The Disaster Economy: Behind the Scenes of America’s Disaster Workforce
When a disaster strikes, whether it be a hurricane, flood, wildfire, or other extreme weather event, an army of workers descends upon the affected areas to provide aid and support. These workers come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, all with the common goal of helping those in need during times of crisis.
First responders, including emergency managers, medics, police, firefighters, and public safety workers, are the first to arrive on the scene. They work tirelessly to coordinate response efforts, provide medical care, and ensure the safety of those affected by the disaster. Following closely behind are skilled tradespeople, such as utility linemen, wastewater technicians, and debris removal workers, who work to restore essential services and infrastructure.
Relief workers from federal agencies, nonprofits, and humanitarian groups set up shelters and provide essential services like food and water to those in need. Crisis counselors, animal rescue units, hazmat crews, contractors, and environmental scientists also play crucial roles in the disaster response effort.
Grist recently spoke with a number of individuals who have worked on the ground following catastrophic disasters. These workers shared their stories, shedding light on the diverse roles and needs within America’s disaster workforce. Their experiences highlight the importance of these essential jobs in responding to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
One such individual is Corey Amundsen, an emergency manager in Highlands County, Florida. Amundsen leads his community’s preparedness and response efforts to natural disasters and other emergencies. During Hurricane Milton, his team faced the challenge of multiple tornado warnings, requiring quick action to open shelters and conduct search and rescue operations.
Amundsen has since implemented new protocols to better prepare for future disasters, including starting operations earlier and providing clearer guidance on shelter locations during tornado warnings. Despite the stress and challenges of his job, Amundsen remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of his community during times of crisis.
As the world faces increasing threats from climate change and extreme weather events, the work of America’s disaster workforce has never been more critical. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide aid and support to those affected by disasters, embodying the resilience and courage needed to confront the challenges of an uncertain future. Petersburg, Florida as a wastewater management mechanic for over 20 years. His job is to keep sewage systems running smoothly before, during, and after disasters, as well as to contain spills and repair any damaged wastewater infrastructure in the community. However, nothing could have prepared him for the devastation caused by Hurricane Eliza in 2026.
When Hurricane Eliza hit St. Petersburg, Logan was on call 24/7, responding to emergency calls and working tirelessly to prevent sewage overflows and contamination of the city’s waterways. The storm brought heavy rainfall and powerful winds, causing widespread flooding and destruction throughout the area. Logan and his team were faced with the daunting task of ensuring that the city’s wastewater systems remained operational despite the chaos around them.
During the height of the storm, Logan worked around the clock to repair damaged sewage lines, clear blockages, and prevent backups. He waded through flooded streets, braving the elements to make sure that the city’s residents had access to clean water and functioning sewage systems. The work was physically and emotionally exhausting, but Logan knew that the safety and well-being of the community depended on his efforts.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Eliza, Logan and his team faced the monumental task of rebuilding the city’s wastewater infrastructure. They worked tirelessly to repair damaged pipes, pumps, and treatment plants, ensuring that the city could recover and rebuild. Logan also worked to educate residents about the importance of proper wastewater management and the potential risks of contamination in the wake of a disaster.
Despite the challenges and hardships he faced, Logan remains committed to his work as a wastewater management mechanic. He knows that his role is crucial in protecting public health and the environment, especially in the face of increasing climate-related disasters. Logan’s dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration to his colleagues and the community as a whole, showing that even in the darkest of times, there are everyday heroes working tirelessly to keep us safe.
Logan, a wastewater management mechanic in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been working at the city’s only wastewater treatment plant for 21 years. His job involves identifying and fixing problems in the plant that cleans the city’s water, removing debris from pipes using high-pressure fluids, and quickly making repairs to keep the plant running smoothly. He describes his work as mostly straightforward mechanical tasks.
The plant Logan works at is crucial for the city as it handles solids in the wastewater. If the plant goes down, sewage pipes in the city can back up, causing sewage to spill out into homes and streets. Logan emphasizes the importance of keeping the plant operational to prevent such backups, especially during storm seasons.
During hurricane seasons, Logan and his colleagues are on call 24/7, ready to respond before, during, and after hurricanes to ensure the plant continues to operate efficiently. Logan prepares by stocking up on supplies in his locker, knowing that his job is considered “emergency essential.”
Logan recounts a particularly challenging experience during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which hit St. Petersburg just weeks apart. For the first time in decades, the entire plant was shut down, and Logan and his crew were forced to seek shelter downtown. However, they were quickly called back to work in the midst of the raging storm to address the plant’s failures.
The aftermath of the hurricanes saw untreated sewage overflowing from manholes across the city, causing significant damage and posing health risks to residents. Logan describes the situation as unprecedented and challenging, requiring quick and effective responses to prevent further issues.
Federal response worker
Name: Sue Anne Bell
Title: Emergency responder for the U.S. Disaster Medical Assistance Team
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
What do they do? Provide services such as medical care in areas affected by major disasters.
Sue Anne Bell, an emergency responder for the U.S. Disaster Medical Assistance Team, was deployed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Bell worked tirelessly in field hospitals, providing medical care to patients in need, including those suffering from injuries, trauma, and chronic conditions exacerbated by the storm.
The limited resources and overwhelmed healthcare system in the wake of the hurricane posed significant challenges for Bell and her team. She recalls a harrowing experience where a child with a severe asthma attack had to wait hours for transfer to a hospital with the necessary facilities, highlighting the strain on medical services during disasters.
Bell’s work in disaster response often involves making difficult decisions about patient care and resource allocation, especially when local hospitals are unable to accommodate the influx of patients. The need to ensure the best possible care for those affected by disasters drives Bell and her team to overcome obstacles and provide critical support.
Medical specialist
Name: Mary Mitchell
Title: Nurse and hospital clinical systems manager
Location: Sarasota, Florida
What do they do? Help to treat and intake injured people before, during, and after an extreme weather event.
Mary Mitchell, a nurse and hospital clinical systems manager in Sarasota, Florida, has extensive experience in hurricane response and recovery. Despite her years of experience, Hurricane Ian presented unprecedented challenges that tested her disaster preparedness and resilience.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Mitchell joined a disaster response team outside a local hospital to provide medical care to storm-affected individuals. The overwhelming number of patients and the extent of injuries required her to adapt her usual protocols and work tirelessly to support the medical staff in the field hospital.
Mitchell recalls the exhaustion and distress on the faces of patients seeking care after the storm, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of natural disasters. Her dedication to providing quality care and managing resources effectively in such challenging circumstances demonstrates her commitment to helping those in need.
The aftermath of a disaster can be devastating, leaving communities in ruins and individuals in need of help. Many people, mostly elderly, were found covered in wounds inflicted by the disaster. Some were visibly dehydrated, raising concerns about whether they had anyone to care for them. Dr. Mitchell, who witnessed the suffering firsthand, highlighted the impact on everyone affected.
In times of crisis, utility lineman like Zach Wood play a crucial role in restoring power to communities. Wood, who has been in the field for a decade, has seen the demand for his services increase due to the worsening effects of climate change. He described the dangers of his job, working long hours in hazardous conditions to repair power lines and ensure that people have electricity. Wood also shared the conflicting feelings he experiences, as the intensity of storms directly affects his income.
Rebuilding and recovery efforts are essential after a disaster strikes. Jon Stamper, a river cleanup coordinator in Asheville, North Carolina, faced the monumental task of clearing debris left by Hurricane Helene. The storm had caused significant damage to the French Broad River, scattering a wide range of items, from trees to household belongings. Stamper and his team worked tirelessly to remove debris from the waterways, a challenging and emotionally taxing job.
Stamper, a combat veteran, found solace in protecting the environment after his military service. His dedication to cleaning up the river and restoring it to its former state demonstrates the resilience and determination of individuals involved in post-disaster recovery efforts. Despite the difficulties they face, these workers continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by natural disasters, showing compassion and strength in the face of adversity. Her job as the waste management and hazmat unit manager was to identify and secure contaminated areas, remove and dispose of toxic waste, and oversee the environmental remediation of the affected sites. It was a daunting task, but one that Vanella took on with determination and a sense of duty.
Vanella’s team worked tirelessly to clean up the aftermath of the fires, facing challenges such as unstable ground due to the fires, hazardous materials left behind, and the emotional toll on the community. They had to coordinate with various agencies, including local and state authorities, environmental organizations, and community groups to ensure a comprehensive and effective response.
One of the most difficult aspects of Vanella’s job was dealing with the human impact of the fires. She witnessed firsthand the devastation and loss that the community experienced, and the resilience and strength that they showed in the face of adversity. It was a reminder of the importance of her work and the impact it had on people’s lives.
As climate change continues to exacerbate natural disasters, the role of hazmat managers like Vanella will become even more crucial. They play a vital role in protecting the environment, public health, and safety in the aftermath of disasters, ensuring that communities can recover and rebuild in a safe and sustainable way.
For Vanella, there is no playbook for the challenges she faces in her job. Each disaster is unique, presenting its own set of obstacles and complexities. But she approaches her work with dedication, compassion, and a commitment to serving her community. And in doing so, she helps to bring hope and healing to those affected by disaster.
Cell towers were down, power was out, and landlines were useless. Morton and his team had to get creative, setting up a makeshift communications center in a local church that still had a landline connection. They also relied on satellite phones and radios to coordinate response efforts with the state emergency management office and other neighboring counties.
Morton’s job during the recovery process was to lead the community’s preparedness and long-term response to the natural disaster. He worked closely with local government officials, first responders, and community organizations to ensure that resources were allocated efficiently and that residents were kept informed of developments.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Morton and his team worked tirelessly to clear debris, restore infrastructure, and provide support to residents who had lost everything. They also implemented new emergency response protocols to prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed the lives of the firefighters.
Despite the challenges and emotional toll of dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster, Morton remains committed to serving his community and ensuring that they are prepared for whatever may come their way. “It’s not always easy,” he said, “but knowing that we are making a difference in people’s lives is what keeps me going.”
In a recent interview, Morton reflected on the challenges his team faced in the aftermath of a devastating storm that hit Saluda County. One of the biggest obstacles they encountered was the lack of a solid plan for disseminating information without the use of modern technology such as the internet or cellphones.
Morton admitted, “The one thing we didn’t really have a good plan for was how to effectively go back 100 years and get information out without the use of the internet or cellphones.” This realization prompted him and his team to reevaluate their emergency preparedness strategies and come up with new solutions to ensure better communication in future disasters.
Over the past year, Morton and his team have been diligently working on improving their communication methods. One of the initiatives they have implemented is printing off pamphlets with vital information about where to find help, food, or shelter, and posting them on public buildings. This simple yet effective approach aims to reach a wider audience, especially those who may not have access to digital resources during a crisis.
Additionally, Morton shared that they have applied for a federal hazard mitigation grant to establish physical communications hubs throughout Saluda County. These hubs will serve as centralized locations where people can go to receive critical information in the event of a disaster. By setting up these communication centers, Morton hopes to bridge the gap in communication and ensure that everyone in the community has access to essential updates and resources.
“The idea is to have these established sites so that people know, ‘Hey, if there’s a disaster and I can’t get information, here’s where I can go get it,’” explained Morton. This proactive approach demonstrates Morton’s commitment to improving emergency response efforts and keeping the community informed and safe.
Looking ahead, Morton is determined to prevent a similar situation from happening again. By focusing on enhancing communication channels and establishing reliable information hubs, he is taking proactive steps to ensure that Saluda County is better prepared for future disasters. Through these efforts, Morton and his team are working towards a more resilient and informed community, where everyone has access to the resources they need in times of crisis. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize countless industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment.
AI and machine learning are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two different concepts. AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. Machine learning, on the other hand, is a subset of AI that allows machines to learn from data without being explicitly programmed.
One of the key benefits of AI and machine learning is their ability to make predictions and decisions based on data. This can help businesses streamline their operations, improve customer service, and make more informed decisions. For example, AI-powered chatbots can provide instant customer support, while machine learning algorithms can analyze data to predict trends and make recommendations.
In the healthcare industry, AI and machine learning have the potential to revolutionize patient care. These technologies can analyze medical data to identify patterns and make diagnoses, leading to more accurate and timely treatments. AI-powered robots can also assist in surgeries, reducing the risk of human error.
In the finance sector, AI and machine learning are being used to detect fraud, predict market trends, and personalize customer experiences. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, helping financial institutions make more informed decisions and reduce risks.
In the transportation industry, AI and machine learning are being used to improve safety and efficiency. Self-driving cars use AI algorithms to navigate roads and make decisions in real-time, while predictive maintenance systems analyze data to identify potential issues before they occur.
In the entertainment industry, AI and machine learning are being used to personalize content recommendations, improve streaming quality, and create immersive virtual reality experiences. These technologies can analyze user behavior to tailor content to individual preferences, leading to a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
While AI and machine learning offer countless benefits, they also raise concerns about privacy, security, and job displacement. As these technologies continue to advance, it is important for businesses and policymakers to address these issues and ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly.
Overall, the rise of AI and machine learning represents a new era of innovation and possibility. These technologies have the potential to transform industries, improve efficiency, and enhance our everyday lives. As we continue to explore the capabilities of AI and machine learning, the possibilities are truly endless. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One such advancement that has been gaining momentum in recent years is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and perception.
One of the key areas where AI is making waves is in the field of healthcare. Healthcare providers are increasingly turning to AI to help improve patient care, streamline processes, and reduce costs. AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in a number of ways, from diagnosing diseases to personalizing treatment plans.
One of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare is in the field of diagnostics. AI algorithms are being developed that can analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRI scans, to detect abnormalities and diagnose diseases. These algorithms are often more accurate and faster than human doctors, leading to earlier detection and treatment of diseases.
AI is also being used to personalize treatment plans for patients. By analyzing a patient’s medical history, genetic information, and lifestyle factors, AI algorithms can help doctors tailor treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs. This personalized approach can lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects for patients.
In addition to diagnostics and treatment planning, AI is also being used to streamline healthcare processes. AI-powered chatbots are being used to triage patients, answer questions, and schedule appointments, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on more complex tasks. AI is also being used to analyze large amounts of data, such as electronic health records, to identify trends and patterns that can help improve patient outcomes.
While the potential benefits of AI in healthcare are vast, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. Privacy and security concerns are top of mind, as AI algorithms require access to sensitive patient data. There are also ethical considerations to take into account, such as ensuring that AI algorithms are fair and unbiased in their decision-making.
Overall, AI has the potential to transform healthcare in profound ways. By leveraging the power of AI, healthcare providers can improve patient care, reduce costs, and ultimately save lives. As AI continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the field of healthcare.
