Gov. Jeb Bush and Cabinet to Recognize Federal Alliance for Safe
Homes for Commitment to Educating Citizens About Disaster Safety

TALLAHASSEE (August 15, 2006) - Gov. Jeb Bush and other members of the Florida Cabinet will recognize the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH®) for its commitment to helping Florida’s citizens prepare for and protect against disasters such as hurricanes. Also, the Cabinet will offer a resolution declaring the week of Aug. 14 as the 9th Annual Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Week to raise public awareness of the free disaster safety information and referral services the organization offers. The adoption of the resolution is set to take place at 9 am in The Florida Cabinet Meeting Room at the Capitol.

FLASH was founded as a public awareness campaign in 1998 to educate citizens about disaster safety and promote safer, better-built homes in post-Hurricane Andrew Florida. With the help of its founding partners, including federal and state agencies, other nonprofits, and financial and insurance businesses, FLASH helped create a widespread demand for stronger, safer homes. When the initial success of the campaign revealed FLASH’s potential for longterm beneficial impact, FLASH was expanded into a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that offers free disaster safety and mitigation resources nationwide.

“We are grateful to the Governor and Cabinet for their continued recognition and support,” said FLASH President and CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson. “We could not accomplish all that we do without our partnerships with Florida’s elected, emergency management and private sector leaders.”

FLASH has become a trusted resource for many state and national news organizations. CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, ABC’s Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald, and The Associated Press have all featured FLASH programs.

FLASH has been recognized with state and national awards since its inception including the 2006 Governor’s Hurricane Conference Excellence in Public Education/Public Information Award; 2005 National Hurricane Conference award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Awareness; 2005 U.S. Department of Commerce/NOAA Environmental Hero Award; 2005 National Weather Association Walter J. Bennett Public Service Award; 2005 Texas Public Relations Association’s Silver Spur for Public Awareness; 2002 National Hurricane Conference Outstanding Achievement in Mitigation Award; 2002 FEMA Special Recognition Award; 2002 Florida Fire Chiefs Association Excellence in Community and Public Education Award; 2002 Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Corporate Award; and the 2001 Governor’s Hurricane Conference Public Education Award.

To learn more about FLASH and access FLASH’s free resources and referrals please visit www.flash.org or call toll-free (877) 221-SAFE.

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