In the latest episode of the Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast, host John Zarrella sits down with FLASH Partner Leah Wiggs, Vice President of Government Affairs at Renew Financial, to discuss the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. This insightful conversation provides homeowners with essential information on how to fund home-strengthening improvements through PACE.

The episode covers everything from understanding the program's eligibility requirements to potential legislative changes that could affect future projects. If you’re looking to make your home more resilient, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics

Resources

Renew Financial Pace Program

Connect With Us

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Toll-free:877-221-SAFE (877-221-7233)

Email: [email protected]

The podcast episode features a conversation between host John Zarrella and Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO of the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), discussing tornado safety and recent findings from the 2024 #TornadoStrong Survey. They highlight the importance of preparedness and dispel misconceptions surrounding tornadoes, emphasizing actionable steps homeowners can take to protect themselves. The episode aims to empower listeners with practical knowledge to enhance community disaster resilience.

Topics

Links and Resources

Connect With Us

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Toll-free: 877-221-SAFE (877-221-7233)

Email: [email protected]

This episode is hosted by FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson with guests Joseph Chappell, Outreach & Communication, Building Science Branch Planning, Safety & Building Science Division, Risk Management Directorate, FIMA, Resilience, FEMA and Dr. Pataya Scott, Civil Engineer, Earthquake and Wind Programs Branch, FIMA Resilience, FEMA.

In honor of 2023 Building Safety Month, they share insights, experiences, and practical tips as they provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the international campaign celebrated each May to raise awareness about building codes, building safety, and more.

Topics Include:

● Guest introductions

o  Dr. PatayaScott (0:29 - 1:35)

o  Joseph Chappell (1:55 - 2:52)

● What is Building Safety Month and why it is important to the homeowner, renter, and consumer? (3:19 - 6:17)

● What are building codes, and how do they protect people? (6:51 - 8:12)

● Building beyond the minimum code (8:14 - 8:47)

● Building code standards (8:51 - 11:06)

● How emergency management ties into the advancement of building codes (11:15 - 14:06)

● FEMA Building Codes Strategy (15:11 - 17:38)

● Tornado safety: shelters and saferooms (17:46 - 21:05)

● Difference between a tornado shelter and tornado saferoom (21:08 - 25:19)

● Building Safety Month wish (25:20 - 27:37  

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

In this episode, host Leslie Chapman Henderson, President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and guest John Zarrella, President of JZ Media and former CNN correspondent, revisit their experiences before, during, and after Category Five Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida on August 24, 1992.

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

● 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)

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

In this episode, host Leslie Chapman Henderson, President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and guest John Zarrella, President of JZ Media and former CNN correspondent, revisit their experiences before, during, and after Category Five Hurricane Andrew struck South Florida on August 24, 1992.

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.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

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?

In this episode, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist at Founding and Legacy Partner FEMA, tackle these questions and more.

John's passion for strong building codes and his long-time service make for an engaging conversation.

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)

● FEMA’s Building Codes Strategy (32:18)

Editors Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the landmark National Initiative to Advance Building Codes announcement.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

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?

In this episode, Leslie Chapman-Henderson, President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), and John Ingargiola, Lead Physical Scientist at Founding and Legacy Partner FEMA, tackle these questions and more.

John's passion for strong building codes and his long-time service make for an engaging conversation.

Editors Note: This podcast was recorded prior to the landmark National Initiative to Advance Building Codes announcement.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

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.

Please join our guest Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director with NFPA. We discuss the new Outthink Wildfire Initiative, wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and the importance of wildfire prevention.

Topics Include:

● 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)

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

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.

Please join our guest Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Director with NFPA. We discuss the new Outthink Wildfire Initiative, wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and the importance of wildfire prevention.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

Some might recall ten years ago when a deadly tornado outbreak hit Alabama. One young family will never forget. That family is the Harrison’s. On April 27, 2011, they survived what NOAA dubbed “… the deadliest day for tornadoes in 75 years.” Since that day, they have shared their inspiring story to help prevent injuries and deaths from deadly extreme winds.

Please join our guest host, weather veteran, and chief meteorologist at ABC 33/40 James Spann along with FLASH Leadership partners and tornado survivors Kevin and Sarabeth Harrison as they recall their experience of survival, parental love, and the importance of a tornado safe room.

Topics:

● When and why build a safe room? Safety from storms when they occur (1:57)

● Was it a normal day in Athens? No, a bad storm was headed their way, be prepared (2:41)

● How did the family get a tornado warning? Watching the weather and radar broadcast (3:01)

● How much time did they have? Rushed into the safe room and closed the door

● What was it like in the safe room? Sound got louder and louder, then suddenly stopped (4:28)

● How long did it take for the tornado to pass through their property? 30 seconds (5:03)

● How did their children react? Followed their lead - stay calm and be prepared (5:43)

● How long did it take to get out of the safe room? Buried for 40 minutes due to debris (6:20)

● What did their property look like after the tornado hit? Everything else was destroyed (8:31)

● Where did they live while their new home was being built? Stayed in an apartment (9:34)

● Why was a certified, tested, and approved safe room built at the new house? FLASH (10:04)

● Lessons Learned: Be weather aware, get warnings, and take safety seriously (13:41)

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)

Leslie Chapman-Henderson

Email: [email protected]

Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)

Links and Resources:

Tornado YouTube Playlist

Tornadoes: After the Storm - Important Tips

Tornadoes: Safe Rooms

Understand Tornado Alerts

Tornadoes: NOAA Weather Radio