What is FLASH®?
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. – FLASH® is a 501(c)3 collaboration of organizations dedicated to strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. Based in Tallahassee, FLASH is the nation's fastest‐growing disaster safety education organization in the United States with more than 100 partners including BASF, FEMA, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot, International Code Council, National Weather Service, Renaissance Reinsurance, Simpson Strong‐Tie, State Farm, USAA and WeatherPredict Consulting, Inc. During 2008, FLASH opened the award-winning, interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® in Walt Disney World Resorts to bring “edu-tainment” to the disaster safety movement. Learn more about FLASH and access free consumer resources via flash@flash.org or by calling (877) 221‐SAFE (7233).
What type of information is available from FLASH?
FLASH produces a wide variety of materials and programs that focus on educating consumers and building professionals about the importance of strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disaster of all kinds from earthquake to hail and more. A complete list of publications and programs can be found in the resources section of this website and include:
- A Homeowner's Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters
Does your homeowners insurance policy protect your home against flood? What disasters are covered in your policy? These questions and others are answered in a guide co-published by FLASH and The Actuarial Foundation.
- Animated Homeowner How-To Videos
A series of unique animations that guide a homeowner or builder step by step through the latest tested and approved mitigation techniques for the home. These include: Foundations, Hail, Lightning, Roof, Safe Landscaping, Safe Rooms, Straps, Walls, Wildfire, Windows and Doors.
- A Tale of Two Houses - Wind
A Punta Gorda, FL couple's worst nightmare morphed into a home of dreams. A Tale of Two Houses - Wind was inspired by two homeowners in Southwest Florida and tells the story of destruction, survival and triumph during 2004’s Hurricane Charley.
- A Tale of Two Houses – Wildfire
A Tale of Two Houses – Wildfire educational video follows the stories of two homes affected by the 2007 Witch Creek Fire in Southern California. One survived, one did not. Watch the video to learn what preventative steps you can take to prepare for wildfire.
- Blueprint for Safety®
This FLASH program offers the most comprehensive set of disaster-resistant building techniques available today. Blueprint for Safety (BFS) features an interactive website, free consumer guides, contractor’s field manuals, accredited classroom courses for builders and inspectors and more. Visit www.blueprintforsafety.org to learn more today.
- FLASH Cards
FLASH Cards provide concise, accurate disaster-safety information approved by the nation's leading academic, emergency management and scientific professionals. The cards are perfect for trade shows, customer giveaways or as statement stuffers. When you order FLASH Cards, your logo and message can be prominently displayed on the front and back of the card.
- Newsletters
FLASH’s award winning newsletters update consumers and building professionals about the latest disaster mitigation techniques. These newsletters provide both technical and consumer friendly information on topics ranging from natural to manmade disasters and are distributed through email, consumer requests and trade shows.
- One-Stop Hazard Resource Guides
The FLASH One-Stop Resource Guides provide concise safety information in a compact format. The guides can be produced with your logo and information for individual states or regions on specific topics such as hurricanes, high winds, floods or as an all-hazards guide.
- StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes®
StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes, located at INNOVENTIONS in Epcot® at the Walt Disney World Resort, teaches consumers through a fun 4-D interactive experience the steps homeowners can take to protect their families and homes during severe weather.
Visit www.stormstruck.org to learn more today.
- Turn Around, Don't Drown®
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. Why? Because people underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths http://www.flash.org/images/tadd_decal_large.jpg are preventable, but too many people continue to drive around the barriers that warn you the road is flooded. Play it smart, play it safe. Whether driving or walking, any time you come to a flooded road, TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN!
Is there a fee for FLASH information or materials?
There is no charge to consumers for FLASH materials. Large groups, businesses or associations wishing to order materials in bulk should email requests to FLASH@flash.org to receive a price quote. Often, FLASH can provide bulk orders of materials at no cost so long as the requesting organization can pay for shipping costs.
How can I become a subscriber of FLASH®?
It's simple to become a FLASH subscriber. Send your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to FLASH@flash.org . You can then request specific materials. Your personal information will never be shared or sold to another organization. We respect your privacy.
As a subscriber, what will I receive?
As a subscriber you will receive the latest information on how to protect your home and family against natural disasters from experts and FLASH partners.
How does FLASH® receive its funding?
FLASH receives funding from both private and public sources.
How does FLASH® develop its materials?
FLASH brings together a team of the most respected experts in the fields of academia, communications, construction, education, emergency management, engineering, insurance, meteorology, private industry and public policy to review its public education materials for technical accuracy and clarity.
How can I be sure the information on the FLASH® website is accurate?
All the FLASH information has been reviewed by a team of experts in the fields of academia, communications, construction, education, emergency management, engineering, insurance, meteorology, private industry and public policy to ensure technical accuracy and clarity. However, it is essential to note that this type of information is consistently evolving and changing constantly as we learn more each and every time disasters strike. FLASH information is intended for general use, so consumers should always consult a local, licensed and bonded professional before embarking on any remodeling or retrofit projects.
If I have a specific problem, can I contact FLASH® directly?
Consumers can contact FLASH on the toll-free hotline at 1-877-221-SAFE with specific questions about strengthening their homes from disaster. Depending on the question's complexity, FLASH staff will refer questions to a team of building professionals and engineers who often speak directly with the consumer.
Who are FLASH’s Partners?
FLASH is one of the fastest growing and diverse disaster safety education organizations in the United States with more than 100 partners across academic, community, leadership, national, regional and state sectors. Click here for a list of current FLASH Partners.
How can I become a FLASH Partner?
Contact flash@flash.org or call (877) 221-SAFE to request information about becoming a FLASH Partner.
