Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
A crucial part of Wyoming's emergency management structure is the Wyoming All Hazards Association. From fires to blizzards, hazardous waste emergencies to civil defense, WAHA president Lenny Layman's job is to ensure the state's many local emergency officials stay coordinated and vigilant.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with Layman, who is also the Emergency Management Coordinator for Carbon County. While fire, police, and EMS are the visible frontline of any disaster, Layman reveals the critical, behind-the-scenes coordination required when multiple agencies must work as one.
Layman discusses the philosophy of "Blue Sky Planning," a term for the essential networking and strategy that occurs during calm periods to ensure safety during a storm. He breaks down the five mission areas of the National Preparedness Goals—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery—and explains why Wyoming’s unique geography requires a decentralized, relationship-based approach to safety.
In this video, you’ll learn:
👉 The difference between having a "plan" and the process of "planning."
👉 How WAHA supports Wyoming’s 23 counties and the Office of Homeland Security.
👉 What happens inside an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during a wildfire or disaster.
👉 The value of an "After Action Review" and how mistakes lead to better improvement plans.
👉 How Wyoming citizens and retirees can volunteer to support local emergency efforts.
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 - Introduction: The Difference Between Planning and a Plan
0:30 - What is the Wyoming All Hazards Association (WAHA)?
1:35 - Why We Need Coordination Behind the Scenes
2:38 - Multi-Agency Response: When Emergency Management Activates
3:42 - Blue Sky Planning: Building Relationships Before Crisis
5:46 - Reporting Structure: The 23 Counties and the Governor
7:45 - The Importance of Local Relationships and Influence
9:09 - Supporting the Incident Command System (ICS)
10:20 - After Action Reviews and the Improvement Plan (AAR/IP)
12:15 - Turning Adversity into Seeds of Benefit
13:16 - The 5 Mission Areas of National Preparedness
14:30 - The POETE Process: Planning, Equipping, and Training
16:00 - The Calling: What Draws Someone to Emergency Management?
18:44 - The Invisible Workforce: Supporting the Frontline Stars
20:53 - Essential Tools: Sit Reps and Resource Requests
22:40 - The Challenges of Virtual Meetings in Emergency Planning
23:53 - How Wyoming Residents Can Get Involved and Volunteer
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
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A crucial part of Wyoming's emergency management structure is the Wyoming All Hazards Association. From fires to blizzards, hazardous waste emergencies to civil defense, WAHA president Lenny Layman's job is to ensure the state's many local emergency officials stay coordinated and vigilant.
In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with Layman, who is also the Emergency Management Coordinator for Carbon County. While fire, police, and EMS are the visible frontline of any disaster, Layman reveals the critical, behind-the-scenes coordination required when multiple agencies must work as one.
Layman discusses the philosophy of "Blue Sky Planning," a term for the essential networking and strategy that occurs during calm periods to ensure safety during a storm. He breaks down the five mission areas of the National Preparedness Goals—Prevention, Protection, Mitigation, Response, and Recovery—and explains why Wyoming’s unique geography requires a decentralized, relationship-based approach to safety.
In this video, you’ll learn:
👉 The difference between having a "plan" and the process of "planning."
👉 How WAHA supports Wyoming’s 23 counties and the Office of Homeland Security.
👉 What happens inside an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during a wildfire or disaster.
👉 The value of an "After Action Review" and how mistakes lead to better improvement plans.
👉 How Wyoming citizens and retirees can volunteer to support local emergency efforts.
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 - Introduction: The Difference Between Planning and a Plan
0:30 - What is the Wyoming All Hazards Association (WAHA)?
1:35 - Why We Need Coordination Behind the Scenes
2:38 - Multi-Agency Response: When Emergency Management Activates
3:42 - Blue Sky Planning: Building Relationships Before Crisis
5:46 - Reporting Structure: The 23 Counties and the Governor
7:45 - The Importance of Local Relationships and Influence
9:09 - Supporting the Incident Command System (ICS)
10:20 - After Action Reviews and the Improvement Plan (AAR/IP)
12:15 - Turning Adversity into Seeds of Benefit
13:16 - The 5 Mission Areas of National Preparedness
14:30 - The POETE Process: Planning, Equipping, and Training
16:00 - The Calling: What Draws Someone to Emergency Management?
18:44 - The Invisible Workforce: Supporting the Frontline Stars
20:53 - Essential Tools: Sit Reps and Resource Requests
22:40 - The Challenges of Virtual Meetings in Emergency Planning
23:53 - How Wyoming Residents Can Get Involved and Volunteer
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
