Code Orange

S1:08: Dispatch log — When Disaster Strikes Your Wallet and Will with Heidi Gassman

Aftersight — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Emergencies don’t just test your physical readiness—they test your paperwork, too. In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with attorney Heidi Gassman about how to prepare financially and legally before disaster strikes. Heidi explains what essential documents everyone should have—powers of attorney, medical directives, and HIPAA authorizations—and how to keep them accessible and secure. She also dives into fraud prevention, financial preparedness, and how blind and low-vision individuals can protect themselves from scams and unauthorized access. From fireproof safes to encrypted drives and verbal passwords, this conversation covers practical, no-nonsense steps for safeguarding your health, finances, and identity before crisis hits.

Contact Info
Guest:
Heidi Gassman, Attorney at Law
Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C.
📞 (303) 824-3140
🌐 rwolaw.com
Organization:
Aftersight — Supporting the blind and low-vision community
🌐 aftersight.org
📧 feedback@aftersight.org
📞 (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Heidi Gassman, Attorney
Producer: Jonathan Price
Production: Aftersight Originals
Show: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Introduction and Halloween Banter
02:16 — Guest Introduction: Attorney Heidi Gassman
03:15 — Why Financial Planning Matters in Emergencies
04:36 — Building Your Financial “Go-Bag”
06:57 — Safe vs. Portable Storage Options
08:32 — The Most Important Legal Documents
09:14 — Medical Powers of Attorney Explained
11:40 — Uploading and Sharing Your Documents
13:59 — Free and Affordable Legal Resources
16:22 — Sharing Copies and Certifications
18:45 — Advance Medical Directives and End-of-Life Planning
20:05 — Accessibility for Blind and Low-Vision Clients
21:13 — Safeguarding Documents During Travel
23:35 — Digital and Cloud-Based Document Storage
25:59 — Financial Powers of Attorney
28:20 — Fraud Prevention and Identity Protection
30:37 — Secure Passwords and Encryption
32:50 — Red Flags and Scam Awareness
35:11 — Supported Decision-Making and Trust
37:29 — Handling Family Dynamics and Boundaries
39:50 — Closing and Resources

S1:07: Dispatch Log: Preparedness with a Guide Dog, The Michael Hingson Story

Aftersight — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Code Orange host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with Michael Hingson about emergency readiness for blind and low-vision listeners. Hingson recounts evacuating the World Trade Center on 9/11 with his guide dog Roselle and extracts practical lessons: map environments in advance, build two-way trust with your guide dog, control fear, and practice intelligent disobedience. The episode covers first-30-seconds decision-making, travel in unfamiliar buildings, ally etiquette, and go-to tools for staying oriented and safe.

Contact Info
Guest / Resources
Michael Hingson — Speaker & Author
Email: speaker@michaelhingson.com
Podcast: Unstoppable Mindset
Books: Thunder Dog, Running with Roselle, Live Like a Guide Dog

Aftersight
Website: www.aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Producer Credits
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org

, (720) 712-8856 Show Credits
Show: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Michael Hingson
Voiceover / Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Cold open and show intro
00:28 — Host–producer banter
01:15 — Guest intro: who is Michael Hingson
02:28 — 9/11 context: 78th floor with Roselle
04:56 — Preparation mindset and building knowledge
07:22 — Stairwell evacuation and keeping order
09:45 — Fear control and calm signaling to the dog
12:08 — Learn your environment; don’t rely on signs
14:24 — Guide dog training vs rote routing
16:48 — Team trust and intelligent disobedience
19:11 — Handling triggers; praise to keep guiding
21:35 — One-time buildings: what to ask and note
24:00 — Practical tips for sighted allies
26:11 — Cane and dog share the same principles
28:32 — Asking for help to gain information
30:58 — Intelligent disobedience at crossings
33:21 — First 30 seconds checklist on impact
38:01 — Books and Unstoppable Mindset
40:19 — How to contact Michael
41:30 — Aftersight contacts and close

S1:06 Dispatch Log: Rural vs Urban Readiness, Go-Bags, Generators, and Ham Radio with Kammy Kinkade

Aftersight — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:00:00 -0600

Rural vs urban readiness, without the fluff. Nevada OEM’s rural and frontier coordinator Kammy Kinkade breaks down what changes when roads are few, resources are thin, and response times stretch. We cover go-bag vs shelter-in-place kits, water and power continuity, generators and fuel planning, amateur radio for comms, neighbor networks, livestock and equipment plans, insurance and documentation, accessibility gaps for blind/low-vision residents, utility shutoffs, medical records, and why “30+ days ready” is the new baseline. Clear steps. Fewer assumptions. Higher odds you get through winter intact.

Contact Info
Guest: Kammy Kinkade, Rural & Frontier Coordinator, Nevada Office of Emergency Management; Paramedic — inquiries via Nevada OEM.
Aftersight: aftersight.org | feedback@aftersight.org
| (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight — jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Kammy Kinkade
Producer: Jonathan Price
Editing & Post: Jonathan Price
Airs on: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Cold open: Why Code Orange exists
00:31 — Rural vs urban: stakes and scale
02:55 — Role snapshot: Nevada OEM + paramedic work
05:20 — Wildfire realities: 50 acres vs 100,000
07:42 — The rural constraints: volunteers, distance, time
09:33 — Water logistics and hazmat limits
11:36 — Go-bag vs home kit: what each is for
13:54 — Threat mapping by region and hazard
16:17 — Infrastructure awareness: above vs underground
18:42 — Wells, pumps, freezing, backup power
20:41 — Comms that work: amateur/ham radio
23:01 — Ham clubs as emergency comm hubs
24:58 — Know your neighbors: lifesaving intel
27:39 — Ag speed: tractors, tenders, cutting fuel
29:56 — The big “don’t”: assume it won’t happen
32:11 — Checklists beat adrenaline
34:23 — Pets, livestock, meds, carriers, leashes
36:47 — Equipment, insurance, documentation
38:52 — Medical records and cloud backups
41:13 — Accessibility gaps: don’t rely on first responders
43:40 — Utility priority programs and oxygen power needs
46:01 — Label and know utility shutoffs
48:23 — Why response isn’t “10 minutes” rural
50:48 — Pipelines, access routes, and constraints
53:13 — Motivation: protect what you value
55:40 — Neighborhood planning meeting: make it real
57:56 — Advocate with local EM: show them the map
59:50 — Seasonal shift: winterize your plan
60:24 — Outro and contact points

S1:05 Dispatch Log: Preparedness in Your Pocket with John Romano

Aftersight — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo speaks with John Romano, Executive Director of Disaster Central and lead developer of the Be Ready app. Romano introduces Be Ready as a preparedness tool designed to help people with disabilities and access/functional needs build secure, individualized emergency plans. The app stores critical documents in an encrypted digital vault, supports OCR for accessibility, and allows secure sharing of plans via encrypted links.
Romano emphasizes that preparedness is not just about tools but about mindset and community. He shares his background in disaster relief during Hurricane Sandy, his partnership with the University of Sydney’s Person-Centered Emergency Preparedness program, and his focus on coupling the app with training classes (“Dare to Prepare”). The conversation highlights accessibility considerations, integration with screen readers, partnerships with Independent Living Centers, and the importance of friends and family as the first line of response. Romano’s vision is to pilot the app in Colorado and Montana, then expand nationally and globally.
Listeners are encouraged to visit DisasterCentral.org to learn more, join training sessions, and participate in pilot projects.

Contact Info
Guest: John Romano, Disaster Central
Website: disastercentral.org
Contact: disastercentral.org/contact

Aftersight: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856

Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer at Aftersight

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: John Romano
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Production

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Opening: Code Orange introduction
01:00 — John Romano’s role and Disaster Central
02:00 — Overview of the Be Ready app
04:30 — Security and compliance features
06:00 — Accessibility and screen reader support
08:00 — Pilot projects and training programs
11:30 — John’s background in Hurricane Sandy relief
13:30 — Partnerships with universities and best practices
16:00 — Building community networks for preparedness
18:20 — Transportation and evacuation challenges
21:00 — In-person and virtual preparedness training
23:20 — Philosophy: “With us, not about us”
25:30 — Closing: Contact info and future opportunities

S1:E4 Dispatch Log: Accessible Alerts with Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

Aftersight — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:00:36 -0600

AES — Code Orange S1:E3 Dispatch Log: Accessible Alerts with Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

Episode Summary

In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price welcome Carson MacPherson-Krutsky, a research associate at the Natural Hazards Center at CU Boulder. Carson shares her journey from geology to social science and disaster preparedness, sparked by the Oso landslide in Washington. The conversation dives into how emergency alerts are delivered, the accessibility challenges faced by people with disabilities, and the surprising gaps in how communities prepare for and communicate during crises.

The team discusses the importance of personal networks, differences between rural and urban preparedness, and tools like NOAA weather radios, ham radios, and go-bags. Carson highlights the patchwork nature of alerting systems, stressing the need for community feedback to help authorities improve accessibility. Marty and Jonathan emphasize practical steps listeners can take right away—like signing up for local alerts, building a support system, and re-purposing household items for emergency use.

This episode blends expert research with real-world advice, giving listeners a roadmap for taking small, manageable steps toward disaster preparedness.

Contact Info

Guest: Carson MacPherson-Krutsky, Research Associate, Natural Hazards Center at CU Boulder
Website: hazards.colorado.edu

Aftersight:
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856

Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits

Host: Marty Sobo

Guest: Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original

Chapter Markers

00:01 — Intro: Disaster doesn’t wait

01:20 — Post-hike reflections and Lions Club thanks

02:10 — Meet Carson: From geology to social science

03:40 — The Oso landslide and a career shift

06:00 — Research on emergency alerts in Colorado

09:00 — Accessibility gaps and surprising survey results

11:20 — Cell tower failures and delayed alerts

13:50 — Building networks and community resilience

16:10 — Alert providers and county systems

18:35 — Rural vs. urban alerting resources

20:56 — Personal networks and local resilience

23:10 — Feedback loops with emergency managers

25:31 — G ...

S1:E3 Dispatch Log: WayAround Your World — Smart Labeling for Crisis Prep

Aftersight — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo sits down with Neva Fairchild from WayAround to explore how NFC tagging technology can empower blind and low-vision individuals in emergency preparedness. Neva explains how WayAround tags work with smartphones, including iPhone, Android, and BlindShell devices, to label and identify everything from important documents to medication, clothing, and go bags.
The conversation dives deep into using WayAround as a tool for creating, practicing, and updating evacuation and shelter-in-place plans. Neva highlights different tag types—stickers, buttons, magnets, and clips—and explains their practical use in real-world emergencies. She shares powerful personal stories of navigating fires, floods, and blackouts, underscoring the importance of practicing plans, rotating supplies, and preparing for both evacuation and shelter-in-place scenarios.
Listeners will come away with actionable strategies for building a well-equipped go bag, tagging critical information like IDs and insurance documents, preparing medication, and ensuring family-wide access to emergency plans. This episode makes clear that preparedness is not just about having supplies—it’s about rehearsing responses until they become second nature.

Contact Info
Guest:
Neva Fairchild — WayAround
Website: wayaround.com
Phone: 1-888-898-4265
App: WayAround Tag and Scan (iOS & Android)

Aftersight:
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Neva Fairchild
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Code Orange intro
01:30 — What is WayAround and how it works
04:30 — Using tags to build and update emergency plans
07:00 — Different types of WayAround tags
09:20 — Everyday practice for emergency readiness
11:40 — Importance of planning and practicing as a family
13:50 — Sharing plans across devices and accounts
16:10 — What to pack in a go bag
18:30 — Medication rotation and tagging systems
20:40 — Solar chargers, radios, and light sources
23:00 — Pets, canes, and family communication during emergencies
25:00 — Protecting documents with dry bags and tags
27:40 — Redundancy: Dropbox, tags, and paper copies
30:00 — Personal story: panic during an office fire
32:30 — Fire drills, gyroscopes, and the buddy system
37:10 — California wildfires and unprepared evacuations
39:20 — Flood evacuations and lessons learned
41:30 — Shelter-in-place vs evacuation readiness
44:00 — Expiration dates, MREs, and tagging food supplies
46:00 — Closing thoughts and resources

S1:E2 Dispatch Log: Code Orange – Risk, Neighbors, and Readiness

Aftersight — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Code Orange, hosts Marty Sobo and Jonathan Price are joined by Monica Weber, coordinator at the Boulder Office of Disaster Management. Together, they dive into the fundamentals of personal and community preparedness for disasters. Monica explains the concept of risk—likelihood and impact—and how individuals can tailor their own risk assessments. The conversation explores practical planning steps such as building a support system, creating family communication plans, preparing for evacuation or shelter-in-place scenarios, and conducting home safety assessments from both a blind and sighted perspective.
Listeners will also hear how small steps—like labeling essentials, signing up for emergency alerts, or simply talking with neighbors—can make a big difference. Monica closes with five key action items for everyone to begin their preparedness journey. This episode emphasizes empowerment: preparation doesn’t have to be perfect, but starting today makes you safer tomorrow.

Contact Info
Guest:
Monica Weber
Coordinator, Boulder Office of Disaster Management
Email: mweber@bouldercounty.gov
Website: boulderodm.gov

Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org
Email: feedback@aftersight.org
Phone: (720) 712-8856
Producer: Jonathan Price

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Co-Host: Jonathan Price
Guest: Monica Weber
Producer: Jonathan Price
An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Opening Monologue: Disaster doesn’t wait
01:30 — Introducing Jonathan and Monica
03:00 — What is risk? Likelihood and impact
05:20 — Family and community planning basics
08:10 — Building a support triangle
11:30 — Why first responders may not reach you
13:55 — Home safety and accessibility for blind individuals
16:10 — Visual home assessments and wildfire mitigation
18:35 — Cane placement and furniture hazards
21:00 — Practicing plans and timed drills
25:20 — Understanding alerts: advisory, warning, order
27:40 — Overcoming preparedness perfectionism
29:55 — Everyday items that save lives (shoes, chargers, layers)
32:20 — Monica’s five action steps for preparedness
37:00 — Boulder resources and free programs
39:20 — Closing, Aftersight contacts, and final thoughts

S1.E1 Dispatch Log: Code Orange - Zero Hour

Aftersight — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -0600

The premiere of Code Orange kicks off with host Marty Sobo and guest Penn Street diving into why this show exists: to bring emergency preparedness into focus for the blind and low-vision community. From Penn’s personal experiences with Colorado floods to Marty’s firsthand accounts of California wildfires, the two underscore how unprepared many people are when disaster strikes.

They tackle the gaps in emergency alerts, the risks of not having a plan, and the importance of neighbors and support networks. They also explore practical steps: building a go-bag with essentials like a cane, meds, backup power, clothes, food, and pet supplies; setting up ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts; and even preparing service animals with their own “to-go” kits.

This conversation challenges the idea that people with disabilities are simply “at risk.” Instead, Penn and Marty argue that the blind community can lead the way in preparedness, often planning ahead and adapting faster than sighted peers. The episode closes with a strong call to action: preparation isn’t fear—it’s survival and leadership.

Contact Info
Guest: Penn Street — penn@aftersight.org
| The Blind Chick Podcast (available on all major platforms)

Organization: Aftersight — aftersight.org
| feedback@aftersight.org

Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer at Aftersight

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Penn Street
Producer: Jonathan Price

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Show Intro: Why Code Orange exists
02:15 — The origin story: floods, fires, and lived experience
04:45 — Gaps in preparedness and the danger of “grab anything”
07:10 — The importance of having a plan vs. improvising
09:25 — Evacuation challenges when blind and alone
11:50 — Should disabilities be marked for responders?
14:15 — Building support with trusted neighbors
16:30 — People with disabilities as leaders in disasters
19:00 — Guide dog stories from 9/11 and beyond
21:15 — What to pack: essentials for a go-bag
25:40 — Pet and service animal preparedness
28:00 — Travel and hotel emergencies
30:20 — Top three steps in an emergency
35:00 — Failures of the alert system
38:30 — Tech gaps: rural areas, Wi-Fi, and cell towers
43:00 — Homework for listeners: to-do lists and go-bags
45:30 — Final goals: education, awareness, and hope
48:00 — ICE contacts and medical ID setup
50:15 — Tech tools for safety (Apple Watch, smartphones)
52:00 — Looking ahead: topics and expert guests
54:00 — Closing thoughts and contact information

Code Orange

S1:08: Dispatch log — When Disaster Strikes Your Wallet and Will with Heidi Gassman

S1:07: Dispatch Log: Preparedness with a Guide Dog, The Michael Hingson Story

S1:06 Dispatch Log: Rural vs Urban Readiness, Go-Bags, Generators, and Ham Radio with Kammy Kinkade

S1:05 Dispatch Log: Preparedness in Your Pocket with John Romano

S1:E4 Dispatch Log: Accessible Alerts with Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

AES — Code Orange S1:E3 Dispatch Log: Accessible Alerts with Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

Episode Summary

Contact Info

Show Credits Host: Marty Sobo Guest: Carson MacPherson-Krutsky Producer: Jonathan Price An Aftersight Original

S1:E3 Dispatch Log: WayAround Your World — Smart Labeling for Crisis Prep

S1:E2 Dispatch Log: Code Orange – Risk, Neighbors, and Readiness

S1.E1 Dispatch Log: Code Orange - Zero Hour

Show Credits

Host: Marty Sobo

Guest: Carson MacPherson-Krutsky

Producer: Jonathan Price

An Aftersight Original