Hosted by <b>Jeanette Sutton</b>, a leading researcher in public alerts and warnings, and <b>Eddie Bertola</b>, an expert in emergency communications technology, the show brings together practitioners, policymakers, technologists, and thought leaders shaping the future of public alerting.</p><p>Each episode dives deep into real-world challenges behind creating, issuing, and delivering life-saving alerts. From Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to IPAWS implementation, crisis messaging, public behavior, and alerting policy, the hosts explore what works, what fails, and why.</p><p>Rather than focusing solely on tools or software, <em>The Alerting Authority</em> examines the “human side” of emergency communication—decision-making under pressure, message design, training gaps, coordination across agencies, and the psychology of how people interpret warnings.</p><p>The podcast aims to empower emergency managers, communicators, and public safety professionals with actionable insights, practical guidance, and candid conversations with the people who have shaped, studied, and experienced alerting at every level.</p><p>Whether you’re responsible for issuing alerts, designing systems, researching risk communication, or simply interested in how warnings save lives, <b>The Alerting Authority</b> is your go-to source for understanding and improving public alerting in a complex and rapidly evolving world.</p>]]></description>
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    <itunes:title>Inside New York’s Missing Persons Alert Overhaul with Tim Williams</itunes:title>
    <title>Inside New York’s Missing Persons Alert Overhaul with Tim Williams</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[How do you write a missing persons alert that actually gets the public to respond? In this episode of The Alerting Authority, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Tim Williams, Program Manager of the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse, to explore how New York is rethinking missing persons messaging, public alerting, and effective communication. This conversation goes deep into the science behind alert wording, why plain language matters, and how thoughtful messaging can ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>How do you write a missing persons alert that actually gets the public to respond?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Tim Williams, Program Manager of the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse, to explore how New York is rethinking missing persons messaging, public alerting, and effective communication.</p><p>This conversation goes deep into the science behind alert wording, why plain language matters, and how thoughtful messaging can increase public engagement, reduce confusion, and improve outcomes in missing and endangered person cases.</p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li> How New York reduced alert activation time from hours to minutes </li><li> Why “boilerplate” alert messages often fall short </li><li> The shift from template-based alerts to skill-based message design </li><li> The research behind effective missing persons messaging </li><li> Why over-alerting and too many alert names can create confusion </li><li> Removing jargon and using plain language the public understands </li><li> How New York approaches privacy, dignity, and behavioral descriptions in alerts </li><li> Whether details like eye color, vehicle models, and alert labels actually matter </li><li> Stakeholder collaboration with broadcasters, emergency managers, DOT, and law enforcement </li><li> Public trust, community empowerment, and the future of missing persons alerting </li></ul><p>Tim also shares how the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse is setting a national example through policy innovation, public awareness efforts, and evidence-based messaging practices.</p><p>If you work in emergency management, public warning, law enforcement, missing persons investigations, or crisis communication, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.</p><p>Subscribe for more conversations on alerting, warning, emergency communication, and public safety.</p><p>#MissingPersons #EmergencyAlerting #PublicWarning #CrisisCommunication #WirelessEmergencyAlerts</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How do you write a missing persons alert that actually gets the public to respond?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Tim Williams, Program Manager of the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse, to explore how New York is rethinking missing persons messaging, public alerting, and effective communication.</p><p>This conversation goes deep into the science behind alert wording, why plain language matters, and how thoughtful messaging can increase public engagement, reduce confusion, and improve outcomes in missing and endangered person cases.</p><p>Topics include:</p><ul><li> How New York reduced alert activation time from hours to minutes </li><li> Why “boilerplate” alert messages often fall short </li><li> The shift from template-based alerts to skill-based message design </li><li> The research behind effective missing persons messaging </li><li> Why over-alerting and too many alert names can create confusion </li><li> Removing jargon and using plain language the public understands </li><li> How New York approaches privacy, dignity, and behavioral descriptions in alerts </li><li> Whether details like eye color, vehicle models, and alert labels actually matter </li><li> Stakeholder collaboration with broadcasters, emergency managers, DOT, and law enforcement </li><li> Public trust, community empowerment, and the future of missing persons alerting </li></ul><p>Tim also shares how the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse is setting a national example through policy innovation, public awareness efforts, and evidence-based messaging practices.</p><p>If you work in emergency management, public warning, law enforcement, missing persons investigations, or crisis communication, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.</p><p>Subscribe for more conversations on alerting, warning, emergency communication, and public safety.</p><p>#MissingPersons #EmergencyAlerting #PublicWarning #CrisisCommunication #WirelessEmergencyAlerts</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3807</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>missing persons messaging, missing persons alerts, emergency alerting, public warning systems, wireless emergency alerts, WEA messaging, amber alert, missing endangered persons alert, effective communication, crisis communication, Jeannette Sutton, Eddie </itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Animals and Emergencies: Real-Life Chaos, Companion Pets, and Disaster Preparedness</itunes:title>
    <title>Animals and Emergencies: Real-Life Chaos, Companion Pets, and Disaster Preparedness</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[What happens when emergencies involve your pets or animals? In this lively and unfiltered episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton bring in their pets—complete with roaming goats, curious cats, and plenty of unexpected moments—to explore the critical role animals play in disasters. Joined by Dr. Sarah DeYoung, an expert in disaster research and companion animals, the conversation dives into how pets, livestock, and even exotic animals impact evacuation decis...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>What happens when emergencies involve your pets or animals? In this lively and unfiltered episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton bring in their pets—complete with roaming goats, curious cats, and plenty of unexpected moments—to explore the critical role animals play in disasters.</p><p>Joined by Dr. Sarah DeYoung, an expert in disaster research and companion animals, the conversation dives into how pets, livestock, and even exotic animals impact evacuation decisions, emergency messaging, and public safety outcomes. From goats knocking over cameras to cats hiding during evacuations, this episode blends humor with powerful insights on preparedness, warning systems, and real-world challenges.</p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li> How animals influence human decision-making during emergencies </li><li> Why early warnings are essential for households with pets and livestock </li><li> The hidden risks of evacuating (or not evacuating) with animals </li><li> Practical preparedness tips for pet owners and emergency managers </li><li> The emotional and psychological impact of losing animals in disasters </li><li> How organizations and policies are evolving to support animal safety </li></ul><p>Plus, hear firsthand stories from the field—including hurricane evacuations, wildfire impacts, and the chaos of managing animals in real-time.</p><p>🎙️ Sponsored by HQE Systems – providing integrated alerting and notification solutions to help emergency managers simplify complex communication during crises.</p><p>Whether you&apos;re an emergency manager, pet owner, or just love animals, this episode offers valuable insights into making communities safer—for both people and the animals they care about.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens when emergencies involve your pets or animals? In this lively and unfiltered episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton bring in their pets—complete with roaming goats, curious cats, and plenty of unexpected moments—to explore the critical role animals play in disasters.</p><p>Joined by Dr. Sarah DeYoung, an expert in disaster research and companion animals, the conversation dives into how pets, livestock, and even exotic animals impact evacuation decisions, emergency messaging, and public safety outcomes. From goats knocking over cameras to cats hiding during evacuations, this episode blends humor with powerful insights on preparedness, warning systems, and real-world challenges.</p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li> How animals influence human decision-making during emergencies </li><li> Why early warnings are essential for households with pets and livestock </li><li> The hidden risks of evacuating (or not evacuating) with animals </li><li> Practical preparedness tips for pet owners and emergency managers </li><li> The emotional and psychological impact of losing animals in disasters </li><li> How organizations and policies are evolving to support animal safety </li></ul><p>Plus, hear firsthand stories from the field—including hurricane evacuations, wildfire impacts, and the chaos of managing animals in real-time.</p><p>🎙️ Sponsored by HQE Systems – providing integrated alerting and notification solutions to help emergency managers simplify complex communication during crises.</p><p>Whether you&apos;re an emergency manager, pet owner, or just love animals, this episode offers valuable insights into making communities safer—for both people and the animals they care about.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3459</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>animals in emergencies, disaster preparedness pets, evacuation with pets, emergency management animals, companion animals disasters, livestock evacuation, animal rescue disasters, emergency alerts and warnings, HQE Systems, disaster research podcast, Sara</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
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    <itunes:title>Missing Persons Alerts Explained: AMBER, Ashanti &amp; WEA—What Works, What Fails, and What Saves Lives | Sponsored by Everbridge</itunes:title>
    <title>Missing Persons Alerts Explained: AMBER, Ashanti &amp; WEA—What Works, What Fails, and What Saves Lives | Sponsored by Everbridge</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with veteran alerting leader Carri Gordon to break down the evolution, effectiveness, and future of missing persons alerts. With nearly 35 years of experience in emergency communications and public safety, Carri shares her journey from early dispatch operations—long before modern alerting systems—to leading statewide alert programs and now serving as a national subject matter expert on the Ashanti Ale...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with veteran alerting leader Carri Gordon to break down the evolution, effectiveness, and future of missing persons alerts.</p><p>With nearly 35 years of experience in emergency communications and public safety, Carri shares her journey from early dispatch operations—long before modern alerting systems—to leading statewide alert programs and now serving as a national subject matter expert on the Ashanti Alert initiative.</p><p>This episode dives deep into:</p><ul><li> How <b>AMBER Alerts</b> evolved from manual processes to real-time notifications </li><li> The critical role of <b>Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</b> in saving lives </li><li> Why <b>actionable information</b> matters more than awareness alone </li><li> The truth about <b>alert criteria, delays, and decision-making</b></li><li> How the <b>Ashanti Alert Act</b> is transforming missing adult alerting nationwide </li><li> Lessons learned from real cases—both successful recoveries and tragic outcomes </li><li> Why the public should <b>never disable emergency alerts on their phones</b></li></ul><p>You’ll also hear firsthand stories of alerts leading to recoveries within minutes—and the hard lessons that reshaped how alerting authorities operate today.</p><p>Whether you’re in emergency management, law enforcement, public safety communications, or simply want to understand how these systems protect communities, this episode provides expert insight into the science, strategy, and human impact behind every alert.</p><p>🎙️ <b>Sponsored by Everbridge</b></p><p>This episode is proudly sponsored by Everbridge, a global leader in critical event management (CEM). Trusted by over 6,500 organizations worldwide, Everbridge helps governments and enterprises anticipate, respond to, and recover from critical events using powerful, AI-driven alerting and resilience solutions.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with veteran alerting leader Carri Gordon to break down the evolution, effectiveness, and future of missing persons alerts.</p><p>With nearly 35 years of experience in emergency communications and public safety, Carri shares her journey from early dispatch operations—long before modern alerting systems—to leading statewide alert programs and now serving as a national subject matter expert on the Ashanti Alert initiative.</p><p>This episode dives deep into:</p><ul><li> How <b>AMBER Alerts</b> evolved from manual processes to real-time notifications </li><li> The critical role of <b>Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</b> in saving lives </li><li> Why <b>actionable information</b> matters more than awareness alone </li><li> The truth about <b>alert criteria, delays, and decision-making</b></li><li> How the <b>Ashanti Alert Act</b> is transforming missing adult alerting nationwide </li><li> Lessons learned from real cases—both successful recoveries and tragic outcomes </li><li> Why the public should <b>never disable emergency alerts on their phones</b></li></ul><p>You’ll also hear firsthand stories of alerts leading to recoveries within minutes—and the hard lessons that reshaped how alerting authorities operate today.</p><p>Whether you’re in emergency management, law enforcement, public safety communications, or simply want to understand how these systems protect communities, this episode provides expert insight into the science, strategy, and human impact behind every alert.</p><p>🎙️ <b>Sponsored by Everbridge</b></p><p>This episode is proudly sponsored by Everbridge, a global leader in critical event management (CEM). Trusted by over 6,500 organizations worldwide, Everbridge helps governments and enterprises anticipate, respond to, and recover from critical events using powerful, AI-driven alerting and resilience solutions.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <itunes:duration>3500</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>missing persons alerts, AMBER Alert explained, Ashanti Alert Act, Wireless Emergency Alerts WEA, public safety alerting systems, emergency communication strategies, alerting authority podcast, missing and endangered persons, law enforcement alerts, emerge</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Do Alerts Really Work? RAND Study Part II | Who Gets Missed, Opt-Outs, &amp; Alert Fatigue Explained</itunes:title>
    <title>Do Alerts Really Work? RAND Study Part II | Who Gets Missed, Opt-Outs, &amp; Alert Fatigue Explained</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In Part II of our deep dive into the groundbreaking RAND national alerting study, we go beyond the headline stat that 91% of Americans received the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) and uncover the real story: who didn’t—and why it matters. Host Jeannette Sutton is joined again by RAND researchers Rachel Steratore and Andy Parker to explore critical gaps in emergency alert systems, including:  Why rural communities are less likely to receive alerts  How age, device type, and mobil...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In Part II of our deep dive into the groundbreaking RAND national alerting study, we go beyond the headline stat that <b>91% of Americans received the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)</b> and uncover the real story: <em>who didn’t—and why it matters.</em></p><p>Host Jeannette Sutton is joined again by RAND researchers Rachel Steratore and Andy Parker to explore critical gaps in emergency alert systems, including:</p><ul><li> Why rural communities are less likely to receive alerts </li><li> How age, device type, and mobile carriers impact delivery </li><li> The surprising truth about opt-out behavior (especially among younger and lower-income users) </li><li> The role of awareness, trust, and alert fatigue in public response </li><li> How disability, language, and accessibility factor into alert effectiveness </li><li> Why “sending the alert” doesn’t guarantee people actually receive—or act on—it </li></ul><p>This episode also tackles one of the biggest unanswered questions in emergency communication: <b>Do alerts actually lead to action?</b></p><p>You’ll hear insights on:</p><ul><li> The difference between <em>receiving</em>, <em>understanding</em>, and <em>acting</em> on alerts </li><li> How risk perception (fear vs. familiarity) shapes behavior </li><li> Why education and public awareness are major missing pieces </li><li> The future of alerting across devices (phones, watches, smart tech, and more) </li><li> What the next generation of research must focus on </li></ul><p>If you’re an emergency manager, public safety professional, researcher, or just someone curious about how alerts work during real crises—this episode is essential listening.</p><p>👉 <b>Watch Part I first</b> for the full context of the RAND study<br/> 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help improve public safety awareness</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In Part II of our deep dive into the groundbreaking RAND national alerting study, we go beyond the headline stat that <b>91% of Americans received the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)</b> and uncover the real story: <em>who didn’t—and why it matters.</em></p><p>Host Jeannette Sutton is joined again by RAND researchers Rachel Steratore and Andy Parker to explore critical gaps in emergency alert systems, including:</p><ul><li> Why rural communities are less likely to receive alerts </li><li> How age, device type, and mobile carriers impact delivery </li><li> The surprising truth about opt-out behavior (especially among younger and lower-income users) </li><li> The role of awareness, trust, and alert fatigue in public response </li><li> How disability, language, and accessibility factor into alert effectiveness </li><li> Why “sending the alert” doesn’t guarantee people actually receive—or act on—it </li></ul><p>This episode also tackles one of the biggest unanswered questions in emergency communication: <b>Do alerts actually lead to action?</b></p><p>You’ll hear insights on:</p><ul><li> The difference between <em>receiving</em>, <em>understanding</em>, and <em>acting</em> on alerts </li><li> How risk perception (fear vs. familiarity) shapes behavior </li><li> Why education and public awareness are major missing pieces </li><li> The future of alerting across devices (phones, watches, smart tech, and more) </li><li> What the next generation of research must focus on </li></ul><p>If you’re an emergency manager, public safety professional, researcher, or just someone curious about how alerts work during real crises—this episode is essential listening.</p><p>👉 <b>Watch Part I first</b> for the full context of the RAND study<br/> 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help improve public safety awareness</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3209</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>wireless emergency alerts, WEA system, do alerts work, emergency alerts effectiveness, RAND alert study, public alerting system, emergency management podcast, alert fatigue, opt out alerts, FEMA alerts, IPAWS, WEA 3.0, emergency communication, disaster al</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>When the Mountain Burned: Inside the Ruidoso Wildfires and the Alert That Saved a Town</itunes:title>
    <title>When the Mountain Burned: Inside the Ruidoso Wildfires and the Alert That Saved a Town</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this gripping episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Eric Queller, Emergency Manager for the mountain community of Ruidoso, to unpack one of the most intense wildfire response operations in recent memory.  What began as a routine fire-weather day on June 17, 2024, quickly escalated into a fast-moving disaster as the South Fork and Salt Fires ignited within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), threatening thousands of residents and tens of t...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this gripping episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Eric Queller, Emergency Manager for the mountain community of Ruidoso, to unpack one of the most intense wildfire response operations in recent memory.<br/><br/>What began as a routine fire-weather day on June 17, 2024, quickly escalated into a fast-moving disaster as the South Fork and Salt Fires ignited within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), threatening thousands of residents and tens of thousands of seasonal visitors. Within hours, a quiet mountain town of 7,000 surged into crisis mode—with a population nearing 90,000 during peak tourist season.<br/><br/>Eric provides a vivid, moment-by-moment account of the day everything changed: from the first call reporting smoke in Upper Canyon, to hearing elite firefighting crews forced to retreat due to extreme fire behavior, to the realization that this was no ordinary incident—but a worst-case scenario unfolding in real time.<br/><br/>Listeners are taken inside the Emergency Operations Center as it rapidly escalates from routine monitoring to full Level 1 activation. Eric recounts the weight of critical decisions, including issuing a rare and urgent “GO NOW” evacuation alert that ultimately led to the full evacuation of Ruidoso—something the town had never practiced at scale.<br/><br/>This episode dives deep into the realities of modern emergency management, including:<br/><br/>-The challenges of protecting a high-risk Wildland-Urban Interface community<br/><br/></p><p>-Managing a dynamic population with tens of thousands of tourists unfamiliar with local risks<br/><br/></p><p>-The strengths and limitations of the Ready, Set, Go framework—and why it may fall short in real-world scenarios<br/><br/></p><p>-How clear, plain-language alerts can cut through confusion and save lives<br/>The importance of multi-channel alerting systems, including IPAWS, Wireless </p><p>-Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, AM/FM broadcasting, and even door-to-door notifications<br/><br/></p><p>-The role of local infrastructure—like Ruidoso’s own government-run radio station—in delivering trusted, continuous communication during crisis<br/><br/>Eric also shares the emotional and operational intensity of working nearly four straight days without rest, coordinating with state officials, and making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information—all while the fire spread rapidly across rugged terrain.<br/><br/>Beyond the fire itself, the conversation foreshadows the cascading disasters that often follow wildfires, including flash flooding risks in burn-scarred landscapes—highlighting why emergency management doesn’t end when the flames go out.<br/><br/>This episode is both a masterclass in crisis communication and a sobering reminder of how quickly disasters can escalate—and how critical timely, decisive alerts are in protecting lives.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this gripping episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Eric Queller, Emergency Manager for the mountain community of Ruidoso, to unpack one of the most intense wildfire response operations in recent memory.<br/><br/>What began as a routine fire-weather day on June 17, 2024, quickly escalated into a fast-moving disaster as the South Fork and Salt Fires ignited within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), threatening thousands of residents and tens of thousands of seasonal visitors. Within hours, a quiet mountain town of 7,000 surged into crisis mode—with a population nearing 90,000 during peak tourist season.<br/><br/>Eric provides a vivid, moment-by-moment account of the day everything changed: from the first call reporting smoke in Upper Canyon, to hearing elite firefighting crews forced to retreat due to extreme fire behavior, to the realization that this was no ordinary incident—but a worst-case scenario unfolding in real time.<br/><br/>Listeners are taken inside the Emergency Operations Center as it rapidly escalates from routine monitoring to full Level 1 activation. Eric recounts the weight of critical decisions, including issuing a rare and urgent “GO NOW” evacuation alert that ultimately led to the full evacuation of Ruidoso—something the town had never practiced at scale.<br/><br/>This episode dives deep into the realities of modern emergency management, including:<br/><br/>-The challenges of protecting a high-risk Wildland-Urban Interface community<br/><br/></p><p>-Managing a dynamic population with tens of thousands of tourists unfamiliar with local risks<br/><br/></p><p>-The strengths and limitations of the Ready, Set, Go framework—and why it may fall short in real-world scenarios<br/><br/></p><p>-How clear, plain-language alerts can cut through confusion and save lives<br/>The importance of multi-channel alerting systems, including IPAWS, Wireless </p><p>-Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, AM/FM broadcasting, and even door-to-door notifications<br/><br/></p><p>-The role of local infrastructure—like Ruidoso’s own government-run radio station—in delivering trusted, continuous communication during crisis<br/><br/>Eric also shares the emotional and operational intensity of working nearly four straight days without rest, coordinating with state officials, and making high-stakes decisions with incomplete information—all while the fire spread rapidly across rugged terrain.<br/><br/>Beyond the fire itself, the conversation foreshadows the cascading disasters that often follow wildfires, including flash flooding risks in burn-scarred landscapes—highlighting why emergency management doesn’t end when the flames go out.<br/><br/>This episode is both a masterclass in crisis communication and a sobering reminder of how quickly disasters can escalate—and how critical timely, decisive alerts are in protecting lives.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18912637-when-the-mountain-burned-inside-the-ruidoso-wildfires-and-the-alert-that-saved-a-town.mp3" length="41952641" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3487</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>wildfire evacuation, emergency alerting, Ruidoso New Mexico wildfire, South Fork Fire 2024, Salt Fire New Mexico, emergency management, IPAWS system, Wireless Emergency Alerts WEA, Emergency Alert System EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, Ready Set Go evacuation, e</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Training 190 Alert Senders, Preventing WEA Mistakes &amp; Reaching Every Community: Inside San Diego’s Alerting System</itunes:title>
    <title>Training 190 Alert Senders, Preventing WEA Mistakes &amp; Reaching Every Community: Inside San Diego’s Alerting System</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Dan Vasquez, former Alert &amp; Warning Coordinator for the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services, to break down how one region built one of the most coordinated emergency alerting systems in the United States. From wildfires and hurricanes to multilingual communication and accessibility, Dan shares the real story behind: Training 190+ alert originators across 18 cities and a countyPreven...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> sit down with <b>Dan Vasquez</b>, former Alert &amp; Warning Coordinator for the <b>San Diego County Office of Emergency Services</b>, to break down how one region built one of the most coordinated emergency alerting systems in the United States.</p><p>From wildfires and hurricanes to multilingual communication and accessibility, Dan shares the real story behind:</p><ul><li>Training <b>190+ alert originators</b> across 18 cities and a county</li><li>Preventing mistakes like the infamous <b>Hawaii false missile alert</b></li><li>Writing clear alerts using <b>Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</b></li><li>Coordinating alerts across multiple jurisdictions</li><li>Reaching multilingual communities with trusted messengers</li><li>Building the <b>Partner Relay</b> network for accessible crisis communication</li><li>Creating policies and agreements that took <b>20 months</b> to finalize</li></ul><p>You’ll also hear how San Diego’s <b>Unified Disaster Council model</b> allows multiple jurisdictions to collaborate on warning systems, funding, and training, something many emergency management agencies are trying to replicate.</p><p>Plus, Dan explains the work of the <b>Language Accessibility Alert &amp; Warning Workgroup</b>, a national initiative focused on making emergency alerts accessible to <b>everyone</b>, regardless of language, disability, or technology.</p><p>If you work in emergency management, public safety, crisis communication, or government technology, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on how to deliver alerts that are <b>accurate, timely, and accessible</b>.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> sit down with <b>Dan Vasquez</b>, former Alert &amp; Warning Coordinator for the <b>San Diego County Office of Emergency Services</b>, to break down how one region built one of the most coordinated emergency alerting systems in the United States.</p><p>From wildfires and hurricanes to multilingual communication and accessibility, Dan shares the real story behind:</p><ul><li>Training <b>190+ alert originators</b> across 18 cities and a county</li><li>Preventing mistakes like the infamous <b>Hawaii false missile alert</b></li><li>Writing clear alerts using <b>Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</b></li><li>Coordinating alerts across multiple jurisdictions</li><li>Reaching multilingual communities with trusted messengers</li><li>Building the <b>Partner Relay</b> network for accessible crisis communication</li><li>Creating policies and agreements that took <b>20 months</b> to finalize</li></ul><p>You’ll also hear how San Diego’s <b>Unified Disaster Council model</b> allows multiple jurisdictions to collaborate on warning systems, funding, and training, something many emergency management agencies are trying to replicate.</p><p>Plus, Dan explains the work of the <b>Language Accessibility Alert &amp; Warning Workgroup</b>, a national initiative focused on making emergency alerts accessible to <b>everyone</b>, regardless of language, disability, or technology.</p><p>If you work in emergency management, public safety, crisis communication, or government technology, this episode is packed with real-world lessons on how to deliver alerts that are <b>accurate, timely, and accessible</b>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18871282-training-190-alert-senders-preventing-wea-mistakes-reaching-every-community-inside-san-diego-s-alerting-system.mp3" length="40709004" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3390</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>emergency alert systems, wireless emergency alerts, WEA best practices, wireless emergency alerts training, emergency management podcast, public safety alerting systems, San Diego emergency alerts, emergency communication strategies, emergency notificatio</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Frozen Iguanas, Winter Storm Alerts, WEA Messaging &amp; Emergency Communication Best Practices</itunes:title>
    <title>Frozen Iguanas, Winter Storm Alerts, WEA Messaging &amp; Emergency Communication Best Practices</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of the Alerting Authority Podcast, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola discuss winter storm alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and real-world emergency communication examples from across the United States. From the 2022 Buffalo blizzard to recent extreme cold warnings, the hosts analyze how local emergency managers used alert origination software, warning templates, and public safety messaging to keep communities informed. The episode highlights best practices for emergen...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Alerting Authority Podcast, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola discuss winter storm alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and real-world emergency communication examples from across the United States. From the 2022 Buffalo blizzard to recent extreme cold warnings, the hosts analyze how local emergency managers used alert origination software, warning templates, and public safety messaging to keep communities informed.</p><p>The episode highlights best practices for emergency alerts, the importance of layered communication, and how agencies can improve preparedness through message templates, training, and planning. Learn how alerting authorities can better serve vulnerable populations, provide shelter information, and use WEA, social media, and local partnerships to deliver life-saving information.</p><p>Sponsored by HQE Systems — providing next-generation outdoor warning sirens, indoor notification systems, and alert origination software controlled from one platform.</p><p>Subscribe for more emergency management, public warning, and disaster communication insights.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the Alerting Authority Podcast, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola discuss winter storm alerts, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and real-world emergency communication examples from across the United States. From the 2022 Buffalo blizzard to recent extreme cold warnings, the hosts analyze how local emergency managers used alert origination software, warning templates, and public safety messaging to keep communities informed.</p><p>The episode highlights best practices for emergency alerts, the importance of layered communication, and how agencies can improve preparedness through message templates, training, and planning. Learn how alerting authorities can better serve vulnerable populations, provide shelter information, and use WEA, social media, and local partnerships to deliver life-saving information.</p><p>Sponsored by HQE Systems — providing next-generation outdoor warning sirens, indoor notification systems, and alert origination software controlled from one platform.</p><p>Subscribe for more emergency management, public warning, and disaster communication insights.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18835251-frozen-iguanas-winter-storm-alerts-wea-messaging-emergency-communication-best-practices.mp3" length="32057830" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>2669</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>alerting authority podcast, wireless emergency alerts, wea alerts, emergency alert system, emergency management podcast, winter storm warning alerts, buffalo blizzard 2022, extreme cold warning, emergency communication best practices, alert origination so</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Inside the FEMA National Alert: Deanne Criswell on Sending the U.S. Emergency Alert</itunes:title>
    <title>Inside the FEMA National Alert: Deanne Criswell on Sending the U.S. Emergency Alert</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins The Alerting Authority, sponsored by HQE Systems, to discuss what it was really like to send the nationwide IPAWS emergency alert to every phone in the United States.  In this episode, Criswell shares behind-the-scenes insights from the 2023 national emergency alert test, explains how FEMA manages the Integrated Public Alert &amp; Warning System (IPAWS), and discusses the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and foreign influenc...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins The Alerting Authority, sponsored by HQE Systems, to discuss what it was really like to send the nationwide IPAWS emergency alert to every phone in the United States.<br/><br/>In this episode, Criswell shares behind-the-scenes insights from the 2023 national emergency alert test, explains how FEMA manages the Integrated Public Alert &amp; Warning System (IPAWS), and discusses the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and foreign influence during disasters.<br/><br/>Hosts Eddie Bertola and Dr. Jeannette Sutton explore how emergency managers can build trusted community networks, improve Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messaging, and ensure equitable alerting for diverse populations.<br/><br/>Criswell also reflects on her time leading FEMA, responding to major disasters, and why people-first emergency management and equity are critical to disaster preparedness and recovery.<br/><br/>Topics covered include:<br/><br/>- Sending the national emergency alert to every U.S. phone<br/><br/>- How IPAWS and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) work<br/><br/>- Misinformation and foreign influence during disasters<br/><br/>- Building trusted communication networks in communities<br/><br/>- Equity in emergency management and disaster recovery<br/><br/>- Lessons for local alerting authorities and emergency managers<br/><br/>- The future of public alerting and warning systems<br/><br/>If you work in emergency management, public safety, disaster communications, or crisis response, this episode provides critical insights into the future of public warning systems and disaster communication.<br/><br/>This episode is sponsored by HQEsystems.com</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell joins The Alerting Authority, sponsored by HQE Systems, to discuss what it was really like to send the nationwide IPAWS emergency alert to every phone in the United States.<br/><br/>In this episode, Criswell shares behind-the-scenes insights from the 2023 national emergency alert test, explains how FEMA manages the Integrated Public Alert &amp; Warning System (IPAWS), and discusses the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and foreign influence during disasters.<br/><br/>Hosts Eddie Bertola and Dr. Jeannette Sutton explore how emergency managers can build trusted community networks, improve Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messaging, and ensure equitable alerting for diverse populations.<br/><br/>Criswell also reflects on her time leading FEMA, responding to major disasters, and why people-first emergency management and equity are critical to disaster preparedness and recovery.<br/><br/>Topics covered include:<br/><br/>- Sending the national emergency alert to every U.S. phone<br/><br/>- How IPAWS and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) work<br/><br/>- Misinformation and foreign influence during disasters<br/><br/>- Building trusted communication networks in communities<br/><br/>- Equity in emergency management and disaster recovery<br/><br/>- Lessons for local alerting authorities and emergency managers<br/><br/>- The future of public alerting and warning systems<br/><br/>If you work in emergency management, public safety, disaster communications, or crisis response, this episode provides critical insights into the future of public warning systems and disaster communication.<br/><br/>This episode is sponsored by HQEsystems.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18796383-inside-the-fema-national-alert-deanne-criswell-on-sending-the-u-s-emergency-alert.mp3" length="33500087" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2789</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>FEMA, Deanne Criswell, Eddie Bertola, Jeannette Sutton, emergency management, disaster response, disaster recovery, FEMA Administrator, Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, IPAWS, national alert test 2023, nationwide emergency alert, public alertin</itunes:keywords>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Engagement Before Emergency: Building Buy-In Before Disaster Strikes</itunes:title>
    <title>Engagement Before Emergency: Building Buy-In Before Disaster Strikes</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This episode of The Alerting Authority features emergency manager Ashley Morris, whose journey from childhood storm enthusiast in New Mexico to community-focused alerting leader in Central Texas blends meteorology, public engagement, and hands-on system building. Ashley shares how her early dream of working for the National Weather Service evolved into a career in emergency management—where science, social media strategy, and relationship-building intersect. From launching alerting programs f...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>This episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em> features emergency manager Ashley Morris, whose journey from childhood storm enthusiast in New Mexico to community-focused alerting leader in Central Texas blends meteorology, public engagement, and hands-on system building.</p><p>Ashley shares how her early dream of working for the <b>National Weather Service</b> evolved into a career in emergency management—where science, social media strategy, and relationship-building intersect. From launching alerting programs from scratch to developing policy across agencies, she discusses what it takes to build confidence, competence, and collaboration around tools like <b>FEMA</b>’s IPAWS.</p><p>The conversation explores:</p><ul><li>Growing social media presence from zero followers in a rural, tourism-driven Texas county</li><li>Partnering with chambers of commerce, small businesses, and community leaders to amplify messaging</li><li>Lessons learned from larger jurisdictions like Fairfax County and applying them in smaller communities</li><li>The importance of policy, redundancy, and hands-on training in alerting systems</li><li>Why visibility, trust, and relationships matter just as much as technology</li><li>The future of alerting—from AI and the Internet of Things to flood warning innovations in Texas</li></ul><p>Ashley emphasizes a powerful truth: if emergency management isn’t visible, it doesn’t exist. This episode is packed with practical insights for alerting authorities, PIOs, and emergency managers looking to strengthen trust, improve alerting confidence, and build resilient communities before the next disaster strikes.</p><p>This episode of The Alerting Authority is brought to by HQE Systems. </p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em> features emergency manager Ashley Morris, whose journey from childhood storm enthusiast in New Mexico to community-focused alerting leader in Central Texas blends meteorology, public engagement, and hands-on system building.</p><p>Ashley shares how her early dream of working for the <b>National Weather Service</b> evolved into a career in emergency management—where science, social media strategy, and relationship-building intersect. From launching alerting programs from scratch to developing policy across agencies, she discusses what it takes to build confidence, competence, and collaboration around tools like <b>FEMA</b>’s IPAWS.</p><p>The conversation explores:</p><ul><li>Growing social media presence from zero followers in a rural, tourism-driven Texas county</li><li>Partnering with chambers of commerce, small businesses, and community leaders to amplify messaging</li><li>Lessons learned from larger jurisdictions like Fairfax County and applying them in smaller communities</li><li>The importance of policy, redundancy, and hands-on training in alerting systems</li><li>Why visibility, trust, and relationships matter just as much as technology</li><li>The future of alerting—from AI and the Internet of Things to flood warning innovations in Texas</li></ul><p>Ashley emphasizes a powerful truth: if emergency management isn’t visible, it doesn’t exist. This episode is packed with practical insights for alerting authorities, PIOs, and emergency managers looking to strengthen trust, improve alerting confidence, and build resilient communities before the next disaster strikes.</p><p>This episode of The Alerting Authority is brought to by HQE Systems. </p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2776</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Ashley Morris, Alerting Authority Podcast, HQE Systems, emergency management, public information, IPAWS, FEMA, National Weather Service, Texas emergency management, community engagement, social media strategy, disaster preparedness, wildfire communication</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>Inclusive Emergency Alerting &amp; Access Needs in Disasters with Vance Taylor | Cal OES &amp; Whole Community Leadership</itunes:title>
    <title>Inclusive Emergency Alerting &amp; Access Needs in Disasters with Vance Taylor | Cal OES &amp; Whole Community Leadership</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[How can emergency alerts truly reach everyone, especially people with disabilities and access/ functional needs? In this powerful episode, we welcome Vance Taylor, Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Vance shares his personal journey, leadership philosophy, and groundbreaking work to transform inclusive emergency management across California and the nation. We explore: Why timing matters more than perfectly wo...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>How can emergency alerts truly reach <em>everyone</em>, especially people with disabilities and access/ functional needs?</p><p>In this powerful episode, we welcome Vance Taylor, Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Vance shares his personal journey, leadership philosophy, and groundbreaking work to transform inclusive emergency management across California and the nation.</p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li>Why timing matters more than perfectly worded alerts</li><li>The dangers of disaster registries — and what works better</li><li>Enhanced alerting systems and early notification models</li><li>Lessons from Winter Storm Uri and disability-focused disaster research</li><li>How alerting authorities can improve messaging today</li><li>Planning <em>with</em> communities, not <em>for</em> them</li></ul><p>Vance also discusses cultural change in emergency management, accessible technology innovation, and the responsibility of alerting authorities to reduce human suffering and loss of life.</p><p>Whether you&apos;re an emergency manager, alerting authority, public safety leader, researcher, or disability advocate, this episode delivers actionable insights on whole community disaster preparedness.</p><p>This episode is proudly sponsored by HQE Systems: supporting data-driven solutions.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>How can emergency alerts truly reach <em>everyone</em>, especially people with disabilities and access/ functional needs?</p><p>In this powerful episode, we welcome Vance Taylor, Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Vance shares his personal journey, leadership philosophy, and groundbreaking work to transform inclusive emergency management across California and the nation.</p><p>We explore:</p><ul><li>Why timing matters more than perfectly worded alerts</li><li>The dangers of disaster registries — and what works better</li><li>Enhanced alerting systems and early notification models</li><li>Lessons from Winter Storm Uri and disability-focused disaster research</li><li>How alerting authorities can improve messaging today</li><li>Planning <em>with</em> communities, not <em>for</em> them</li></ul><p>Vance also discusses cultural change in emergency management, accessible technology innovation, and the responsibility of alerting authorities to reduce human suffering and loss of life.</p><p>Whether you&apos;re an emergency manager, alerting authority, public safety leader, researcher, or disability advocate, this episode delivers actionable insights on whole community disaster preparedness.</p><p>This episode is proudly sponsored by HQE Systems: supporting data-driven solutions.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18712015-inclusive-emergency-alerting-access-needs-in-disasters-with-vance-taylor-cal-oes-whole-community-leadership.mp3" length="41049430" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>3418</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>inclusive emergency alerting, access and functional needs emergency management, disability disaster preparedness, whole community emergency management, enhanced alerting systems California, Vance Taylor Cal OES, Winter Storm Uri disability impact, emergen</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Are We Over-Alerting? Arkansas Winter Storm WEA Strategy &amp; Building Community Trust</itunes:title>
    <title>Are We Over-Alerting? Arkansas Winter Storm WEA Strategy &amp; Building Community Trust</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[When severe winter weather hit Arkansas, only one county issued multiple Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Was it over-alerting or a powerful example of proactive leadership? In this episode of The Alerting Authority, Dr. Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola break down a real-world case study from Calhoun County, Arkansas, where Judge Floyd Nutt sent a series of WEA messages ahead of and during a winter storm. From freezing rain and icy roads to water shortages and access to medical supplies, t...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>When severe winter weather hit Arkansas, only one county issued multiple Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Was it over-alerting or a powerful example of proactive leadership?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Dr. Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola break down a real-world case study from Calhoun County, Arkansas, where Judge Floyd Nutt sent a series of WEA messages ahead of and during a winter storm. From freezing rain and icy roads to water shortages and access to medical supplies, the messages created a narrative of preparedness, impact communication, and community reassurance.</p><p>The hosts explore:</p><ul><li>When should you send a Wireless Emergency Alert for winter weather?</li><li>What constitutes over-alerting vs. effective risk communication?</li><li>How do WEAs impact vulnerable populations, including those with access and functional needs?</li><li>Lessons from Winter Storms and the importance of inclusive alerting</li><li>Message timing, structure (90 vs. 360 characters), and trust-building strategies</li><li>Using IPAWS effectively in rural vs. urban communities</li></ul><p>This episode is a must-listen for emergency managers, public safety officials, alert originators, and risk communication professionals looking to improve warning strategy and community engagement.</p><p>Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation as we work to make alerting better, and communities safer.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by HQEsystems.com. </p><p>Also be sure to check out Disabled Power by Angela Frederick at this link: https://nyupress.org/9781479828142/disabled-power/</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When severe winter weather hit Arkansas, only one county issued multiple Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). Was it over-alerting or a powerful example of proactive leadership?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Dr. Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola break down a real-world case study from Calhoun County, Arkansas, where Judge Floyd Nutt sent a series of WEA messages ahead of and during a winter storm. From freezing rain and icy roads to water shortages and access to medical supplies, the messages created a narrative of preparedness, impact communication, and community reassurance.</p><p>The hosts explore:</p><ul><li>When should you send a Wireless Emergency Alert for winter weather?</li><li>What constitutes over-alerting vs. effective risk communication?</li><li>How do WEAs impact vulnerable populations, including those with access and functional needs?</li><li>Lessons from Winter Storms and the importance of inclusive alerting</li><li>Message timing, structure (90 vs. 360 characters), and trust-building strategies</li><li>Using IPAWS effectively in rural vs. urban communities</li></ul><p>This episode is a must-listen for emergency managers, public safety officials, alert originators, and risk communication professionals looking to improve warning strategy and community engagement.</p><p>Subscribe, follow, and join the conversation as we work to make alerting better, and communities safer.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by HQEsystems.com. </p><p>Also be sure to check out Disabled Power by Angela Frederick at this link: https://nyupress.org/9781479828142/disabled-power/</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18669500-are-we-over-alerting-arkansas-winter-storm-wea-strategy-building-community-trust.mp3" length="31539965" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2626</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Absolutely — here are the keywords formatted as one clean, continuous list:  Wireless Emergency Alerts, WEA best practices, IPAWS alerting, winter storm warnings, emergency management podcast, risk communication, public safety messaging, over-alerting deb</itunes:keywords>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Emergency Alerting at the World’s Busiest Airport: How Atlanta Airport Manages Crisis Communication at Scale</itunes:title>
    <title>Emergency Alerting at the World’s Busiest Airport: How Atlanta Airport Manages Crisis Communication at Scale</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, emergency management and communications leaders from Atlanta International Airport (ATL) take listeners inside the complex world of alerting, warnings, and crisis communication at the busiest airport on the planet. Featuring insights from ATL Emergency Management, Integrated Operations Center leadership, and Airport Communications and Media Affairs, this conversation explores how large-scale airports function like cities—coordinating across airlines,...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, emergency management and communications leaders from <b>Atlanta International Airport (ATL)</b> take listeners inside the complex world of alerting, warnings, and crisis communication at the busiest airport on the planet.</p><p>Featuring insights from <b>ATL Emergency Management</b>, <b>Integrated Operations Center leadership</b>, and <b>Airport Communications and Media Affairs</b>, this conversation explores how large-scale airports function like cities—coordinating across airlines, TSA, law enforcement, fire, EMS, federal partners, and more than <b>63,000 employees</b> to deliver clear, timely, and accessible messages during routine operations and major emergencies.</p><p>The panel discusses real-world challenges such as mass notification strategy, 911 operations within airport property, interagency coordination, wireless emergency alerts, overhead paging systems, and the risks of alert “bleed-over” into surrounding jurisdictions. Listeners will learn how ATL balances proactive communication with operational precision, including the philosophy of <b>“maximum disclosure with minimum delay.”</b></p><p>This episode also dives into language access and accessibility, including live translation services for limited English proficiency travelers, Title VI compliance, and the realities of communicating with a highly stressed, diverse, and constantly moving population. From winter weather events and accidental discharges to after-action reviews and daily coordination calls, the discussion highlights lessons learned, best practices, and emerging innovations such as integrated operations centers, dashboards, AI, and redundant communications systems.</p><p>Whether you work in aviation, emergency management, public safety, or public information, this episode offers practical takeaways on collaboration, training, message design, and how to build resilient alerting systems that work under pressure at any scale.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by HQE Systems. Check them out at www.HQEsystems.com</p><p>Also check the Atlanta Airport official website at ATL.com</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, emergency management and communications leaders from <b>Atlanta International Airport (ATL)</b> take listeners inside the complex world of alerting, warnings, and crisis communication at the busiest airport on the planet.</p><p>Featuring insights from <b>ATL Emergency Management</b>, <b>Integrated Operations Center leadership</b>, and <b>Airport Communications and Media Affairs</b>, this conversation explores how large-scale airports function like cities—coordinating across airlines, TSA, law enforcement, fire, EMS, federal partners, and more than <b>63,000 employees</b> to deliver clear, timely, and accessible messages during routine operations and major emergencies.</p><p>The panel discusses real-world challenges such as mass notification strategy, 911 operations within airport property, interagency coordination, wireless emergency alerts, overhead paging systems, and the risks of alert “bleed-over” into surrounding jurisdictions. Listeners will learn how ATL balances proactive communication with operational precision, including the philosophy of <b>“maximum disclosure with minimum delay.”</b></p><p>This episode also dives into language access and accessibility, including live translation services for limited English proficiency travelers, Title VI compliance, and the realities of communicating with a highly stressed, diverse, and constantly moving population. From winter weather events and accidental discharges to after-action reviews and daily coordination calls, the discussion highlights lessons learned, best practices, and emerging innovations such as integrated operations centers, dashboards, AI, and redundant communications systems.</p><p>Whether you work in aviation, emergency management, public safety, or public information, this episode offers practical takeaways on collaboration, training, message design, and how to build resilient alerting systems that work under pressure at any scale.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by HQE Systems. Check them out at www.HQEsystems.com</p><p>Also check the Atlanta Airport official website at ATL.com</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18630022-emergency-alerting-at-the-world-s-busiest-airport-how-atlanta-airport-manages-crisis-communication-at-scale.mp3" length="36221053" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>3016</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>airport emergency communications, alerting authority podcast, mass notification systems, airport emergency management, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ATL airport emergency operations, public information officer airport, crisis communica</itunes:keywords>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Inside the Tsunami Warning System: What Really Happened During the 2024 West Coast Alert—and How Emergency Alerts Must Evolve</itunes:title>
    <title>Inside the Tsunami Warning System: What Really Happened During the 2024 West Coast Alert—and How Emergency Alerts Must Evolve</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In December 2024, millions of people across California, Oregon, and the San Francisco Bay Area received a sudden Wireless Emergency Alert warning of a possible tsunami—an alert that stopped daily life in its tracks and raised urgent questions about how tsunami warnings are issued, who receives them, and what the public is actually expected to do. In this in-depth episode, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Dave Snider of the National Tsunami Warning Center to unpack exactly what...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In December 2024, millions of people across California, Oregon, and the San Francisco Bay Area received a sudden <b>Wireless Emergency Alert warning of a possible tsunami</b>—an alert that stopped daily life in its tracks and raised urgent questions about <b>how tsunami warnings are issued, who receives them, and what the public is actually expected to do</b>.</p><p>In this in-depth episode, <b>Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola</b> sit down with <b>Dave Snider of the National Tsunami Warning Center</b> to unpack exactly what happened during that historic alert—and what it revealed about the strengths, limitations, and future of tsunami warning and public alerting systems in the United States.</p><p>Dave walks listeners through the <b>real decision-making process behind tsunami warnings</b>, explaining why these alerts are issued out of an <em>abundance of caution</em>, how earthquake magnitude thresholds are evaluated, and why tsunamis fundamentally differ from weather events that can be predicted days in advance. The conversation explores the <b>critical distinction between tsunami warnings, advisories, and watches</b>, and why terminology that works for hurricanes or tornadoes can create confusion when applied to earthquakes and ocean hazards.</p><p>The episode also dives deep into the <b>technology behind public alerts</b>, including IPAWS, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), Emergency Alert System (EAS), Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), and county-level opt-in alerting systems. Dave explains why entire counties—sometimes stretching far inland—receive tsunami warnings, how overlapping geographic boundaries like forecast zones and FIPS codes contribute to over-alerting, and why <b>alert fatigue</b> is a growing concern for emergency communications.</p><p>A major focus of the discussion is <b>partnership</b>: the indispensable role of state, county, and local alerting authorities in providing follow-up messaging, local context, and actionable guidance after the initial federal alert is issued. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of <b>what the National Weather Service can and cannot do</b>, and why coordinated, consistent messaging at every level is essential to public safety.</p><p>Looking ahead, Dave shares his vision for the <b>future of tsunami warnings</b>, including improved geo-targeting with smaller polygons, better message consistency across platforms, redesigned tsunami.gov services, and a more complete end-to-end communication lifecycle—from the first alert to cancellation and post-event review.</p><p>Whether you’re an emergency manager, public safety communicator, policy maker, or simply someone who received the 2024 alert and wondered <em>“Why did I get this?”</em>, this episode provides rare behind-the-scenes insight into a system we all depend on—often without realizing how complex it truly is.</p><p><b>This episode is sponsored by HQE Systems</b> — supporting smarter, more resilient emergency communications.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In December 2024, millions of people across California, Oregon, and the San Francisco Bay Area received a sudden <b>Wireless Emergency Alert warning of a possible tsunami</b>—an alert that stopped daily life in its tracks and raised urgent questions about <b>how tsunami warnings are issued, who receives them, and what the public is actually expected to do</b>.</p><p>In this in-depth episode, <b>Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola</b> sit down with <b>Dave Snider of the National Tsunami Warning Center</b> to unpack exactly what happened during that historic alert—and what it revealed about the strengths, limitations, and future of tsunami warning and public alerting systems in the United States.</p><p>Dave walks listeners through the <b>real decision-making process behind tsunami warnings</b>, explaining why these alerts are issued out of an <em>abundance of caution</em>, how earthquake magnitude thresholds are evaluated, and why tsunamis fundamentally differ from weather events that can be predicted days in advance. The conversation explores the <b>critical distinction between tsunami warnings, advisories, and watches</b>, and why terminology that works for hurricanes or tornadoes can create confusion when applied to earthquakes and ocean hazards.</p><p>The episode also dives deep into the <b>technology behind public alerts</b>, including IPAWS, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), Emergency Alert System (EAS), Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), and county-level opt-in alerting systems. Dave explains why entire counties—sometimes stretching far inland—receive tsunami warnings, how overlapping geographic boundaries like forecast zones and FIPS codes contribute to over-alerting, and why <b>alert fatigue</b> is a growing concern for emergency communications.</p><p>A major focus of the discussion is <b>partnership</b>: the indispensable role of state, county, and local alerting authorities in providing follow-up messaging, local context, and actionable guidance after the initial federal alert is issued. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of <b>what the National Weather Service can and cannot do</b>, and why coordinated, consistent messaging at every level is essential to public safety.</p><p>Looking ahead, Dave shares his vision for the <b>future of tsunami warnings</b>, including improved geo-targeting with smaller polygons, better message consistency across platforms, redesigned tsunami.gov services, and a more complete end-to-end communication lifecycle—from the first alert to cancellation and post-event review.</p><p>Whether you’re an emergency manager, public safety communicator, policy maker, or simply someone who received the 2024 alert and wondered <em>“Why did I get this?”</em>, this episode provides rare behind-the-scenes insight into a system we all depend on—often without realizing how complex it truly is.</p><p><b>This episode is sponsored by HQE Systems</b> — supporting smarter, more resilient emergency communications.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18591294-inside-the-tsunami-warning-system-what-really-happened-during-the-2024-west-coast-alert-and-how-emergency-alerts-must-evolve.mp3" length="34806086" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2898</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>tsunami warning system, 2024 tsunami alert, wireless emergency alerts, wea alerts, ipaws, emergency alert system eas, national tsunami warning center, tsunami advisory vs warning vs watch, earthquake tsunami risk, west coast tsunami alert, california tsun</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Saving Lives Under Pressure: Pete Gaynor on Alerts, Leadership, FEMA, and the Future of Disaster Recovery</itunes:title>
    <title>Saving Lives Under Pressure: Pete Gaynor on Alerts, Leadership, FEMA, and the Future of Disaster Recovery</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Pete Gaynor, former FEMA Administrator and current President of Bright Harbor, for an in-depth and candid conversation about what it truly takes to save lives through effective alerts and warnings. Drawing on his experience at the local, state, and federal levels, Pete shares powerful lessons from his career—including no-notice drills gone wrong, leadership under pressure, executive decision-maki...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with <b>Pete Gaynor</b>, former FEMA Administrator and current President of <b>Bright Harbor</b>, for an in-depth and candid conversation about what it truly takes to save lives through effective alerts and warnings.</p><p>Drawing on his experience at the <b>local, state, and federal levels</b>, Pete shares powerful lessons from his career—including no-notice drills gone wrong, leadership under pressure, executive decision-making, and why alerting is one of the most consequential life-saving actions an emergency manager can take. He explains how fear, lack of practice, and false assumptions continue to create gaps in alerting nationwide—and what emergency managers can do now to close them.</p><p>The discussion also explores:</p><ul><li>The realities of pressing the “send alert” button</li><li>Why executives must be trained—not shielded—from alerting decisions</li><li>How FEMA, states, and locals can better balance responsibility and risk</li><li>The role of AI and data in improving early warning and decision support</li><li>Why disasters are no longer linear—and how alerting must evolve</li><li>The long-term recovery challenges facing disaster survivors today</li></ul><p>Pete also introduces his current work as President of <b>Bright Harbor</b>, a mission-driven organization helping disaster survivors navigate FEMA, insurance, rebuilding, and long-term recovery so they can get back home faster.</p><p>This episode is <b>proudly sponsored by HQE Systems</b>, a disabled veteran–owned company that specializes in <b>alert origination software and life safety electronic security solutions</b>. HQE Systems supports alerting authorities by simplifying workflows, integrating outdoor warning sirens and indoor notifications, and helping agencies overcome real-world operational pain points—all through a single, powerful platform.</p><p><b>Learn more about Bright Harbor:</b> https://www.brightharbor.co<br/><br/> <b>Learn more about HQE Systems:</b> <a href='https://hqesystems.com'>https://hqesystems.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with <b>Pete Gaynor</b>, former FEMA Administrator and current President of <b>Bright Harbor</b>, for an in-depth and candid conversation about what it truly takes to save lives through effective alerts and warnings.</p><p>Drawing on his experience at the <b>local, state, and federal levels</b>, Pete shares powerful lessons from his career—including no-notice drills gone wrong, leadership under pressure, executive decision-making, and why alerting is one of the most consequential life-saving actions an emergency manager can take. He explains how fear, lack of practice, and false assumptions continue to create gaps in alerting nationwide—and what emergency managers can do now to close them.</p><p>The discussion also explores:</p><ul><li>The realities of pressing the “send alert” button</li><li>Why executives must be trained—not shielded—from alerting decisions</li><li>How FEMA, states, and locals can better balance responsibility and risk</li><li>The role of AI and data in improving early warning and decision support</li><li>Why disasters are no longer linear—and how alerting must evolve</li><li>The long-term recovery challenges facing disaster survivors today</li></ul><p>Pete also introduces his current work as President of <b>Bright Harbor</b>, a mission-driven organization helping disaster survivors navigate FEMA, insurance, rebuilding, and long-term recovery so they can get back home faster.</p><p>This episode is <b>proudly sponsored by HQE Systems</b>, a disabled veteran–owned company that specializes in <b>alert origination software and life safety electronic security solutions</b>. HQE Systems supports alerting authorities by simplifying workflows, integrating outdoor warning sirens and indoor notifications, and helping agencies overcome real-world operational pain points—all through a single, powerful platform.</p><p><b>Learn more about Bright Harbor:</b> https://www.brightharbor.co<br/><br/> <b>Learn more about HQE Systems:</b> <a href='https://hqesystems.com'>https://hqesystems.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18538373-saving-lives-under-pressure-pete-gaynor-on-alerts-leadership-fema-and-the-future-of-disaster-recovery.mp3" length="38217220" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>3182</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>alerting authority, emergency alerts, emergency management, FEMA, Pete Gaynor, no notice drills, public warning systems, IPAWS, executive decision making, disaster preparedness, alert fatigue, life safety alerts, emergency leadership, FEMA administrator, </itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Emergency Alerts Explained: Marin County’s Approach to Tsunami Warnings, WEA, and Public Safety Communication</itunes:title>
    <title>Emergency Alerts Explained: Marin County’s Approach to Tsunami Warnings, WEA, and Public Safety Communication</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola sit down with Steve Torrance, Director of Emergency Management for Marin County, California, to explore how one of the nation’s most complex communities handles emergency alerts and warnings. Marin County faces a unique mix of risks — including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, power outages, and infrastructure failures — while also serving a constantly changing population of commuters, tourists, and v...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> sit down with <b>Steve Torrance</b>, Director of Emergency Management for <b>Marin County, California</b>, to explore how one of the nation’s most complex communities handles <b>emergency alerts and warnings</b>.</p><p>Marin County faces a unique mix of risks — including <b>earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, power outages, and infrastructure failures</b> — while also serving a constantly changing population of commuters, tourists, and vacation renters. Steve Torrance explains how his team approaches <b>wireless emergency alerts (WEA)</b>, <b>mass notification systems</b>, and <b>multi-channel alerting strategies</b> to ensure critical information reaches people who may not live in the county — or even speak the same language.</p><p>A major focus of this conversation is Marin County’s real-world response to the <b>December 2024 Northern California tsunami warning</b>, where a countywide WEA was issued even though only a small portion of the area was at actual risk. Steve breaks down the challenges of public panic, geographic clarity, and rapid information sharing — and why <b>local knowledge is irreplaceable</b> when national alerts go out.</p><p>You’ll also hear about:</p><ul><li>The importance of the <b>“first mile”</b> before an alert is ever sent</li><li>Training first responders and dispatchers to request effective alerts</li><li>Why <b>templates matter</b> (and how Marin developed 90+ alert templates)</li><li>Reaching older adults, tourists, and non-English speakers</li><li>Using <b>Nextdoor, social media, sirens, EAS, phone calls, and text alerts</b> together</li><li>The future of alerts: multilingual messaging, smart devices, and alerting beyond phones</li><li>Why emergency alerting should become a <b>standalone profession</b></li></ul><p>This episode is essential listening for <b>emergency managers, public information officers (PIOs), alerting authorities, public safety professionals, researchers, and policymakers</b> looking to improve how alerts are written, approved, and delivered.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by <b>HQE Systems</b>, a disabled veteran-owned provider of cutting-edge alert origination software, mass notification systems, and outdoor warning solutions.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> sit down with <b>Steve Torrance</b>, Director of Emergency Management for <b>Marin County, California</b>, to explore how one of the nation’s most complex communities handles <b>emergency alerts and warnings</b>.</p><p>Marin County faces a unique mix of risks — including <b>earthquakes, wildfires, floods, tsunamis, power outages, and infrastructure failures</b> — while also serving a constantly changing population of commuters, tourists, and vacation renters. Steve Torrance explains how his team approaches <b>wireless emergency alerts (WEA)</b>, <b>mass notification systems</b>, and <b>multi-channel alerting strategies</b> to ensure critical information reaches people who may not live in the county — or even speak the same language.</p><p>A major focus of this conversation is Marin County’s real-world response to the <b>December 2024 Northern California tsunami warning</b>, where a countywide WEA was issued even though only a small portion of the area was at actual risk. Steve breaks down the challenges of public panic, geographic clarity, and rapid information sharing — and why <b>local knowledge is irreplaceable</b> when national alerts go out.</p><p>You’ll also hear about:</p><ul><li>The importance of the <b>“first mile”</b> before an alert is ever sent</li><li>Training first responders and dispatchers to request effective alerts</li><li>Why <b>templates matter</b> (and how Marin developed 90+ alert templates)</li><li>Reaching older adults, tourists, and non-English speakers</li><li>Using <b>Nextdoor, social media, sirens, EAS, phone calls, and text alerts</b> together</li><li>The future of alerts: multilingual messaging, smart devices, and alerting beyond phones</li><li>Why emergency alerting should become a <b>standalone profession</b></li></ul><p>This episode is essential listening for <b>emergency managers, public information officers (PIOs), alerting authorities, public safety professionals, researchers, and policymakers</b> looking to improve how alerts are written, approved, and delivered.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by <b>HQE Systems</b>, a disabled veteran-owned provider of cutting-edge alert origination software, mass notification systems, and outdoor warning solutions.</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2557413/episodes/18499214-emergency-alerts-explained-marin-county-s-approach-to-tsunami-warnings-wea-and-public-safety-communication.mp3" length="32868187" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2737</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>emergency alerts, emergency warning systems, wireless emergency alerts, WEA alerts, tsunami warning system, Marin County emergency management, public safety alerts, mass notification systems, emergency management podcast, alert and warning, disaster commu</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>Clear Alerts Save Lives—Confusing Ones Create Chaos</itunes:title>
    <title>Clear Alerts Save Lives—Confusing Ones Create Chaos</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[What happens when an emergency alert is sent without enough information—or with the wrong information altogether? In this episode of The Alerting Authority, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola break down a real-world emergency alert involving a reported firearm and examine how incomplete messaging, vague locations, unclear protective actions, and inconsistent follow-up alerts can confuse the public and contribute to over-alerting and alert fatigue. Drawing from peer-reviewed research and real ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>What happens when an emergency alert is sent without enough information—or with the wrong information altogether?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola break down a real-world emergency alert involving a reported firearm and examine how incomplete messaging, vague locations, unclear protective actions, and inconsistent follow-up alerts can confuse the public and contribute to over-alerting and alert fatigue.</p><p>Drawing from peer-reviewed research and real alerting experience, the conversation explores what over-alerting actually means, how relevancy and content shape public response, why jargon like “shelter in place” can fail, and how poor messaging can overwhelm 911 centers while increasing fear rather than safety.</p><p>Listeners will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for writing clearer, more effective alerts—including what information must be included, how to structure messages, and why post-alert “all clear” notifications matter just as much as the initial warning.</p><p>This episode is essential listening for emergency managers, law enforcement, public safety officials, and anyone responsible for issuing alerts to their community.</p><p><b>Sponsored by HQE Systems</b>, a disabled veteran-owned, full-service alert origination software provider specializing in cutting-edge life safety and mass notification solutions</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens when an emergency alert is sent without enough information—or with the wrong information altogether?</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola break down a real-world emergency alert involving a reported firearm and examine how incomplete messaging, vague locations, unclear protective actions, and inconsistent follow-up alerts can confuse the public and contribute to over-alerting and alert fatigue.</p><p>Drawing from peer-reviewed research and real alerting experience, the conversation explores what over-alerting actually means, how relevancy and content shape public response, why jargon like “shelter in place” can fail, and how poor messaging can overwhelm 911 centers while increasing fear rather than safety.</p><p>Listeners will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for writing clearer, more effective alerts—including what information must be included, how to structure messages, and why post-alert “all clear” notifications matter just as much as the initial warning.</p><p>This episode is essential listening for emergency managers, law enforcement, public safety officials, and anyone responsible for issuing alerts to their community.</p><p><b>Sponsored by HQE Systems</b>, a disabled veteran-owned, full-service alert origination software provider specializing in cutting-edge life safety and mass notification solutions</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2218</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>over alerting, emergency alert messaging, alert fatigue, wireless emergency alerts, WEA best practices, public warning systems, emergency communication, incomplete emergency alerts, alert relevancy, emergency alert content, shelter in place jargon, protec</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
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    <itunes:title>Do Wireless Emergency Alerts Really Reach the Public? Inside the RAND Study on WEA Coverage, Opt-Outs, and Alert Fatigue</itunes:title>
    <title>Do Wireless Emergency Alerts Really Reach the Public? Inside the RAND Study on WEA Coverage, Opt-Outs, and Alert Fatigue</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Do Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) actually reach the people they are intended to warn? And what happens after the alert hits a phone? In this in-depth episode, emergency management practitioners, researchers, and alerting authorities come together to break down a landmark RAND Corporation study examining the real-world performance of the Wireless Emergency Alert system following the October 4, 2023 nationwide test. Featuring insights from Rachel Steratore and Andy Parker of RAND, alongside h...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Do Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) actually reach the people they are intended to warn? And what happens after the alert hits a phone? In this in-depth episode, emergency management practitioners, researchers, and alerting authorities come together to break down a landmark <b>RAND Corporation</b> study examining the real-world performance of the Wireless Emergency Alert system following the October 4, 2023 nationwide test.</p><p>Featuring insights from <b>Rachel Steratore</b> and <b>Andy Parker</b> of RAND, alongside hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b>, this conversation dives into the often-overlooked “last mile” of public alerting—what happens between the cell tower and the person holding the phone. Unlike traditional text messages, WEA uses one-way broadcast technology, meaning there is no return signal to confirm whether an alert was received, noticed, or acted upon. That design choice improves speed and bandwidth efficiency, but it also creates a major data gap for emergency managers.</p><p>To address this gap, RAND conducted one of the largest public alerting surveys ever fielded in the United States—over <b>80,000 respondents nationwide</b>, collected within hours of the live national test. The study reveals that approximately <b>91% of adults with working cell phones received the alert</b>, demonstrating extraordinary reach. But it also surfaces critical disparities related to geography, device type, age, carrier differences, and opt-out behavior.</p><p>Key topics explored in this episode include:</p><ul><li>Why WEA performance cannot be measured through system logs alone</li><li>Differences between broadcast alerts and SMS messaging</li><li>Rural vs. urban receipt rates and why they matter</li><li>Why Texas shows significantly higher WEA opt-out rates</li><li>How phone design (Apple vs. Android) influences alert engagement</li><li>The role of alert fatigue, relevance, trust, and timing</li><li>Why a third of adults report never having heard of WEA before</li><li>The policy and training implications for alerting authorities</li></ul><p>The conversation also explores future research questions, including how to empirically measure over-alerting, warning fatigue, and public trust—and how emergency managers might adopt feedback mechanisms similar to citizen science models used in weather and earthquake monitoring.</p><p>If you are an alert originator, emergency manager, public safety official, researcher, or policymaker, this episode provides research-backed insights that can directly inform alerting strategies, public education efforts, and system design decisions.</p><p>🔗 <b>Learn more about the RAND study and related research at:</b> <a href='https://www.rand.org'>https://www.rand.org</a><br/><br/> 🔗 <b>This episode is proudly sponsored by HQE Systems:</b> <a href='https://www.hqesystems.com'>https://www.hqesystems.com</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) actually reach the people they are intended to warn? And what happens after the alert hits a phone? In this in-depth episode, emergency management practitioners, researchers, and alerting authorities come together to break down a landmark <b>RAND Corporation</b> study examining the real-world performance of the Wireless Emergency Alert system following the October 4, 2023 nationwide test.</p><p>Featuring insights from <b>Rachel Steratore</b> and <b>Andy Parker</b> of RAND, alongside hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b>, this conversation dives into the often-overlooked “last mile” of public alerting—what happens between the cell tower and the person holding the phone. Unlike traditional text messages, WEA uses one-way broadcast technology, meaning there is no return signal to confirm whether an alert was received, noticed, or acted upon. That design choice improves speed and bandwidth efficiency, but it also creates a major data gap for emergency managers.</p><p>To address this gap, RAND conducted one of the largest public alerting surveys ever fielded in the United States—over <b>80,000 respondents nationwide</b>, collected within hours of the live national test. The study reveals that approximately <b>91% of adults with working cell phones received the alert</b>, demonstrating extraordinary reach. But it also surfaces critical disparities related to geography, device type, age, carrier differences, and opt-out behavior.</p><p>Key topics explored in this episode include:</p><ul><li>Why WEA performance cannot be measured through system logs alone</li><li>Differences between broadcast alerts and SMS messaging</li><li>Rural vs. urban receipt rates and why they matter</li><li>Why Texas shows significantly higher WEA opt-out rates</li><li>How phone design (Apple vs. Android) influences alert engagement</li><li>The role of alert fatigue, relevance, trust, and timing</li><li>Why a third of adults report never having heard of WEA before</li><li>The policy and training implications for alerting authorities</li></ul><p>The conversation also explores future research questions, including how to empirically measure over-alerting, warning fatigue, and public trust—and how emergency managers might adopt feedback mechanisms similar to citizen science models used in weather and earthquake monitoring.</p><p>If you are an alert originator, emergency manager, public safety official, researcher, or policymaker, this episode provides research-backed insights that can directly inform alerting strategies, public education efforts, and system design decisions.</p><p>🔗 <b>Learn more about the RAND study and related research at:</b> <a href='https://www.rand.org'>https://www.rand.org</a><br/><br/> 🔗 <b>This episode is proudly sponsored by HQE Systems:</b> <a href='https://www.hqesystems.com'>https://www.hqesystems.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>3340</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Wireless Emergency Alerts, WEA, WIA, public alerting systems, emergency management, RAND study, RAND Corporation, FEMA IPAWS, IPAWS WEA, alert fatigue, warning fatigue, emergency alerts, national emergency alert test, October 4 2023 WEA test, public safet</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>Nick Crossley on Building an Effective Alert and Warning Program</itunes:title>
    <title>Nick Crossley on Building an Effective Alert and Warning Program</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola are joined by Nick Crossley, Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for Hamilton County, Ohio, to explore what it truly takes to build and sustain an effective, public-facing alert and warning program. Nick shares how Hamilton County manages emergency communications across 49 jurisdictions, including the City of Cincinnati, while navigating county borders, interstate coordination, and cross-riv...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> are joined by <b>Nick Crossley</b>, Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for <b>Hamilton County, Ohio</b>, to explore what it truly takes to build and sustain an effective, public-facing alert and warning program.</p><p>Nick shares how Hamilton County manages emergency communications across <b>49 jurisdictions</b>, including the City of Cincinnati, while navigating county borders, interstate coordination, and cross-river messaging challenges. He breaks down the philosophy behind treating alerting and warning as <em>the most public responsibility</em> of emergency management—and why constant training, prescripting, and evaluation are critical to public trust.</p><p>The conversation dives deep into:</p><ul><li>Building and maintaining a <b>robust alerting and warning strategy</b></li><li>Training duty officers to confidently send <b>Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</b> under pressure</li><li>Using the <b>FEMA Message Design Dashboard (MDD)</b> to improve clarity and reduce confusion</li><li>Applying <b>EMAP accreditation standards</b> to alerting, communications, and documentation</li><li>Managing message bleed-over across county and state boundaries</li><li>Lessons learned from real-world hazmat incidents, flooding, and shelter-in-place orders</li><li>Practical advice for small agencies and one-person emergency management shops just getting started</li></ul><p>Nick also shares why collaboration, borrowing templates, and cross-jurisdictional MOUs are essential tools for modern emergency management—and why continuous improvement is non-negotiable when lives are at stake.</p><p>Whether you’re an emergency manager, dispatcher, public information officer, or policy leader, this episode offers actionable insights into how to design alerts that inform, protect, and empower the public when it matters most.</p><p><b>Thank you to our sponsor, TheWarnRoom.com, for supporting this episode and helping advance best practices in emergency alerting and public communication.</b></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> are joined by <b>Nick Crossley</b>, Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security for <b>Hamilton County, Ohio</b>, to explore what it truly takes to build and sustain an effective, public-facing alert and warning program.</p><p>Nick shares how Hamilton County manages emergency communications across <b>49 jurisdictions</b>, including the City of Cincinnati, while navigating county borders, interstate coordination, and cross-river messaging challenges. He breaks down the philosophy behind treating alerting and warning as <em>the most public responsibility</em> of emergency management—and why constant training, prescripting, and evaluation are critical to public trust.</p><p>The conversation dives deep into:</p><ul><li>Building and maintaining a <b>robust alerting and warning strategy</b></li><li>Training duty officers to confidently send <b>Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)</b> under pressure</li><li>Using the <b>FEMA Message Design Dashboard (MDD)</b> to improve clarity and reduce confusion</li><li>Applying <b>EMAP accreditation standards</b> to alerting, communications, and documentation</li><li>Managing message bleed-over across county and state boundaries</li><li>Lessons learned from real-world hazmat incidents, flooding, and shelter-in-place orders</li><li>Practical advice for small agencies and one-person emergency management shops just getting started</li></ul><p>Nick also shares why collaboration, borrowing templates, and cross-jurisdictional MOUs are essential tools for modern emergency management—and why continuous improvement is non-negotiable when lives are at stake.</p><p>Whether you’re an emergency manager, dispatcher, public information officer, or policy leader, this episode offers actionable insights into how to design alerts that inform, protect, and empower the public when it matters most.</p><p><b>Thank you to our sponsor, TheWarnRoom.com, for supporting this episode and helping advance best practices in emergency alerting and public communication.</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2686</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Alerting Authority Podcast, emergency alerting, wireless emergency alerts, WEA, iPAWS, emergency management, public warning systems, Message Design Dashboard, MDD, EMAP accreditation, emergency communications, Hamilton County Ohio, Cincinnati emergency ma</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
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    <itunes:title>Seconds Matter: Earthquake Early Warnings, False Alerts, and the Critical Need for Post-Alert Communication</itunes:title>
    <title>Seconds Matter: Earthquake Early Warnings, False Alerts, and the Critical Need for Post-Alert Communication</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola take a deep dive into earthquake early warning systems, focusing on a recent ShakeAlert activation in California and Nevada that ultimately turned out to be a false alert. Using this real-world example, they explore how earthquake early warnings work, why they are fundamentally different from prediction systems, and what happens when alerts fail to meet public expectations. Drawing on Jeannette’s extensive res...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola take a deep dive into earthquake early warning systems, focusing on a recent ShakeAlert activation in California and Nevada that ultimately turned out to be a false alert. Using this real-world example, they explore how earthquake early warnings work, why they are fundamentally different from prediction systems, and what happens when alerts fail to meet public expectations.</p><p>Drawing on Jeannette’s extensive research funded by the U.S. Geological Survey, the conversation breaks down the ShakeAlert system itself—how ground motion is detected within fractions of a second, how models estimate magnitude and direction, and how alerts are automatically issued through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), opt-in apps like MyShake, and Android-based systems. Eddie brings an operational and practitioner perspective, comparing alert delivery methods, opt-in versus opt-out systems, and the real-world limitations of geofencing and alert polygons.</p><p>The episode also tackles one of the most challenging issues in public alerting: what to do after an alert is sent—especially when it’s wrong. Jeannette and Eddie examine why post-alert messaging is essential for maintaining public trust, reducing fear, and preventing confusion. They draw lessons from past high-profile incidents, including the Hawaii ballistic missile false alert and earlier earthquake alerting failures, to explain why reassurance must come from the same authoritative source and through the same channel as the original warning.</p><p>Listeners will hear why delays in follow-up messaging can leave people frightened, displaced, and unsure whether it’s safe to resume normal activity—and why simply staying silent is not an option. The discussion introduces the Post-Alert Lexicon, a research-backed framework designed to help alerting authorities craft effective follow-up messages that clearly communicate safety, uncertainty, and next steps without over-alerting the public.</p><p>This episode is essential listening for emergency managers, alert originators, public information officers, researchers, and anyone responsible for issuing—or evaluating—alerts. It reinforces a core principle of emergency communication: sending the alert is only the beginning. How you follow up can determine whether the public trusts you the next time seconds truly matter.</p><p>This episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em> is proudly sponsored by <b>HQE Systems</b>.</p><p>HQE Systems is a disabled veteran–owned company specializing in full-service alert origination and life safety solutions. From cutting-edge outdoor warning sirens and indoor notification systems to electronic mass notification platforms, HQE Systems helps agencies address their real-world alerting challenges—all managed through a single, powerful software solution.</p><p>We sincerely thank HQE Systems for their continued support and their commitment to advancing effective, reliable, and life-saving public alerting.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola take a deep dive into earthquake early warning systems, focusing on a recent ShakeAlert activation in California and Nevada that ultimately turned out to be a false alert. Using this real-world example, they explore how earthquake early warnings work, why they are fundamentally different from prediction systems, and what happens when alerts fail to meet public expectations.</p><p>Drawing on Jeannette’s extensive research funded by the U.S. Geological Survey, the conversation breaks down the ShakeAlert system itself—how ground motion is detected within fractions of a second, how models estimate magnitude and direction, and how alerts are automatically issued through Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), opt-in apps like MyShake, and Android-based systems. Eddie brings an operational and practitioner perspective, comparing alert delivery methods, opt-in versus opt-out systems, and the real-world limitations of geofencing and alert polygons.</p><p>The episode also tackles one of the most challenging issues in public alerting: what to do after an alert is sent—especially when it’s wrong. Jeannette and Eddie examine why post-alert messaging is essential for maintaining public trust, reducing fear, and preventing confusion. They draw lessons from past high-profile incidents, including the Hawaii ballistic missile false alert and earlier earthquake alerting failures, to explain why reassurance must come from the same authoritative source and through the same channel as the original warning.</p><p>Listeners will hear why delays in follow-up messaging can leave people frightened, displaced, and unsure whether it’s safe to resume normal activity—and why simply staying silent is not an option. The discussion introduces the Post-Alert Lexicon, a research-backed framework designed to help alerting authorities craft effective follow-up messages that clearly communicate safety, uncertainty, and next steps without over-alerting the public.</p><p>This episode is essential listening for emergency managers, alert originators, public information officers, researchers, and anyone responsible for issuing—or evaluating—alerts. It reinforces a core principle of emergency communication: sending the alert is only the beginning. How you follow up can determine whether the public trusts you the next time seconds truly matter.</p><p>This episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em> is proudly sponsored by <b>HQE Systems</b>.</p><p>HQE Systems is a disabled veteran–owned company specializing in full-service alert origination and life safety solutions. From cutting-edge outdoor warning sirens and indoor notification systems to electronic mass notification platforms, HQE Systems helps agencies address their real-world alerting challenges—all managed through a single, powerful software solution.</p><p>We sincerely thank HQE Systems for their continued support and their commitment to advancing effective, reliable, and life-saving public alerting.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2907</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>earthquake early warning, ShakeAlert, MyShake app, Wireless Emergency Alerts, WEA, false alerts, post-alert messaging, emergency communication, public warning systems, alerting authorities, USGS, emergency management, over-alerting, crisis communication, </itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
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    <itunes:title>Amber Alerts, Jargon, and Missed Opportunities: Lessons from Atlanta</itunes:title>
    <title>Amber Alerts, Jargon, and Missed Opportunities: Lessons from Atlanta</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[During a family trip to Atlanta, Eddie’s phone — along with thousands of others — blared an Amber Alert inside the Coca-Cola Museum. But what should have been a clear, actionable notification turned into a case study in how alerts fail the public.  In this episode of The Alerting Authority, Jeannette and Eddie break down the real-world Amber Alert issued in Georgia: what the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) said, what it didn’t say, and why the Emergency Alert System (EAS) version told a comple...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>During a family trip to Atlanta, Eddie’s phone — along with thousands of others — blared an Amber Alert inside the Coca-Cola Museum. But what should have been a clear, actionable notification turned into a case study in how alerts <em>fail</em> the public.<br/> In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Jeannette and Eddie break down the real-world Amber Alert issued in Georgia: what the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) said, what it <em>didn’t</em> say, and why the Emergency Alert System (EAS) version told a completely different story.</p><p>From missing context to jargon overload, statewide over-alerting, and confusion around Levi’s Call vs. Amber Alert, they analyze how poor message design can reduce public engagement — and how research-based practices could have made this alert vastly more effective.</p><p>They also discuss public reactions, messaging problems, the importance of templates, and why plain-language communication is essential when seconds matter.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>During a family trip to Atlanta, Eddie’s phone — along with thousands of others — blared an Amber Alert inside the Coca-Cola Museum. But what should have been a clear, actionable notification turned into a case study in how alerts <em>fail</em> the public.<br/> In this episode of <em>The Alerting Authority</em>, Jeannette and Eddie break down the real-world Amber Alert issued in Georgia: what the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) said, what it <em>didn’t</em> say, and why the Emergency Alert System (EAS) version told a completely different story.</p><p>From missing context to jargon overload, statewide over-alerting, and confusion around Levi’s Call vs. Amber Alert, they analyze how poor message design can reduce public engagement — and how research-based practices could have made this alert vastly more effective.</p><p>They also discuss public reactions, messaging problems, the importance of templates, and why plain-language communication is essential when seconds matter.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2536</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Amber Alert, Levi’s Call, Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, public warning, risk communication, message design, alerting authorities, Georgia alert incident, child abduction alert, WEA vs EAS, public safety communication, warning template</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>How Wireless Emergency Alerts Really Work | Dr. Michele Wood on The Alerting Authority</itunes:title>
    <title>How Wireless Emergency Alerts Really Work | Dr. Michele Wood on The Alerting Authority</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola speak with one of the most influential researchers in the field of public warning systems: Dr. Michele Wood. As a core member of the team that developed the original Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) — now known as WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts) — Dr. Wood brings unparalleled insight into how alerts are created, delivered, interpreted, and acted upon by the public. Together, we explore the history of WEA,...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola speak with one of the most influential researchers in the field of public warning systems: <b>Dr. Michele Wood</b>. As a core member of the team that developed the original <b>Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)</b> — now known as <b>WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts)</b> — Dr. Wood brings unparalleled insight into how alerts are created, delivered, interpreted, and acted upon by the public.</p><p>Together, we explore the history of WEA, the evidence behind message length and content, how people understand alerts during crises, and the psychology behind protective action decision-making. Dr. Wood breaks down major findings from decades of research, including household preparedness studies, alert comprehension data, and lessons learned from disasters and national field tests.</p><p>Whether you&apos;re an emergency manager, communicator, researcher, public health leader, or technology developer, this conversation offers essential insights into <b>what makes alerts effective</b>, what causes failure, and how agencies can improve safety outcomes through better message design and communication strategies.</p><p>Stay tuned as we also discuss over-alerting, public trust, behavioral response, and the future of digital emergency communication.</p><p><b>Sponsored by HQE Solutions — a leader in IPAWS alerting, public safety technology, and emergency messaging innovation.</b><br/> Learn more at: <b>https://www.hqesolutions.com</b></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola speak with one of the most influential researchers in the field of public warning systems: <b>Dr. Michele Wood</b>. As a core member of the team that developed the original <b>Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)</b> — now known as <b>WEA (Wireless Emergency Alerts)</b> — Dr. Wood brings unparalleled insight into how alerts are created, delivered, interpreted, and acted upon by the public.</p><p>Together, we explore the history of WEA, the evidence behind message length and content, how people understand alerts during crises, and the psychology behind protective action decision-making. Dr. Wood breaks down major findings from decades of research, including household preparedness studies, alert comprehension data, and lessons learned from disasters and national field tests.</p><p>Whether you&apos;re an emergency manager, communicator, researcher, public health leader, or technology developer, this conversation offers essential insights into <b>what makes alerts effective</b>, what causes failure, and how agencies can improve safety outcomes through better message design and communication strategies.</p><p>Stay tuned as we also discuss over-alerting, public trust, behavioral response, and the future of digital emergency communication.</p><p><b>Sponsored by HQE Solutions — a leader in IPAWS alerting, public safety technology, and emergency messaging innovation.</b><br/> Learn more at: <b>https://www.hqesolutions.com</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <itunes:title>How People React to Alerts: Dr. John Sorensen Breaks Down Warning Behavior</itunes:title>
    <title>How People React to Alerts: Dr. John Sorensen Breaks Down Warning Behavior</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola welcome one of the world’s leading experts in disaster communication and public warning behavior: Dr. John Sorensen. With decades of research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory—including studies on Three Mile Island, nuclear emergencies, chemical stockpile response, reverse 911 systems, and major wildfire evacuations—Dr. Sorensen has helped shape how emergency managers understand why people do and do not take pr...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola welcome one of the world’s leading experts in disaster communication and public warning behavior: <b>Dr. John Sorensen</b>. With decades of research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory—including studies on Three Mile Island, nuclear emergencies, chemical stockpile response, reverse 911 systems, and major wildfire evacuations—Dr. Sorensen has helped shape how emergency managers understand <em>why people do and do not take protective action</em> during crises.</p><p>We dive deep into the Mileti Model, PADM (Protective Action Decision Model), and the factors that influence real-world behavior when an alert goes out. Dr. Sorensen shares firsthand insights from field deployments, national-level studies, and community-level evacuations—revealing what actually works (and what often fails) in public warning.</p><p>Whether you work in emergency management, public safety, crisis communication, or disaster science, this conversation provides valuable lessons on message design, trust, human behavior, and the future of alerts and warnings.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by <b>HQE Solutions</b>, a leader in IPAWS, alerting technology, and public warning innovation.<br/> Learn more at <b>https://www.hqesolutions.com</b></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola welcome one of the world’s leading experts in disaster communication and public warning behavior: <b>Dr. John Sorensen</b>. With decades of research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory—including studies on Three Mile Island, nuclear emergencies, chemical stockpile response, reverse 911 systems, and major wildfire evacuations—Dr. Sorensen has helped shape how emergency managers understand <em>why people do and do not take protective action</em> during crises.</p><p>We dive deep into the Mileti Model, PADM (Protective Action Decision Model), and the factors that influence real-world behavior when an alert goes out. Dr. Sorensen shares firsthand insights from field deployments, national-level studies, and community-level evacuations—revealing what actually works (and what often fails) in public warning.</p><p>Whether you work in emergency management, public safety, crisis communication, or disaster science, this conversation provides valuable lessons on message design, trust, human behavior, and the future of alerts and warnings.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by <b>HQE Solutions</b>, a leader in IPAWS, alerting technology, and public warning innovation.<br/> Learn more at <b>https://www.hqesolutions.com</b></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <itunes:keywords>alerting authority podcast, alerts and warnings, emergency management, John Sorensen, Jeannette Sutton, Eddie Bertola, Dennis Mileti, Mileti Model, warning response model, PADM, protective action decision model, emergency planning, FEMA, Oak Ridge Nationa</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>From Weak Alerts to Strong Warnings: The Message Design Dashboard in Action</itunes:title>
    <title>From Weak Alerts to Strong Warnings: The Message Design Dashboard in Action</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this compelling episode, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola take listeners behind the scenes of real-world Wireless Emergency Alerts — including a recent missing teen case in Pea Ridge, Arkansas — to show how evidence-based message design can directly support effective public safety outcomes. Together, they break down:  • The difference training makes in high-stakes alert messaging  • Why many WEAs still lack critical information  • How the Message Design Dashboard imp...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this compelling episode, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> take listeners behind the scenes of real-world Wireless Emergency Alerts — including a recent missing teen case in Pea Ridge, Arkansas — to show how evidence-based message design can directly support effective public safety outcomes.</p><p>Together, they break down:<br/> • The difference training makes in high-stakes alert messaging<br/> • Why many WEAs still lack critical information<br/> • How the Message Design Dashboard improves quality and consistency<br/> • A side-by-side comparison of a weak alert vs. a complete, research-based alert<br/> • How post-alert “closure messages” build trust and reduce strain on 911 centers<br/> • Real community outcomes when alerts are done right</p><p>Plus: Eddie shares a firsthand account from a recent local search, including how the Pea Ridge Police Department used structured messaging to quickly locate a missing teen with help from the community.</p><p>This is an essential episode for alerting authorities, emergency managers, public information officers, dispatch personnel, law enforcement, and anyone who communicates during critical events.</p><p>👉 <b>Tune in, subscribe, and share — your participation helps make our communities safer.</b></p><p><br/> Special thanks to our sponsor, <b>HQE Systems</b>, a veteran-owned alert origination and life-safety technology provider.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this compelling episode, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> take listeners behind the scenes of real-world Wireless Emergency Alerts — including a recent missing teen case in Pea Ridge, Arkansas — to show how evidence-based message design can directly support effective public safety outcomes.</p><p>Together, they break down:<br/> • The difference training makes in high-stakes alert messaging<br/> • Why many WEAs still lack critical information<br/> • How the Message Design Dashboard improves quality and consistency<br/> • A side-by-side comparison of a weak alert vs. a complete, research-based alert<br/> • How post-alert “closure messages” build trust and reduce strain on 911 centers<br/> • Real community outcomes when alerts are done right</p><p>Plus: Eddie shares a firsthand account from a recent local search, including how the Pea Ridge Police Department used structured messaging to quickly locate a missing teen with help from the community.</p><p>This is an essential episode for alerting authorities, emergency managers, public information officers, dispatch personnel, law enforcement, and anyone who communicates during critical events.</p><p>👉 <b>Tune in, subscribe, and share — your participation helps make our communities safer.</b></p><p><br/> Special thanks to our sponsor, <b>HQE Systems</b>, a veteran-owned alert origination and life-safety technology provider.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2717</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>alerting authority podcast, wireless emergency alerts, WEA training, emergency alert messaging, missing person alert, pea ridge police department, benton county arkansas, message design dashboard, public safety communication, amber alert best practices, e</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>Craig Fugate on Why Emergency Managers Fail at Warning the Public | The Alerting Authority</itunes:title>
    <title>Craig Fugate on Why Emergency Managers Fail at Warning the Public | The Alerting Authority</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this premiere episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Jeannette Sutton and Eddie Bertola welcome former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about the real challenges facing emergency alerting in the U.S. Fugate breaks down why alert failures usually come from people, not technology—and why emergency managers must be trained, confident, and ready to issue immediate warnings when minutes matter. The discussion dives into the difference between notificati...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this premiere episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> welcome former FEMA Administrator <b>Craig Fugate</b> for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about the real challenges facing emergency alerting in the U.S.</p><p>Fugate breaks down why alert failures usually come from <b>people, not technology</b>—and why emergency managers must be trained, confident, and ready to issue immediate warnings when minutes matter. The discussion dives into the difference between <b>notifications, alerts, and true warnings</b>, the risks of overusing opt-in systems, and why consistent practice is essential for saving lives.</p><p>If you are an emergency manager, public safety leader, alert originator, or anyone involved in crisis communication, this episode delivers critical insights into building a more resilient and responsive warning system.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this premiere episode of <b>The Alerting Authority</b>, hosts <b>Jeannette Sutton</b> and <b>Eddie Bertola</b> welcome former FEMA Administrator <b>Craig Fugate</b> for a powerful, no-nonsense conversation about the real challenges facing emergency alerting in the U.S.</p><p>Fugate breaks down why alert failures usually come from <b>people, not technology</b>—and why emergency managers must be trained, confident, and ready to issue immediate warnings when minutes matter. The discussion dives into the difference between <b>notifications, alerts, and true warnings</b>, the risks of overusing opt-in systems, and why consistent practice is essential for saving lives.</p><p>If you are an emergency manager, public safety leader, alert originator, or anyone involved in crisis communication, this episode delivers critical insights into building a more resilient and responsive warning system.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
    <itunes:duration>2819</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>emergency alerting, craig fugate, fema, public warning systems, emergency management, wea, eas, ipaws, alert originators, crisis communication, disaster communication, public safety alerts, alerting failures, human factors in alerting, emergency manager t</itunes:keywords>
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