In this episode of Strong Home Safe Families, host LeslieChapman-Henderson speaks with Dr. Michael Brennan, Director of the National Hurricane Center, about the upcoming hurricane season and the importance of preparedness. They discuss the evolution of weather communication, the challenges of forecasting storm surge, and the significance of knowing evacuation zones. The conversation emphasizes the need for reliable information sources and the unpredictability of hurricanes, highlighting lessons learned from past storms like Hurricane Ian, Helene, Milton, and more. The episode concludes with a lightning round of meteorology basics, providing valuable insights for listeners, especially those new to the hurricane topic. Topics Origins - Dr. Michael Brennan's Journey in Meteorology (0:55) Evolution of Multi-platform Weather Communication (2:25) Navigating Competing Information Sources During Hurricanes (4:13) Understanding #HurricaneStrong – Start with “Know Your Zone (7:48) Challenges of Forecasting Storm Surge and messaging (11:08) Messaging for the Expected and Unexpected in Weather Events (15:54) Lessons from the Catastrophic Losses in Hurricane Helene (23:00) Lightning Round: Meteorology Basics (29:47) Resources www.noaa.gov # HurricaneStrong Know Your Evacuation Zone Emergency Board Up Connect With Us Dr.Michael Brennan Leslie Chapman-Henderson…

In this episode of the Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast, host Leslie Chapman-Henderson speaks with Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). They discuss the urgent need for wildfire preparedness, especially in light of recent devastating wildfires in California. The conversation covers the Wildfire Prepared Home program, which helps homeowners protect their family and strengthen their property against wildfires. Alister shares insights on the importance of understanding the fire triangle (fuel, heat, and oxygen), the significance of community efforts in wildfire mitigation, and the need for resilient rebuilding practices. The episode emphasizes the role of embers in wildfire spread and the necessity of a systems approach to ensure that individual efforts do not leave weak links in the chain of safety. The discussion concludes with a message of hope and the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in wildfire safety. Topics Intro/ Educational background (1:23) What is the Wildfire Prepared Home Program (4:43) California Wildfires /What recently happened in California (9:42) Understanding the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen) is crucial for wildfire safety. (13:33) The dangers of ember and the importance to the zero to five zone (16:03) How rebuilding resiliently and incorporating modern building codes for better protection. (22:45) Cost-effective measures to reduce wildfire risks. (27:57) Why your neighbor is so important when surviving wildfire (31:59) Wildfire-Resilient Neighborhood announcement (38:06) There is hope in the evolving science of wildfire safety. (41:18) Links and Resources Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Wildfire Prepared Home KB Home Introduces Wildfire-Resilient Neighborhood Connect With Us Alister Watts Leslie Chapman-Henderson Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Toll-free: 877-221-SAFE(877-221-7233) Email: info@flash.org…

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 Introduction (1:20) What is the PACE Program and How Does it Work (2:34) Where to Find More Information and Who to Contact for Upgrades (8:19) Guidelines and Eligibility (10:38) Potential Changes Due to Laws / Best Kept Secret (11:30) PACE Helping Underserved Communities and Benefits (15:16) PACE Success Stories Since Inception (16:22) Future Potential Projects (18:42) Final Thoughts (22:02) Resources Renew Financial Pace Program Connect With Us John Zarrella Leah Rowell Wiggs Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Toll-free:877-221-SAFE (877-221-7233) Email: info@flash.org…

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 #TornadoStrong campaign goals (1:00) Tornado perception history (2:57) Public misconceptions regarding severe weather (7:00) Safe rooms and shelters that provide near-absolute protection (11:39) U.S. tornado activity - snapshot by county (13:55) Using building code diagnostics to identify upgrades that can save your home (16:44) Can a garage door save your home? (17:49) What’s new for #TornadoStrong? (23:22) Links and Resources TornadoStrong.org 2024 Topline Survey Report 2024 News Release Tornado Safe Rooms Options Tornado Watch vs. Warning InspectToProtect.org Buyer’s Guide to Resilient Homes Tornado Checklist Connect With Us John Zarrella Leslie Chapman-Henderson Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Toll-free: 877-221-SAFE (877-221-7233) Email: info@flash.org…

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: info@flash.org 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: info@flash.org 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: info@flash.org 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: info@flash.org 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: info@flash.org 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: info@flash.org 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 (3:19) ● 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: info@flash.org 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…

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) Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Leslie Chapman-Henderson Email: info@flash.org Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)…

This week's Strong Homes, Safe Families! guest is self-described rock nerd, Amanda Siok - Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano Program Manager for FEMA Region X in Seattle. During this interview, Amanda offers a dive into Alaska's earthquake history, building code progress, resilience strategies, and much more during this episode. Her perspectives on disaster safety through strong buildings and best practices offer a fresh take on our shared goals to create disaster-resilient communities. Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Leslie Chapman-Henderson Email: info@flash.org Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)…

Depending on where you live, earthquakes to tornadoes, and wildfires are all too common and concerning perils. What can you do to protect your home and family from each potentially dangerous type of natural hazard and disaster? This week, we turned the tables, and FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman- Henderson is interviewed by John Zarrella, JZ Media, former CNN Correspondent, and one of our valued Board Advisors. During this podcast, John and Leslie talk about 10 affordable, simple, do-it-yourself (DIY) ways to safeguard your family and make your home stronger before the year ends. Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Leslie Chapman-Henderson Email: info@flash.org Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)…

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Leslie Chapman-Henderson Email: info@flash.org Toll-free: (877) 221-SAFE (7233)