Emergency Management Group Blog

Stay up to date on emergency preparedness and response best practices with our blog.

Urban Growth and Infrastructure: How Population Density Impacts Emergency Planning

As cities expand and populations grow, the complexities of managing urban environments intensify. Increased population density brings both opportunities and challenges, particularly in the realm of emergency planning. High-density areas can amplify the impact of disasters, making effective emergency

Bridging the Gap: Effective Collaboration Between Fire Services and Emergency Managers

In the face of emergencies—whether natural disasters, industrial accidents, or public safety threats—swift and coordinated responses are crucial to minimizing damage and saving lives. Central to this coordination are fire services and emergency managers, whose collaboration can significantly enhance

Tabletop vs. Live Drills: Choosing the Right Exercise to Test Your Emergency Plans

In the realm of emergency preparedness, testing your organization’s response plans is crucial for ensuring readiness and resilience. Two primary methods for evaluating these plans are tabletop exercises and live drills. Each approach offers distinct advantages and comes with

Governing Through Change: Preparing for Elevated Risks During Political Transitions

Political transitions, such as elections, changes in leadership, or shifts in policy direction, can significantly impact the stability and operational landscape of organizations. These periods often bring heightened risks, including potential unrest, policy shifts, and uncertainty that can affect

Business Continuity 101: Key Components of a Resilient Organization

In today’s volatile and unpredictable business landscape, disruptions can come from anywhere—natural disasters, cyberattacks, supply chain interruptions, or even global pandemics. Ensuring that your organization can withstand and quickly recover from these disruptions is essential for long-term success. Business

Who’s in Charge? Defining Roles and Responsibilities in Crisis Management

In the midst of a crisis, chaos can quickly ensue if there’s no clear leadership and defined roles. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or a public safety emergency, knowing who’s in charge and understanding each person’s responsibilities

Podcast

Episode 11 — Featuring Tara Hahkala — Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

This week’s episode welcomes Tara Hahkala, indigenous mental health and wellness worker, with experience in non-violent crisis intervention, mediation, and Diversion and Indigenous Restorative Justice, to chat about how to better support Indigenous communities during a crisis.

Episode 10- Featuring Dan Hefferton – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

This week’s episode welcomes an expert in threat management, emergency management analysis, and weapons training, Dan Hefferton. Join host Darryl Culley as he speaks to Dan about the rise of cyber attacks, how to maximize the effectiveness of training, and why perfection is a goal that should never be achieved. “Perfection is the end of growth.

Episode 9- Featuring Larry Brassard – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

Episode 8- Featuring Ali Asgary – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

This week’s episode welcomes Professor of the Disaster and Emergency Management Master’s Degree program at York University, Ali Asgary. Join Host Darryl Culley as he talks to Ali about the emerging technologies that are helping fight all kinds of disasters (even some not available to the wider public yet!).

Episode 7- Featuring Kris Liivam – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

This week’s episode welcomes someone who is an expert in safety consultancy, instructing, and volunteer response, President of Arctic Fire Safety Services Limited, Kris Liivam.

Episode 6 – Featuring Brian Hutchinson – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

This week’s pod welcomes North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service Chief, Brian Hutchinson, who has a fairly unique accomplishment under his belt: he leads one of the few accredited fire services in Canada! ????️

Episode 5 – Featuring Alain Normand – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

This week’s pod welcomes author, teacher, and emergency management expert, Alain Normand. If you’ve been looking at the incredible support pouring into Ukraine and wondering how exactly it all works, this episode is for you! ????️

Episode 4 – Featuring Les Karpluk – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

Join host Darryl Culley as he speaks with Les Karpluk, a fire chief with over 40 years of experience. The two talk recruitment, retention, and how fire services can do their best to groom the next generation of leaders. ????️

Episode 3 – Featuring Tracey Lowey – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

Join host Darryl Culley as he speaks with Tracey Lowey, Crime Analyst for the Calgary Police Service. Tracey also teaches Crime and Intelligence Analysis, Aberrant Behaviour and Critical Analysis of Forensic Science at Mount Royal University.

Episode 2 – Featuring Rick Monkman – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

When you need a Community Risk Assessment done, he’s the first call you’ll make! This episode of Conquering Chaos & Mayhem welcomes Rick Monkman, 40 year veteran of the emergency services and leading expert in CRA.

Episode 1 – Featuring Lyle Quan – Conquering Chaos & Mayhem – An EMG Podcast

Lyle’s highly regarded reputation in the fire service is earned through previous positions with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, the Ontario Fire College, and several municipalities throughout Ontario. He also served as the Commissioner of Community Services and Fire Chief for the City of Waterloo, and has worked with organizations across the globe.