There is no shortage of guidance on school emergency preparedness. California’s Emergency Management for Schools guide and FEMA’s Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans are both thoughtful, thorough, and well intended. At a combined 250+ pages, they are also a heavy lift. K-12 school leaders are are deeply committed to their students and communities, often operating with limited resources while managing competing priorities. Additionally, since

Returning to the City of Los Angeles for a consulting project where my career began almost 20 years ago felt a bit like coming home. Walking into the Emergency Operations Center brought back a flood of memories from my early days in emergency management: the excitement of learning the ropes, the challenge of writing plans from scratch, and the colleagues who played such a big role in shaping my path. My early years at the City of LA taught me that while plans and procedures m

In the rush that follows a crisis, the pressure to act immediately is real, driven by politics, public scrutiny, and urgency on the ground. But moving fast without structure can cost time, clarity, and effectiveness down the line. Taking an “operational knee”—a short, strategic pause—can make the difference between a reactive response and a coordinated one. This isn't about delay, and it never overrides life safety. It’s about building the discipline to pause, assess, and ali

by Devra Schwartz In today’s data saturated world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to leverage everything. With endless dashboards, data streams, and reports, we often assume that more data equals better decisions. But the reality? More data often leads to more noise, not more clarity. Especially in fast moving environments like emergency management, public safety, or any high stakes operational setting, data overload can paralyze rather than empower. The Problem: D

When EOC operations shift from in-person activation to virtual chats, how can the tried and true organization of the EOC be maintained without hampering the inherent efficiency of technology? Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) serve as vital hubs for managing responses to crises, ensuring effective coordination among various departments and agencies. The hallmark functions of an EOC—supporting resource needs, synthesizing efforts across organizations, and providing coordinat

Devra Schwartz ’s years of experience in government organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector have given her a unique insight into the importance of prioritizing business continuity. A seasoned safety and security consultant, Devra Schwartz emphasizes the need to maintain consistent operations in order to enhance a company’s stability and maintain its reputation. The Need for a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) The goal of an effective Continuity of O

Big data is a game-changer when it comes to supporting underserved communities, especially in the face of natural disasters. Tools like...

Devra Schwartz explores the modernization of emergency management by leveraging technology and capitalizing on near and real-time big data.