Partners in Prevention Quarterly Enews

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.

Partners in Prevention, Quarterly Enews, Volume 24 - July 2021

The Latest From FLASH

Trio of New Resources Take Consumers on the

Road to Resilience

The FLASH Partnership introduced three new products this spring to help consumers prepare for severe weather and support public and private efforts to increase community resilience. The initiatives, #TornadoStrong, #HurricaneStrong, and No Code. No Confidence - Inspect2Protect.org, offer Do-It-Yourself information to strengthen homes against floods and high winds, life-saving tornado survival tips, and a newly enhanced tool to understand building code adoption statuses.

#TornadoStrong

According to the FLASH consumer survey topline findings report, Is America #TornadoStrong?, many Americans do not understand basic tornado safety information and essential ways to protect themselves if and when a tornado strikes.

To address this challenge, FLASH launched the new #TornadoStrong campaign and www.tornado-strong.org on April 27 as the nation commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Tuscaloosa tornado outbreak -- the day NOAA described as "the deadliest day for tornadoes in 75 years."

The campaign offers resources and information to increase tornado safety through a better understanding of warning messages, preparedness options, and safe rooms. #TornadoStrong features essential technical information as well, specifically the newly-updated FEMA P-320 and FEMA P-361 criteria.

The campaign also includes a new #TornadoStrong website that offers essential life safety information, including the Choosing the Right Safe Room for You fact sheet and a video library. The videos and fact sheet lay out the different types of safe rooms and offer shareable graphics and materials that partners can use to increase awareness about tornado safety. Social media and meteorologist toolkits provide downloadable B-roll videos, graphics, and key messages that communicate clear tornado guidance.

"I'm excited about the educational aspects of #TornadoStrong," said former National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read. "Confusion persists regarding tornado 'watch' vs. 'warning' and the difference between a safe 'space' and a safe 'room,' so it is great to get this information out to consumers."

National and local news outlets featured the #TornadoStrong campaign introduction and carried the message across broadcast and digital media.

On April 27, The Weather Channel's Weather Underground featuring Mike Bettes, On-Camera Meteorologist and Host; Dr. Rick Knabb, Hurricane Expert and Leadership Partner; and Co-Host Alex Wilson, reviewed the Is America Tornado Strong? survey results to test viewers' tornado safety knowledge.

Throughout the segment, they posed questions to the audience and discussed the affordability and efficacy of above-ground tornado shelters with the questions:

What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
What should you do when a tornado watch is issued?
How much does a tornado safe room constructed per FEMA guidance or a shelter that meets ICC standards typically cost?
Are you aware that a tornado safe room, with proper construction, can provide protection up to 250 mph?

After revealing that half of the people surveyed were not aware that a tornado safe room, with proper construction, can provide protection up to 250 mph, Mike Bettes commented, "The reality is that the most destructive tornadoes like an EF5 are not frequent. Most tornadoes are significantly weaker, and you can survive in an above-ground shelter. You do not need to be underground."

On Friday, May 21, the day before the 10^th anniversary of the Joplin tornado outbreak, Fox and Friends interviewed FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson as part of a combination Zoom/live segment that featured an Extreme Cube tornado safe room provided by Lowe's and Extreme Storm Shelters at the news station plaza in New York City. Fox Meteorologist Adam Klotz hosted the Staying Safe During the Tornado Season story that generated extensive consumer feedback reflecting that many had never heard of safe rooms before and were surprised that safe rooms are truly affordable and can cost as little as $3,000.

FLASH Partner MyRadar contributed to the success of the launch with four videos, reaching more than 243,000 views, that highlight the campaign including Weathering the Extremes | #TornadoStrong featuring FLASH Lead Engineer Dr. Daniel Smith and Leadership Partners and tornado survivors Kevin and Sarabeth Harrison.

Editors note: For more information about MyRadar and their multi-media coverage, see Top Weather App Mobilizes New FLASH Campaigns below.

FLASH would like to thank Extreme Storm Shelters, MyRadar, FLASH Legacy Partners FEMA, International Code Council, ISO/Verisk, Lowe's, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, Simpson Strong-Tie, State Farm, and USAA for making the new campaign possible.

#HurricaneStrong - Year Five

FLASH hosted a #HurricaneStrong 2021 Virtual Kickoff Event on May 6 with special guest Ken Graham, Director of the National Hurricane Center, to launch year five of the popular #HurricaneStrong campaign.

The FLASH 2021 topline #HurricaneStrong survey findings provided a discussion framework to help residents along the Atlantic, and Gulf coastlines prepare for hurricane season. More than 70 individuals, organizational representatives, and news media attended.

Ken and Leslie explored the 2021 topline findings and discussed safety, preparation, home strengthening, and insurance preparation steps. According to the survey, residents in hurricane-prone states are more likely to prepare early for storms this year compared to last year due to COVID-19. Further, after the 30 named storms in 2020, survey respondents expressed heightened interest and use of the #HurricaneStrong program of affordable, DIY, common sense ways to brace for storms.

The five-year program edition features a newly redesigned HurricaneStrong.org "prep center" with bilingual DIY checklists and information sheets. Prep center topics cover building codes, evacuation zones, home inventory, hurricane shutters, insurance check-ups, power outages, pet safety, sandbags, and tips for strengthening homes against flooding, high winds, and lightning.

"FLASH's dedication over the years, with programs like #HurricaneStrong, I hope you know it's making a difference," said National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham. "You look at the statistics, and you look at what we're doing, and you can show the charts and see that we're making a difference. It's all about saving lives, and we are doing it together."

FLASH and Legacy Partners FEMA and NOAA serve as Presenting Partners for #HurricaneStrong. GPP Enterprises, and FLASH Legacy Partners ISO/Verisk, Lowe's, Simpson Strong-Tie, and USAA serve as National Sponsors. The Weather Channel has been an abiding supporter of #HurricaneStrong since the program's inception.

No Code. No Confidence - Inspect2Protect.org Phase II Expansion Now Complete

The enhanced No Code. No Confidence. -

Inspect2Protect.org (I2P) website with new consumer-friendly guidance and features is now live and available. Initially unveiled in 2019, I2P allows consumers to identify the building codes used in their community by inputting their zip code or street address. The findings include a map with a color-coded analysis of red, yellow, green, or black. The colors indicate residential and commercial code versions based on the best available, verified national data. Findings focus on the International Residential Code (IRC) status and International Building Code (IBC) model adoptions.

In addition to the new dataset of IBC adoption statuses, the building code transparency tool now includes data reflecting historical codes, a list of declared disasters by zip code, and recommended retrofit options correlated to the code version for the home. For instance, a homeowner with a 1975 home in Florida may see seven to nine retrofit recommendations. However, a Florida homeowner with a 2010 home may see only one or two recommendations as the more modern codes incorporate post-storm findings and innovation.

Inspect2Protect.org is funded by DHS Science & Technology Directorate, Systems Engineering, and Standards Division, and FEMA.

Top Weather App Mobilizes New FLASH Campaigns

With more than 50 million app downloads and 100,000 YouTube channel subscribers, the MyRadar App commands an impressive and attentive audience. As FLASH Partners, their generous service and commitment to weather science and safety are making a difference for the disaster safety movement.

In support of the 2021 FLASH outreach campaigns #TornadoStrong and #HurricaneStrong, MyRadar produced several videos to promote and elevate resilience.

Weathering the Extremes | #TornadoStrong features FLASH Lead Engineer Dr. Daniel Smith and Leadership Partners and tornado survivors Kevin and Sarabeth Harrison, who share their story of survival during the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak. MyRadar Chief Meteorologist Leslie Hudson filmed on location at the Extreme Storm Shelters facility. This video has more than 234,000 views.

Additionally, MyRadar produced What it means to be #TornadoStrong and How to Make Your Home #TornadoStrong featuring FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson and Dr. Daniel Smith.

In Surviving the Season I Hurricane Home Preps, MyRadar meteorologist Mike Linden interviewed Leslie, who commented that getting ready for the season has never been easier. Leslie Chapman-Henderson also shared the new features of the building code lookup tool Inspect2Protect.org and took viewers through the DIY steps of strengthening your soffits.

"One of our primary missions at MyRadar is to provide timely, critical safety information to users to help them make decisions that can have life-saving implications," said Andy Green, Founder, and CEO, MyRadar. "FLASH specializes in gathering the institutional knowledge best designed to accomplish this goal - and to plan and prepare for what's to come proactively. Having data, information, and guidance backed by their dedicated professionals gives us the confidence to know that we're doing right by our users - users who rely on us every day to help get them through troubling and difficult times."

All of the MyRadar videos are available on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and the in-app video portal. Together, the FLASH campaign videos have more than 243,000 views.

From Little Embers to Big Flames - Words of Wisdom on Wildfire

With more than $40 billion in insured losses due to wildfire in the past three years, understanding wildfire threats to homes and families is vital. The newest podcast episode from FLASH offers a conversation about the growing and continuing toll of wildfire losses across the United States, making it clear that there is STILL more to do.

Leslie Chapman-Henderson and guest Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), discuss existing and new solutions to the wildfire problem, including a new NFPA policy initiative called "Outthink Wildfire." They explore a new focus on wildfire mitigation, the downside of the defensible space terminology, and the importance of wildfire prevention overall.

The podcast first aired ahead of National Wildfire Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 1, sponsored by FLASH Founding and Legacy Partner State Farm. Generous State Farm funding provided project awards to 150 communities to underwrite volunteer clean-up activities to save lives, reduce property damage, and preserve natural resources in the wake of wildfires.

The Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast is available on Apple iTunes and Google Play to stream or download. View the entire podcast library here.

Collaboration Opportunities & Upcoming Events

QuakeSmart Workshops Are Back - First Stop, Alaska.

Join the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, FLASH, and Simpson Strong-Tie for a free FEMA QuakeSmart Preparedness Workshop. QuakeSmart is designed for building officials, businesses, corporations, engineers, emergency managers, homebuilders, leaders, manufacturers, nonprofits, organizations, policymakers, public officials, risk managers, and small businesses. The Alaska workshop is now set for Wednesday, July 28, in Anchorage.

The workshop showcases proven QuakeSmart content on Staff, Space, Systems, Structure, Surroundings, and Service to help save lives, reduce financial losses, mitigate damage, and help communities recover more quickly following seismic disasters. At the workshop, attendees will learn how to:

Identify Your Risk:

Learn about business continuity, disaster response, and the cost-benefit of preparing for earthquakes and other business interruptions; and,

Develop a Plan:

Identify preparedness and mitigation actions needed to ensure safety and business continuity. Complete assessments and begin planning for retrofit projects; and,

Take Action:

Learn how to perform preparedness and mitigation activities using the QuakeSmart Program.

The Alaska workshop presenters include:

Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO - Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
Bryan J. Fisher, Director (Acting) - Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Phillip Hui, P.E., Branch Engineer - Simpson Strong-Tie
Dr. Barrett Salisbury, Neotectonic Geologist - Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
Michele Torres, Emergency Management Specialist III, Outreach Branch Chief - Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Eric Vaughn, Executive Vice President - FLASH
Jared Woody, MEP, Emergency Management Specialist III, State Exercise Office - Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The Anchorage workshop will serve as a BETA test for the new QuakeSmart 3.0 toolkit created with support from the 2021 QuakeSmart Advisory Council. The new, enhanced toolkit features expanded building code information and new seismic residential retrofit recommendations derived from Inspect2Protect.org. The new toolkit will be delivered later this fall through the new QuakeSmart virtual webinar format.

For more information about QuakeSmart, the new QuakeSmart 3.0, or to request an in-person or virtual workshop, contact info@flash.org.

Leading Organizations Join NDRC21 Lineup

The 2021 National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC21) is pleased to announce this year's theme: The People, Professionals, and Passion of our Movement. The theme is a tribute to the individuals who power the disaster safety movement whose breadth of talent, expertise, and dedication come together to make resilience happen.

The NDRC21 planning committee is proud to announce that Legacy Partner USAA is serving as the Titanium Sponsor.

Gold Sponsors include Legacy Partner International Code Council and new sponsor, Renew Financial. Legacy Partners ISO/Verisk and Simpson Strong-Tie will serve at the Silver Sponsor level, and Floodproofing.com and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety have signed on as Bronze Sponsors.

"We are humbled and delighted by the support of these leading companies and organizations who represent longstanding and new partners alike," said FLASH President & CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "The NDRC is successful thanks to their enduring support and commitment."

NDRC21 sponsorships are available, so there is still time to join the lineup of public, private, and nonprofit leaders and support the conference. Click here to view the sponsorship prospectus or contact info@flash.org for more information.


	Elizabeth Gulick USAA VP of Claims Operations

Partner Spotlight - Elizabeth Gulick

USAA VP of Claims Operations

Q: Can you tell us about specific projects or new programs you are working on in the resilience field, including the collaborations with FLASH and how your members can benefit?

A: At USAA, we want to fulfill our member's needs and restore the lives of our military families who have served our country. Flexibility and innovative thinking are keys to resiliency. Resiliency is being able to absorb the impact of the natural disaster and get back to your life "normal" quickly. The impact on the member's life is very real, and the emotion can be difficult to navigate while simultaneously making big decisions to get their life back in order. We provide resources and services needed to assist our members following major events. We are committed to providing a full focus on the member's catastrophe experience through purposefully designing an end-to-end experience from our member's perspective. Read More >

Partner News


Illya Azaroff FAIA, AIA New York State President 2021

#HurricaneStrong Home Architect Elevated to AIA College of Fellows

The American Institute of Architects has added 102 member-architects to its 2021 College of Fellows. An honor bestowed to approximately 3% of AIA members, the FAIA credential distinguishes architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society on a national level, as determined by a Jury of Fellows. Prospective candidates hoping to earn the coveted "F" must be an AIA architect member for at least ten years and demonstrate "influence in at least one of the following areas," according to AIA's press release.

Elevated the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.
Promoted the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, or practice.
Coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA or other related professional organizations.
Advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment.

A fifth path, or "object of nomination," according to AIA's website, is "to make the profession of ever-increasing service to society." In addition to submitting exhibits and statements supporting their work in at least one of these pathways, first-time prospective applicants must have a sponsor who is an AIA or FAIA member and must submit seven reference letters. Repeat applicants are encouraged to submit additional reference letters. Read More>


	National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham presents John's award

Building Code Champion Receives Distinguished Award

Congratulations to FEMA's John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist, Building Science Branch, Risk Management Directorate - Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration, Resilience, for receiving the National Hurricane Conference Distinguished Service Award. This award is given for a sustained, significant contribution to one or more fields of hurricane-related activity or knowledge over a career and recognizes individuals whose accomplishments are of unusual merit.

"John has worked tirelessly to advance and innovate building science over the last twenty years," said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "His efforts to strengthen building codes have resulted in a stronger built environment that will protect people, property, and communities from disasters of all kinds."

Huber - Integrated Water-Resistive Barrier or Housewrap?

The abundance of building product choices available today can make it more difficult and time-consuming to choose the right system components for upcoming projects. Simply being "built-to-code" is becoming a thing of the past, with higher-quality products making a bigger entrée into more traditional spaces.

Additionally, greater emphasis is being placed on creating more efficient, more resilient, and healthier environments by architects, builders, and code regulators alike. Today's building professionals need an envelope system they can trust to perform under a variety of weather and site conditions without sacrificing their bottom line. Read More >

New, Interactive Wildfire Ready App Demonstrates Impact of

Wildfire-Resistance Actions

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) launched a new augmented reality mobile device application experience called Wildfire Ready Virtual to bring homeowners inside the risk of wildfire and demonstrate the value of wildfire mitigation actions. The free app for Apple and Android devices, launched as part of May's Wildfire Awareness Month, brings to life the critical actions needed to create a wildfire-resistant home recently called for in the Institute's Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmaps and consumer-facing Wildfire Ready guide.

Rooted in the pioneering wildfire science of IBHS, Wildfire Ready Virtual enables homeowners to see the impact of basic, do-it-yourself wildfire mitigation actions when embers shower suburban neighborhoods. The app begins with a short survey to help users understand their home's vulnerability before bringing the user into the augmented reality experience to demonstrate the importance of the 0-5-foot home ignition zone, the roof, decks, fences, and vents in reducing wildfire risks.

"While driving down the wildfire risk plaguing western communities will require collective action from individual homeowners, entire neighborhoods, and community leaders, homeowners should know simple tasks can make a substantial difference. Wildfire Ready Virtual turns top-tier science into an engaging and fun educational tool," says IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright. Read More>

Lowe's President and CEO Marvin R. Ellison Named Chairman Of Board Of Directors

Lowe's Companies, Inc announced its board of directors has elected Marvin R. Ellison, president, chief executive officer, and current director of Lowe's, to the additional role of chairman of the board, effective immediately. Ellison succeeds Richard W. Dreiling, who has shifted from the role of chairman to lead independent director.

"Marvin has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Lowe's since his appointment three years ago and has built an extremely talented team," Dreiling said. "He has been the driving force behind the company's successful transformation into a world-class, omnichannel retailer that provides outstanding customer experiences, is a great place for associates to work, and consistently delivers value for our shareholders. He also deftly guided Lowe's through the pandemic and continued to deliver for associates and our communities. The board is confident Lowe's remains well-positioned for continued success, and we look forward to working with Marvin in this expanded capacity." Read More>

EPA Honors PCA in 2021 Energy Star Awards

Thirteen of the 95 plants earning certification in the 2020 Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star manufacturing category produce portland cement: Argos USA LLC, Calera, Ala. and Harleyville, S.C.; Ash Grove Cement, Seattle; Buzzi Unicem USA, Festus, Mo. and Chattanooga, Tenn.; CalPortland Co., Rillito, Ariz.; Cemex USA, Miami; Drake Cement, Paulden, Ariz.; GCC of America, Pueblo, Colo., and Rapid City, SD; Salt River Materials Group, Clarkdale, Ariz.; and, Titan America LLC, Medley, Fla. and Troutville, Va.

"Since the 1990s, the cement industry has been a leader in addressing sustainability," notes Portland Cement Association CEO Mike Ireland. "PCA is proud to celebrate the Energy Star certification across these plants, exemplifying our members' commitment to environmental stewardship."

"These forward-looking businesses have demonstrated that economic development and job creation go hand-in-hand with environmental progress," says EPA Administrator Michael Regan. "The transition to a clean energy economy is happening now, as partnerships like Energy Star encourage companies to go the extra mile, bringing innovation, cost-savings, and pollution reductions in return."

Energy Star certifies plants achieving energy performance in the top 25 percent of their respective industries, the manufacturing category spanning cement and 19 other sectors. Certification candidates use EPA-defined performance indicators to assess how their energy use compares to facilities with similar operating characteristics. Plants with a verified energy performance score of 75 out of 100 or higher are eligible for Energy Star certification. Read More>

Civil Engineering Student Awarded Simpson Strong-Tie National Scholarship

Kela Leamy, a Civil Engineering student at Oregon Tech, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Simpson Strong-Tie Student Scholarship. These extremely competitive national scholarships are offered to students to support education and encourage the design and building of safer structures in our communities.

Kela is from Corvallis and is a junior in Oregon Tech's Civil Engineering program. In the summer of 2020, she interned with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Portland, which provides interns with meaningful training and career development opportunities. In addition to her studies, Kela is a member of the Oregon Tech Cross Country and Track Teams and serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

"I am very humbled and honored to receive this scholarship. Thank you to all my family and friends for helping me achieve my goals," said Kela. Read More>

State Farm Teams up with Bureau

of Fire Prevention

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm Agent Bob Noel are teaming up with the Bureau of Fire Prevention District #1 to support fire prevention and safety education for young children.

State Farm agents are delivering Sparky Educator kits to hundreds of fire departments and schools across the country. Each kit includes a Sparky stuffed animal, a large educator book, a lesson plan, and books to be distributed to children. The kit is designed to educate preschool through second-grade students. Topics include the importance of smoke alarms, creating a home fire escape plan, and more.

"These materials capture the attention of young audiences in a fun but educational way," said State Farm Agent Bob Noel. "Many fires are preventable, and we want to ensure our local kids know how to not only avoid starting fires but what to do in case one does happen." Read More>

Gulf County Family Gets New Roof Thanks to a Collaborative Community Effort

Residents have a new and improved place to live in Gulf County after recovery teams partnered with the county to bring shelter to those who lost their homes in Hurricane Michael.

The family who just moved into their new house after a seven-month journey say they feel grateful and blessed to have been on the receiving end of the "Ship" program.

"It's like a dream still," said new homeowner Grady McDaniel.

Since Hurricane Michael, Grady McDaniel and his family have many of their belongings in storage and lived with different family members. Read More>

USAA Opening New Office in Charlotte

USAA is opening a new office in Charlotte later this year. The financial services company, which serves the military community, entered into a lease agreement for The Square at South End located at 200 West Boulevard. This move supports USAA's efforts to attract talented audit, banking, legal, risk management, and technology professionals.

"Employers looking for a highly skilled workforce and high quality of life keep coming to North Carolina," said Governor Roy Cooper. "We pride ourselves on being the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation, and I'm proud that USAA, which has provided for military families since 1922, has decided to expand its presence in Charlotte."

The new location was selected because of the availability of highly skilled individuals in the financial services sector. Read More>