WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) released a new NAB Podcast episode today featuring a discussion between NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell about the importance of emergency preparedness. Their conversation highlighted how broadcasters help disaster relief agencies prepare, inform and serve local communities during this year’s hurricane and wildfire seasons.
“The broadcast community is a critical part of our efforts to help communities,” said Criswell on the podcast. “You have a significant role in helping all of our government agencies, whether it is FEMA or our state and local government agencies, to get that urgent and critical information out to those communities that are threatened by whatever this impending storm is, and we rely on you.”
During the podcast, LeGeyt and Criswell, who has served as the administrator of FEMA since April 2021, spoke about the continued importance of broadcast radio in disseminating lifeline information, especially when people must head to safety to avoid life-threatening conditions.
“Radio is still one of the key ways that individuals are going to get information,” said Criswell. “Specifically, when we are having people evacuate, they are evacuating by their car and they are going to be listening to updates on their radio, so it becomes such a critical source of information during a really sensitive and important time of the preparation for a potential event that is going to be impacting communities.”
Criswell highlighted the need for broadcasters to plan for emergencies and take precautions to ensure their and their families' safety before disaster strikes.
“Just like our emergency management community, you are needed during our times of crisis to help us keep the public safe,” said Criswell. “If you are worried about your family and if you are not sure if they are safe then you are not going to be able to help us and partner with us at doing that job. I think the advice is make sure your employees understand and identify what their unique risks are, what types of threats is your home going to possibly face and make that emergency plan with your family.”
The podcast coincides with the beginning of the 2022 hurricane season, which runs through November 30.
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.