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

Show Notes

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: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

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

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]