{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Code Orange","title":"S1:05 Dispatch Log: Preparedness in Your Pocket with John Romano","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/608ee6a5\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1558,"description":"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.\n\nRomano 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.\n\nListeners are encouraged to visit DisasterCentral.org to learn more, join training sessions, and participate in pilot projects.\n\nContact Info\n\nGuest: John Romano, Disaster Central \nWebsite: disastercentral.org\nContact: disastercentral.org/contact\n\nAftersight: aftersight.org\nEmail: feedback@aftersight.org\nPhone: (720) 712-8856\n\nProducer: Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer at Aftersight\n\nShow Credits\n\nHost: Marty Sobo\n\nGuest: John Romano\n\nProducer: Jonathan Price\n\nAn Aftersight Original Production\n\nChapter Markers\n\n00:01 — Opening: Code Orange introduction\n01:00 — John Romano’s role and Disaster Central\n02:00 — Overview of the Be Ready app\n04:30 — Security and compliance features\n06:00 — Accessibility and screen reader support\n08:00 — Pilot projects and training programs\n11:30 — John’s background in Hurricane Sandy relief\n13:30 — Partnerships with universities and best...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/FOPPf2iY6StcwnJeDE5z620gLvHgL8-27iVLG1BxAdE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jOTJl/ZTBiYzNiYzk1Yjg2/Njk2NmUwNTU1ZGQ3/YzM5ZS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}