S5E9: What the LA Fires Revealed About Zone 0 and Home Vulnerability

S5E9: What the LA Fires Revealed About Zone 0 and Home Vulnerability

The January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires exposed just how vulnerable neighborhoods become once wildfire enters the built environment. In this episode of Disaster Discussions, IBHS researcher Dr. Xareni Sanchez Monroy breaks down the findings from The 2025 LA Conflagrations report- from the critical role structure spacing and wind direction played in determining which homes survived, to how vegetation-covered fences, landscaping, and everyday combustible items can increase home vulnerability. We also dive into some of the IBHS research on Zone 0 vegetation and why even green, well-watered plants can become a source of heat and structural damage during conflagration conditions. Together, these studies paint a clearer picture of how wildfire spreads through communities and what it will take to build neighborhoods that are truly wildfire resilient.

S5E8: When Resilience Multiplies: The Road to 100,000 FORTIFIED Designations (Part 2)

What does it take to transform science experiments into a nationwide movement for stronger homes? In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with Fred Malik, Managing Director of FORTIFIED, to continue the conversation around the program’s milestone of 100,000 designations. Fred reflects on how IBHS reached this moment- from the early days of the program to where it stands today- and shares why verification and real-world performance matter more than ever. He also looks ahead, exploring what it will take to scale resilience even further: into inland communities, everyday roofing decisions, and ultimately, the default way we build for the future.

S5E7: When Resilience Multiplies: The Road to 100,000 FORTIFIED Designations (Part 1)

What does it take to transform science experiments into a nationwide movement for stronger homes? In this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with Cliff Barros and Alex Cary- two IBHS FORTIFIED team members who have been part of the program's journey from its earliest days on the Alabama Gulf Coast to it's expansion into more than 30 states. Together, they reflect on how devastating storms like Hurricane Ivan and Katrina sparked an insurance crisis- and ultimately, a shift toward resilience. From their early work with Habitat for Humanity to helping grow the FORTIFIED program at IBHS, Cliff and Alex share stories about the people, partnerships, and pivotal moments that fueled the program’s expansion into a proven standard that now spans 100,000 homes nationwide. Plus, a look ahead: How far can this movement go, and what will it take to make resilience the norm in every community?

S5E6: The Workforce Behind the Recovery: America’s post-disaster skilled labor crisis (Part 2)

In Part 2 of The Workforce Behind the Recovery, we continue our conversation on the growing skilled labor shortage impacting the construction industry- in both everyday projects and after major disasters. Host Rachael Gauthier sits down with IBHS Director of Construction Shawn Macomber to explore his journey from rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina to becoming a leader in resilient construction. Shawn shares firsthand insights into the challenges of post-disaster rebuilding- from sourcing skilled labor and materials to addressing complex issues like moisture and mold that require specialized skills- and how those experiences reshaped his approach to building stronger, smarter homes. The conversation also dives into the unique role of construction at IBHS, where full-scale structures are built and tested under extreme conditions to advance resilience science. Shawn offers a behind-the-scenes look at managing a team that balances craftsmanship with experimentation, and the intricacies of building specimens used in controlled, repeatable projects. Shawn also shares his thoughts on why investing in the construction workforce- and building the right way- can leave a lasting legacy for homeowners across the country.

S5E5: The Workforce Behind the Recovery: America’s post-disaster skilled labor crisis (Part 1)

In Part 1 of The Workforce Behind the Recovery, we examine a growing challenge facing communities nationwide: the shortage of skilled labor slowing disaster recovery efforts. Host Rachael Gauthier is joined by Courtney Jenkins and Sean Vissar of The Home Depot Foundation to dive into new research they've conducted that reveals how widespread and urgent this issue has become. From wildfire-impacted communities in California to hurricane-stricken regions in Florida and North Carolina, rebuilding isn’t just about materials and plans- it’s about having enough skilled professionals to get the job done. The episode also spotlights the progress being made through The Home Depot Foundation's Path to Pro program- a major investment in building the next generation of skilled trades professionals- introducing thousands of individuals to careers in construction, supporting training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and helping create a stronger, more sustainable workforce pipeline. Plus, the Foundation’s broader commitment to disaster recovery and resilience, including education grants, scholarships, and partnerships that support rebuilding efforts and equip communities with the tools to come back stronger.