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)
With 52 million downloads, the wildly popular MyRadar app is a weather alerting leader, and this podcast with MyRadar’s Mark Taylor delivers 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.
Topics Include:
Weather Media and Technology: Passion and interest in weather—it’s no joke (0:44)
Weather and Space Gadgets: Marriage of technology to get the forecast right (2:26)
Weather Resources: Evolution of data, information, and satellites (2:47)
Innovation and Accomplishments: Take vision and turn it into a real product (3:10)
2006: Built first interactive weather map with real-time data and hurricane tracker
2010: Added precise polygon alerts and warnings using GPS and smartphones
FLASH: Fueled passion for resilience and willingness to volunteer with dedicated focus (5:07)
MyRadar: Powerful, accurate radar/weather prediction app w/over 52-million downloads (6:21)
Vision: Weather has an impact, add radar for tracking to make it better (7:01)
Mission: Provide information that matters to you where you are in a timely manner (7:36)
Features: Focus on more than the weather—alerts, temperatures, forecasts, and videos (8:41)
Educational Platform: What’s the difference between a watch and warning? (10:22)
Big Data: Too much information, voices, mixed messages, and trusted sources (11:46)
New Tech Investments: Sophisticated satellites, nowcasting, and road weather (15:53)
2021 Goals: Continue to evolve the application, company, and platform (19:46)
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
When there’s a fire, you likely know to Stop, Drop, and Roll, but do you know how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On when an earthquake occurs? Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes do not have seasons. They can strike without warning, so it is essential to know how to protect yourself, your family, and your employees. That’s where the Great ShakeOut comes in.
Mark Benthien, SCEC
This week’s Strong Homes, Safe Families! guest is Mark Benthien, Director of Communication, Education, and Outreach at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and global ShakeOut advisor. Mark shares the straight story on how to prepare for earthquakes, how to reduce losses, and how to host or participate in a ShakeOut Earthquake Drill.
Topics Include:
Educational Background: Passion for helping the public prepare for an earthquake (0:52 – 3:18)
SCEC Outreach: Public programs and internship opportunities for the next generation (3:21 – 4:31)
History: The Earthquake Country Alliance and collaboration (4:31 – 6:32)
ShakeOut: Scenario-based exercises/drills help emergency management, public prepare (6:32 – 8:11)
Social Science ShakeOut: What motivates people to take action? (10:21 – 12:15)
Fact vs. Fiction: Knowing how today’s myth can be yesterday’s advice (13:52 – 16:52)
Drill: Conduct ShakeOut Earthquake Drills differently for all situations (home, work, school) (17:50 – 25:22)
The Future: International ShakeOut direction (26:19 – 28:39)
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:
While we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we must ask what we can do to strengthen our resilience. Remember, disasters don’t wait; make a plan and register for ShakeOut 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
