Supporting Research in Severe Weather Readiness and Response

Over the last decade, IBHS has conducted full-scale laboratory testing at its facility and has influenced changes to existing building code standards and best practices to mitigate potential losses.

The events and programs listed below highlight some of the recent work on which we have collaborated with IBHS:

• In 2023, IBHS released a report evaluating the performance of Florida's building code during Hurricane Ian. Key takeaways were that newer construction performed very well and was much less likely than older construction to experience damage, especially in the areas that experienced the highest wind speeds. These results should serve as a lesson to other states that building codes are a very important and cost-effective risk mitigation tool to reduce the impacts of weather and climate-related risks.
• In January 2022, IBHS introduced the FORTIFIED Multifamily™ standard, providing a cost-effective pathway toward resiliency for the more than 160 million Americans who live in multifamily housing. An October 2022 study from the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research demonstrated that a significant amount of storm damage can be mitigated through investment in resilient, multifamily construction, with a return on investment as high as 72%.
• In August 2021, IBHS released the Wildfire Prepared Home program. Similar to the FORTIFIED program for wind, this new program provides homeowners with a pathway to receive a three-year designation recognizing their efforts to reduce wildfire risk. Importantly, the designation process includes an independent inspection and assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the home’s wildfire mitigation efforts.
• Resiliency is more important in the face of changing climate conditions. Extreme wind events like hurricanes and tornadoes can cause severe damage and greatly disrupt families, businesses and communities. During Hurricane Sally in September 2020, several FORTIFIED Commercial™ buildings were put to the test and performed at or above expectations, with overall damage equaling less than 0.05% of their total building cost. The Lodge at Gulf State Park in Alabama, for example, was able to offer shelter to many guests before, during and after the event, with essential services uninterrupted. Success stories like these are great reminders of the importance of the work IBHS does to improve community resilience, and for members to provide mitigation credits to FORTIFIED Commercial™ properties, as Travelers does.
• In August 2020, IBHS released Suburban Wildfire Adaptation Roadmaps that identify best practices to reduce the vulnerability of residential homes to wildfire. The roadmap provides a step-by-step guide for homeowners to proactively reduce their wildfire risk. Over the years, IBHS has made significant contributions to wildfire preparedness, adaptation and communication. These guidelines enable us to better support our customers in mitigating wildfire risk in suburban communities.
• Throughout 2019 and 2020, IBHS conducted hail impact testing on asphalt shingles, culminating in the release of shingle performance ratings by manufacturer. The performance ratings resulted in some shingle manufacturers pulling products or reformulating them to improve resilience. The ratings, therefore, appear to support future accountability and provide motivation to manufacturers to improve asphalt shingle hail performance. Insights from studies like this also enable us to better protect our customers and their assets.