Source: Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Tallahassee, Fla.
Responding to increased interest in tornado safe rooms driven by National Weather Service-tracked patterns, plus recent, deadly events, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) has released new videos highlighting five of the most common building solutions.
In an analysis of National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center data, FLASH officials note how nearly 90 percent of U.S. counties experienced tornado watches, averaging 27 hours per year between 2004–2013. The Alliance, Federal Emergency Management Administration and Portland Cement Association developed the “Which Tornado Safe Room is Right for You?” series to enable consumers to better understand their options through comparative information on cast-in-place, concrete masonry, insulated concrete form, precast concrete or wood-frame structures.
“Today’s marketplace offers an unprecedented range of high-performing, affordable options to save lives and preserve peace of mind for the millions of families in the path of severe weather,” says FLASH President Leslie Chapman-Henderson. “These videos will help families understand their options for a properly built safe room that will deliver life safety when it counts.”
The video series was launched in conjunction with National PrepareAthon! Day, April 30, which saw individuals, organizations and communities weigh specific hazards of severe weather events through drills, group discussions and exercises.
A nonprofit organization, FLASH is a leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. In addition to PCA, FEMA and the National Weather Service, it collaborates with 100-plus public agency and private entities, including BASF, Home Depot, International Code Council, State Farm and USAA. — FLASH, 877/221-SAFE; www.flash.org