FLASH Joins Texas Department of Insurance Free Events to Help Texans Strengthen Homes Against Hurricanes

TALLAHASSEE (June 13, 2007) - TALLAHASSEE – The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – FLASH®, Inc., is joining the Texas Department of Insurance to bring Texans critical information they can use to strengthen their homes against windstorms including hurricanes. During the week of June 18, a FLASH engineering and construction expert will join free events in four Texas cities to teach homeowners the "Seven Things for a Safe Home," which include protecting windows and doors and strengthening roofs.

The event schedule is:

FLASH's Mike Rimoldi, an engineering consultant and builder, will discuss wind- and water-resistant home building techniques including:

1. Strengthening roof deck attachment
2. Making roofs more water-resistant
3. Wind- and impact-resistant roof coverings
4. Gable end bracing
5. Foundation-to-wall-to-roof connections
6. Protecting openings such as windows
7. Strengthening garage doors

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes – FLASH®, Inc.  is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of government agencies, professional associations, and private industry committed to strengthening homes and safeguarding families from disaster.  Based in Tallahassee, Fla., FLASH is the nation's fastest-growing disaster preparedness organization with more than 90 partners from academic, government, leadership, nonprofit, private and public sector organizations.  To learn more about FLASH and access free homeowner and homebuilder resources, visit www.flash.org or call toll free (877) 221-SAFE (7233).

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