Facing the Storm: The Case for Business Resilience

The devastating hurricanes of 2017 and 2018 underscored the vulnerability of our nation’s commercial structures to severe wind and cataclysmic flooding, and the importance of resilience in reducing damage and disruption. IBHS hosted a special symposium on June 11, 2019 focusing on lessons learned from the hurricanes and how business and community leaders can prevent avoidable damage in the future. The symposium included observations and experiences from both business and insurance perspectives, detailed assessments from several field deployments, and insights from IBHS research.

The speakers and panelists included industry experts from the American Institute of Architects, Aon, EPDM Roofing Association, IBHS, International Code Council, Small Business Administration, University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, and Zurich.

The event was held at the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina (click here for logistical details on getting to the IBHS Research Center). The format emphasized interactive dialogue between expert panelists and attendees, with the goal of assembling a diverse group to identify best practices for future resilience. The event also included a tour of the campus and a high-wind demonstration.