Natural Hazards Resilience Speakers Series: Michele Steinberg

Michele Steinberg, Wildfire Division Manager of the National Fire Protection Association – “Firewise Communities: Exemplary Practices and Lessons for Fire-Prone Areas”

Michele Steinberg will discuss wildfire hazards risk in the United States and the role of the Firewise Program in mitigating its impacts. Evidence of where Firewise practices reduced the impacts of wildland fires in fire-prone areas will be described. These actions will be compared to steps other communities could have taken to reduce the losses sustained during the 2017-2018 fires.

Steinberg is the Wildfire Division Manager of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), where she manages a team focused on wildland fire safety. The Wildfire Division emphasizes advocacy and outreach to reduce the loss of life and property to brush, grass, and forest fires. NFPA is a partner in the national Cohesive Strategy for Wildland Fire Management and a leading advocate for the promotion of Fire Adapted Communities. Our Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program empowers residents to take action to reduce risks and has been adopted by communities in 41 states. The Firewise Communities program promotes both the adoption of sound codes, standards, and ordinances, as well as voluntary efforts to improve safety. New initiatives include a focus on youth education, a national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, and international outreach to spread the concepts of community-based fire management.