In a powerful, new Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast episode, I sat down with Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco and Dr. Marc Levitan from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to discuss the importance of wind science and building resilience.
From personal stories that led them into the field of wind science to the cutting-edge research shaping the future of safe building design, our conversation touched on why this work is more important than ever. We discussed how tornado and hurricane events differ, the structural vulnerabilities too many homes still face, and the critical role building codes and community awareness play in saving lives.
We explore the foundational elements of tornado-resilient construction, highlighting the essential knowledge, materials, and design strategies that can make all the difference when severe weather strikes.
And we provide practical steps that homeowners can take right now to better protect their homes, families, and investments from high-wind events. The truth is, resilience doesn’t just happen; it’s built, one decision at a time.
Episode Highlights
- 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)
- Evaluating Garage Door Performance through rating (30:15)
- Building Codes and Community Involvement (30:53)
Resources
- Tornado-Strong.org
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Understanding Building Codes and Standards
- Disaster and Failure Studies Program
- New Tornado Resistant Building Codes
- FEMA/NIST Fact Sheet – Improving Windstorm and Tornado Resilience: Recommendations for One- and Two-Family Residential Structures
- New Strong Homes Scale – InspectToProtect.org
- The Enhanced Fujita Scale
- Checklist – Strengthen Your Garage Door
- Checklist – Strengthen Your Roof
- Checklist – Strengthen Your Gutters
- Checklist – Sealed Roof Decks
Connect
Stay prepared, stay informed, and contact us at info@flash.org if you’d like to suggest future topics we can explore together. 🎧 Tune in to Strong Homes, Safe Families! wherever you get your podcasts.