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

Show Notes

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: [e-mail]
Website: boulderodm.gov

Aftersight
Website: aftersight.org
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
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

What is Code Orange?

Code Orange is the disability-inclusive guide to emergency preparedness for the blind and low-vision community. Hosted by Marty Sobo, each episode turns fear into a plan: clear steps, practical checklists, and real-world stories from first responders, emergency managers, technologists, and blind advocates who’ve lived it. No hype—just what to do before, during, and after a crisis.

We cover evacuation and shelter-in-place, communication trees, accessible alerts, power and tech backups, mobility and wayfinding, medication and medical files, pets and service animals, travel, and community-level advocacy—so you’re not just prepared, you’re leading. Expect plain language, actionable takeaways you can use today, and links to resources you can share with family, neighbors, and local agencies.

Code Orange is an Aftersight Original.
Host: Marty Sobo
Producer: Jonathan Price
Feedback & questions: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]