Code Council Symposium to Examine Lessons Learned from 2011 Tornadoes

The International Code Council is hosting a day-long symposium, Lessons Learned from the Tornadoes of 2011, Oct. 20, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Professionals in the public and private sector ranging from code enforcement, to architecture, engineering and research will be on hand to discuss the aftermath of the 2011 tornadoes and ways to mitigate damage and reduce the loss of life from future tornadoes.

The 2011 April-May tornadoes in the United States were one of the deadliest on record, claiming more than 540 lives, including more than 240 in the state of Alabama. Property damages are estimated at $5 billion alone for the April 27 “Super Outbreak” of storms.

“In the building safety field, applying lessons learned from structural performance is a fundamental step toward protecting lives and property in future disasters,” said International Code Council Chief Operating Officer Dominic Sims. “It is critical we bring together experts from across the spectrum to examine the storms, to share ideas, and to implement plans to strengthen communities for the next natural disaster.”

Symposium topics will include tornado facts and effects of wind; the latest research on tornadoes; building code requirements; mitigating the threat; disaster assessment and response; state of the regions since the tornadoes; and ways in which state and local officials are addressing issues related to natural disasters.

Presentations will include:

• Tornado Threat Assessment and Damage Analysis by John DeBlock, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service.
• When It Rains, It Pours by Alan Boswell, Chief Building Official, city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
• Tornado Facts and Effects of Wind by Sam Hensen, P.E., Regional Manager of Engineering, Simpson Strong-Tie Company.
• Safety Assessment by Trained Professionals by James E. “Butch” Grimes, Architect, Grimes+Architects, State of Alabama AIA Disaster Assistance Coordinator.
• Damage Study and Future Direction for Structural Design Following the Tuscaloosa Tornado of 2011 by John van de Lindt, Ph.D., Professor, and Gary Neil Drummond, Endowed Chair in Civil Engineering, University of Alabama.

The symposium will be held Oct. 20 from 9 a.m.-2:45 p.m. at the Hotel Capstone, 320 Paul W. Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, Ala. Registration is free but reservations are required because seating is limited. To make your reservation, contact Lauren Crane at 888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), extension 4301.

The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe and sustainable construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.