Disaster Safety Blog

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.    

Richburg, SC, June 11, 2024 — With an active hurricane season forecast for 2024, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) encourages homeowners to act now to reinforce their properties against severe weather. IBHS researchers have identified the roof and garage doors as the areas of homes particularly vulnerable and most important to strengthen to withstand storms. These two home improvements top the nonprofit’s Hurricane Ready guidance, which also includes DIY maintenance projects and tips to complete now and last-minute storm prep.  

Fairhope, AL, June 7, 2024 – As hurricane season begins, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has recognized 44 FORTIFIED service providers and non-profits helping to prepare their communities for severe weather with its annual FORTIFIED Awards. The awards recognize those who have contributed to the record-setting number of FORTIFIED Home designations, helping thousands of homeowners strengthen their homes against storms.   

Richburg, SC, April 23, 2024 — As hurricane season approaches, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today released the fifth edition of Rating the States, which evaluates building code adoption, enforcement and contractor licensing in the 18 states along the hurricane coastline from Texas to Maine. The signature study found that while some states work to ensure homes are resilient against extreme weather, many communities remain vulnerable because state or local jurisdictions have failed to adopt or enforce modern building codes or have allowed their codes to lapse and become outdated.

Paradise, CA, March 27, 2024 – Habitat for Humanity of Butte County (HFHBC) – one of the primary organizations rebuilding in Paradise, CA, following the 2018 Camp Fire – today announced it will build all future homes in the community to the Wildfire Prepared Home Plus standard developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

Richburg, SC, Feb. 13, 2024 – Last year Americans saw that storms don’t need to make national headlines to wreak havoc on homes and businesses, as more than 20 states were impacted by 19 severe convective storm events, each causing over $1 billion in damage. With most billion-dollar storms occurring between March and June, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) urges property owners to act now using its research-based Thunderstorm Ready guides to help prevent damage before this year’s severe spring weather strikes.  

Richburg, SC, Nov. 16, 2023 – With winter fast approaching, now is the time for home and business owners to take action to prepare their properties for severe winter weather. Guidance from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) can help prevent costly damage and disruption when freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation arrive, in a year El Niño is expected to bring atypical conditions.