Built on credentials, experience, and an unwavering commitment to being there first when lives are on the line.
Michael DeLange is a Nebraska native who has been chasing severe weather for over three decades. Unlike hobbyist chasers, Michael combines deep ground-truth storm expertise with professional EMT certification — a rare combination that became the foundation for First Up Foundation.
Having witnessed firsthand the chaos following tornado strikes — severed roads, communication blackouts, isolated families waiting hours for help — Michael recognized a gap that traditional emergency services structurally cannot fill: the first 60 minutes.
"I've watched too many storms tear through small towns and seen the same thing every time — people who needed help in the first hour, waiting three or four. First Up exists to change that math."
— Michael DeLange, FounderAn independent board with deep expertise across emergency medicine, disaster management, and financial governance ensures First Up operates with integrity and mission focus.
A practicing emergency room physician who volunteers as our Medical Director, reviewing and approving all field triage protocols, equipment lists, and medical training curricula to ensure responder and patient safety.
Emergency Medicine Triage Protocols Medical AdvisoryWith a career in county-level emergency management, our Operations Director advises on agency coordination protocols, ICS compliance, and integration with state and federal disaster response frameworks.
ICS Certified FEMA Liaison EOC CoordinationA professional accountant overseeing our financial controls, grant reporting, and 501(c)(3) compliance — ensuring every dollar is documented and auditable against FEMA and IRS standards.
CPA Grant Compliance 501(c)(3) AuditServing as Board Secretary, Kera manages organizational records, meeting minutes, correspondence, and ensures the Foundation maintains its legal standing under Nebraska nonprofit law.
Governance Board Records Legal ComplianceBeyond the board, First Up's power comes from a growing network of credentialed volunteers who share one goal: be there first.
Credentialed emergency medical technicians providing triage and on-scene patient stabilization.
Experienced weather observers who position teams ahead of storms and provide real-time ground truth.
Licensed amateur radio operators who restore communication when cell towers and infrastructure fail.
Logistics, supply distribution, and psychological first aid volunteers who support the field response.
Have skills that could help? We are actively recruiting credentialed volunteers across Tornado Alley.
We especially need: EMTs, HAM radio operators, storm spotters, and support volunteers.