December 18, 2020

New Podcast: Building Codes Save Study with FEMA’s Ed Laatsch

We often say that building codes are the foundation for resilience, and today’s new podcast reinforces that message.

This week’s Strong Homes, Safe Families! guest is Edward (Ed) M. Laatsch, Director – Safety, Planning, and Building Science Division of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Management Directorate – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Ed Laatsch, FEMA

Ed is a FLASH Founding and Legacy Partner, one of the nation’s leading experts on building science, and a true champion for resilience.

During this interview, we talk about the who, what, when, and why of the brand new Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study of Loss Prevention.

Topics Include:

  • Ed’s Background (1:02)
  • Mission: Support and develop disaster-resistant building codes to make the world safer (3:40)
  • The Study: Topline Description (5:26)
  • Flood, Wind, and Earthquake Perils: Adopt and enforce building codes across the nation (5:58)
  • Improved Building Codes: Benefits of Adoption and Enforcement (6:24)
  • At-Risk Areas: By avoiding losses with improved building codes, what has been gained? (6:49)
  • Community Case Studies: 18-million parcels viewed to mitigate disaster threats (7:11)
  • Resource Challenges: Building codes developed/regulated at the state, not federal level (9:23)
  • Prioritize: Before disaster strikes, make difficult decisions (10:59)
  • Underserved Communities: Disproportionate harm, disadvantaged ln high-risk areas (13:14)
  • Barriers: Building, repair, and costs to comply with improved building codes (15:23)
  • Storytelling: Make people aware of building codes, encourage others to take action (19:59)

I hope you enjoy this podcast episode, bonus content, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:

Just in case you missed our previous Strong Homes, Safe Families! episodes:

  1. #HurricaneStrong and the 2020 Season feat. National Hurricane Center Director Ken Graham
  2. The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
  3. 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
  4. #HurricaneStrong Home Hacks that Save Time and Money feat. Bill Ferimer, Lowe’s Store Manager in Wilmington, North Carolina
  5. Have an Insurance Checkup and Make Your Policy #HurricaneStrong feat. Amanda Chase, State Farm Insurance Agent in Winter Park, Florida
  6. Take Steps Today for a Smooth Hurricane Claim Process Tomorrow feat. Elizabeth Gulick, VP of Claims Operations for USAA
  7. 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)
  8. Ready, Set, ShakeOut! Feat. Mark Benthien, Director of Communication, Education, and Outreach at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)
  9. 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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