In this episode, the Get Ready team interviews Jeffrey Mitchell, PhD, clinical professor of emergency health services at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and co-founder of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. He talks about the importance of establishing a simple and effective family communication plan that includes backup plans in case things don’t go as expected during an emergency. Mitchell is interviewed by Get Ready team member Lavanya Gupta.

In this episode, the Get Ready team interviews Alfonso Contreras, regional advisor for health promotion at the Pan American Health Organization (regional office of the World Health Organization). He discusses the importance of regularly handwashing with soap, and Global Handwashing Day, which is celebrated annually on October 15. Contreras is interviewed by Get Ready team member, Lavanya Gupta.

In this episode, we interview Dr. Bruce Gellin, director of the National Vaccine Program Office at the US Department of Health and Human Services. Gellin discusses the importance of immunizations for people of all ages, and reminds us that the start of the school year is a good time to prepare yourself against common infectious diseases by updating your immunization record.

In this episode, we interview Mike MacNair, President and CEO of MacNair Management American Express. He offers his experience in and knowledge of the travel industry to shed light on ways to help families prepare for emergencies before and during travel. MacNair is interviewed by Get Ready team member Lavanya Gupta.

In this episode, we speak with James Franklin, Branch Chief, and Dennis Feltgen, Public Affairs Officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center. They provide tips on how to prepare yourself for the 2013 hurricane season, which began on June 1. Franklin and Feltgen are interviewed by Daniel Greenberg, APHA Public Affairs and Advocacy Communications Specialist.

In this episode, we speak with Robert Motta, director of the Child and Family Trauma Institute at the Saltzman Community Services Center at Hofstra University. He provides tips for mental health emergency preparedness and shares his experience of working with patients who faced the traumatic aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Motta is interviewed by Get Ready team member Nathan Bhatti.

CDC Medical Officer Dr. Michael Jhung provides an update for the 2012-2013 flu season, which could be severe. The good news is, it's not too late to get your flu shot!