NRMCA in partnership with the Tennessee Concrete Association will present a workshop titled "Disaster Resilient Construction at the Local Level" at two Tennessee locations:

• May 10, Nashville’s Sheraton Music City, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• May 11: Memphis’ Hilton Memphis, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Other presentations on the program will include specifying decorative concrete and fibers in concrete. Community leaders, builders, contractors, planners, risk managers, engineers, architects, owners, developers, producers, municipal and public works officials are welcome to attend. The technical seminar will educate decision makers at the local level on the importance of disaster resilient construction to enhance community continuity in the face of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes and floods. Topics covered during the workshop include local disaster risk assessment and mitigation, resilient construction methods, FORTIFIED design and construction programs, building code requirements, safe rooms and storm shelters, flood resistant construction and fire resistance.

Concrete has long been recognized as the material of choice for resisting high winds, flying debris and storm surge associated with hurricanes and tornadoes. With the increased attention to climate change adaptation, concrete systems are essential in fortifying a community’s economic vitality, the safety of its citizens while supporting long-term sustainability.