Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Emergency Management Systems Response

The COVID-19 and 2020 derecho have challenged Iowa's emergency management response plans, while many mutual aid partners were also impacted, and communication system challenges created logistical challenges. How does the derecho change the shape of emergency response in Iowa?

Panelists include: Steve O'Konek, Linn County Emergency Management DIrector, Craig Smith, Cedar Rapids Fire Chief, Craig Fugate, former national director of Federal Emergency Management Agency. Moderator: Lee Hermiston, The Gazette.

This session was part of the 2020 Iowa Ideas Conference presented by ITC and held Oct. 15-16, 2020. This session originally occurred at 11:15-12:15 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2020. The two-day conference hosted by The Gazette brings together policy makers, experts and community members passionate about the state's future. For more replays, visit

iowaideas.com.