Insights Because interior water damage to residential construction remains one of the most consistent and ever-present sources of insurance claims and losses, the IBHS Residential Committee and the Research Advisory Council developed this “State of the Risk” report to identify reoccurring drivers of interior water loss. Despite the omnipresent nature of these losses, the spectrum…
Richburg, SC, Nov. 21, 2024 – The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today released the 2025 FORTIFIED Home™, FORTIFIED Commercial™ and FORTIFIED Multifamily™ construction standards. All three standards are updated periodically to align with building codes and design standards. Since its inception in 2010, the FORTIFIED program has set the benchmark for beyond-code construction and re-roofing, designed to reduce storm damage by strengthening areas of homes, commercial buildings and multifamily properties typically vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain.
Richburg, SC, Nov. 14, 2024 – While summertime temperatures have lingered in many parts of the country, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reminds homeowners winter is around the corner and urges them to use the time now to reduce their risk of property damage – especially from frozen pipes – ahead of severe winter storms.
Abstract On May 24, 2011, a series of thunderstorms that produced significant hail moved through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and caused an estimated $876.8 million in insured damages to property and automobiles according to the Texas Department of Insurance. The Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI), of which the Insurance Institute for Business &…
October 15, 2024 – The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) are accelerating joint efforts to end the destruction of homes and communities by wildfire. As both organizations work collaboratively to reduce wildfire risks through research, consumer education and policy initiatives, NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley and IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to highlight that shared commitment.
Overview With the increasing frequency, intensity, and severity of wildfires leading to conflagration, there is a growing need to develop mitigation strategies for homeowners to meaningfully reduce their risk profile. Extensive experimental testing and post-fire analyses have determined the vulnerability of a home from embers, radiant heat, and flames. While mitigation actions have been developed…
Research Hurricane Helene was a powerful Category 4 hurricane that struck the Big Bend region of Florida on September 26, 2024. While the wind and storm surge impacts were far-reaching along the Florida Gulf Coast, significant impacts stretched well inland across portions of Georgia, the Carolinas and eastern Tennessee. North Carolina was particularly hard hit…
Richburg, SC, September 4, 2024 – A new report released today by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reinforces the need for action at both the parcel and community levels to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic conflagration during wildfires. The 2023 Lahaina Conflagration study concludes a system of mitigation strategies, including developing communities with greater structure separation, removing combustible connective fuels and hardening properties against ember and flame exposures, is needed to mitigate the devastation seen in the Lahaina Fire.
FORTIFIED Multifamily Designation Program Duration: 30 minutes What you will learn: Part 1: FORTIFIED Multifamily Overview Part 2: FORTIFIED Multifamily Requirements Part 3: FORTIFIED Multifamily Designation Process *Note: Once you begin the course, do not clear your browser’s cookies. This is what saves your place should you want to come back to finish the training later.…
Steve Hawks Senior Director for Wildfire Steve Hawks joined the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) in 2023 and currently serves as the Senior Director for Wildfire. In this role, Steve works to advance wildfire policy and code development, manages IBHS’s post-fire analysis research, assists with the Wildfire Prepared Home program and develops future…
