BREEZY POINT, N.Y. - As the area reflects on the three-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, many homeowners are still trying to return to some kind of normal life.

A coalition has formed to assist one of those families, and to build them a home able to withstand future storms or disasters. The nation's leading nonprofit disaster resilience consumer advocate, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the Portland Cement Association (PCA), and the Insurance Information Institute (III) have come together to assist the Hellriegel family in Breezy Point, New York, in building them a resilient,  and energy efficient home.

According to FLASH President & CEO Leslie Chapman-Henderson, "Bringing our partners together to rebuild this home will not help one deserving family, but it will help families in harm's way across the nation understand that the many affordable ways to build homes that are energy efficient in ordinary times and disaster resilient when it counts the most."

"Resilient homes bring peace of mind to families by providing optimal safety and comfort," said Donn C. Thompson, director of market development at PCA. "Durable buildings feature better disaster resistance, making communities stronger and better able to successfully weather any challenge.

This project will feature a variety of concrete building details that will make the home more durable and disaster resistant. Concrete structural systems have an inherent staying power unmatched by lighter weight, less robust, conventional systems. Opportunities to follow the project are available to the media.

About FLASH
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country's leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 120 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster resilient nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot®, International Code Council, Kohler® Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, Simpson Strong-Tie®, State Farm Insurance Companies, and USAA®. In 2008, FLASH® and Disney opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH, and following the FLASH Twitter and Facebook accounts.

About PCA
PCA has been a widely-recognized authority on the technology, economics, and applications of cement and concrete for nearly 100 years.   Representing America's cement manufacturers, PCA is a vocal advocate for sustainability, economic growth, sound infrastructure investment, and overall innovation and excellence in construction.  More information on PCA is available at www.cement.org.