From Taylor Swift to the Indy 500-Emergency Management Planning for the Big Event with Troy Wymer

Overview: In this episode of All Hazards Hour, we sit down with Troy Wymer, Deputy State Fire Marshal for Indiana and a veteran of fire service, emergency management, and major-event planning. Troy shares lessons from planning for events ranging from the Indianapolis 500, NBA All-Star Weekend, and Taylor Swift concerts to his work on the safety and security planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. We explore the unique challenges of emergency management planning for large-scale special events. Troy also offers practical advice for emergency managers in smaller communities and discusses how local festivals and events can become valuable opportunities to build relationships, practice unified command, and strengthen preparedness.FEMA: Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety AgenciesSummary: FEMA's IS-15.B course covers pre-event planning, developing a planning team, hazard analysis, and using ICS to manage incidents during special events.Resource: FEMA IS-15.B: Special Events Contingency PlanningCISA: Mass Gathering Security Planning ToolSummary: An interactive planning tool designed to help event planners when planning a mass gathering or special event.Resource: CISA Mass Gathering Security Planning ToolCISA: Venue Guide for Security EnhancementsSummary: Provides practical considerations for evaluating a venues risks.Resource: CISA Venue Guide for Security EnhancementsDHS: Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR)Summary: DHS uses the SEAR system to evaluate planned special events based on factors including expected attendance, high-profile participants, event type, and significance.Resource: DHS Special Events Coordination and SEAR GuidanceFEMA: Large-Scale Events Exercise Starter KitSummary: A practical resource for communities to exercise their ability to manage large events.Resource: FEMA Large-Scale Events Exercise Starter KitLA28 Olympic & Paralympic GamesSummary: The official LA28 site provides information on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including dates, competition venues, zones, schedules, and the massive multi-venue operational footprint discussed in this episode.Resource: LA28 Official Games Plan and VenuesAdditional Resource: LA28 Official Games Dates and Information