I have ah-ha moments often, my most recent included an ironic reflection on a closer-than-I-wanted mandatory wildfire evacuation just north of my home. Important to note right off the top, everyone is safe and the outcome was favorable with the fire contained and put out very quickly due to the talent and training of local fire authorities — thank you! However, this incident occurred on the second day of consecutive Red Flag Warnings — which are fire danger warnings issued when conditions are very dry with high winds. I ignored the texts chiming into my phone initially as I was on a call and trying to focus on the discussion. However, I finally paid attention, read all the texts, and wandered into action after finally decided what to do, (you’d be right to expect one to jump into action upon learning of a nearby mandatory evacuation alert, however, I experienced a surprising, immediate, deer-in-headlights response that took me about 20 minutes to get through … I know!) I started gathering up items and looking for the dog, so that I was ready if I received instructions to evacuate.

Lucky for me, as I was wandering about my home, the “All Clear” text message came in. I stopped and sat down. It then took me another longer-than-expected period of time to reset and find my way back to my routine of a typical day. The ah-ha part of this story is that I realized that while I consider extreme hazards every day in my work, and while I focus on resilience in all aspects of my professional life, I had done nothing to prepare for a credible and somewhat probable threat of wildfire. Earthquake, yes! Flood, yes! Deep freeze, yes! But, I was not prepared for wildfire. Since then, I have educated myself and feel much better equipped.

Recognizing that understanding hazards and their impacts are ongoing needs not only for citizens, but for experienced design professionals, SEI is developing new content with new delivery methods to try to reach structural engineers and allied groups, such as building officials. Robust continuing education has been developed on ASCE/SEI 41-23 and performance- based design, and we are very excited about the upcoming LinkedIn Live session to educate anyone on the new flood hazard requirements of ASCE 24-24 and ASCE 7-22. Tailored for building officials, everyone will learn from the expertise of SEI Technical Director Jeannette Torrents, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE. Register for free so you do not miss the 30-minute live event being held tomorrow!

Finally, speaking of unique and impactful ways to learn and grow, I invite each of you to join us in Boston at the final SEI Structures Congress. Come to Boston April 29-May 1 where we will be celebrating 30 years and looking forward to the many bright years ahead for SEI! Thank you for your membership, SEI needs you! And thank you for your dedication to the profession, the world needs you! Ah-ha!