Overturning Myths and Exploring Advancements in Tornado Resilience

In this episode, FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman Henderson discusses the importance of wind science and building resilience with Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco and Dr. Marc Levitan from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). They explore personal journeys into wind science, the evolution of tornado safety design, and the differences between tornadoes and hurricanes. The conversation highlights the vulnerabilities in home structures, particularly roofs and garage doors, and emphasizes the need for updated building codes and community involvement in safety measures. Learn things you may not know with these two engaging national experts as they dispel tornado myths and share practical steps for homeowners.

Discussion Topics

• Personal Journeys into Wind Science (1:04)
• Understanding Tornado Safety and Dual-Objective-Based Tornado Design Philosophy (3:53)
• Differences Between Tornadoes and Hurricanes (8:50)
• Assessing Building Performance After Wind Events (11:42)
• Vulnerabilities in Home Structures in Regard to High Winds (16:08)
• Surprising Findings in Wind Engineering (23:03)
• Future Directions for Garage Door Safety (27:33)
• Elevating Garage Door Performance through Rating (30:15)
• Advancing Building Codes via Community Engagement (30:53)

Resources

•  ⁠Tornado-Strong.org
• National Institute of Standards and Technology

1. Understanding Building Codes and Standards
2. Disaster and Failure Studies Program
3. New Tornado Resistant Building Codes
4. FEMA/NIST Fact Sheet - Improving Windstorm and Tornado Resilience: Recommendations for One- and Two-Family Residential Structures⁠

• New Strong Homes Scale - InspectToProtect.org
• The Enhanced Fujita Scale  
• Checklist - Strengthen Your Garage Door  
• Checklist - Strengthen Your Roof  
• Checklist - Strengthen Your Gutters
• Checklist - Sealed Roof Decks

Connect

• Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco
• Leslie Chapman-Henderson
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