Strong Homes, Safe Families‪!‬ FLASH

The podcast episode features a conversation between host John Zarrella and Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO of the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), discussing tornado safety and recent findings from the 2024 #TornadoStrong Survey. They highlight the importance of preparedness and dispel misconceptions surrounding tornadoes, emphasizing actionable steps homeowners can take to protect themselves. The episode aims to empower listeners with practical knowledge to enhance community disaster resilience.



Topics


#TornadoStrong campaign goals (1:00)
Tornado perception history (2:57)
Public misconceptions regarding severe weather (7:00)
Safe rooms and shelters that provide near-absolute protection (11:39)
U.S. tornado activity - snapshot by county (13:55)
Using building code diagnostics to identify upgrades that can save your home (16:44)
Can a garage door save your home? (17:49)
What’s new for #TornadoStrong? (23:22)



Links and Resources


TornadoStrong.org
2024 Topline Survey Report
2024 News Release
Tornado Safe Rooms Options
Tornado Watch vs. Warning
Extreme Storm Shelters
InspectToProtect.org
Buyer’s Guide to Resilient Homes Tornado Checklist



Connect With Us


John Zarrella
Leslie Chapman-Henderson



Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Toll-free: 877-221-SAFE (877-221-7233)

Email: info@flash.org

This episode is hosted by FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson with guests Joseph Chappell, Outreach & Communication, Building Science Branch Planning, Safety & Building Science Division, Risk Management Directorate, FIMA, Resilience, FEMA and Dr. Pataya Scott, Civil Engineer, Earthquake and Wind Programs Branch, FIMA Resilience, FEMA.

In honor of 2023 Building Safety Month, they share insights, experiences, and practical tips as they provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the international campaign celebrated each May to raise awareness about building codes, building safety, and more.

 

Topics Include:

● Guest introductions

o  Dr. PatayaScott (0:29 - 1:35)

o  Joseph Chappell (1:55 - 2:52)

● What is Building Safety Month and why it is important to the homeowner, renter, and consumer? (3:19 - 6:17)

● What are building codes, and how do they protect people? (6:51 - 8:12)

● Building beyond the minimum code (8:14 - 8:47)

● Building code standards (8:51 - 11:06)

● How emergency management ties into the advancement of building codes (11:15 - 14:06)

● FEMA Building Codes Strategy (15:11 - 17:38)

● Tornado safety: shelters and saferooms (17:46 - 21:05)

● Difference between a tornado shelter and tornado saferoom (21:08 - 25:19)

● Building Safety Month wish (25:20 - 27:37  



Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: info@flash.org

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

In this episode, host Leslie Chapman Henderson, President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and guest John Zarrella, President of JZ Media and former CNN correspondent, revisit their experiences before, during, and after Category Five Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida on August 24, 1992.



Andrew roared ashore after decades of low hurricane activity leaving South Florida residents unprepared and in shock as they coped with the devastating effects. The storm killed and injured many and caused damage to thousands of homes and businesses. Hurricane Andrew revealed weaknesses in critical community functions and inspired modernization of how we prepare for and respond to disasters from nearly all aspects, including communications, emergency management, insurance, telecommunications, utility provision, weather forecasting technology, and more



One of the most significant impacts is how it caused us to rethink how we build our homes in the face of hurricanes. Today, we emphasize better building codes with standards derived from enhanced engineering research. We strive for more consistent code enforcement. These two goals caused the genesis of our organization, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH), with the mission of strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disasters of all kinds.



Much has changed and improved in the last 30 years, especially technology and tools, but critical work remains. Enjoy this discussion with two veterans of one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history and learn how you can join us to ensure we’re ready for the inevitable storms ahead.



Topics

● John’s Background In News And Personal Hurricane Andrew Experience As A Lifelong Resident Of Miami (2:39)

● Leslie’s Role And Hurricane Andrew Experience As Part Of The Insurance Industry Catastrophe Response (6:07)

● Theater Of Operations – Conditions On The Ground (7:23)

● Reporting Challenges: Difficulties Delivering Coverage From The Field (7:47)

● Adjusting Thousands Of Insurance Claims: What’s Different Today? (12:24)

● Lessons Learned: Emergency Management System (25:45)

● Flash Creation: Building Code Advocates (30:06)

● Communication Technology: Then And Now, Barriers And Solutions? (32:43)

● Track Forecasting: The Ability To Know What To Expect (35:24)

● What Is The “unfinished” Business Of The Disaster Safety Movement? (37:25)

● Lessons Learned Post-disaster (38:00)

● Building Codes (38:14)

● Public Acceptance (40:37)



Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: info@flash.org

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

In this episode, host Leslie Chapman Henderson, President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and guest John Zarrella, President of JZ Media and former CNN correspondent, revisit their experiences before, during, and after Category Five Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida on August 24, 1992.



Andrew roared ashore after decades of low hurricane activity leaving South Florida residents unprepared and in shock as they coped with the devastating effects. The storm killed and injured many and caused damage to thousands of homes and businesses. Hurricane Andrew revealed weaknesses in critical community functions and inspired modernization of how we prepare for and respond to disasters from nearly all aspects, including communications, emergency management, insurance, telecommunications, utility provision, weather forecasting technology, and more



One of the most significant impacts is how it caused us to rethink how we build our homes in the face of hurricanes. Today, we emphasize better building codes with standards derived from enhanced engineering research. We strive for more consistent code enforcement. These two goals caused the genesis of our organization, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH), with the mission of strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disasters of all kinds.



Much has changed and improved in the last 30 years, especially technology and tools, but critical work remains. Enjoy this discussion with two veterans of one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history and learn how you can join us to ensure we’re ready for the inevitable storms ahead.





Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: info@flash.org

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

How do building codes affect disaster safety and resilience? Can we affordably build structures that withstand the test of time? Everyone deserves a safe place to live, so how do building codes help achieve that goal?



In this episode, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist at Founding and Legacy Partner FEMA, tackle these questions and more.



John's passion for strong building codes and his long-time service make for an engaging conversation.



Topics Include:

● John’s educational and professional background (00:52)

● Building Science Guidance: Stronger codes and standards (10:11)

● Five Reasons: Why building codes are important (10:53)

● How can stakeholders get consumers to support building codes? (13:17)

● Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Program (20:22)

● The Recipe Book: Consensus standards inform key design considerations (22:50)

● Innovation: How can we expedite building code improvements? (24:03)

● FEMA’s Building Codes Strategy (32:18)



Editors Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the landmark National Initiative to Advance Building Codes announcement.



Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: info@flash.org

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

How do building codes affect disaster safety and resilience? Can we affordably build structures that withstand the test of time? Everyone deserves a safe place to live, so how do building codes help achieve that goal?



In this episode, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist at Founding and Legacy Partner FEMA, tackle these questions and more.



John's passion for strong building codes and his long-time service make for an engaging conversation.



Editors Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the landmark National Initiative to Advance Building Codes announcement.



Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: info@flash.org

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)