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Our Podcast:
Podcast Description:
"Preparedness in Your Pocket" is your preparedness partner in your pocket—a podcast designed to make portable preparedness easy and accessible. Each episode is pocket-sized but packed with essential tips and information to help you stay prepared, no matter where you are
Episode 1:
Episode 1 Title: Staying Alert with Emergency Alerts — Guest: Jacqui Robinson from FEMA Region 3
Episode Description:
Welcome to the first episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, where we make preparedness education easy to carry with you! In this episode, host Kendal Lee is joined by Jacqui Robinson, Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 3. Together, they dive into the world of emergency alerts and warnings, exploring everything you need to know to stay informed and ready.
Jacqui shares insights on the types of emergency alerts, who sends them, and when to expect them. Kendal and Jacqui cover essential topics, from how alerts reach us to the critical role these systems play in keeping us safe. Inclusivity and accessibility are central to emergency alerts, so they discuss how these systems ensure everyone can receive vital information.
If you’ve ever wondered how to respond to different alerts, why they matter, or even how you can customize alerts for your needs, this episode has you covered. Jacqui also brings examples of recent situations where emergency alerts saved lives and offers practical tips and resources (like the FEMA app) that you can use to stay informed.
Meet Our Guest:
Jacqueline (Jacqui) Robinson is the Community Preparedness Officer for FEMA Region 3 based out of Philadelphia. She has been with FEMA for 3 years working in individual and community outreach. During her time at FEMA she has supported several disaster efforts including deploying for the California Statewide Winter Storms in April of 2023. Before coming to FEMA Jacqui served in the NJ Army National Guard as a Digital Journalist for 6 years.
What You Will Learn:
- Types of emergency alerts and who sends them
- When and how alerts are used to keep us safe
- How emergency alerts prioritize inclusivity and accessibility
- Key actions to take when an alert is issued
- Practical resources to stay informed, like the FEMA app
Listen now and take a step toward preparedness today!
Episode Materials:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
- Transcript
Episode 1 Title: Becoming Md-Ready : How Text Alerts Empower Our Preparedness— Guest: MDEM, and 211 Maryland
Episode Description:
In this episode of Preparedness In Your Pocket, we shift our focus from federal emergency alerts to the local systems in Maryland. Join host Kendal Lee as we dive into how Maryland’s emergency alert systems keep residents informed and safe. We’re joined by two amazing guests—Jorge Eduardo Castillo from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and Kenyn Benjamin from 211 Maryland. Together, they’ll provide insights into the state’s alert systems, the partnership behind MD-Ready Alerts, and how residents can ensure they are prepared for emergencies. If you live in Maryland or want to learn how emergency alerts work at the local level, this episode is for you!
Meet Our Guest(s) :
Jorge Eduardo Castillo is the Branch Manager for Communications & Outreach and Chief Spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM).
During his tenure at MDEM, he has not only expanded the reach and breadth of its communication strategy but also spearheaded the revitalization and rejuvenation of MDEM's brand. These efforts have propelled MDEM to achieve the largest number of digital followers among any State Department in Maryland and a top 5 spot among emergency management departments/agencies nationally. Mr. Castillo has been a speaker nationally and internationally, as well as a guest lecturer at Towson University, Loyola University Maryland, and New York University and has held leadership roles at the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (as Chairman and President), R2Integrated, Passport Health, and the Baltimore City Emerging Technologies Center.
Kenyn Benjamin
Kenyn Benjamin is a certified business architect specializing in aligning business operations to organizational strategy. As an Operations Consultant at Maryland Information Network, 211 Maryland, Kenyn plays a key role in advancing innovative programs like MDReady. Kenyn brings expertise in developing systems that support community need through effective service delivery.
What You Will Learn:
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The importance of emergency alerts for Maryland residents and the role they play in community safety
- How Maryland’s alert systems work alongside national systems, like Wireless Emergency Alerts
- The alert options available at the local county level and how to customize your preferences
- How Maryland tailors emergency alerts to meet the needs of vulnerable populations
- An overview of the MD-Ready Alert System and its partnership with MDEM and 211 Maryland
- How to sign up for MD-Ready Alerts and what types of information you can expect to receive
Listen now and take a step toward preparedness today!
Episode Materials:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
- Transcript
Episode Resources:
Episode 3:
Episode Description: Weather can change unexpectedly, and being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, meteorologist Austin Mansfield from NOAA/NWS helps us navigate the often-confusing world of weather alerts. He explains the differences between an Advisory, a Watch, and a Warning and shares practical steps to stay safe during severe weather events.
Meet Our Guest:
Austin Mansfield is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Sterling, VA. Beyond forecasting, he serves as the program coordinator for the Marine, Outreach, SKYWARN Storm Spotting, and GIS programs. With a masters degree in meteorology from UNC Charlotte and an Applied Atmospheric Science degree from East Carolina University, Austin has spent five years at NWS, providing high-level weather briefings to officials at all levels, including the White House and Pentagon. His passion lies in educating the public and decision-makers on how to prepare for and respond to severe weather events.
What You Will Learn:
- Understanding Weather Alerts: Clear explanations of Advisories, Watches, and Warnings, with easy-to-remember examples.
- Why Alerts Matter: Real-world stories that highlight how timely action can save lives.
- Practical Preparedness Tips: Simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones in any weather emergency.
- How to Stay Informed: Easy ways to sign up for alerts and ensure you are always ready.
Being prepared doesn't have to be overwhelming small efforts can lead to big peace of mind. Tune in and take the next step toward weather readiness!
Episode Materials:
Episode Resources:
Episode Description
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, we turn our focus from receiving emergency alerts to taking action after an alert is issued. Host Kendal Lee is joined by Sara Barra from the Office of Preparedness and Response within the Maryland Department of Health to discuss one of the most essential preparedness tools: your emergency kit.
Together, we explore why emergency kits matter, what every kit should include, and how Maryland residents can tailor their kits to meet health needs, mobility considerations, pets, and seasonal risks. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an existing kit, this episode breaks preparedness down into manageable, realistic steps — even on a budget.
If you live in Maryland and want to feel more confident about being ready before, during, and after an emergency, this episode is for you.
Meet Our Guest
Sara Barra
Sara Barra has been with the Maryland Department of Health since 2007 and currently works within the Office of Preparedness and Response. Over her career, she has supported a wide range of public health efforts, including Injury Prevention, Health Policy and Planning, Chronic Disease, Operations, Behavioral Health, and emergency preparedness and response.
She has served on multiple planning and response teams, including COVID-19 Operations, MDH Network Incident Response and Continuity of Operations, Opioid Response initiatives, and various infectious disease responses. Ms. Barra holds a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and is both a Certified Public Manager and a Certified Business Continuity Professional.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of an emergency kit and how it supports safety and readiness during and after emergencies
- Identify the essential items every emergency kit should include
- Recognize special considerations for health needs, mobility limitations, pets, and climate-related risks
- Learn how to adapt kits for different situations, including home, car, and go-bags
- Understand how Maryland’s seasonal and regional risks influence kit planning
- Feel confident that building or updating a kit can be done in small, manageable steps
- Be motivated to take at least one tangible action toward assembling, checking, or customizing their own emergency kit
Listen Now
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
- Read the Transcript
Episode Resources
Emergency Preparedness Kit Checklist
Maryland Department of Health – Preparedness & Response
Ready.gov: Build a Kit
Episode 4:
Episode Title: “Creating Your Communications Plan: Staying Connected When It Matters Most”
Episode Description:
When an emergency strikes—whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or simply getting separated in a crowd—our first instinct is to reach out to those we love. But what happens when your usual communication tools aren’t available?
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee is joined by returning guest and communications expert Jorge Castillo to explore the power of having a family communication plan. Together, they break down what a communication plan really is, why it matters for both large-scale disasters and everyday disruptions, and how to build one that’s personalized, inclusive, and ready when you need it most.
Meet Our Guest:
Jorge Eduardo Castillo is the Branch Manager for Communications & Outreach and Chief Spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM).
During his tenure at MDEM, he has not only expanded the reach and breadth of its communication strategy but also spearheaded the revitalization and rejuvenation of MDEM's brand. These efforts have propelled MDEM to achieve the largest number of digital followers among any State Department in Maryland and a top 5 spot among emergency management departments/agencies nationally. Mr. Castillo has been a speaker nationally and internationally, as well as a guest lecturer at Towson University, Loyola University Maryland, and New York University and has held leadership roles at the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (as Chairman and President), R2Integrated, Passport Health, and the Baltimore City Emerging Technologies Center.
What You Will Learn:
- What makes a communication plan different from other emergency plans
- Real-life scenarios where a plan can make all the difference
- Key elements every plan should include
- Tips for customizing your plan to meet your unique needs
- How to keep your plan updated and accessible
- Tools and resources to help you take the first step today
Whether you’re building your plan from scratch or refreshing an existing one, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you stay connected when it matters most. Because even the most effective plans start with one conversation at a time—and we’re here to have it with you. Listen now and take the first step toward a more connected, prepared future!
Episode Materials:
Episode Resources:
Episode Title: “ Emergency Kits Made Easy"
Episode Description:
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, we turn our focus from receiving emergency alerts to taking action after an alert is issued. Host Kendal Lee is joined by Sara Barra from the Office of Preparedness and Response within the Maryland Department of Health to discuss one of the most essential preparedness tools: your emergency kit.
Together, we explore : why emergency kits matter, what every kit should include, and how Maryland residents can tailor their kits to meet health needs, mobility considerations, pets, and seasonal risks. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an existing kit, this episode breaks preparedness down into manageable, realistic steps — even on a budget.
If you live in Maryland and want to feel more confident about being ready before, during, and after an emergency, this episode is for you.
Meet Our Guest:
Sara Barra, Director of the Office of Preparedness and Response within the Maryland Department of Health.
Sara Barra has been with the Maryland Department of Health since 2007 and currently works within the Office of Preparedness and Response. Over her career, she has supported a wide range of public health efforts, including Injury Prevention, Health Policy and Planning, Chronic Disease, Operations, Behavioral Health, and emergency preparedness and response.
She has served on multiple planning and response teams, including COVID-19 Operations, MDH Network Incident Response and Continuity of Operations, Opioid Response initiatives, and various infectious disease responses. Ms. Barra holds a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and is both a Certified Public Manager and a Certified Business Continuity Professional.
What You Will Learn:
By the end of this episode, listeners will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of an emergency kit and how it supports safety and readiness during and after emergencies
- Identify the essential items every emergency kit should include
- Recognize special considerations for health needs, mobility limitations, pets, and climate-related risks
- Learn how to adapt kits for different situations, including home, car, and go-bags
- Understand how Maryland’s seasonal and regional risks influence kit planning
- Feel confident that building or updating a kit can be done in small, manageable steps
- Be motivated to take at least one tangible action toward assembling, checking, or customizing their own emergency kit
Episode Materials:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
Episode Resources:
- Transcript (pending)
- Ready.gov/kit
- MDH Emergency Supply Checklist
Episode 6: COMING SOON!
Episode Title: "Protecting What Matters: Safeguarding Your Critical Documents"
Episode Description:
In this episode of Preparedness in Your Pocket, host Kendal Lee explores an often overlooked but essential part of emergency readiness: safeguarding the documents and information that matter most.
While emergency kits typically focus on food, water, and supplies, having your critical documents organized, protected, and accessible can make recovery after a disaster far smoother, less stressful, and more efficient. Drawing from guidance like FEMA’s recommendations on safeguarding critical documents and valuables, this episode helps listeners understand why preparation matters before the unexpected happens.
Meet Our Guest:
Jorge Eduardo Castillo , Branch Manager for Communications & Outreach and Chief Spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM).
During his tenure at MDEM, he has not only expanded the reach and breadth of its communication strategy but also spearheaded the revitalization and rejuvenation of MDEM's brand. These efforts have propelled MDEM to achieve the largest number of digital followers among any State Department in Maryland and a top 5 spot among emergency management departments/agencies nationally. Mr. Castillo has been a speaker nationally and internationally, as well as a guest lecturer at Towson University, Loyola University Maryland, and New York University and has held leadership roles at the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (as Chairman and President), R2Integrated, Passport Health, and the Baltimore City Emerging Technologies Center.
What You Will Learn:
- Why critical documents and information matter in disaster recovery — including for assistance, claims, and continuity of care.
- Which documents people commonly need — from identification and vital records to insurance, financial, legal, and medical information.
- Best practices for protecting documents at home — including physical and digital storage options that balance security with accessibility.
- Low‑cost, realistic approaches for every household to make this step of preparedness manageable and actionable.
Episode Materials:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on YouTube
Episode Resources:
- Transcript (pending)
- FEMA's "Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables" Factsheet (PDF)