2003 Symposium on Hail, Hurricane and Wildfire Hazards
7:00 am – 4:00 pm MST
Invitation
Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
and the
National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
invite you to attend our
Symposium on Hail, Hurricane and Wildfire Hazards
January 28-30, 2003
Embassy Suites
Tampa, FL
You are invited to participate in an invitation-only symposium to explore the science and discuss issues surrounding the topic of natural hazards. In a unique approach to a symposium of this type, one day will be devoted to each of the selected hazards. The program for the sessions provides a variety of learning and participatory formats. A copy of the Program agenda is attached. Because weather and natural hazards have so much potential and real impact on our lives wherever we live in this country, there is a critical need to increase awareness about the growing requirement for sound maintenance of existing buildings as well as care in planning and building new structures to minimize the perils they face.
The mission of IBHS, an initiative of the insurance industry, is to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters. Much of our work involves partnering with others who are interested in the same subject of trying to better safeguard the people in this land. Discussions last summer with the National Center for Atmospheric Research convinced both parties that together we might convene a meeting of member insurers and others for a program that would have both educational and practical applications -- a program that would involve instruction in the hazard and active participatory learning. You and the experience you can bring are the ingredients that will make this program most successful. I invite you to review the attached program to see the line up of experienced people who have agreed to share their knowledge and interact with you.
Since you have received this announcement, you are one who can determine the applicability for your organization. I ask that you consider offering this opportunity to a colleague if the subject matter does not fit your needs or your schedule will not permit attendance. Insurers are asked to consider sending the most senior underwriting person available since this program might provide new considerations for that function or confirm current practices. Others can benefit from an exposure to some of the leading figures in dealing with these hazards. Further, there will be ample opportunity for small group work and discussion of the activities throughout the program.
Details:This is an invitation-only program. There is no registration fee or tuition; however, for planning purposes, we would like to obtain an expression of your interest as early as possible. Since this program is taking place in Tampa, Florida, in late January, we recommend that you make transportation and housing early. While maximum benefit would be obtained by participating for all three days, those with more restricted schedules may attend those days of maximum applicability to their situations. You are the ingredient that will make this program most successful. You are requested to participate in a 3- day meeting to learn from experts, teach from your personal experience and collaborate in a greater understanding of the issues of these natural hazards.
Again, your earliest response to this invitation will be helpful. Many thanks for your consideration.
For the organizers,
James W. Russell, Ed.D.
Vice President, Outreach, IBHS
813-286-3400, ext. 11 jrussell@ibhs.org
Agenda
Welcome: Harvey G. Ryland, President and Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Business & Home Safety.
Symposium Keynoter: Hail, Hurricane and Wildfire Hazards: A National Perspective and Outlook, Dr. William (Bill) Hooke, American Meteorological Society
Day 1 — Hail
Chairperson:
Dr. Greg Forbes, Severe Weather Expert, The Weather Channel
Session Keynoter:
An Overview of Hail as a Hazard to Property: Climatology, Major Factors and Changes in Risk Over Time
Dr. Stan Changnon, Illinois State Water Survey, Senior Scientist
Session Technical Overview I:
Hail suppression - Does it work and what effect would it have on insured losses? Dr. Terry Krauss, Chief Scientist/ Weather Modification, Inc.
Session Technical Overview II:
An honest broker's assessment of hail suppression/prediction state-of-the-science Dr. Brant Foote, Director, Research Applications Program, National Center for Atmospheric Research
Session Subject Matter Experts:
- Roofing Claims, Ron Bacon, State Farm Insurance Company
- Industry Perspective, Alan Wilson, Atlas Roofing
- Jay Straughan, Assistant Director, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Working Session Leader: Frank Nutter, President, Reinsurance Association of America
Reception
Cash bar with hors d'oeuvres
Day 2 — Hurricane
Chairperson:
Jerry Jarrell, Former Director of the National Hurricane Center
Session Keynoter:
New Orleans: A City Always Looking a Hurricane Disaster in the Eye, Speaker invited from the Levee Board.
Session Technical Overview:
What We Know, What We Don't Know, Trends for the Next Decade
Max Mayfield, Director, National Hurricane Center
Session Subject Matter Experts:
- Dr. Tim Reinhold, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, Clemson University, Hurricane Effects on Structures
- John Barrios, Building Officials Association of Florida
- Insurance Effects of Hurricane Andrew on the Industry and Extensions to Catastrophes in Other Areas of the Country, Gary R. Kerney, Assistant VP, Property Claims Service
Working Session Leader:
Dr. James Russell, Institute for Business and Home Safety
Reception
Cash bar with hors d'oeuvres
Day 3 — Wildfire
Chairperson:
Richard Wagoner, Deputy Director, Research Applications Program of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and Program Director for the Wildland Fire R&D Collaboratory
Session Keynoter:
Janet Anderson-Tyler, Assistant Director for Fire & Aviation, USDA Forest Service
The 2002 Fire Season: Lessons Learned for Business and Home Safety
Session Technical Overview:
What We Know, What We Don't Know, Trends for the Next Decade
Rick Ochoa, Bureau of Land Management, National Interagency Fire Center, Boise, Idaho
Session Subject Matter Experts:
- Factoring Wildland Fire into Urban Planning, Dr. Brian Muller, Professor, College of Architecture and Planning, Colorado University
- Jim Smalley, Manager of Wildland Fire Protection for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Drought's Contribution to the Wildland Fire Problem: Current State and Trends, Dr. Don Wilhite, National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska
Working Session Leader:
Nanette McElman, Building Codes Manager, IBHS
Closing Remarks: Harvey G. Ryland
Registration & Logistics
Invitation Only
No Registration Fee
Space Limited – Register Early
Business Casual Dress
Arrange Housing ASAP – Hotel Cutoff Date is December 28, 2002
Embassy Suites Hotel 3705 Spectrum Boulevard
Tampa Florida
813-977-7066 x3030
Rate: $139 – mention Institute for Business & Home Safety to get this rate (includes full continental breakfast)
Recommend making travel arrangements soon – January is peak season in Florida.
Hotel does not provide shuttle service from airport.
Please contact
Myriam Keenan at IBHS for further registration and logistical information:
(813) 286-3400, ext. 100
mkeenan@ibhs.org