October 21, 2026

At Mohegan Sun – 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382

Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity to enhance your disaster preparedness knowledge and connect with industry leaders. Register today and be part of the 2026 Weathering the Storm Summit!

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Weathering the Storm Summit

Join us for an exclusive one-day summit focused on the critical challenges of flood preparedness, response, and recovery. Gain practical insights, learn from leading experts, and explore strategies to strengthen resilience before, during, and after flood events. The Weathering the Storm Summit will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as a prelude to the 2026 EMS & FIRE PRO Expo. This event will bring together industry experts, first responders, and community leaders to discuss innovative strategies, new technologies, and vital lessons learned in storm and disaster response.

Whether you’re a seasoned emergency responder or just getting started in disaster management, this summit will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to make a difference in critical moments.

 

Agenda

Time Session / Heading Presenters
8:00 AM Emergency Management in the 21st Century - Open Remarks Ronnell A. Higgins
Commissioner - Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)
8:30 AM Flash Flood Public Messaging and Wireless Emergency Alerts Lexi Paquette, MA, AEMT, APIO
Public Information Officer - Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Nelson Vaz
Warning Coordination Meteorologist - Brookhaven National Weather Service Office
9:00 AM USACE Flood Risk Management Program Sheila Warren
Planning Division - NAE Silver Jackets Coordinator - USACE New England District

Leanna Martin, P.E.
Water Control Operations Hydrologic Engineer - USACE New England District Reservoir Control Center
9:30 AM Connecticut Emergency Response Teams – Making a Difference Michael Davis
Emergency Management Program Specialist/State CERT Coordinator - Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
10:15 AM Northeast River Forecast Center – Mission and Capabilities Paula Miano
Hydrologist-in-Charge - Northeast River Forecast Center
10:30 AM Everbridge/Reverse 911/IPAWS – Real-Time Warning Systems Kevin McManus
Sr. Technical Account Manager - Everbridge
11:00 AM Artificial Intelligence – 2026 Hurricane Season AI Performance Update Josh Cingranelli
Regional Coordinator - Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Douglas Glowacki
Emergency Management Program Specialist - Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security
11:30 AM Flooding Foresight: Navigating the Future of Climate and Community Resilience Zachary Smith
Manager - Recovery and Resilience - DEMHS Hazard Mitigation Section
12:00 PM LUNCH & LEARN - National Water Model David Vallee
Chief, Operations Division, NOAA/NWS Office of Water Prediction - NOAA/NWS/Office of Water Prediction
1:00 PM New York State Mesonet - A Decade of Early Warning Weather Detection and Decision Support Junhong (June) Wang, Ph.D.
Director of New York State Mesonet at University at Albany - University at Albany - State University of New York (SUNY)
1:30 PM Catastrophic Flooding Impacts - Hurricane Helene in North Carolina Ryan Cole
Assistant Director - Buncombe County Emergency Services
2:00 PM Swift Water Training – The Vermont and Connecticut Experience Daniel Comen
Partner - Water Training Resources/CT TF1/Southington Fire Department

Zachary Brown
Partner - Water Training Resources/CT TF1/East Hartford Fire Department
2:45 PM Flood Disasters Roundtable – Emergency Management Perspective Lead by: Douglas Glowacki with the Presenters of Flash Flooding Kills

WEATHERING THE STORM SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

Water Training Resources

Water Training Resources (WTR) is a specialized technical rescue training organization focused on delivering highquality, realistic, and operationally relevant water rescue training to emergency responders and public safety agencies. Founded in 2021, WTR provides training throughout New England and across the United States, working with municipal fire departments, technical rescue teams, state and federal agencies, and other public safety organizations.

WTR specializes in Swiftwater Rescue Technician, Swiftwater Boat Operator, Vehicle-in-Water Rescue, and customized water rescue programs. Our courses combine classroom instruction with intensive hands-on training in dynamic environments, preparing responders to safely and effectively operate during complex water rescue incidents. Programs are designed around nationally recognized standards and best practices, including applicable NFPA and FEMA guidance.

Our instructor cadre consists of experienced firefighters, technical rescue specialists, and FEMA Urban Search & Rescue personnel who bring extensive real-world operational and instructional experience to every course. This operational background allows WTR to move beyond basic skill instruction and focus on decision-making, risk assessment, team integration, and practical rescue techniques that can be immediately applied in the field.

Since its founding, Water Training Resources has continued to expand its training programs and partnerships while maintaining a strong emphasis on instructor quality, realistic training, and student-centered education. Our mission is simple: provide rescuers with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and experience necessary to operate safely and successfully when conditions are at their most challenging.

What to expect

Expert Speakers:
Get ready to hear from top-tier professionals and thought leaders in emergency management, disaster response, and crisis preparedness. Our expert speakers bring decades of experience and firsthand knowledge of tackling the toughest challenges in the field. From strategic insights to real-world solutions, you’ll gain invaluable tools and actionable strategies to enhance your response capabilities. This is your chance to learn from the best in the industry!

Join leading meteorologists, weather experts, and emergency management resource leaders for an engaging discussion on the latest forecasting tools, warning systems, and response strategies. Panelists will share their expertise on improving preparedness, strengthening interagency coordination, and leveraging emerging technologies to help communities better anticipate, respond to, and recover from flooding events.

Discover the latest advancements and innovations in emergency preparedness, response, and resilience. Hear from experts presenting groundbreaking research that’s shaping the future of public safety. Stay ahead of the curve with valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies.
Connect with industry leaders, experts, and fellow professionals during dedicated networking sessions. Build relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions to enhance emergency preparedness and resilience. Don’t miss the chance to expand your professional network and gain valuable insights!
Earn valuable Continuing Education Credits (CECs) by attending our expert-led sessions and workshops. Stay ahead in your profession while enhancing your knowledge of emergency preparedness and response. Don’t miss the opportunity to earn CECs and elevate your expertise!

Why Attend:

The Weathering the Storm Summit is your essential opportunity to gain critical insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of emergency management, disaster response, and recovery. Join industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow professionals to explore key topics on preparedness, resilience, and effective crisis management. Whether you’re a first responder, healthcare provider, or emergency manager, this summit will equip you with the tools to stay ahead of unpredictable events and keep your community safe. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of shaping the future of disaster response and management!

 

Registration

Act Now:

Seats are filling up fast! Register today to secure your spot at the Weathering the Storm Summit. This is your chance to sharpen your skills, gain valuable insights, and make a meaningful impact in disaster preparedness. Don’t wait—register now!