The University of Florida ResRe Advisory Panel academic experts and leaders in government, nonprofit, and private sectors met last month to brainstorm a new mitigation project: a smart phone app for wind mitigation. The app will help homeowners reinforce their homes against high wind.

"We need to protect what we have, as the damage we often see is preventable," said University of Florida professor Dr. David Prevatt, whose years of experience studying the effects of hurricanes on residential structures brought important insights to the meeting. 

FLASH Senior Vice President of Education and Technical Programs Mike Rimoldi conducted Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) training last month at the offices of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. 

Of the 24 trainees attending, 18 prepared for a certification exam the following day and several current CFMs participated for CEUs. Individuals achieve CFM certification through the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) in conjunction with the Florida Floodplain Managers Association (FFMA).

Matt Lyttle of FEMA ICPD hosted a Facebook Live segment in New York's chilly weather this month to highlight construction of the #HurricaneStrong Home in Breezy Point, N.Y. 

Onsite participants from several key organizations contributed to the interactive session including, Mike Rimoldi, Donn Thompson representing the Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Illya Azaroff of + LAB Architects. Facebook viewers asked questions about the project and how they could make their homes #HurricaneStrong. The videos garnered more than 1,800 views to date.

 

Every year hurricanes cause hundreds of millions-sometimes billions-of dollars in damage to homes. The first line of defense is a strong, resilient roof. That is why FLASH teamed up with Partner Huber Engineered Woods  to produce the latest installment in the Protect Your Home in a FLASH video series. 

The video, hosted by former CNN Correspondent John Zarrella and produced by FLASH, explains the ZIP System ®  sheathing and tape, and the advantages of using an all-in-one, sealed roof deck system.

"It is important to share our commitment to innovation and product quality as well as how our structural products contribute to a resilient home," said FLASH President and CEO, Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "We are excited to add this segment to our Protect Your Home in a FLASH video series,"  To view the video, visit the FLASH YouTube Channel StrongHomes . 

In cold climates, homeowners often face snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice hazards. FLASH Legacy Partner State Farm Insurance Companies and The Weather Channel, which often features experts from FLASH, are teaming up to educate consumers about those dangers using Augmented Reality Video. Learn more about this initiative here.

Joe Tankersley is a professional Imagineer. His 20 years of writing and producing for The Walt Disney Company connected him with "amazingly talented and creative people" and brought him around the world on just about every kind of project Disney had to offer.

The FLASH #HurricaneStrong campaign, designed to increase public safety and reduce economic losses from hurricanes, spurred millions to take action in 2016. It will reach for new heights in 2017 with the support of  #HurricaneStrong sponsorships.

#HurricaneStrong motivates individuals and families to undertake hurricane preparedness. Signature national efforts included the White House observance of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the NOAA/National Hurricane Center Hurricane Awareness Tour (HAT), and FEMA's National Preparedness Month. Public outreach campaigns, dozens of special events and home improvement workshops in local communities reinforced the successful national campaign.

Planning is underway for 2017 FLASH National Disaster Resilience Conference (formerly the FLASH Annual Conference) scheduled for October 25 - 27 in Atlanta. The Conference will bring together leading expert voices in disaster resilience and safety . A call for presentations is coming soon and now is the time for you to join our sponsors, the International Code Council and ISO, to help underwrite the event and get your name and message in a positive light in front of hundreds of attendees as a leader in the disaster-safety and resilience movement.