Navigating Current Disaster Response Plans And Unique Training In California's Diverse Water Utilities | feat. Alix Stayton
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
Release Date: 09/22/2023
California on Fire: How Komodo Fire Systems is Fighting Back
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
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 Walbrink
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...
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Hands-On with Water Utility Innovations: Jim Wollbrinck’s Take from ACE 24
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac engages in a rich discussion with recurring guest Jim Wollbrinck, focusing on water utility innovations. Fresh from the ACE 24 conference in Anaheim, California, Jim reflects on the event's highlights and breakthroughs in the water utility industry. They dive into emergency response planning, emphasizing the advancements and networking achieved at the conference. Jim shares his insights on the modern technologies showcased and the significance of hands-on exhibits for better understanding and engagement. Also in this...
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The Power of Rubber Recycled Hose Ramps in Bypass Operations
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac delves into the crucial topic of emergency response for utilities, with a focus on the application and benefits of rubber recycled hose ramps. Isaac explores the challenges utilities face in infrastructure management, highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary digging and asphalt disruption. He talks on the practicalities and advantages of using hose ramps, with a special emphasis on the effectiveness of rubber recycled hose ramps. Also in this episode: Hose ramps play a critical role in maintaining...
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From Private to Public: Transitioning IT Services for Government Utilities with Baron Walt
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac delves into transitioning IT services for government utilities with Baron Wolt from TM Pros, addressing the critical role of emergency and disaster response for utility systems. They explore the complex landscape of IT managed services and their integration with utility management and infrastructure security. Baron discusses the unique challenges and differences that arise when shifting from private to government-tailored IT services. He emphasizes the necessity of complying with strict regulations and prioritizing cybersecurity....
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Behind the Scenes: Strengthening Costa Mesa Against Utility Failures
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac shares a case study from Costa Mesa Sanitation District, showcasing their initiative in emergency preparedness for utility failures. He dives into the district's forward-thinking approach and the strategic planning undertaken to mitigate potential disasters associated with the failure of a major lift station. Isaac walks us through the profile of the Costa Mesa Sanitation District, highlighting its dense population and commercial activities which make it an eminent part of Orange County, California. He touches on the city's...
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The Changing Landscape of Emergency Management: Water Utilities in the Face of Climate Change
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac and returning guest expert Jim unpack the myriad challenges and emerging issues faced by water utilities in emergency management. The conversation dives deep into the evolving landscape of utility crisis response, from cybersecurity threats to compliance updates. Discover the latest strategies and resources that utilities can harness to fortify their emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Also in this episode: Water utilities are facing an evolving set of challenges, including cybersecurity risks and the need...
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Unveiling the Latest Cybersecurity Regulations for Water Utilities
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
In this episode of the Utility Emergency Response Podcast, Isaac reflects on the year 2023 and discusses the state of conferences and cybersecurity in the utilities industry. He highlights the positive growth in his business and the overall improvement in the industry compared to the past few years. Isaac emphasizes the increasing importance of cybersecurity in water utilities and mentions the abandonment of a cybersecurity rule by the EPA due to implementation challenges. He recommends Dr. Kevin Morley as an expert in the field and discusses the prevalence of cybersecurity...
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REVIEW | Disaster Expo California 2023: A Work Still In Progress For The Future Of Disaster Management And Emergency Response
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
Isaac reviews the recent Disaster Expo California held at the Anaheim Convention Center and shares his first-hand insights into the event, its standout speakers, and unique highlights. Isaac applauds speakers like Forrest Lanning from FEMA, who discussed earthquake resilience and the Ring of Fire, along with experts focusing on California disasters and local emergency management efforts. While he appreciates the Expo's focus on disaster management, Isaac also highlights some challenges, such as an array of unrelated vendors and distracting breakout sessions within the exhibit hall. Ultimately,...
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Navigating Current Disaster Response Plans And Unique Training In California's Diverse Water Utilities | feat. Alix Stayton
Utility Emergency Response with Isaac Alatorre and Jim Walbrink
Isaac is joined by Alix Stayton, the Emergency Management Coordinator for California's Public Water Agencies Group (PWAG), to discuss the unique challenges faced by California's diverse water utilities, emphasizing the need for tailored emergency plans and training. Discover her journey from consultant to emergency manager, driven by experiences during Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the role of coordination and mutual aid among utilities, regardless of size, especially in tackling issues like wildfires and cybersecurity threats. Alix discusses the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response...
info_outlineIsaac is joined by Alix Stayton, the Emergency Management Coordinator for California's Public Water Agencies Group (PWAG), to discuss the unique challenges faced by California's diverse water utilities, emphasizing the need for tailored emergency plans and training.
Discover her journey from consultant to emergency manager, driven by experiences during Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the role of coordination and mutual aid among utilities, regardless of size, especially in tackling issues like wildfires and cybersecurity threats. Alix discusses the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN) and its contribution to statewide assistance efforts. Gain valuable insights into the world of emergency management within the water sector and the ongoing quest to enhance preparedness and resilience.
Also in this episode:
- Importance Of Training And Preparation: Understanding how disaster response and relief mechanisms work, along with proper training, helps individuals and organizations align with established structures for more effective assistance.
- Versatility In Emergency Management: The versatility of emergency management and its applicability in various contexts.
- Critical Infrastructure Focus: Utilities play a critical role in disaster response, as they provide essential resources like water and power to first responders during emergencies.
- Collaboration Among Water Districts: Sharing resources, information, and expertise among these districts to enhance their collective preparedness.
- Mutual Aid And Support: Mutual aid and coordination with consultants to provide support functions during emergencies ensures that even smaller districts can receive assistance when needed.
About Alix Stayton:
With more than 15 years in emergency management, Alix Stayton provides full-cycle emergency management services. As both a consultant and a staff member in the course of that time, she has worked on plans for public, private and nonprofit sector organizations and clients. Alix develops, delivers and evaluates training and exercises aligned with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. She has contributed to public health and emergency preparedness, response and recovery projects with cities, counties, higher education institutions, and various committees, working groups and coalitions.
A regular contributor to the field, Alix has spoken at the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters conference, the California Emergency Services Association conference, the Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership Forum and others. She has led the LA City Business Operations Center during wildfire response and the Irvine Ranch Water District virtual EOC during the 2020 COVID-19 activation. She has been published in the American Journal of Public Health and Cambridge University Press. Ms. Stayton serves on the IAEM Children in Disasters Caucus and the Women in Homeland Security programs committee.
She is currently the Emergency Management Coordinator for Public Water Agencies Group (PWAG), providing support to 18 public (non-city) wholesale and retail water agencies in Los Angeles County. She focuses on preparedness, response and recovery as well as mutual aid and coordination with city, county and state-level response partners.
Connect With Alix Stayton:
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About Isaac Alatorre:
Chairman & Emergency Pipeline Advisor for Water, Wastewater, and Flood Management.
A UC Irvine graduate and beginning his career in safety and emergency supplies, Isaac was trained by David Jackson on all things related to PPS. With the help of his predecessor, he has updated PPS in regard to technology and processes. He believes that PPS has just started to make an impact.
PPS has usually been a West Coast company, but now Isaac believes that PPS can help utilities across the globe with PPS many applications. Not only with pipelines but with emergency response awareness as a whole. He enjoys sports, whiskey, and food.
This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact