Tampa - First Floridian Auto and Home Insurance Company of Tampa has been recognized by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for its work as the first insurer to sponsor construction of a "Fortified…for safer living" home. The new home is part of the "Fortified” … for safer living" program, a national, all-risk new-home construction initiative of the Institute for Business and & Home Safety (IBHS).
The “Fortified” home sponsored by First Floridian is in the Longleaf subdivision in Pasco County, Florida. It includes safety features to help protect it from hurricanes, wildfires and floods.
FEMA Region IV Director Ken Burris explained why First Floridian was selected: "While we cannot prevent hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters from occurring, we can do something to reduce the possibility of personal injury and the amount of property damage," Burris said. "That is what Disaster Resistant Communities are all about."
Nancy Baily, president and CEO of First Floridian,was delighted to hear the news about the FEMA award said,. "We are very pleased to be recognized for our efforts with the 'Fortified Florida' program. As a Florida company, we understand the unique needs of Florida residents. We are committed to helping to educate homeowners on disaster preparedness in order to make their lives more secure."
Steven Randolph, senior coordinator with FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Programs added, “We are proud of IBHS' accomplishments with the ‘Fortified’ home program, and impressed that the insurance industry is sponsoring demonstration houses. We're so pleased to be able to honor these efforts with an award.”
The award was presented June 22 during the recent 2002 Southeast Disaster Resistant Communities Summit in Charleston, South Carolina, where government entities, businesses and individuals were recognized for their work in safeguarding communities by making them more resistant to natural disasters.
To learn more about the “Fortified. . . for safer living” program click here.
IBHS is an initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
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