Tornado Science and Safety Experts Host Virtual News Conference to Dispel Tornado Myths and Misinformation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following news conference is being announced by the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH):

WHEN: Thursday, June 6
10:00 AM EDT to 10:50 AM EDT

WHAT: In light of recent tragedies from tornadoes in the Midwest, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is hosting a virtual news conference with leading experts in tornado safety, meteorology and construction to set the record straight on tornado safety and building practices.  Participants will provide brief remarks with a Q&A period to follow via Adobe Connect or Twitter with #tornadosafety.  Some of the myths up for discussion include:

Myth #1: Driving away from a tornado is a good escape plan

Myth #2: All tornado watch, warning and alert systems are the same

Myth #3: Nothing above ground can survive EF4 or EF5 tornadoes

Myth #4: Building codes cannot make a difference in tornado outbreaks

Myth #5: We cannot affordably build to withstand tornadoes

WHO: 10:00 – Welcome and Introduction of Speakers

10:05 – 10:10:  Greg Carbin – Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service/NCEP Storm Prediction Center to discuss tornado forecasting, behavior and how the unpredictability of these storms make personal safety planning so important.

10:10 – 10:15:  Walt Zaleski – Warning and Coordination Meteorologist, Southern Region, National Weather Service to discuss the importance of severe weather alerting and how NOAA Weather Radios work. 

10:15 – 10:20:  Leslie Chapman-Henderson – President and CEO, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) to highlight importance and basic elements needed in a personal alerting system given tornado watch and warnings vary by community.

10:20 – 10:25:  Larry Tanner—Texas Tech University Department of Construction Engineering and Engineering Technology to explain the facts about consistent performance of above-ground safe rooms and the types of safe rooms available.  Mr. Tanner will also highlight case studies of safe room performance during the recent tornado outbreaks.

10:25 – 10:30:  Dr. David Prevatt – Assistant Professor, University of Florida Wind Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering to discuss findings of past events and how most tornado damage occurs at or below EF3 tornadoes.

10:30 – 10:35:  Randy Shackelford – Research Engineer/Code Specialist, Simpson Strong-Tie, former Texas Department of Insurance engineer and Texas Tech forensic engineering volunteer, to discuss how model building codes have changed to increase the wind resistance of homes as well as how affordable, beyond-code practices can be used to affordably build homes to withstand a majority of tornadoes up to EF3.

10:35 – 10:50:  Question and Answer – Questions will be answered at the end of the session.  Participants can ask questions through the Adobe Connect interface or via Twitter using #tornadosafety.

HOW: Please contact Trenise Lyons at [email protected] to RSVP to the Adobe Connect webinar.  There are a limited number of seats available for the event. You will receive a follow-up email with additional log in information.  Email Trenise Lyons or call 850-385-7233 ext. 114 if you experience any difficulty or have any questions.

About FLASH
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)®, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 100 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster‐resistant nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot®, International Code Council, Kohler® Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, RenaissanceRe, Simpson Strong-Tie®, State Farm™, USAA® and WeatherPredict Consulting Inc. In 2008, FLASH opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are always well protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH.

Contact: Trenise Lyons
[email protected]
850.385.7233 ext. 114 (office)

SOURCE Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)