Before and After Disaster: How to Prepare, Respond, and Recover

Guest Speakers

John Clarke Mills

John has changed the way we live with fire through his 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Watch Duty.

John spent many years in Silicon Valley focusing on markets that had been overlooked by technologists. In 2012, he founded Zenput as CTO, focused on retail food service operations. After living in San Francisco for 16 years, John moved off the grid in 2020 to Sonoma County, where he was faced with the terrifying reality of life in the wildlands without the information needed to make informed decisions.

Today, Watch Duty has a team of over 200 active and retired wildland firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters supporting tens of millions of citizens and first responders who rely on the Watch Duty App across the American West to stay safe.

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell

Lori is a doctor of public health and data scientist who was appointed by President Biden to serve as the U.S. fire administrator from 2021 to 2025. Before her appointment, Lori was the president and CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute, which she founded after retiring from a 26-year career as a senior executive at the International Association of Fire Fighters.

During her tenure as the U.S. fire administrator, Lori co-chaired the Commission on Wildfire Mitigation and Management, established by the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act, leading to 148 wildfire-related recommendations being delivered to Congress in 2023.

Lori also convened a National Fire Summit and a World Fire Congress, bringing together global leaders from 56 nations to address firefighter recruitment, firefighter cancer, mental health, fire risks associated with emerging technology, and climate change impact on the fire service.  

Paul Hope

Paul is a deputy content editor of all things home at Consumer Reports. He has more than a decade of experience testing and evaluating consumer goods and safety.

An avid DIYer, Paul has restored five houses and brings a wealth of experience helping consumers navigate hard decisions and tradeoffs related to their homes. He is also a classically trained chef — a fact much appreciated by his colleagues at Consumer Reports, especially those who were around for tests of dumplings and high-end steaks.

In this webinar, Paul will guide attendees through actionable emergency preparedness considerations, ensuring you feel prepared to take on whatever challenge you and your family might face.

Misha Kollontai

Misha is a test engineer at Consumer Reports, where he leads the organization's testing of generators, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and other critical home systems.

He applies his engineering expertise to make sure home products aren’t just effective, but also safe to use. In Consumer Reports' labs, he identifies safety risks that can affect families, such as carbon monoxide hazards with portable generators and unhealthy indoor air quality from poorly designed humidifiers.

Misha's research has also highlighted how newer generator models with built-in carbon monoxide sensors are making emergency power safer.

By translating rigorous lab testing into practical guidance, Misha helps the public prepare their homes for emergencies and create safer living environments year-round.

Karl Susman

Karl is a nationally recognized insurance expert, media personality, and the owner of Susman Insurance Agency in Los Angeles.

With decades of experience, Karl has become a go-to authority for major news outlets, frequently appearing on NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox television, as well as on radio and podcasts, to provide insight on industry trends and consumer protection. He combines deep expertise with a relatable style that demystifies complex insurance topics for everyday listeners. 

Karl is also a sought-after expert witness, consulting on agents' and brokers' standards of care in high-stakes legal cases.

Jeremy W.

Jeremy's family lost their home in the devastating fire that swept through Altadena, California, in January 2025. They fled in the middle of the night as embers rained down on their neighborhood, leaving behind everything they couldn't grab in those urgent moments.

Since becoming a Trustworthy subscriber in 2022, Jeremy has stored insurance policies, legal documents, IDs, and other important information in Trustworthy's digital family assistant. That preparation made it possible for his family to start the recovery process immediately after the fire, even while dealing with the shock of losing their home.

"I had no idea how much energy and resources it takes to get back on your feet after you lose your house," Jeremy says. "Trustworthy proved to be absolutely invaluable."

Sponsors

Consumer Reports: An independent nonprofit that combines rigorous scientific testing, investigative journalism, and consumer advocacy to fight for a safe and fair marketplace.

Watch Duty: A nonprofit that humanizes and accelerates emergency information to protect lives and strengthen communities.

Trustworthy: The maker of the Family Operating System®, a digital family assistant that ensures your important information remains secure, private, and accessible.