In this episode of Local Relief LIVE, host Heather Hackett sits down with Brock Long, former FEMA Administrator for the United States and current Executive Chairman of Hagerty Consulting, to discuss the future of disaster recovery, resilience, and the critical role of community in extreme weather response.

With decades of experience in emergency management, Brock shares his candid insights on what’s working — and what’s br...

Who really helps small businesses after a disaster? 🌪️

In this episode, Heather sits down with Stacey Dadd, Associate Director at Florida SBDC at USF, to explore how small businesses can find the support, resources, and guidance they need after hurricanes, floods, and other disasters.

👉 You’ll learn:

• Who small businesses can turn to after a disaster
• The critical resources SBDC provides for recovery and rebuilding
• How to access dis...

Hurricane season is coming — are you ready?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. In this episode, climate expert Bob Bunting joins us to break down what’s changing with today’s storms and how you can protect your home and community.

From rising ocean temps to vulnerable infrastructure, we unpack the realities of stronger, slower, and more dangerous storms — and how climate change plays a key role.

Whether you'...

What really happens when a hurricane hits — and how can we be ready?

Heather from Local Relief Live sits down with Erik Salna from FIU’s Extreme Events Institute to discuss hurricane risks, the groundbreaking Wall of Wind, the truth about building codes, and how education and mitigation can help you protect what matters most.

Don’t wait for the next storm to start preparing. The time is now.

Timestamps

Maximizing FEMA Assistance with | SBP | Claire Balsley

What if you could get 90%+ MORE from FEMA?
Most FEMA applicants are denied at first — but the story doesn’t end there. In this must-watch episode, Claire Balsley from @SBPUSA and Heather from Local Relief Live break down how disaster survivors can successfully appeal FEMA determinations and receive significantly more support.

Discover how SBP equips famili...

Hurricane Insurance & Disaster Prep with Expert Kevin Miller

Are you prepared for hurricane season? On this episode of Local Relief Live, we dive deep into the world of disaster insurance with independent insurance adjuster Kevin Miller to share his invaluable knowledge on hurricane preparedness and insurance. Learn about flood insurance options, essential documentation tips, contractor vetting, and more. Get prepa...

Hidden Impact: Climate & Mental Health

"Common sense isn't common unless there's knowledge behind it." – Bob Bunting

Climate change is more than just storms and rising tides — it’s a mental health crisis. Bob Bunting shares the stories of families struggling to recover after repeated disasters and facing impossible insurance costs.

Let’s arm ourselves with knowledge and work to...