Volume 24 | April 14, 2021 |
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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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2021 National Weatherperson of the Year |
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On February 5, FLASH named ABC's Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee as the 2021 National Weatherperson of the Year. Her nomination received national support from viewers and her community of peers.
"I have known Ginger since she interned with me in the summer of 2000 while she was a meteorology student at Valparaiso University," said James Spann, Chief Meteorologist at ABC 33/40 – Birmingham, AL and 2019 National Weatherperson of the Year. "Her heart is in getting people across the country prepared for extreme weather, and there is no doubt that her work saves lives. I can think of no better person for the National Weatherperson of the Year."
FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson and James surprised Ginger with the award during an ABC meteorology team Zoom call. "It is with great honor that we recognize Ginger for her unconditional and longstanding dedication to using the science of meteorology to educate, save lives, and protect property during ordinary and catastrophic weather conditions alike," said Leslie. Watch the Zoom video here.
"Thank you for this award and to all the other nominees; they're all wonderful meteorologists. I can't do this without my team, and I would not be here if it weren't for James Spann," said Ginger Zee. "Hearing that James nominated me means the world to me."
The National Weatherperson of the Year is an annual honor that recognizes an outstanding weatherperson for leadership in promoting disaster safety and resilience. The 2021 finalists included Kenneth Graham, Director - National Hurricane Center; Andy Green, CEO - MyRadar; and Rob Perillo, Chief Meteorologist - KATC, Lafayette, LA.
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FLASH and NAIC Present Virtual Meeting |
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On March 17, Dr. Jeff Czajkowski, Director, Center for Insurance Policy & Research – National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson kicked off the Building Codes, Mitigation, and Resilience Funding webinar. The three-day virtual workshop featured expert presenters from FEMA, International Code Council, Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, ISO/Verisk, NAIC, and multiple state insurance departments.
Angela Gladwell, Director, Hazard Mitigation Assistance - FEMA, provided a keynote presentation on how state leaders can leverage federal resources to support building codes and mitigation. She highlighted the Utah unreinforced masonry "Fix the Bricks" case study as an example of how to bring federal dollars in to support state and local leadership.
The workshop highlighted how strong building codes support consumer safety and the built environment, and the affordability and availability of insurance. We want to thank NAIC, CIPR, and the commissioners for this invaluable collaborative opportunity.
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New Initiative Previewed During
National Tropical Weather Conference
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On April 8, Leslie Chapman-Henderson joined 2016 National Weatherperson of the Year and Chief Meteorologist, KABB FOX 29 News - Alex Garcia, former director of the National Hurricane Center - Bill Read, and Chief Meteorologist, KRGV-TV Rio Grande Valley - Tim Smith during the virtual National Tropical Weather Conference.
Leslie previewed the new #TornadoStrong safety initiative and highlighted Is America Tornado Strong? consumer survey results for the audience of broadcast meteorologists. The survey sampled 500 respondents in Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
If you are interested in learning more about the survey or upcoming campaign, contact zoe@flash.org.
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The FLASH Board of Directors elected two new professionals to the roster during the Tuesday, February 9 meeting.
Mike Coyne, Deputy Regional Director, Southern Region for the National Weather Service (NWS), will serve as a non-voting advisor and replaces the longstanding advisor and partner, Steven Cooper. Mike began working with the NWS in 2005. He has since served many different roles, including Meteorologist in Charge, Deputy Director for Performance and Resources, and Deputy Regional Director. He received his M.S. in Meteorology from Texas A&M University.
Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA), will serve as a director. Tim began his career as Vice President of Operations at Robico Shutters, Inc. before becoming the V.P. of Operations of Atrium Windows & Doors. Since 2010, he co-owns and operates Global Protection Products, which supplies hurricane protection products nationally.
"We are excited to welcome Mike and Tim to our leadership team," said Leslie Chapman-Henderson. "Their broad-based experience, expertise, and high level of dedication are invaluable to the cause of resilience. We appreciate their willingness to serve."
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NDRC Call for Presentations Deadline Extended |
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FLASH is seeking presenter abstracts for its premier conference, the National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC21). The NDRC21 will take place in Clearwater Beach, FL, from Wednesday, December 1 to Friday, December 3. The abstract submission deadline is now Friday, April 30.
NDRC21 will bring together the nation's foremost voices in the disaster safety and resilience movement to share best practices, inspire, and collaborate. Attendees will include leaders, professionals, and practitioners from a cross-section of private, public, and nonprofit organizations who share the mission of strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disasters of all kinds.
The committee is seeking individual presenter or full panel submissions with a focus on:
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Science and Engineering – to support preparedness, response, recovery, or mitigation.
- Policy – to advance resilience through strong modern building codes, smart finance, marketplace incentive programs, tax benefits, or innovation.
- Practice – to bring together advocates, building and fire code officials, communicators, emergency managers, engineers, futurists, insurance professionals, journalists, leaders, merchants, meteorologists, product manufacturers, public officials, researchers, scientists, and more.
Your submission should include responses to the following questions:
- How does your proposed topic and area of expertise advance the cause of safer families and stronger homes?
- What do you believe is the greatest challenge in improving disaster resiliency, and how does your work help overcome it?
- How can NDRC21 attendees and the disaster safety and resilience stakeholder community engage in and/or benefit from your work to advance resilience?
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Partners Kick-Off the Resilience Conversation in 2021 |
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FLASH Partners sustained the resilience conversation during the first quarter through various briefings, events, and panel discussions.
On January 15, the Arkansas Governor's Earthquake Advisory Council hosted a meeting with public, private, and nonprofit partners on earthquake preparedness. ADEM Earthquake Program Manager Hilda Booth organized the gathering where FLASH presented the Ready Business – QuakeSmart program with a preview of the upcoming 3.0 version. The meeting represents a continued partnership with Hilda and ADEM that includes a 2019 QuakeSmart workshop in Paragould.
On February 1, Christa Lopez, Operations and Chief of Staff/Community Development and Revitalization - Texas General Land Office, moderated a panel during the virtual Preparedness Response Innovation Mitigation Recovery (PRIMR) Conference at Texas A&M University. Panelists included Kirby Goidel, Director of Public Policy Research and Communications Professor - Texas A&M University, Rev. Gregory Han, Director of Interfaith Relations & Education - Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH President and CEO, and Michelle Tubbleville, Special Projects Coordinator - Orange County Office of Emergency Management.
The dialogue focused on how risk messages resonate with different audiences, how messaging changes for various hazards, and concluded with leveraging disaster communications for change. The following day, Eric Vaughn, Executive Vice President FLASH, presented an in-depth briefing on the Building Code Research and Public Awareness Initiative No Code. No Confidence. – Inspect2Protect.org.
On February 18, Christopher B. Burke Engineering Group presented a webinar as part of their ongoing series. FLASH shared the Building Code Research and Public Awareness Initiative No Code. No Confidence. – Inspect2Protect.org. The engineering audience enjoyed the program overview, open-source components, and the new phase two enhancements. Inspect2Protect.org is funded by DHS Science & Technology Directorate, Systems Engineering and Standards Division and FEMA.
Habitat for Humanity International's Edwin Hensley and Molly Berg anchored and moderated a panel during the RESNET 2021 Virtual Conference on February 22-24. Leslie joined the lineup to discuss the Strong Homes Initiative's latest, including a status report on the builds in Florida and the many project extensions, including the cost study and training. Leslie then shared the next steps for the program and ways for virtual attendees to get involved.
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Ahead of the tornado outbreak that ravaged the Southeast on March 25 and 26, FLASH joined Mike Bettes, Alex Wilson, and Dr. Rick Knabb on The Weather Channel’s nightly show Weather Underground to talk about the new findings from the #TornadoStrong public survey, tornado safety, safe rooms, and shelters.
"The findings confirm that nearly half of the people surveyed are unaware that a properly constructed safe room that meets FEMA criteria or is tested and approved to meet the ICC 500 standard can provide near-absolute protection in a tornado up to 250-mph," stated Leslie.
The survey revealed that 44% overestimated safe room costs as well. Stay tuned for more information about the new #TornadoStrong campaign to bridge that knowledge gap.
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New Podcast: WX Apps, Space Gadgets, and Tech Talk |
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With 52 million downloads, the wildly popular MyRadar app is the leader among weather alerting apps. In this Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast listeners will hear from Mark Taylor, MyRadar's Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. Tune in to hear Mark deliver insights for weather geeks of all kinds. From the early days of polygons and maps to the state of weather tech, Mark and guest host John Zarrella cover all the bases. Don't miss this engaging conversation with two former national broadcast journalists who serve as FLASH board advisors and help advance the cause of disaster resilience.
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#HurricaneStrong and the 2020 Season feat. National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham
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The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
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Skills + Supplies Today = Safety and Survival Tomorrow feat. Sean Reilly, District Manager for Lowe's along North and South Carolina coast-between Myrtle Beach and Morehead City
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#HurricaneStrong Home Hacks that Save Time and Money feat. Bill Ferimer, Lowe's Store Manager in Wilmington, North Carolina
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Have an Insurance Checkup and Make Your Policy #HurricaneStrong feat. Amanda Chase, State Farm Insurance Agent in Winter Park, Florida
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Take Steps Today for a Smooth Hurricane Claim Process Tomorrow feat. Elizabeth Gulick, VP of Claims Operations for USAA
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Dr. Anne Cope on Science That Makes Us #HurricaneStrong feat. Anne Cope, Ph.D., PE, Chief Engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS)
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Ready, Set, ShakeOut! feat. Mark Benthien Director of Communication, Education, and Outreach at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)
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Ending the Season #HurricaneStrong, a Conversation with Dr. Rick Knabb, On-Air Hurricane Expert and Tropical Program Manager for The Weather Channel
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Building Codes Save Study with FEMA's Ed Laatsch, Director - Safety, Planning, and Building Science Division of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Management Directorate - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
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Top Ten Tips for Disaster Safety in 2021 feat. Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)
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FEMA's Amanda Siok on How Building Codes and Planning Can Create a Resilient Alaska feat. Amanda Siok, Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Program Manager (FEMA)
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WX Apps, Space Gadgets, and Tech Talk feat. Mark Taylor, – Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships - MyRadar.
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Lisa Onopa - Director, O.P. Account Management
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S.
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With 20 years of experience working with third parties in the sponsorship, tenanting, and marketing industry, Lisa Onopa is currently Director, O.P. Account Management for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Lisa and her team manage relationships with retailers and food and beverage companies that operate or will be operating a business at Disney Springs, a multi-million-dollar expansion to the former Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and education?
A: I graduated from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business with a degree in Accounting.
Q: Can you tell us how you got your start at The Walt Disney Company and about the various roles you have had there?
A: After working for Deloitte in Chicago at the start of my career, I took a role with Disney and relocated to Orlando in 1996. I've been with Disney ever since. I was fortunate that in my early roles with Disney, I supported our alliance/sponsorship organization and really found a passion for working with outside companies to form mutually beneficial alliances. When I transitioned out of accounting and took a role at Epcot, I was fortunate enough to meet Leslie and the FLASH team. From there, StormStruck was born. I worked in the sponsorship world until I transitioned to a new role supporting the opening of Disneytown at Shanghai Disneyland Resort. From there, I was asked to join the team that was managing new tenant relationships for the opening of Disney Springs here in Orlando. I've been in that role ever since, working with third-party tenants across the Walt Disney World Resort. Read More>
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How FEMA Can Help You Recover After the Winter Storm
TEXAS, USA — Texans affected by last week's freezing weather can now get help from FEMA after President Joe Biden signed a disaster declaration for the state. Here is a look at exactly how the federal government can help Texans, and how you can get started.
As a general rule, recipients must find out what their insurance company is able to cover before asking the government for assistance. A FEMA press release states that, by law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. It says If insurance does not cover all your damage, you may be eligible for federal assistance. Read More>
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Be Ready: IBHS Launches Severe Weather Preparedness Guide for Small Businesses
TAMPA, FL., Feb. 10,2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in thriving communities, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today released a new guide specifically designed to help small businesses prepare for severe weather. Thunderstorm Ready‒Business applies years of scientific research from IBHS for a step-by-step guide to aid small business and commercial building owners in better understanding their risk and actions to take in advance of spring storms.
Implementing Thunderstorm Ready‒Business can help business owners and operators reduce the impact of severe weather on critical business operations and facilities, including costly wind and water damage as well as business interruptions. Read More>
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National Weather Service Launching New Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
Right now, Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued whenever winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail 1″ in diameter or larger are expected.
The new warning criteria will identify when considerable or destructive damage is possible or expected.
Under the new system, when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued, it will specify if the threat is Radar Indicated or Spotter Observed. Read More>
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Mike Olosky Joins Simpson Strong-Tie as COO
PLEASANTON, CA. — Simpson Strong-Tie has appointed Mike Olosky to the company’s executive leadership team as chief operating officer (COO).
A senior executive with more than a decade of global management experience in Asia and Europe, Olosky was most recently president of Henkel North America and head of the company’s Industrial and Electronics division. Read More>
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State Farm Agents Hand Out Free Smoke Alarms
State Farm agents across the state of Ohio are handing out free smoke alarms to help communities prepare for the unexpected in the event of a home fire.
Among the 65 agents who delivered more than 2,800 smoke alarms to their local fire departments are Ron Rockwood of Willowick and Dan Platzar of Chester Township. The local agents presented their local fire departments with 40 smoke alarms each to donate to community members in need. Read More>
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The International Code Council Opens Registration for Virtual 2021 Committee Action Hearings
WHAT: The International Code Council will conduct the 2021 Committee Action Hearings (CAH) for Group A Codes virtually for the first time in the organization’s history. This year’s code hearings offer code officials, architects, builders, engineers, and fire and energy conservation professionals the opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group A International Codes.
WHEN: April 11—May 5, 2021
WHERE: Online. The proceedings will be live streamed at web link. Attendees will be able to soon sign up here to receive text message updates about the progress of code change hearings.
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Huber Engineered Woods Adds Vapor Permeable Tape to ZIP System
Huber Engineered Woods announced a new addition to the ZIP System line—ZIP System Vapor Permeable Tape, designed for panel seam sealing and flashing on a ZIP System wall panel assembly—at the 2021 International Builders’ Show.
The tape features a high-powered acrylic adhesive system, and it offers high permeance to fit the requirements of particular environments, including extreme climates and high-performance assemblies such as passive house or net zero. Taken together, the ZIP System panels sealed with VP tape create a weather-resistive barrier and rigid air barrier, as well as feature a higher tape perm rating than standard ZIP System flashing tape, according to the manufacturer. Read More >
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Celebrating 100 Years: Lowe's Announces "100 Hometowns," A Commitment To Give Back With 100 Community Impact Projects Nationwide
MOORESVILLE, N.C., March 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of its 100th birthday, Lowe's today announced the launch of 100 Hometowns, an initiative to complete 100 impact projects this year as part of a $10 million commitment to give back to the communities Lowe's serves.
As communities come together and regain their footing, Lowe's invites people nationwide to nominate a hometown project in need of restoration, sharing their hometown stories and helping to demonstrate the possibility all neighborhoods hold. Lowe's will award 100 grants in June to help recipients complete projects to build, repair, beautify, inspire and improve 100 communities across America. The projects are expected to be completed this year. Read More>
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PCA Releases Winter US Regional Cement Consumption Forecasts
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) Market Intelligence Group released their cement consumption and real put-in-place construction spending forecasts for the Northeast, Central, West, and Southeast United States.
The Northeast has been hit hard by COVID-19, leading to cement consumption declining by a projected 0.6% in 2020 and PCA Market Intelligence projects further decline in 2021 by nearly 1%. The Middle Atlantic was down nearly 4% in 2020, however the East North Central and New England were up 0.7% and 2.8%, respectively. Following this, PCA Market Intelligence expects cement consumption in the Northeast will decline by 0.9% in 2021. The declines are evenly spread over the three Census Divisions with the Middle Atlantic down 1%, East North Central down 0.8%, and New England down 0.8%. Read More >
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Wildfire Community Preparedness Day May 1st
Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks.
Defending the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ)
Research shows there are proven methods for preparing properties for withstanding the devastating impacts of a wildfire. This Prep Day, you have the power to protect the part of the community that means the most to you and your family by eliminating vulnerabilities in the HIZ, particularly the immediate 5-foot zone around your residence. Whether it's replacing wood chips with gravel or reimagining your entire landscape design, what you do on Saturday, May 1, really matters. Be ready to make a difference in helping to avoid loss and tragedy with information and resources from NFPA®. Read More>
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USAA Donates $350,000 to Support Families Impacted by Texas Winter Storms
SAN ANTONIO, TX Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The USAA Foundation, Inc. has announced a $350,000 commitment to help Texas residents recover from last week's historic winter storm. The severe weather further amplified needs already exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.
Aerial footage over San Antonio, Tex. during the historic February winter storm.
"Thousands of USAA members and many of our 36,000 USAA employees felt the impact of last week's storms either firsthand or through helping members impacted by the winter storms that surged across Texas," said Harriet Dominique, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Responsibility Officer at USAA. "We want to continue to support those in need, including those facing homelessness and food insecurity." Read More>
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April 11 - May 5, 2021 | Virtually
April 28, 2021 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00pm | Virtual
April 28 - 29, 2021 | Washington, D.C.
May 6, 2021 | Virtually
May 9 - 15, 2021 | Virtually
May 18 - 20, 2021 | Virtually
June 14 - 17, 2021 | New Orleans, LA
July 12 - 17, 2021 | Springfield, MO
October 20 - 23, 2021 | Denver, CO
December 1 - 3, 2021 | Clearwater Beach, FL
May 8 - 13, 2022 | West Palm Beach, FL
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© 2021 Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) | (850) 385-7233 | www.flash.org
All Rights Reserved
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