In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with the IBHS wildfire research team to discuss insights from research projects past and present. The researchers examine some of the reasons behind the growing issue of conflagration in the Wildland Urban Interface. They also define the three the types of fire ignition mechanisms, and discuss the research that has informed mitigation methods homeowners can use to help protect their properties from embers and flames, including the importance of the non-combustible zone zero. They also highlight the wind-driven building-to-building fire spread project that is underway at the research center, and look ahead to how this project will inform wildfire mitigation strategies at the community level.

In this episode of Disaster Discussions we dive into the science behind the FORTIFIED standard, the series of construction and roofing upgrades that work together to create a system proven to strengthen homes against severe weather. Guest Fred Malik, Managing Director of the FORTIFIED program, gives us an in-depth explanation of the construction components that make up the standard, explains how homeowners can participate, outlines the benefits of using the science to protect a home, and current grant programs available for homeowners. We also dive into the research insights that support the FORTIFIED program based on decades of research by IBHS. Plus, we reflect on the history of FORTIFIED, and look ahead to forecast growth.

In this episode of Disaster Discussions we sit down with IBHS research scientists Dr. Ian Giammanco, Brenna Meisenzahl, and Jake Sorber to recap this year's hail field study. We discuss this year's active weather pattern that led to a record number of operating days and the characteristics of some of the storms teams were able to survey. We also discuss the nomadic elements of the trip and the logistics of operating a multi-day scientific operation. Plus, we highlight some of the unique field opportunities teams were able to participate in this year, including cross-sectioning and 3D scanning giant hailstones and assisting with verifying a possible new record hailstone. We also discuss how the data collected on the trip will inform current and future hail research at the IBHS lab.