July 8, 2026 4:00 pm Eastern Time - The Trigger Point: Recognizing Emergencies and Activating Incident Command

Every organization approaches emergency planning and response differently, but all organizations face the same critical first step: determining when an incident becomes an emergency and how the response should be organized. Without a shared definition of what constitutes an emergency and how to activate an emergency response, teams may delay escalation, activate the wrong resources, or struggle to coordinate decisions when conditions are changing quickly.

This webinar will help participants identify practical triggers for activating incident command and develop a response structure that aligns with day-to-day operations. Through real-time anonymous polling, attendees will compare approaches to support common decision points. A key learning point of the session will be how to build a response framework that is scalable, understandable, and usable during actual events. Participants will leave with practical considerations they can apply to strengthen emergency planning. These considerations can also improve internal communication and support faster, more coordinated response decisions.

SPEAKER
David Bernstein, MPA, CBCP, CEM, CHEP, CHPCP
Client Account Manager
Weston Solutions

David Bernstein has over 15 years of experience in emergency response, emergency management, and business continuity and resilience planning. He has supported clients in developing and overseeing enterprise resilience strategies with local and global footprints. In addition to strategic program development, David has also developed facility recovery plans and acted as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support COVID-19 safety and recovery efforts. Prior to being a consultant, he was an Emergency Manager in healthcare, leading initiatives spanning individual hospitals to multi-facility health networks. David has also acted as a strategic advisor on multi-agency initiatives at the local and regional level, including coalitions and consortiums ranging in size and scope.

David holds internationally recognized credentials in Emergency Management and Business Continuity and brings significant experience in leading teams to develop corporate emergency response and business continuity programs, often from a ground zero start point.