This month, I had the pleasure of hosting a Building Safety Month podcast with two special guests from our Founding and Legacy Partner agency, FEMA. You will enjoy hearing from Joseph Chappell, Outreach & Communication, Building Science Branch, and Dr. Pataya Scott, Civil Engineer, Earthquake and Wind Programs Branch, as we get to know them and explore building safety.
This podcast, in honor of 2023 Building Safety Month, offers a discussion of codes (of course), the international campaign celebrated each May, the role of emergency managers, advances in tornado safety, and a bit of history too.
I hope you enjoy this episode that you can access by clicking here. Don’t forget to send us your ideas for future interviews, and Happy Building Safety Month.
Thirty years ago this week, I was busy planning to travel as part of an insurance catastrophe response team. We were trained and ready to go, but I never expected my deployment to become an 18-month assignment to South Florida.
I wasn’t alone. Few were truly ready for the enormity of Hurricane Andrew and the Category Five winds that caused total devastation to nearly 50,000 homes and damage to 108,000 more. The deadly storm disrupted and redirected life for so many. For my part, it forever established my passion for helping people survive and become resilient in the face of disasters by building our homes right the first time.
Please join me and John Zarrella, former CNN correspondent, as we reflect on Hurricane Andrew that struck on August 24, 1992. It’s been thirty years. What was it like on the ground? What has changed? Are we stronger today? What is the unfinished business of our movement?
Thirty years ago, Andrew roared ashore after decades of low hurricane activity leaving South Florida residents unprepared and in shock as they coped with the devastating effects. The storm killed and injured many and caused damage to thousands of homes and businesses. Hurricane Andrew revealed weaknesses in critical community functions and inspired modernization of how we prepare for and respond to disasters from nearly all aspects, including communications, emergency management, insurance, telecommunications, utility provision, weather forecasting technology, and more.
One of the most significant impacts is how it caused us to rethink how we build our homes in the face of hurricanes. Today, we emphasize better building codes with standards derived from enhanced engineering research. We strive for more consistent code enforcement. These two goals caused the genesis of our organization, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH), with the mission of strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disasters of all kinds.
Much has changed and improved in the last 30 years, especially technology and tools, but critical work remains. Enjoy this discussion with two veterans of one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history and learn how you can join us to ensure we’re ready for the inevitable storms ahead.
Topics Include:
John’s background in news and personal Hurricane Andrew experience as a lifelong resident of Miami (2:39)
Leslie’s role and Hurricane Andrew experience as part of the insurance industry catastrophe response (6:07)
Theater of Operations – Conditions on the Ground (7:23)
Reporting Challenges: difficulties delivering coverage from the field (7:47)
Adjusting Thousands of Insurance Claims: what’s different today (12:24)
Lessons Learned: emergency management system (25:45)
FLASH Creation: building code advocates (30:06)
Communication Technology: then and now, barriers and solutions (32:43)
Track Forecasting: the ability to know what to expect (35:24)
What is the “Unfinished” Business of the Disaster Safety Movement (37:25)
Lessons learned post-disaster (38:00)
Building codes (38:14)
Public acceptance (40:37)
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
How do building codes affect disaster safety and resilience? Can we affordably build structures that withstand the test of time? Everyone deserves a safe place to live, so how do building codes help achieve that goal?
John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist – FEMA
Please join me and my guest John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist at Founding and Legacy Partner FEMA, as we tackle these questions and more. John’s passion for strong building codes and his long-time service make for an engaging conversation.
Listen to the Building Codes, Strong Roots for Resilience podcast episode here.
Topics Include:
John’s educational and professional background (00:52)
Building Science Guidance: Stronger codes and standards (10:11)
Five Reasons: Why building codes are important (10:53)
How can stakeholders get consumers to support building codes? (13:17)
Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Program (20:22)
The Recipe Book: Consensus standards inform key design considerations (22:50)
Innovation: How can we expedite building code improvements? (24:03)
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
With more than $40 billion in insured losses due to wildfire in just the past three years, understanding wildfire threats to homes and families is vital. This episode offers an in-depth conversation about the continuing toll of wildfire losses across the United States, making it clear that there is STILL more to do. You can do your part by participating in the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, this Saturday, May 1.
Thanks to the generous support from National Wildfire Preparedness Day sponsor State Farm, 150 communities received project funding awards to support activities aimed at reducing potential loss of life, property, and natural resources to wildfire.
Michele Steinberg
Please join me and my guest Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). We discuss the new Outthink Wildfire Initiative, wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and the importance of wildfire prevention.
Topics:
Vis-a-vis Nature: How and where to build before paying for development and disasters (3:20)
Firewise: Dependent on Forest Service grants, now partners for preparedness campaign (5:20)
Typical Wildfires: What does and doesn’t make wildfire a risk? (7:09)
Embers Ignite: Dry leaves that accumulate and pile up in corners and gutters do damage (9:10)
Wildfire Mitigation: Protect your home before because nobody will be there with a hose (10:50)
Effective Measures: Make sure home envelope and exterior is ignition resistant (12:25)
What’s fuel?: Pine needles, leaves, trees, and homes – no fuel means no fire (16:46)
First Saturday in May: Wildfire Community Prep Day to spread awareness, reduce risk (22:46)
Outthink Wildfire Initiative: Wildfires are going to happen and will not be extinguished (24:51)
Mitigate Risk/Retrofit: Use and enforce sensible building codes and land use standards (29:37)
House/Structure Fire vs. Wildfire: 37% of fire responders are trained, only ⅔ have PPE (34:17)
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
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)
This episode offers a dive into Alaska’s earthquake history, building code progress, resilience strategies, and much more with self-described rock nerd, Amanda Siok. Amanda is the Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Program Manager for FEMA Region X in Seattle. Her perspectives on disaster safety through strong buildings and best practices offer a fresh take on our shared goals to create disaster-resilient communities.
Topics Include:
About Amanda (00:35)
Geology: Science behind what creates and collapses beautiful areas and structures (1:31)
Natural Hazards: Work with communities, tribes, and governments to understand vulnerability (3:10)
Conditions: Logistical access issues in Alaska make it challenging to adapt, meet needs (4:53)
Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes: Natural disasters/hazards shaped Alaska’s history (8:10)
1964 vs. 2018 Alaskan Earthquakes: Differences in magnitude, duration, and destruction (9:49)
Building Codes: Recipe for resilient construction, visual evidence to build it right the first time (13:30)
BRIC: FEMA encourages jurisdictions to adopt, implement, and enforce building codes (17:42)
Public/Private Partnerships: Communities come together to advance disaster resilience (22:06)
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
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)
For our latest podcast, we turned the tables. John Zarrella, JZ Media, former CNN Correspondent, and one of our valued board advisors hosted me to talk about our top ten affordable, simple, do-it-yourself (DIY) ways to strengthen your home as the new year begins. I hope you find these useful and be on the lookout as John will be back with us to guest host again soon.
Topics Include:
About Leslie (1:53)
Know your risk (usually flooding) by identifying disaster history in your community (8:24)
Earthquake: Fire following shaking, turn on/off gas valve by buying affordable wrench(9:45)
Wildfire: Create defensible space around your home by clearing out/getting rid of debris (25:06)
Wildfire/Flood: Clean gutters to move water using safe, easy to use, affordable tools (28:44)
Fire: Create, document, digitally store, and update home inventory to file an insurance claim (31:05)
Blizzard: Use inexpensive foam, dome, and drip insulation to prevent pipes from freezing (29:23)
Building Code Data: Identify building codes to know how your home will perform in perils (34:26)
I hope you enjoy this podcast episode and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
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)
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.
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:
The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is over today, and what a season it was. The record-setting, six-month period delivered 30 named storms, topping the previous 2005 record of 28.
Dr. Rick Knabb
It is only fitting that my guest this week for Strong Homes, Safe Families! is Dr. Rick Knabb, the On-Air Hurricane Expert and Tropical Program Manager for The Weather Channel, one of our longtime resilience champions, and 2017 National Weatherperson of the Year.
Our interview features the National Hurricane Resilience Initiative – #HurricaneStrong, including how his passion helped inspire the effort and how he teamed up with FLASH to co-create it.
We cover a range of topics, including do’s and don’ts, when it comes to hurricane safety, resilience, building codes, and plans for the future of hurricane season public outreach. Dr. Rick Knabb’s contributions to the cause of hurricane resilience are immeasurable. When you listen to this podcast, you will experience the authentic passion he brings to our cause.
Catching the Hurricane Bug: Rick’s passion for the weather – a combination of scientific interest and rational fear (1:16)
Live and Learn: Do’s and don’ts before, during, and after hurricanes (1:40)
Real-World Resilience: Never enough to talk about the weather; we have to do something (3:45)
The Five Pillars of #HurricaneStrong: Personal Safety, Family Preparedness, Financial Security, Damage Prevention, and Community Service (7:06)
Life Essentials: First Aid kits, water, non-perishable foods, and medications (10:38)
Reality Check: The limitations of government assistance make a case for adequate homeowner’s and flood coverage (13:29)
BuildingCodes: Beyond aesthetics, what’s behind the walls of your business and home? (14:47)
Community Connection: The most rewarding part of #HurricaneStrong is helping those less fortunate before, during, and after storms (20:13)
The #HurricaneStrong Pose: Messaging must be educational, entertaining, and engaging for kids, too (25:11)
What’s the future of #HurricaneStrong? (29:48)
Click here to listen to this week’s Strong Homes, Safe Families!podcast episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
Have you ever heard that closing your doors can limit damage in a windstorm? Do you know how many bathtubs worth of wind-driven water comes through an unprotected roof? Can you explain why something as innocuous as a soffit is relevant to the fate of your home? And, by the way, what exactly is a soffit?
If you want answers to these questions and more, this is the podcast for you.
Dr. Anne Cope, Chief Engineer, IBHS
My guest this week for Strong Homes, Safe Families! is Anne Cope, Ph.D., PE, Chief Engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Anne is a member of the FLASH Technical Advisory Council, fellow UF Gator, and a great friend. We cover a lot of topics in this recording from science to policy and policy to practice, and I am sure you will find her engaging style not only enjoyable but insightful too.
This information is part of our effort to demystify the basics of a #HurricaneStrong home, so you and your family are ready when the next threat comes. Check out some topic highlights and timecodes below, but I recommend that you hit play, sit back, and enjoy!
How a passion for science created a professional journey. (0:54)
The importance of garage doors. (4:16)
Surprise! Research shows how shutting doors will limit damage. (5:28)
After ten years, what’s on tap at the IBHS lab? (7:41)
Ninety-percent of the time, significant house damage begins with garage door failure. (9:52)
Soffits: What do we need to know about the roof’s Achilles heel? (13:30)
Tech Tools and Toys: Practical use of drones to detect problems. (17:31)
Public Policy: Building codes, resilience, and the sealed roof deck. (19:37)
Water Intrusion: How much water can a hurricane push through your roof? Hint: we’re talking in terms of bathtubs. (20:15)
Natural Disaster Research, Reports, and Risk Communication: Find the findings and shine a light on them. (23:41)
Click here to listen to this week’s Strong Homes, Safe Families!podcast episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, share, and provide a review on iTunes. Don’t miss these helpful resources and links too:
Dr. Anne Cope – Biography (Here)
The IBHS Lab (Here)
Research on value of shutting doors (Here)
Research on garage doors (Here)
Roof Strengthening Checklist (Here)
Soffit Strengthening Checklist (Here)
Protecting Openings – Shutter Types/Cost Checklist (Here)
Just in case you missed our previous Strong Homes, Safe Families! episodes:
The Scoop on Hurricane Shutters feat. Tim Robinson, Managing Partner of Global Protection Products and President of the International Hurricane Protection Association
Are you in the dark about what your insurance policy will provide after a hurricane? Did you know that you may have coverage for food that spoils when the power fails even if your home isn’t damaged? Moreover, did you know that food spoilage coverage is often deductible-free?
Are you aware that a special, separate policy is required to cover flood? Did you know that flood policies have a 30-day waiting period? Will your coverage limits provide enough to repair and rebuild if your home is damaged?
These are the kinds of questions that you can answer during an annual insurance checkup to keep your policy current and keep you in the know before hurricanes strike.
Amanda Chase, State Farm Agent
This week’s Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast interview and checklist (click here) focus on the insurance checkup or annual review—your way to make your policy #HurricaneStrong. My expert guest for this podcast is Amanda Chase, a State Farm insurance agent in Winter Park, Florida.
Topics Include:
Financial Security: Having the resources to repair and recover from hurricanes
Insurance Checkup: Review policies, obtain advice on coverage and updates
Hurricane Deductibles: How they work, when they kick in
Understand Exclusions and Eliminate Surprises: What a policy pays for (and doesn’t)
Capitalize on Building Codes: Save money on insurance with discounts for good building practices, safety features and more
