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