Check out the latest Disaster Zone Podcast: Volunteers Assets or Liabilities  We have many different people and organizations to thank when it comes to all our volunteer individuals and groups

I don’t think most people understand the totality of the threat we face from space weather. A “direct hit” on North America would take us back to the stone age—technologically. There are two opportunities to learn more about this threat. 

Every organization I know will always tout safety as of the utmost importance. The question is—is that really true?

This is likely getting to people a bit late, since the date to reply to reduction offers is April 14^th. I would expect that all employees got the memo already, but it is good for the rest of us following developments to stay abreast of the actions and news. See this item: Noem offers buyouts to DHS workers

Weather patterns are vacillating all over the world. I recall where jolly old England now has a thriving wine growing industry! And then today, Britain faces extreme fire risk through the weekend  Britan with a fire risk in April! Did you say climate change? What climate change?

I have to say I’ve been impressed with AccuWeather’s forecasts on extreme weather. They, along with the National Weather Service (NWS) were ringing the bell early on the stream of storms that caused significant damages across a southern swath of the United States. There was record rain and flooding, along with many tornados in the areas that were predicted to be impacted.

This is the story in the news of today in the New York times, FEMA Cuts More Than $300 Million in Disaster Prevention Aid to New York

“Who’s on first? What’s on second” is an old comedy routine. Today it feels similar to the situation we are in today, where we are trying to discern the future for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and we keep talking past one another. At this writing, the future is indeed uncertain. In this podcast we have a discussion with Craig Fugate, perhaps the most well-known former FEMA Administrator, having served in that role for eight years. You can listen to what his ideas are for the future of FEMA. Disaster Zone Podcast: Examining Changes at FEMA with Craig Fugate

I believe that the cuts to the former United States International Development (USAID), which eliminated it as an operational organization have real impact. USAID now has been sucked into the United States State Department and has a staff of 15. See this article from the Washington Post, Trump’s USAID cuts cripple American response to Myanmar earthquake

There are plenty of ideas for reforming the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Most of them are programmatic and center around changes to how different portions the federal government administers different programs, e.g. the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

I was told, way back when, that after the Hurricane Katrina debacle, Craig Fugate was approached to lead the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He “reportedly” declined to be considered. Later, he led FEMA for the entire Obama Administration.

I don’t think you can call it “penny wise and pound foolish.” That would be too kind. Maybe a better saying would be “Policy stupid and pound foolish.” See this article from the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), FEMA Halts Rule that Protects Against Future Floods

There is an excellent article at NPR, Trump wants states to handle disasters. States aren't prepared  I recommend it to your reading.

Just another day in the turmoil of the last two months. See article, ‘This is horrifying’: FEMA reviewing disaster aid that could help migrants

What is at stake is how we treat human beings impacted by a disaster. It would appear, that we all might need to start carrying our passports with us at all times. Remember movies about World War II and a German soldier walks up to you and says, “mir deine Papiere.“ Meaning, Show me your papers! (identification). Basically, who are you? What are you doing? Where are you going?

Events like this one gets everyone’s attention, and not just because of cancelled flights, What We Know About the Closure of Heathrow Airport

The details are not spelled out specifically, but if you take the gist of the latest Presidential Executive Order, it is not hard to read the tea leaves, Trump signs order to shift disaster preparations from FEMA to states, local governments

We will be reading many more stories about the Los Angeles urban conflagration. Here is just one of those from the Washington Post, What went wrong the night Altadena burned

There are many countries looking to react to the transformation of United States foreign relations and change is policies and attitudes toward decades long history of cooperation and collaboration, including treaties.  I noted this article about the quick transformation being asked for in Germany under the leadership of the expected new chancellor Friedrich Merz, Merz, Challenges Germans to Make a Bold Strategic Shift. Will They Do It?