On July 24, President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson delivered a webinar for the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) entitled, “Better Building Codes: Demanding Minimum Construction Practices—It’s the Least We Can Do!” The webinar followed a similar presentation during the NIBS Multihazard Mitigation Council Symposium and publication of the May commentary co-authored by Leslie and FLASH Sr. Policy Analyst Audrey Rierson. The webinar explored the history of building codes, the case for strong codes and a call for leadership to uphold resilience as a public value. According to Council Director Philip Schneider, “Leslie’s presentation illustrates the kind of incentives that can drive mitigation policy: community and political will as found in Moore, OK, and private sector interest in business continuity as found in Memphis, TN.” The webinar and Building Codes: The Foundation for Resilience commentary have garnered positive attention for the cause of strong codes and standards. 

On July 11, Leslie joined a workshop presented by the AIA Regional Recovery Working Group and sponsored by Legacy Partner BASF. The workshop was third in a series that began with an examination of the Post-Sandy effects on the cities of Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken followed by a focus on coastal communities.This third workshop outlined impacts on critical buildings, infrastructure and transportation and drew architects, leaders and professionals from the non-profit,  private and public sectors.

Attendees discussed applied strategies, policies and enjoyed a tour of the new LEED® double Platinum BASF headquarters at Florham Park, New Jersey that showcases innovation in sustainability and durability.

According to Erika Peterman, BASF Vice President, Performance Materials Construction North America, “Natural disasters continue to challenge standard construction. That is why we are partnering to build sustainable and resilient construction for the future. Every dollar spent in mitigation efforts saves up to four dollars in recovery effort … build it right the first time.”

The Fourth of July holiday brought fireworks and celebrations as well as the first storm of the 2014 Hurricane Season. So as Hurricane Arthur formed and threatened picnics along the Eastern Seaboard, the FLASH Communications Team geared up and delivered five days of hurricane safety, preparation and mitigation advisories through traditional and social media. The effort reached nearly 100,000 people in harm’s way and the outcomes included:

• How to prepare for Tropical Storm Arthur
• Nonprofit offers hurricane preparedness tips
• Preparedness Tips for Arthur
• Safety Tips for Residents After Hurricane Arthur from the Nonprofit FLASH
• Looking for projects for the long weekend? Get your home storm ready with weekend projects from FLASH 
• Per @FederalAlliance: "Was your home flooded by #HurricaneArthur? Check out our #flood clean up tips 

FLASH maintained its focus on earthquake mitigation with SVP Tim Smail featured in Architect Magazine. 

“While San Francisco and other seismically aware cities are designing buildings effectively for peril, other communities, such as those near the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the Midwest, haven’t been as proactive, says Tim Smail. “There are lots of places throughout the country where communities are downplaying their risk.” Consequently, he says, “they are not taking advantage of those opportunities to build stronger against earthquakes.”

August marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Charley, the first of the “Big Four” of 2004, when a string of deadly hurricanes struck Florida in August and September. Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne left indelible marks on Floridians and the nation as destructive winds forever changed public perception on the value of strong building. Throughout the affected communities, families faced either destruction or survival depending on their home’s ability to weather the storms. The stark contrast became inspiration for the breakthrough “Tale of Two Homes” story series.

This month, the Protect Your Home in a FLASH blog will highlight Charley and the original Tale of Two Homes about Jim Minardi and Teresa Fogolini whose survival on Friday the 13th, 2004, inspired StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot®. The exhibit delivers an empowering message of resilience and has drawn millions of guests who leave the experience understanding that they can build to withstand severe weather. StormStruck is presented by FLASH and sponsored by Legacy Partners RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd., Simpson Strong-Tie® and State Farm®.

Since 2004, FLASH has documented three additional “Tales” highlighting families who survived because they strengthened their homes and families before floods, tornadoes and wildfires struck. The National Building Museum is featuring two of the stories, The Tale of Two Homes Tornado and Hurricane Sandy in its new, multimedia exhibition entitled “Designing for Disaster". This exhibit will bring these lifesaving stories to millions more.

The 2014 Resilience Revolution agenda is now available online at flashannualconference.org with a diverse lineup of topics ranging from building code policy, construction innovation and social psychology, including:

• Incorporating Resilience into Residential Construction: An Update on Choice Architecture, Concrete Sustainability and Rating Systems
• Before the Hammer: Designing Resilient Communities - Innovative Approaches to Design
• Science, Strategy and Communication: Showcasing Success, Understanding Society - What Inspires Action?
• Taking Science to the Street:  Best Practices, Benefits & Beyond
• You Say You Want a Revolution?: In the Era of 140 Characters, Do You Have What It Takes To Simplify Your Message?
• Keep Calm and Collaborate: How the Nonprofit, Private and Public Sector Advance Resilience Together
• A Report from the Frontlines - Boots on the Ground: How Volunteer Organizations Are Energizing the Revolution
• The Foundation for Resilience - Building Codes: It's The Least We Can Do

Register now before the early discount expires to join this exclusive gathering of thought leaders, policymakers and subject matter experts in, Orlando November 19-21.

Through a partnership with the South Carolina Department of Insurance (SCDOI) and Director Ray Farmer, Tim Smail delivered wind inspector and contractor training for the South Carolina Safe Home Program in Charleston on July 23-24.

Since the inception of this program, more than 20 new insurance companies are providing insurance in the South Carolina wind region, and approximately $13 million in grants have been distributed to help residents strengthen homes against damaging effects of high winds.

Ann Roberson, SC Safe Home Program Manager stated, “In partnership with FLASH, we are working to help homeowners protect their family and property. We value our partnership and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Tim Smail will join the lineup October 8-9 at the Marriott Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut for the Northeast Risk & Resilience Leadership Forum. This Forum will bring together experts and stakeholders to discuss lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy and will explore the science behind Sandy, the changing view of risk in the Northeast, the role of government in major disasters, best practices for economic recovery following a major weather event, and integrated resiliency in urban areas.

Mark your calendars and register now for this dynamic event.