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, theNational Fire Protection Association(NFPA) has co-sponsored theNational 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林野火灾操作军nhas 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 itsFirewise CommunitiesandFire Adapted Communities(FAC) programs that encourage local solutions to wildfire. In line with theDesigning for Disastertheme, 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’sDesigning for Disasterexhibit 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 toDesigning for Disasterwill 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. Registerhereor RSVP to Emma Filar,efilar@nbm.org,202-272-2448, ext. 3458.
Mitigation Nation, theDesigning for Disasterexhibition companion blog and outreach campaign, can be accessed atgo.nbm.org/MitigationNation. More information about theNational Building Museum’sDesigning for Disasterexhibitionand NFPA’s role in the campaign can be found on NFPA’swildland fire web page.
