Supply Chain Issues For Layflat Hose
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Release Date: 06/28/2022
Disaster Lessons from Hurricane Sandy, NYPD Special Ops, and John Wick
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, we sit down with George Sischler, a retired NYPD detective with 20 years of service, including special operations, maritime rescue, tactical medicine, and CBRN work. George now works in preparedness and training, and he brings a rare mix of first responder, instructor, and real-world disaster experience to this conversation. We talk about one of the most important lessons in emergency management: communication is usually the first thing to fail, and once it does, problems start stacking fast. George shares why backup communications,...
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Wildfire & Water Utilities: How the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council Helps Communities Prepare (with Seth Schalet)
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Isaac Alatorre (Portable Pipeline Systems) and co-host Jim Wollnbrinck speak with Seth Schalet, CEO of the Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, about how Fire Safe Councils help communities reduce wildfire risk—and how that support intersects with water utilities and other critical infrastructure. The conversation focuses on collaboration, mitigation strategy, and practical ways utilities can engage in prevention and preparedness efforts that improve resilience. About Isaac Alatorre: Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management. A UC Irvine...
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Cybersecurity Crisis in Water Utilities: Are You Prepared?
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
How prepared are you for the growing challenges of cybersecurity in water utilities? In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, host Isaac Alatorre sits down with Kevin M. Morley, PhD — Manager of Federal Relations at the American Water Works Association, and Cris Pérez — Director of Technology Services at Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, to explore how water utilities can strengthen cybersecurity, manage risk, and maintain compliance under the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). Together, they share real-world strategies for strengthening cybersecurity,...
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Los Angeles Water Outage 2025: Granada Hills Pipeline Failure and Emergency Response Lessons
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Want to know what really happened during the Los Angeles Water Outage 2025? In this episode, Isaac Alatorre breaks down how a pipeline valve failure left 9,200 Granada Hills and Porter Ranch residents without water. From underground repair challenges to emergency response lessons, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how crews battled one of LA’s toughest utility crises. Highlights in this episode: On Aug 5, 2025, a valve failure cut water for 9,200 Los Angeles customers. Repairs were delayed by tangled underground pipelines and poor records. Isaac shares how portable hose...
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Real-Time Response: The Tools Transforming Public Safety in Schools and Cities
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Public safety is evolving—and technology is leading the way. In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Joe Abrams from the Alliance for Community Solutions (ACS) joins Isaac and Jim as he shares how smart, practical tools are making schools, polling sites, and communities safer and more prepared. From the Ballot Box Defender for election site security, to the Brown Box for school safety, and My Nexus for water conservation—Joe explains how technology is creating real change where it matters most. Tune in to learn how innovation is strengthening public safety, one community...
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Cutting-Edge Leak Detection Tech Every Water Utility Should Know About
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
What if AI-driven leak detection technology could spot issues before they surface? In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, hosts Isaac and Jim talk with Mike Simpson, CEO of M.E. Simpson Co. Inc., who brings over 40 years of experience in leak detection technology and asset management. Learn how his family-owned company transformed the industry by moving from reactive fixes to proactive solutions—using cutting-edge tools like Hydro V and AI-powered leak detection systems. Tune in as they explore the future of water management and how innovation and strategic partnerships...
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How Utilities Can Improve Wildfire Response: Key Strategies from the AWWA Cal Nevada Conference
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
Are you a utility wanting to improve your wildfire response strategies? In this episode, Isaac Alatorre breaks down the biggest lessons from the AWWA Cal Nevada Section conference — all about strengthening wildfire response for utilities. Learn how smaller utilities can overcome big challenges, why local mutual aid matters, how to mobilize resources fast, and what new EV legislation could mean for the industry. Plus, find out why standardizing equipment and building local partnerships are key to success. If you’re in utilities and want practical wildfire strategies, this one's for you!...
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Revolutionizing Utility Emergency Response: Technology, Automation & Disaster Readiness with ACS
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac Alatorre is joined by Joe Abrams from ACS to explore the critical role of technology in utility emergency response and how it enhances disaster preparedness and crisis management. This episode places particular emphasis on how interlocal agreements and innovative technologies are utilized to streamline communication and disaster response strategies for utilities across Texas and California. Joe presents a detailed account of ACS's origin and evolution, revealing the significant impact of structured emergency communication systems...
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California on Fire: How Komodo Fire Systems is Fighting Back
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac Alatorre and co-host Jim Wollbrinck dive into a crucial conversation on fire mitigation technologies with Shawn Sahbari, founder of Komodo Fire Systems, and Rob Latham, their Business Development Manager. Together, they explore innovative solutions to wildfire prevention, highlighting the groundbreaking work of Komodo Fire Systems in the realms of technology, environment, and infrastructure protection. Throughout the episode, Shawn and Rob discuss the science and strategy behind Komodo’s fire mitigation products. Leveraging...
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Sustainable Energy Solutions for Water Utilities: The Rise of Flywheel Technology
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Wollbrinck
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac and co-host Jim Walbrink introduce an innovative approach presented by guest Tripat Mangat, focusing on kinetic energy storage through advanced flywheel technology. This cutting-edge solution promises not just enhanced power resilience but also a leap towards sustainability and cost-effectiveness for utilities worldwide. In their conversation, Tripat elaborates on the practical applications and advantages of kinetic energy storage systems. With various systems currently in development and early testing phases, he illustrates how...
info_outlineOn this episode, I recap a great article from Flow magazine of The American Water Works Association. The article details supply chain issues for layflat hose and how it has affected water, water plants, water distribution, and how that has an effect on our industry. I share my takeaways and share that somehow we can prepare and manage the current supply chain issues.
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