Calls for citizen preparedness against natural disasters
May 1, 2014 – From earthquakes and hurricanes to wildfires and flooding, natural disasters can strike anywhere and at any time, costing millions of dollars of property loss and human suffering. In light of this reality, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has co-sponsored the National Building Museum’s multi-media exhibition titled, Designing for Disaster. The exhibit is a call-to-action for citizen preparedness—from design professionals and local decision-makers to homeowners and school kids—investigating how and where to build communities that are safer and more disaster-resilient.
NFPA’s Wildland Fire Operations Division has long conducted advocacy and outreach in the name of wildfire risk reduction throughout the U.S. and internationally. As a co-sponsor of the exhibit, NFPA is able to share resources and information with the public about its Firewise Communities and Fire Adapted Communities (FAC) programs that encourage local solutions to wildfire. In line with the Designing for Disaster theme, Firewise and FAC focus on a collaborative approach; the idea that everyone, including homeowners, civic leaders, first responders, planners and other community members, has a role to play in creating safer places to live.
“The National Building Museum and NFPA share a common goal around preparedness and safety,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy. “We are proud to support the Museum’s Designing for Disaster exhibit that will no doubt influence and empower residents to take the steps necessary to work together to build safer communities against all natural disasters, including wildfire.”
Visitors to Designing for Disaster will explore new solutions for, and historical responses to, a range of natural hazards including wildfire. The exhibit will include case studies that explore a range of flexible design and planning schemes, public policies and new forecasting technologies. From engineering advancements to hands-on lessons, models, animated drawings and interactive displays, the exhibit helps demonstrate how to strengthen homes, hospitals, schools and landscapes before a disaster strikes an area.
The exhibition opens May 11, 2014 and runs through August 2, 2015. NFPA joins several other co-sponsors including the Home Depot Foundation, American Red Cross, and The Nature Conservancy.
Members of the press are invited to preview the exhibition before the public opening, on Thursday, May 8, 10 am–Noon. Register here or RSVP to Emma Filar, +1 202 272-2448, ext. 3458.
Mitigation Nation, the Designing for Disaster exhibition companion blog and outreach campaign, can be accessed at go.nbm.org/MitigationNation. More information about the National Building Museum’s Designing for Disaster exhibition and NFPA’s role in the campaign can be found on NFPA’s wildland fire web page.
About the National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves.
About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA develops more than 300 codes and standards to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other hazards. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed at no cost at www.nfpa.org/freeaccess.
Subscribe to NFPA RSS News feeds
Contact: Lorraine Carli, Public Affairs Office: +1 617 984-7275