Strong Homes, Safe Families!

FLASH
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Who We Are The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH®) is the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters.

  1. 05/28/2025

    Overturning Myths and Exploring Advancements in Tornado Resilience

    In this episode, FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman Henderson discusses the importance of wind science and building resilience with Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco and Dr. Marc Levitan from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They explore personal journeys into wind science, the evolution of tornado safety design, and the differences between tornadoes and hurricanes. The conversation highlights the vulnerabilities in home structures, particularly roofs and garage doors, and emphasizes the need for updated building codes and community involvement in safety measures. Learn things you may not know with these two engaging national experts as they dispel tornado myths and share practical steps for homeowners. Discussion Topics Personal Journeys into Wind Science (1:04)Understanding Tornado Safety and Dual-Objective-Based Tornado Design Philosophy (3:53)Differences Between Tornadoes and Hurricanes (8:50)Assessing Building Performance After Wind Events (11:42)Vulnerabilities in Home Structures in Regard to High Winds (16:08)Surprising Findings in Wind Engineering (23:03)Future Directions for Garage Door Safety (27:33)Elevating Garage Door Performance through Rating (30:15)Advancing Building Codes via Community Engagement (30:53)Resources  ⁠Tornado-Strong.orgNational Institute of Standards and TechnologyUnderstanding Building Codes and StandardsDisaster and Failure Studies ProgramNew Tornado Resistant Building CodesFEMA/NIST Fact Sheet - Improving Windstorm and Tornado Resilience: Recommendations for One- and Two-Family Residential Structures⁠New Strong Homes Scale - InspectToProtect.orgThe Enhanced Fujita Scale  Checklist - Strengthen Your Garage Door  Checklist - Strengthen Your Roof  Checklist - Strengthen Your Gutters Checklist - Sealed Roof Decks Connect Dr. Tanya Brown-GiammancoLeslie Chapman-HendersonDr. Marc Levitan

    41 min

  2. 05/05/2025

    Navigating the Hurricane Season: Insights from National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan

    In this episode of Strong Home Safe Families, host LeslieChapman-Henderson speaks with Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, about the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of preparedness. They discuss the evolution of weather communication, the challenges of forecasting storm surge, and the significance of knowing evacuation zones. The conversation emphasizes the need for reliable information sources and the unpredictability of hurricanes, highlighting lessons learned from past storms like Hurricane Ian, Helene, Milton, and more. The episode concludes with a lightning round of meteorology basics, providing valuable insights for listeners, especially those new to the hurricane topic. Topics Origins - Dr. Michael Brennan's Journey in Meteorology (0:55)Evolution of Multi-platform Weather Communication (2:25)Navigating Competing Information Sources During Hurricanes (4:13)Understanding #HurricaneStrong – Start with “Know Your Zone (7:48)Challenges of Forecasting Storm Surge and messaging (11:08)Messaging for the Expected and Unexpected in Weather Events (15:54)Lessons from the Catastrophic Losses in Hurricane Helene (23:00)Lightning Round: Meteorology Basics (29:47)  Resources www.noaa.gov#HurricaneStrongKnow Your Evacuation ZoneEmergency Board UpConnect With Us Dr.Michael BrennanLeslie Chapman-Henderson

    40 min

  3. 04/15/2025

    Remember the Ember : How IBHS is Advancing Wildfire Resilience

    In this episode of the Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast, host Leslie Chapman-Henderson speaks with Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). They discuss the urgent need for wildfire preparedness, especially in light of recent devastating wildfires in California. The conversation covers the Wildfire Prepared Home program, which helps homeowners protect their family and strengthen their property against wildfires. Alister shares insights on the importance of understanding the fire triangle (fuel, heat, and oxygen), the significance of community efforts in wildfire mitigation, and the need for resilient rebuilding practices. The episode emphasizes the role of embers in wildfire spread and the necessity of a systems approach to ensure that individual efforts do not leave weak links in the chain of safety. The discussion concludes with a message of hope and the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in wildfire safety. Topics Intro/ Educational background (1:23)What is the Wildfire Prepared Home Program (4:43)California Wildfires /What recently happened in California (9:42) Understanding the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen) is crucial for wildfire safety. (13:33)The dangers of ember and the importance to the zero to five zone (16:03)How rebuilding resiliently and incorporating modern building codes for better protection. (22:45)Cost-effective measures to reduce wildfire risks. (27:57)Why your neighbor is so important when surviving wildfire (31:59) Wildfire-Resilient Neighborhood announcement (38:06)There is hope in the evolving science of wildfire safety. (41:18)Links and Resources Insurance Institute for Business & Home SafetyWildfire Prepared HomeKB Home Introduces Wildfire-Resilient Neighborhood Connect With Us  Alister Watts Leslie Chapman-Henderson Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Toll-free: 877-221-SAFE(877-221-7233) Email: info@flash.org

    44 min

  4. 09/12/2024

    Funding Resilience Upgrades with PACE: Eligibility, Guidelines, and Solutions

    In the latest episode of the Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast, host John Zarrella sits down with FLASH Partner Leah Wiggs, Vice President of Government Affairs at Renew Financial, to discuss the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. This insightful conversation provides homeowners with essential information on how to fund home-strengthening improvements through PACE. The episode covers everything from understanding the program's eligibility requirements to potential legislative changes that could affect future projects. If you’re looking to make your home more resilient, this episode is a must-listen.   Topics Introduction (1:20) What is the PACE Program and How Does it Work (2:34) Where to Find More Information and Who to Contact for Upgrades (8:19) Guidelines and Eligibility (10:38) Potential Changes Due to Laws / Best Kept Secret (11:30) PACE Helping Underserved Communities and Benefits (15:16) PACE Success Stories Since Inception (16:22) Future Potential Projects (18:42) Final Thoughts (22:02) Resources Renew Financial Pace Program   Connect With Us John Zarrella Leah Rowell Wiggs Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Toll-free:877-221-SAFE (877-221-7233) Email: info@flash.org

    24 min

  5. 03/19/2024

    #TornadoStrong 2024 – A New Twist on Tornado Safety and Prevention

    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 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

    26 min

  6. 05/24/2023

    Celebrating Building Safety Month 2023: It Starts with You!

    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)

    29 min

  7. 08/17/2022

    Hurricane Andrew: A “Boots on the Ground” Story

    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)

    49 min

  8. 08/17/2022

    Trailer - Hurricane Andrew: A “Boots on the Ground” Story

    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)

    18 sec
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Who We Are The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH®) is the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters.

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