Disaster can strike at any time and in any place, building slowly, or occurring suddenly without warning and can significantly impact entire communities. The immediate effects include loss of life and damage to property and infrastructure. In some cases it leaves survivors traumatized by the experience, uncertain of the future and less able to provide for their own welfare. Many are left without adequate shelter, food, water and other necessities to sustain life.

This past year, we as a global community, have experienced one of the most life changing public health crises in our lifetime. Through the aftermath of the pandemic we have seen amazing resilience from individuals and communities. Nonprofits, state and local agencies, and the private sector have come together to address the negative impacts of not only this disaster but natural disasters as well.

In today’s conversation we will discuss how organizations are responding to various disasters and how we might rethink the future of emergency response.