POST-EVENT REPORT OF THE BUILDSTRONG COALITION’S WILDFIRE DEMONSTRATION & CONGRESSIONAL ROUNDTABLE EVENT OVERVIEW On November 12, 2013, the Build- Strong Coalition hosted South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and a congressional delegation that included Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA), Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) at the Insur- ance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s (IBHS) Research Center.
During the event, the congressio- nal delegation witnessed a wild ire demonstration and learned about encourage states to adopt and the innovative work of researchers enforce model building codes. at IBHS who are seeking new solu- tions to better protect homeown- The BuildStrong Coalition is ers from this catastrophe. advocating for Congress to enact the Safe Building Code Incentive The goal of the event was to edu- Act. Introduced by Rep. Diaz- cate members of Congress who Balart, this bipartisan bill would will take a leadership role in provide additional disaster relief reauthorizing the Federal Emer- assistance to states that enforce gency Management Agency about strong building codes. the important role that modern building science can play in After the congressional delegation protecting the American people viewed the wild ire demonstra- from the devastation of natural tion, they were joined by experts disasters. The sponsors were also in emergency management, honored to host Governor Haley building and construction, and the and introduce her to the IBHS insurance industry to discuss the Research Center which is located intersection of building standards in Richburg, South Carolina. and disaster mitigation. The distinguished group of partici- In recent years, the number and pants had a lively conversation on severity of weather-related issues that are crucial to making catastrophes has risen. According the nation more resilient to natu- to the National Climatic Data ral disasters. Center, as reported by the Associ- ated Press, natural disasters BuildStrong and IBHS are grateful caused more than $110 billion to the leaders from government total in damages and 377 deaths in and industry who participated in 2012. This means 2012 was the the tour and roundtable and are second-costliest year for natural hopeful that the conversation disasters on record. With climate sparked by the event will inform experts predicting more extreme the development of policies that weather patterns in the years will save lives, protect property ahead, the time has come for and ultimately reduce taxpayer sound public policy that will exposure to natural disasters. BUILDSTRONG COALITION
BuildStrong is a coalition of national business and consumer organizations, companies, and emergency management of icials dedicated to promoting stron- ger building codes. The BuildStrong Coalition urges enactment of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act. This legislation would encourage states to adopt model building codes to protect property and ultimately save lives from the devastation of natural disasters. Our coalition members include:
BuildStrong has made signi icant progress advancing The American Institute of Architects the broader issue of disaster mitigation with policy American Society of Civil Engineers makers. This is evidenced by several reports commis- Allstate Insurance Company sioned at the federal level including stronger building American Insurance Association codes as a key recommendation for mitigation in the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute U.S., coalition witnesses testifying at several Congres- Congressional Fire Services Institute Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers sional hearings on the bene its of building codes as a Farmers Insurance Group of Companies mitigation measure, and 34 bipartisan cosponsors of Federal Alliance for Safe Homes the Safe Building Code Incentive Act in Congress – the Financial Services Roundtable most of any disaster mitigation legislation. From the Firemen's Association of the State of New York White House to Congressional Committees, Build- Florida Association of Counties Strong is the irst stop for policymakers as they work Florida Emergency Preparedness Association on mitigation issues. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America International Association of Fire Chiefs International Code Council Liberty Mutual Insurance MetLife National Association of State Fire Marshals National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies National Council of Structural Engineers Association National Fire Protection Association National Institute of Building Sciences National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Nationwide Insurance NeighborWorks America Professional Insurance Agents Property Casualty Insurers Association of America Reinsurance Association of America Simpson Strong-Tie Co Solutia Travelers State Farm Insurance Companies The Hartford USAA INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS & HOME SAFETY MISSION The mission of IBHS is to conduct objective, scienti ic research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses, and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.
RESEARCH Through research and communications, IBHS develops applied-science construction and retro it solutions bene iting new and existing homes and COMMUNICATIONS businesses, and loss-reduction strategies to promote IBHS develops communications strategies and communitywide preparedness. The IBHS Research materials to promote widespread awareness of the Center is signi icantly advancing building science by importance of protecting properties against natural enabling researchers to more fully and accurately and manmade hazards. IBHS offers evaluate various residential and commercial consumer-focused guidance on its website, construction materials and systems. www.DisasterSafety.org, to help home and business owners identify ways to reduce their risks through CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS property protection measures and business IBHS’ research informs its disaster-resistant protection practices. The Institute’s senior construction standards programs – FORTIFIED leadership and engineers are regularly consulted and Home™, FORTIFIED for Safer Living®, and quoted by national print, broadcast and electronic FORTIFIED for Safer Business. IBHS is dedicated to media. improving the quality of residential and light commercial buildings, and these programs feature practical, meaningful solutions for strengthening new and existing structures throughout the United States.
BUSINESS PROTECTION IBHS offers disaster preparedness and recovery guidance for business owners. Open for Business® (OFB) is a comprehensive business continuity tool designed to help businesses prepare for and quickly recover from natural and manmade disasters. A new streamlined tool aimed at very small businesses, OFB-EZ, was recently launched. IBHS also provides practical information to business owners to help them protect their buildings, furnishings, and equipment from loss.
PUBLIC POLICY IBHS participates in public policy through third-party outreach activities and partnerships and by advocating for the statewide adoption and enforcement of strong, appropriate building codes. The Institute routinely publishes white papers, opinion pieces and articles supporting mitigation through policy changes, education and outreach, and individual and community preparedness. THE RISING COSTS OF CATASTROPHES
As these charts show, the U.S. population has increased 50% since 1970, disaster declarations have increased dramatically and the federal government is paying well over the majority of the costs.
U.S. Catastrophes
US PopulaƟon1 Insured Catastrophe Losses2 400 $300 350 $250 300 $200 250 200 $150 Ɵ on (millions) 150 $100 100
US Popula $50 50 CAT $(B) US PCS Industry 0 $0 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 Untrended CAT $(B) Trended CAT $(B) 50% PopulaƟon Increase since 1970 5X Increase in Insured Losses
US Disaster PresidenƟal DeclaraƟons3 US Government Role in Natural Disaster Relief4 Number per Year
10X Increase in DeclaraƟons Federal Gov’t now pays Majority of Losses
1 US Census Bureau 2 ISO PCS as of 9.30.13 Trended for inflaƟon, populaƟon & wealth by Travelers 3,4 Economics of Natural Catastrophe Risk Insurance THE SAFE BUILDING CODE INCENTIVE ACT
BILL OVERVIEW The Safe Building Code Incentive Act was introduced Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (PA-8), Rep. Christopher on May 8, 2013 by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart. The legisla- Gibson (NY-19), Rep. Steve Israel (NY-3), Rep. Derek tion was referred to the House Transportation and Kilmer (WA-6), Rep. Peter King (NY-2), Rep. David Infrastructure Committee and is currently pending Loebsack (IA-2), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Rep. action before the Subcommittee on Economic Devel- Michael Michaud (ME-2), Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10), opment, Public Buildings and Emergency Manage- Rep. Eleanor Norton Holmes (DC), Rep. William ment. Owens (NY-21), Rep. Steven Palazzo (MS-4), Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ-9), Rep. Thomas Rooney (FL-17), Rep. The Safe Building Code Incentive Act amends the Staf- Dennis Ross (FL-15), Rep. Carol Shea Porter (NH-1), ford Act to provide an additional four percent of fund- Rep. Steve Southerland (FL-2), Rep. Steve Stivers ing for post-disaster grants from FEMA to states that (OH-15), Rep. Paul Tanko (NY-20) Rep. Todd Young adopt and enforce model building codes issued by the (IN-9), Rep. Trey Radel (FL-19), and Rep. Lois Frankel International Code Council. (FL-22).
Strong building codes are a proven defense against Currently 11 states and the District of Columbia natural disasters. The goal of the Safe Building Code would qualify for additional disaster relief assistance Incentive Act is to encourage widespread, statewide upon enactment of the Safe Building Code Incentive adoption of model building codes as a disaster mitiga- Act. Those states include: California, Florida, Louisi- tion strategy. ana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The legislation currently has 34 co-sponsors in the Another 13 states have adopted statewide building House of Representatives: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart codes and would be eligible for additional disaster (FL-25), Rep. Albio Sires (NJ-8), Rep. Robert Andrews relief with minor modi ications to their codes. Those (NJ-1), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Rep. Vern states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Buchanan (FL-16), Rep. Larry Bucshon (IN-8), Rep. Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee, New Hamp- Matt Cartwright (PA-17), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), shire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and West Virginia. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4), Rep. Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10), Rep. Elizabeth Etsy (CT-5), The sponsors of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act are striving to make the enforcement of strong build- ing codes the national norm, not the exception. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF STRONG BUILDING CODES
KEY FACTS From 2011-2012, according to the National Oceanic A study conducted by IBHS estimated that and Atmospheric Administration, there have been 25 Florida’s existing model building codes helped major disasters with more than $1 billion of reduce the severity of property damage from economic losses. When the inal costs associated Hurricane Charley by more than 40 percent. with Superstorm Sandy are tabulated, the economic toll of these disasters is likely to near $200 billion. Another study commissioned by FEMA that was There is an urgent need in Congress to pass the Safe conducted by the National Institute of Building Building Code Incentive Act to fortify the nation’s Sciences in 2005 found that for every $1 dollar defenses against natural disasters. invested in disaster mitigation activities such as promoting the adoption of strong building codes The enforcement of strong building codes at the the nation reaps $4 of economic bene its. statewide level provides the best irst line of defense against future disasters. When homes and of ice Yet another comprehensive study conducted by buildings are constructed by the best practices of the respected Miliman irm found that wide- modern building science, it is simply harder for spread adoption of strong building codes would Mother Nature to knock them down. have reduced FEMA-related hurricane costs by $11 billion over a two decade period. The scienti ic evidence supporting the effectiveness of strong building codes as a disaster mitigation First responders, emergency management strategy is overwhelming. experts and insurers agree. The promotion of strong building codes will help save lives, In a landmark study conducted in the aftermath protect property and ultimately reduce taxpayer of Hurricane Katrina, researchers at the Louisi- exposure to natural disasters. ana State University Hurricane Center estimated . that strong building codes could have reduced wind damage by 80%, saving $8 billion. WILDFIRE DEMONSTRATION
KEY FACTS DETAILS ABOUT NOV. 12 WILDFIRE TEST IBHS is studying wild ire effects on structures to DEMONSTRATION highlight actions consumers can take to lower the risk of their home or business igniting during an IBHS researchers conducted a highly realistic wildϔire ember attack. Ember attacks can occur when a simulation to explore how ember storms, which are the wild ire is within a mile or so upwind of the property greatest danger to homes and businesses in the and generally become most intense when the wildland-urban interface, ignite structures. wild ire approaches the property. Ember attacks A test specimen resembling a home was positioned on involve small burning embers or irebrands driven by the turntable in the test chamber. The test specimen wind. These embers can penetrate attic vents, sof its had roll rooϔing, vinyl gutters, vinyl windows, a front and other openings, collect on complex roof surfaces door with a glass window, cedar shake siding, and a and start spot ires that lead to lame impingement wood lattice fence attached to the “home.” on the building. Embers can smolder undetected, and can eventually cause buildings to burn from the There was a ϔirewood pile next to the home, bark mulch inside out or the outside in. around the home, and juniper-type vegetation (shrubs) in front of the home and the fence. IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH Most buildings that burn during a wild ire are ignited The home was subjected to a wind-blown ember by ires started by embers, not by direct contact with shower to demonstrate how the selected design features, building materials, and landscaping materials lames associated with the wild ire lame front. The could be ignited. research conducted at the IBHS Research Center in 2011, was the irst time that a full-scale ember storm The demonstration lasted approximately 20-25 was created in a controlled environment to test the minutes. resilience of various construction practices, design features, building materials and landscaping . materials on a full-size residential specimen. GOVERNOR NIKKI HALEY VISIT
Prior to the wild ire demonstration and roundtable During her press conference, Governor Haley said, discussion, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley “what the facility does is a model, really, for the toured the IBHS Research Center in the morning and nation, to see exactly what wind and hail and took questions from the media. hurricanes and tornadoes and ire can do to our state, and so much of that affects the economy. We’re South Carolina recently enacted legislation that all very used to hurricane season, but what they do provides for uniform, statewide enforcement of here is get down to the basics. This is such an model building codes that adhere to the amazing tool for insurance companies, to be able to International Code Council’s standards. As a result, offer incentives, to be able to see what works and the state would be eligible for additional disaster what doesn’t.” relief assistance from FEMA upon enactment of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act. While at IBHS, Governor Haley greeted Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, the sponsor of the Safe Building Code Governor Haley observed a roof test with high speed Incentive Act, and pledged to help him advance the winds up to 180 mph, visited the facility’s hail lab, building code incentive message in Washington, DC. and surveyed the setup of the afternoon wild ire demonstration in the large test chamber. . SUMMARY OF ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
The congressional delegation led by Chairman Shuster of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard from emergency management experts that strong building codes, if widely enforced across the nation, can act as a irst line of defense against natural disasters. Roundtable participants discussed the rising costs of natural disasters to taxpayers and how encouraging the enforcement of strong building codes could save lives and taxpayer money over the long term. INCENTIVES CAN AND DO WORK IBHS has been conducting research to help produce Many incentives exist now that help consumers and new materials and construction methods that will businesses make safety-conscious decisions. More help build more cost-effective and resilient of these incentives will mitigate damages caused by structures. Roundtable participants believe that the disasters in the future. adoption of the Safe Building Code Incentive Act would ignite a long overdue national debate on the A SMALL INVESTMENT IN STRONG BUILDING effectiveness of strong building codes as disaster CODES WILL REAP GREATER REWARDS mitigation strategy and lead to safer communities. As mentioned earlier, the National Institute of Building Sciences, in a study conducted for FEMA, ROUNDTABLE THEMES concluded that the nation receives $4 in future Industry experts and members of Congress tended to bene its from every $1 spent on mitigation activities agree that the small costs associated with creating such as promoting model building codes. stronger building codes throughout the nation are vastly outweighed by the bene its of protecting STRONG BUILDING CODES BENEFIT EVERYONE property and saving lives and taxpayer dollars. The Consumers want quality durable and sustainable federal government spends much more money on buildings. Stronger building codes are not disaster recovery every year than it would otherwise cost-prohibitive to either builders or homeowners. if it invested in disaster mitigation. Stronger building They make homes and businesses more resilient to codes and better disaster mitigation can vastly natural disasters and should be the cornerstone of improve the safety of the nation. The Safe Building policy efforts to better prepare communities to Code Incentive Act is bipartisan legislation that withstand the force of hurricanes, tornadoes, advances this cause. wild ire and other natural disasters.
The following major themes were raised and explored during the roundtable discussion:
STRONGER BUILDING CODES WILL SAVE LIVES The enforcement of strong building codes has the potential to save lives by raising all buildings to a higher standard. The greatest loss resulting from recent natural disasters has been the hundreds of lives that were tragically cut short. There is an urgent need for lawmakers to better prepare the nation to respond to future disasters. QUOTES FROM EVENT PARTICIPANTS
"We cannot continue this cycle of destruction. We've “We know that there are things that we can institute got to learn from the loss of life and the huge to mitigate disasters and to save lives. I’m working amounts of federal spending and private sector spending. We can break these cycles. We know what colleagues to do just that—to incentivize the states, to do. It's simply a matter of having the will to do so." to do what we know works. And, by the way, in some – Julie Rochman cases it frankly costs very, very little money. And yet, the savings that come from just doing the right thing, "These natural disasters seem to be getting bigger. a little bit ahead of a storm, The damage certainly is much larger. Whether it's a little bit ahead of whatever disaster may be coming. Sandy or Katrina, it's important that we're being The savings are, frankly, not only in capital and in smarter about how we're building things and the money, in taxpayers’ funds, but in human lives.” mitigation costs. What we can learn from this type of – Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart facility is extremely important.” – Rep. Bill Shuster “We look at Florida as a model example of how they have improved building codes. We looked at another “It is just as important that we have a strong built state without a model code. What we saw was the environment. You know, as the chairman talked frequency of claims was 50% higher in communities about, the disasters that we’ve seen here in America in states that didn’t have in place a strong building just recently, we can see the force of natural disasters code. And the rest of the country is paying for it.” like in the Philippines with the typhoon, so it’s very, – Eric Nelson very important. We’re here to learn what we can do to not only save lives, but also reduce the federal cost of disasters. So my hat’s off to everyone here.” – Rep. Lou Barletta ROUNDTABLE BIOGRAPHIES REP. BILL SHUSTER (R-PA) the Transportation and Infra- REP. MARIO DIAZ-BALART (R-FL) Chairman, House Transportation structure Committee, which plays Lead sponsor of the Safe Building and Infrastructure Committee a critical role in the economic Code Incentive Act. development of and job growth in Throughout his career in the Northeastern and South Central Mario Diaz-Balart is currently House, Congressman Bill Shuster Pennsylvania, and the Education ful illing his 6th term in the U.S. has proven himself to be a leader and Workforce Committee, which House of Representatives. At the on local and national issues, and focuses on how our nation can beginning of the 112th Congress, an outspoken advocate for the improve its educational system so Diaz-Balart was asked to serve on people of the 9th Congressional we have competitive, quali ied one of the most prestigious com- District of Pennsylvania. workers in the future. mittees: House Committee on Appropriations. As part of the Shuster has served on the House He remains on these committees House Committee on Appropria- Transportation and Infrastruc- during his second term in of ice. tions, he sits on three of its ture Committee since coming to Additionally, Rep. Barletta was subcommittees: Vice-Chair of Congress in 2001. He previously appointed Chairman of the Eco- Financial Services, State and served as Chairman of the Sub- nomic Development, Public Build- Foreign Operations, and Military committee on Railroads, Pipe- ings, and Emergency Management Construction, Veterans Affairs, lines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee on the House and Related Agencies. and as Chairman of the Subcom- Transportation and Infrastruc- mittee on Economic Develop- ture Committee. Diaz-Balart was elected to the U.S. ment, Public Buildings and Emer- House of Representatives in 2002. gency Management. Also for his second term, Rep. Prior to his time in Congress, Barletta was assigned to the Com- Diaz-Balart served 14 years in the Prior to coming to Congress, Shus- mittee on Homeland Security, Florida State Legislature in both ter worked on his family’s farm in which was established in 2002 to chambers, House and Senate. At Bedford County, gained valuable provide congressional oversight age 31, Diaz-Balart became the marketing and management expe- for the U.S. Department of Home- youngest person ever elected to rience with the Goodyear Tire and land Security and better protect the Florida Senate, as well as the Rubber Corporation as well as the American people against a irst Hispanic to serve as Chair of with Bandag Incorporated where possible terrorist attack. The the Combined. he served as District Manager. He committee has jurisdiction over is also an experienced small busi- Immigration and Customs Diaz-Balart has been a tireless ness owner, having owned and Enforcement (ICE), Customs and advocate for encouraging states to operated an automobile dealer- Border Protection (CBP), Citizen- adopt and enforce model building ship, in East Freedom, Pennsylva- ship and Immigration Services codes as a national disaster miti- nia. (CIS), and the U.S. Coast Guard; gation strategy. border security programs includ- REP. LOU BARLETTA (R-PA) ing efforts to achieve operational Diaz-Balart was born on Septem- Chairman, Economic Development, control of the border; and border ber 25, 1961 in Ft. Lauderdale, Public Buildings, and Emergency smuggling and traf icking of Florida to Rafael and Hilda Diaz- Management Subcommittee on the drugs, humans, currency, weap- Balart, and the youngest of four House Transportation and Infra- ons and other illicit materials. The brothers (Rafael, Lincoln, and structure Committee committee also has jurisdiction Jose). He studied Political Science over the Federal Emergency Man- at the University of South Florida Representative Louis J. Barletta agement Agency (FEMA), coun- in Tampa. Diaz-Balart currently proudly represents his hometown terterrorism efforts, cybersecu- resides in Miami, FL with his wife of Hazleton and the people of rity, the Transportation Security and son. Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressio- Administration (TSA) and airport nal District. He began his second security, and more. term on January 3, 2013.
Representative Barletta was irst sworn in on January 5, 2011. He immediately started serving on ROUNDTABLE BIOGRAPHIES REP. MICK MULVANEY (R-SC) traditional and digital media expertise across both the private Mick Mulvaney was elected to the outlets on a wide variety of topics. sector and federal government. United States House of Representa- Prior to IBHS, Julie held senior tives in November, 2010, as the positions at a leading Washington, She holds a Bachelor of Science in new US Congressman for South D.C.-based strategic communica- Industrial Management from the Carolina’s 5th District. tion and advocacy irm; at the Georgia Institute of Technology American Insurance Association; and a Master of Business Adminis- A lifelong Carolinas resident, Mick and at the Insurance Institute for tration in International Business attended Georgetown University Highway Safety. She now serves from Mercer University. where he graduated with honors on several advisory councils and in International Economics, Com- the National Fire Protection Asso- RAY FARMER merce, and Finance and gradu- ciation Board of Directors – and Director, South Carolina Depart- ated as an Honor Scholar – the previously served on Boards for ment of Insurance highest award given to students of the International Hurricane the Georgetown School of Foreign Research Center, Insurance Insti- Ray Farmer was appointed by Service. After college, Mick tute for Highway Safety, Highway Governor Nikki Haley to serve as attended law school at the Univer- Loss Data Institute, and Advocates Director for the South Carolina sity of North Carolina at Chapel for Highway and Auto Safety. Department of Insurance Novem- Hill on a full academic scholar- ber 13, 2012. With more than ship. He completed his formal A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Julie thirty-three years experience, Mr. education at Harvard Business earned a BA in International Rela- Farmer received his degree in School’s OPM program in 2006. tions from Tulane University, and Insurance from the University of a MA in American Government Southern Mississippi and earned Mick has broad business experi- from the University of Virginia. his law degree from Atlanta’s John ence across many ields. After She resides in Tampa. Marshall Law School. practicing law following graduat- ing law school, Mick started his ANGELA SCHWARTZ Mr. Farmer served as the Deputy own law irm. Later, he ran the Senior Advisor to the Assistant Insurance Commissioner of the family real estate business then Secretary for Policy, U.S. Depart- Enforcement Division for the started a small homebuilding ment of Homeland Security Georgia Department of Insurance company. He was also a minority and more recently Vice President shareholder in a restaurant fran- Angela Schwartz is on special for the American Insurance Asso- chise company, and even owned assignment to the Department of ciation. As a part of his service, Mr. and operated his own restaurant. Homeland Security as Senior Farmer has served for over thirty Mick has used his educational, Advisor to the Department’s years on the Board of Directors of professional, and business back- Secretary and Assistant Secretary the Georgia Arson Control ground to bring a focus on jobs, for Policy. In this capacity, Ms. Program, an organization aiding business, and the economy to his Schwartz is responsible for ire ighters and prosecutors com- work in Congress. He currently advancing the Secretary and bating arson. Mr. Farmer is a serves on the House Financial President’s agenda on Resilience. member of the State Bar of Geor- Services Committee as well as the One emphasis of her responsibili- gia and a member of the Tort and House Small Business Committee. ties is to lead efforts to analyze, Insurance Practice section as well evaluate, and assess development as the Workers’ Compensation JULIE ROCHMAN of the Resilience StarTM program, section. President & CEO, Insurance Insti- a comprehensive approach to tute for Business & Home Safety reduce damage from natural In 2012, Ray was awarded the (IBHS) disasters and aid in recovery to Herman Hass Award by the Inde- achieve national resilience. pendent Insurance Agents of Julie Rochman joined IBHS in late Georgia for service to the insur- 2007 with more than 20 years of Ms. Schwartz’s home agency is the ance industry and in 2012 he public affairs and advocacy expe- Centers for Disease Control and received a Presidential Citation rience representing major corpo- Prevention where she serves as for Outstanding Service to the rations, research and safety orga- the Associate Director for Policy, insurance industry from the nizations, and issue-based coali- Strategic Planning and Evaluation. Professional Insurance Agents of tions. She is often quoted by both Ms. Schwartz has over 25 years of Georgia. ROUNDTABLE BIOGRAPHIES CHIEF WILLIAM R. “BILL” METCALF Directors for eight years, complet- tion. In September of 2009 Jim President and Chairman of the ing a term as Chairman in 2003. retired from his full time position Board, International Association of Henry was a member of the Build- with NFSA, but continues work on Fire Chiefs (IAFC) ing Of icials and Code Administra- ire protection legislation initia- tors (BOCA) Board of Directors for tives on Capitol Hill. Chief Bill Metcalf is the Fire Chief ten years, holding the position of for the North County Fire Protec- President in 1997. ERIC NELSON tion District in Fallbrook, Califor- Vice President, Catastrophe Strat- nia, a suburb of San Diego, and has BRUCE CARRELL egy & Analysis, Travelers Insurance served in that position since 2003. President, The Carrell Group He started his ire service career Eric M. Nelson is Vice President of in 1974 with the Anne Arundel Bruce is responsible for the Enterprise Catastrophe Strategy County (Maryland) Fire Depart- executive leadership of the Com- & Analysis for Travelers. Mr. ment and also served with the pany and for all construction Nelson coordinates the evaluation North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection activities. of risk and partners with business District in Incline Village, Nevada. units to develop pricing and Chief Metcalf has also served in a Bruce has been a licensed General underwriting strategies related to number of senior management Contractor in North and South catastrophes. In conjunction with positions in state government, Carolina since the late 1980’s. He his role at Travelers, he serves on non-pro it, and for-pro it organi- is an honors graduate of the Indi- the Board of Directors for the zations. ana University School of Business, Insurance Institute for Business & and has received many building Home Safety (IBHS) and the Build A member of the IAFC since 1995, achievement awards including Strong Coalition. Also, Mr. Nelson Chief Metcalf has previously “Builder of the Year” from the serves currently as Chairman of served as the Chair of the Emer- Horry County Homebuilders the IBHS Research Center. gency Management Committee, Association in 1993. Vice-Chair of the National Centers Mr. Nelson joined Travelers more Task Force, Vice Chair of the JAMES “JIM” F. DALTON than 20 years ago as a ile clerk National Fire Service Mutual Aid Vice Chair, Congressional Fire working during his college breaks. Response System Task Force Services Institute After graduating from Bryant (MASTF), member of the Home- University with a Finance Degree, land Security Council, and as Jim Dalton’s ire service career he began work in Commercial Secretary for the EMS Section. e spanned 17 years in Montgomery Lines Reserves and Financial Fire Of icer Program and is a Chief County (MD) where he Services. In 2001, Mr. Nelson Fire Of icer designate. progressed through the ranks to accepted a position within the position of Assistant Fire Personal Insurance to assist in the HENRY L. GREEN Chief. He was then appointed development of the Personal Hon. AIA, President, National Insti- Chief Fire Marshal for Montgom- Lines growth strategy. During his tute of Building Sciences (NIBS) ery County, a position he held tenure in Personal Insurance, he until November of 1983, when he oversaw the product, pricing and The National Institute of Building accepted a position with the Inter- underwriting functions for the Sciences appointed Henry L. national Society of Fire Service $1.75 billion Northern and South Green as President and CEO in Instructors. Central regions, was instrumental August 2008. Prior to this in developing the Travelers appointment, Henry served as In the fall of 1986, Jim became a by-peril homeowners product Executive Director of the Bureau consultant to the International and established a dedicated Risk of Construction Codes in the Association of Fire Chiefs to Management team within Michigan Department of Labor for develop and deliver a series of Personal Insurance. more than 19 years. Henry was a residential ire sprinkler work- founding member of the Interna- shops. A year later he was tional Code Council Board of appointed Director of Operation Directors, completing a term as Life Safety. In July of 1993 he President in 2006. He served as a accepted a position as Director of member of the National Institute Public Fire Protection for the of Building Sciences Board of National Fire Sprinkler Associa- MEDIA REPORT
The November 12 event garnered strong media interest. More than 5 million people read or watched cover- age of the event according to IBHS’ media monitoring services (Vocus and TV Eyes).
In total, 15 national and regional broadcast, print and trade media outlets attended the event. Among the national media outlets in attendance were FOX News, NBC News and the Associated Press. In addition, America Now, a nationally syndicated consumer program, sent a crew and is producing a feature story to be aired at a later date. This event reached broadcast and print outlets in California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina and Wisconsin.
Following is a summary of the coverage.
NATIONAL MEDIA
Date Headline Outlet City, State Nov. 30 SC Research Lab Aims to Change Building Methods Associated Press New York, NY Nov. 12 DelegaƟon Watches Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab Associated Press New York, NY Nov. 12 Fox broadcasted live several Ɵmes during the event FOX News New York, NY Nov. 12 NBC NaƟonal News is producing a feature story to run at a later date NBC News New York, NY Nov. 12 America Now is producing a feature story to run at a later date America Now Burbank, CA
REGIONAL TELEVISION
Date Headline Outlet City, State Nov. 17 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research KDAF (FOX) – TV Dallas, TX Nov. 17 Surviving a Disaster KSAZ (FOX) – TV Phoenix, AZ Nov. 17 Research Center Simulates Natural Disasters WTVT (FOX) – TV Tampa, FL Nov. 17 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research WDAF (FOX) – TV Kansas City, MO Nov. 12 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab WBTV (CBS) – TV CharloƩe, NC Nov. 17 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research KHON (FOX) – TV Honolulu, HI Nov. 12 South Carolina ScienƟsts Studying Fires to BeƩer Future Building, News 14 Carolina Raleigh, NC Safety Codes Nov. 12 Another Groundbreaking Study is Underway at Insurance InsƟtute New 14 Carolina Raleigh, NC for Business and Home Safety Nov. 17 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research WBRC (FOX) – TV Birmingham, AL Nov. 17 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research WXXA (FOX) – TV Albany, NY Nov. 13 Wildfire DemonstraƟon Shows How You Can Protect Your Home WLTX (CBS) – TV Columbia, SC Nov. 13 Cuƫng Costs of Natural Disasters: IBHS Researchers Examine WIS (NBC) – TV Columbia, SC Wildfire Demo Nov. 18 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research WLUK (FOX) – TV Green Bay, WI Nov. 12 Congress Members Visit South Carolina for Wildfire DemonstraƟon WGBA (NBC) – TV Green Bay, WI Nov. 13 DelegaƟon Watches Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab WMFG (NBC) – TV Myrtle Beach, SC Nov. 12 Fire DemonstraƟon at IBHS Research Facility WFXB (FOX) – TV Myrtle Beach, SC Nov. 12 SC Wildfire DemonstraƟon Shows How You Can Protect Your Home WBTW (CBS) – TV Myrtle Beach, SC Nov. 12 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab WTOC (CBS) – TV Savannah, GA Nov. 18 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research KPTV (FOX) – TV Beaverton, OR Nov. 18 IBHS Launches Intensive Wildfire Research WGHP (FOX) – TV High Point, NC Nov. 12 Congress Members Watch Home Go Up in Flames WYFF (FOX) – TV Greenville, SC Nov. 12 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab WCIV (ABC) – TV Mt. Pleasant, SC Nov. 12 ProtecƟng Your Home CN2 Rock Hill, SC Nov. 12 Cuƫng Costs of Natural Disasters: IBHS Researchers Examine WALB (ABC) – TV Albany, GA Wildfire Demo Nov. 12 Ways to BeƩer Protect Your Home from Wildfires WAGT (NBC) – TV Augusta, GA Nov. 12 SC Wildfire DemonstraƟon Shows How You Can Protect Your Home WCBD (NBC) - TV Augusta, GA Nov. 12 SC Wildfire DemonstraƟon Shows How You Can Protect Your Home WSPA (CBS) –TV Spartanburg, SC Nov. 12 SC Wildfire DemonstraƟon Shows How You Can Protect Your Home WCBD (NBC) – TV Mt. Pleasant, SC
REGIONAL PRINT
Date Headline Outlet City, State Nov. 13 Disaster Center in Chester County AƩracts S.C. Gov. Haley and CharloƩe Business Journal CharloƩe, NC Congressmen for Demos, Discussion Nov. 12 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab CharloƩe Observer CharloƩe, NC Nov. 13 Chester County Insurance Lab Helps Put Science on the Street The Herald Rock Hill, SC Nov. 12 Homeowners Learn Tips to Keeping Home Safe The State Columbia, SC Nov. 11 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab The State Columbia, SC Nov. 12 DelegaƟon Watches Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab The Ledger Lakeland, FL Nov. 13 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab The Herald Rock Hill, SC Nov. 12 DelegaƟon Watches Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab Anderson Independent-Mail Anderson, SC Nov. 12 DelegaƟon to Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab Lake Wiley Pilot Clover, SC Nov. 12 Congressional DelegaƟon Coming to SC to Tour Insurance Lab, Daily Journal Franklin, SC Watch Wildfire SimulaƟon Nov. 12 Congressional DelegaƟon Coming to SC to Tour Insurance Lab, The Republic Columbus, IN
TRADE MEDIA
Date Headline Outlet City, State Nov. 5 Congressional Leaders, Builders to Discuss Home VulnerabiliƟes to Fire Chief Chicago, IL Wildfires Nov. 14 DelegaƟon Watches Wildfire SimulaƟon in SC Lab Claims Journal San Diego, CA
RADIO Date Headline Outlet City, State Nov. 12 IBHS to Hold Wildfire DemonstraƟon, Roundtable Today KBEE Radio McPherson, KS
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: www.disastersafety.org
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