Podcasts about ibhs

In this episode of the Strong Homes, Safe Families! podcast, host Leslie Chapman-Henderson speaks with Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). They discuss the urgent need for wildfire preparedness, especially in light of recent devastating wildfires in California. The conversation covers the Wildfire Prepared Home program, which helps homeowners protect their family and strengthen their property against wildfires. Alister shares insights on the importance of understanding the fire triangle (fuel, heat, and oxygen), the significance of community efforts in wildfire mitigation, and the need for resilient rebuilding practices. The episode emphasizes the role of embers in wildfire spread and the necessity of a systems approach to ensure that individual efforts do not leave weak links in the chain of safety. The discussion concludes with a message of hope and the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in wildfire safety.TopicsIntro/ Educational background (1:23)What is the Wildfire Prepared Home Program (4:43)California Wildfires /What recently happened in California (9:42) Understanding the fire triangle (fuel, heat, oxygen) is crucial for wildfire safety. (13:33)The dangers of ember and the importance to the zero to five zone (16:03)How rebuilding resiliently and incorporating modern building codes for better protection. (22:45)Cost-effective measures to reduce wildfire risks. (27:57)Why your neighbor is so important when surviving wildfire (31:59) Wildfire-Resilient Neighborhood announcement (38:06)There is hope in the evolving science of wildfire safety. (41:18)Links and ResourcesInsurance Institute for Business & Home SafetyWildfire Prepared HomeKB Home Introduces Wildfire-Resilient Neighborhood Connect With Us  Alister Watts Leslie Chapman-HendersonFederal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)Toll-free: 877-221-SAFE(877-221-7233)Email: info@flash.org

Making your home stronger can protect your property and your family if a severe storm hits. What does “home hardening” mean? Home hardening makes your home stronger to withstand severe weather. This can help avoid costly insurance claims. Less costly claims can also mean lower insurance costs. What is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety's role in home hardening? The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is a nonprofit research center that analyzes how buildings perform in severe weather. The lab in Richburg, South Carolina can create full-sized houses and structures and put those through heaving winds, rainstorms, hailstorms, and wildfires. With 105 fans at 350 horsepower each, IBHS can create 130 mile per hour winds. That's equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. What does IBHS look for with its created storms? IBHS can test an entire house as a system and look for weak links that can lead to cascading failures. It then develops protective strategies.  Does IBHS have a designation system for home hardening? Yes, it's called Fortified. New construction and remodeling projects can get ratings from Roof to Silver to Gold depending on the type of materials used and how they're used. For example, a house built to the Silver level will have metal braces on the roof to keep it from blowing off. Does IBHS help with wildfires? IBHS has a program called Wildfire Prepared that looks at mitigation strategies and creating defensible space. They suggest you keep a 0-to-5-foot zone around your house that is free of branches and other combustible materials. How can you show that you have a Fortified home? After the work is done, you get a certificate that is third-party verified. You can give this to your insurance agent. Some insurance companies offer discounts for home hardening. The extra cost of home hardening might save you money on home repairs and insurance. Are you prepared for a tornado? Here's how to protect your home. Are you ready for a disaster? Hurricane season: How to prepare your home and property 

David Corson, CCR Publisher/Editor of CCR Magazine, sat down with Fred Malik, Managing Director, Fortified, A IBHS Program, that offers building codes that establish the minimum construction standards required to ensure the safety of those inside a home. Any reputable contractor will build your home or install your roof according to your local building code. However, even in areas where the most up-to-date codes are adopted and enforced, your home can be stronger. By choosing FORTIFIED, you are getting protection that goes beyond even the strictest code. FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing Program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against specific types of severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes and even tornadoes.Enjoy the conversation.https://fortifiedhome.org/#constructionstandards #contractor #safety #roofing #buildingcodes #buildingstandards #projectmanagement #wind #hail #research #stormdamage #homeprotection #maintenance #tornadoes #hurricanes #highwinds 

Hailstorms cause billions of dollars in damage each year, but how do we study hail to build stronger homes and communities?In Episode 109 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we dive into the world of hail research, forensic meteorology, and building science with two incredible guests:Brenna Meisenzahl – Researcher at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), leading field studies on hail formation and its impacts on buildings.Sara Hudson – a Forensic Meteorologist at CNC Catastrophe & National Claims, specializing in storm analysis and severe weather damage assessments.Together, we explore:

In Episode 107 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we analyze the devastating January 2025 wildfires in Southern California and discuss how communities can better prepare for future wildfire threats. Our special guest, Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire at IBHS and former CAL FIRE Battalion Chief, brings decades of expertise in wildland firefighting and fire prevention. Having been deployed to the LA fires, he shares firsthand insights into wildfire behavior, risk mitigation, and the importance of building resilience.Join us as they explore:

With thousands of acres burning near Los Angeles, California, the Carolina Weather Group examines whether the California Wildfires could happen here in the Carolinas. What are the conditions that make fires spread, such as wind, temperature and humidity? Plus, what key research is being done right here in the Carolinas to help keep people safe from fires? We revisit the studies of IBHS. Plus, some of the coldest air of the season is headed this way next week. Could it bring more snow with it? We're taking an early look at the winter weather forecast.

Dr. Ian Giammanco, Managing Director for Standards & Data Analytics at the IBHS Research Center, joins Eric to discuss how the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety is revolutionizing the way homeowners approach resilience in their homes against natural disasters. The conversation highlights the importance of fortified building practices that not only improve safety but also provide long-term cost savings by minimizing damage from events like hurricanes and wildfires. Dr. Giammanco explains the Fortified program, which offers various levels of protection for roofs and structures, ensuring homes can withstand severe weather. They also delve into the crucial role of proper landscaping and building materials in reducing fire hazards, particularly in wildfire-prone areas. Listeners will gain valuable insights into practical steps they can take to enhance their home's resilience and the benefits of engaging with their insurance providers regarding these upgrades.To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show. Eric G. sits down with Dr. Ian Giammanco, a leading researcher from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), to delve into the critical topic of building resilience against natural disasters. The discussion highlights how IBHS is at the forefront of creating standards that help homeowners protect their properties from various hazards, including wildfires, hurricanes, and severe storms. Dr. Giammanco emphasizes the importance of comprehensive building codes and the adoption of fortified construction methods that go beyond the minimum requirements. The episode explores the various designations available through IBHS, such as the Fortified Home program, which offers guidelines for enhancing the durability of homes against windstorms and wildfires. The conversation touches on real-life examples, showcasing how communities can significantly reduce damage and ensure that families have homes to return to after disasters. By implementing these standards, homeowners not only safeguard their properties but also contribute to the overall stability of their neighborhoods during catastrophic events.Takeaways: The IBHS Research Center is dedicated to making homes more resilient to natural disasters. Fortified homes use advanced building standards to withstand severe weather challenges effectively. Homeowners can potentially receive insurance discounts for implementing...

Join the Carolina Weather Group as we celebrate the first 500 episodes of our podcast. We're back on-location at the Insurance Institute of Home and Business Safety in Richburg, South Carolina  @IBHS_org . Over the years, the weekly weather podcast has brought you exciting science, insightful interviews with your favorite meteorologists and live coverage of historic severe weather. Plus special events including our trip to Kennedy Space Center for the launch of NASA SpaceX Crew-6, a railfanning adventure in Altoona, Pennsylvania and - of course - the lifesaving science experiments we saw at IBHS. Join us as we reminisce about the first 500 episodes covering weather, science and technology from the Carolinas. We will be putting links to all of the mentioned episodes here shortly.

Setting a home on fire intentionally... or shooting hail out of a potato gun at roofing material... are all ways the Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety uses science to make our lives safer. For the Carolina Weather Group's 500th podcast episode, the team goes on-location to the giant IBHS weather lab in Richburg, South Carolina. In this video, you will see scientists light a home on fire INTENTIONALLY in order to study how wind spread wildfires. On-hand for this experiment in the Carolinas, CALTECH and CAL FIRE from California, where wildfires can quickly become deadly and destructive. IBHS utilizes its wind tunnel to push over flames at 35 mph. Scientists want to see how quickly a fire can spread from one building to the next. See what happens when those fans crank up and blow onto the fully engulfed home. From fire to ice... we take you inside IBHS' hail lab, where they make and study the impact of hail on roofs. Shooting hail at roofing materials of various ages and construction materials, helps IBHS make recommendations for the best roofing material. Coupled with science they collect storm chasing severe storms, and scientists use this data to publish their findings on https://IBHS.org. See what happens when our team gets to fire the hail gun! All of this science helps drive building codes, which makes construction smarter and safer for homes and businesses. Want to see over 30 minutes of the wind-driven fire experiment uninterrupted?

In the latest episode of Concrete Credentials, host Shamim Rashid-Sumar is joined by Dr. Anne Cope, Chief Engineer of Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Together, they explore her research on how to improve the performance of buildings during natural disasters and IBHS's initiatives to build disaster-proof homes.  

Guest: Roy Wright, President & CEO of IBHSFool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. After a natural disaster strikes a community, it takes a lot of time to recover, since you have to not only rebuild the infrastructure but also allow the people to rebound mentally and physically. However, some communities along the Gulf Coast do not get the luxury of extended recovery, as they are struck by compound disasters. What are those, and what can we do to improve mitigation and adaptation of these vulnerable communities so we don't get fooled twice? We brought Roy Wright from IBHS on the show today to discuss…Chapters00:00 Understanding Compound Disasters10:11 The National Academies Report on Gulf Disasters18:45 Community Engagement and Insights26:13 Key Recommendations for Future Preparedness32:57 The Role of IBHS in Disaster MitigationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Science backed action steps to help prevent you losing your home to fire. Wildfire research shows three vulnerable areas of a home. Do you know them? Listen to these tips from Anne D. Cope and Karen Collins APCIA and IBHS combined to give you the facts. Protection, Insurance and the leading cause of ignition...what is it?

Science backed action steps to help prevent you losing your home to fire. Wildfire research shows three vulnerable areas of a home. Do you know them? Listen to these tips from Anne D. Cope and Karen Collins APCIA and IBHS combined to give you the facts. Protection, Insurance and the leading cause of ignition...what is it?

As the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes intensify, the need to strengthen the resiliency of communities against these perils is increasingly urgent. Building codes are a critical tool in this endeavor. However, their adoption and enforcement vary significantly across states. A recent report from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) underscores the lack of uniformity in building code implementation among states vulnerable to hurricanes.While some states, like Florida, have stringent codes that help to reinforce home resilience, other states like Texas grapple with disparities in code adoption, amplifying vulnerability to hurricane-related damages.This divergent approach to building codes has far-reaching implications for disaster preparedness and response.With the arrival of the 2024 hurricane season, understanding the intersection between building codes, community resilience, and climate change is key for entities developing mitigation strategies anchored in resilience.To talk about the importance of building codes, address concerns regarding up-front costs versus long-term benefits, and discuss the success of stronger structures in weathering storms, Host Maiclaire Bolton Smith is joined by CoreLogic's Director of Catastrophe Response, Jon Schneyer.In This Episode:2:41 – Why are building codes so important, and how can older buildings be retrofitted to code?6:18 – Examining one of the most famous examples of building codes in action.8:04 – Erika Stanley goes over the numbers in the housing market in The Sip.9:14 – Looking at the differences between Texas and Florida building codes, according to the IBHS report.11:21 – Is mitigation through building codes a financially sound investment?14:36 – Erika Stanley reviews natural catastrophes and extreme weather events across the world.15:41 – What could the inconsistent use of building codes in Texas mean if a strong hurricane hits the state this year?17:52 – How is hurricane risk developing, and how can you understand your risk?Up Next: SEC Climate Disclosure Guidance Timeline Pause: Why Companies BenefitLinks: Texas Hail(ed) 2023 a Record-Breaking Year for Insured LossesIBHS Research Report: Rating the States 2024Hazard HQ Command CentralRead CoreLogic Intelligence Find full episodes with all our guests in our podcast archive here: https://clgx.co/3HFslXD4 Copyright 2024 CoreLogic

#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #hurricane #severeweather See why IBHS is expressing serious concerns about North Carolina's building codes when it comes to hurricane readiness -- and why South Carolina continues to hold strong. With the traditional start of hurricane season just weeks away, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released its Rating the States which report evaluates the 18 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, all vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes, based on building code adoption, enforcement, and contractor licensing. In the report, published every three years, each state is rated on a 0–100 scale using data from responses to groups of questions related to different aspects of their building code programs. https://ibhs.org/public-policy/rating-the-states/

Dr. Ian Giammanco is the Managing Director for Standards & Data Analytics and a Lead Research Meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Center. He has been instrumental in the creation of IBHS's Thunderstorm Ready Home program which was created in the wake of severe weather events. In 2023 alone 20 states were impacted by 19 severe convective storm events, each causing over $1 billion in damage.   Building from the Fortified Homes, Fortified, Roof, and Wildfire Prepared homes programs the voluntary Thunderstorm Ready Home program is another example of the results of applied research and inspection that IBHS is doing to impacting the built environment in positive ways. Dr. Ian Giammanco on LinkedIn   About Dr. Ian Giammanco   IBHS Thunderstorm Ready Homes Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) IBHS Research video BUILDcast #16 – 2022 Fred Malik and the Fortified Construction Program BUILDcast #20-2022 Dan Gorham and the new IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Program

In today's eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the critical importance of preparing homes to withstand the wrath of severe weather and wildfires. George Siegal's guest is Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Roy talks about practical steps homeowners can take to fortify their homes against natural disasters. Discover the innovative testing methods used to simulate catastrophic conditions and understand why building to higher standards is not just an option, but a necessity. This conversation sheds light on the stark realities of disaster impact and offers actionable insights for enhancing home safety and resilience. Whether it's facing hurricanes, wildfires, or other severe events, learn how to give your home a fighting chance in the face of nature's fury. Don't miss this crucial discussion on safeguarding your most valuable asset – your home.Here's how you can follow or reach Roy Wright:Website:  https://ibhs.org/  Website:  https://fortifiedhome.org/   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/IBHSorg  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ibhs_org/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-business-&-home-safety/ X:  https://twitter.com/IBHS_org Important information from Homeowners Be Aware:We are excited to be listed in Feedspots 40 best Homeowner podcasts : https://podcasts.feedspot.com/homeowner_podcasts/ Here are ways you can follow me on line:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeownersbeaware/ Website: https://homeownersbeaware.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/ If you'd like to reach me for any reason, here's the link to my contact form: https://homeownersbeaware.com/contactHere's the link to the documentary film I'm making Built to Last: Buyer Beware.

We sit down and talk with Fred Malik, Director of FORTIFIED from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. This is a great organization that researches what you can to so that your home will be more resilient to a storm or wildfire. This is a great interview where we talk about those steps you can do if you are building or remodeling your home. Some of these easy steps could change how your home survives a big storm or wildfire. For more information: https://ibhs.org/To get your questions answered by Eric G give us a call in the studio at 833-239-4144 24/7 and Eric G will get back to you and answer your question and you might end up in a future episode of Around the House. Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/ Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show. Mentioned in this episode:Baldwin Hardware Baldwin Hardware

Special guests Fred Malik of IBHS and Ben Murphy, owner of Ben Murphy Company, join Megan Ellsworth for this Roofing Road Trips® to discuss all things FORTIFIED. For years, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) has studied damage to the built environment caused by hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather events. They then tested new ways to make homes more resilient and developed the FORTIFIED construction method. On this episode, Fred and Ben share what the FORTIFIED standards are, success stories and why FORTIFIED systems matter for homeowners and contractors.  Learn more at RoofersCoffeeShop.com!  Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up  Follow Us!   https://www.instagram.com/rooferscoffeeshop/?hl=en  https://www.facebook.com/rooferscoffeeshop/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/rooferscoffeeshop-com  https://www.tiktok.com/@rooferscoffeeshop  #rooferscoffeeshop #roofing 

Episode 622: On today's Unscripted,  Roy Wright, IBHS president and CEO, tells us about the latest wildfire mitigation research and shares how the organization educates homeowners to protect property from severe weather disruptions. 

Guests: Fred Malik, IBHSIntroduction: After severe weather barrels through a town and destroys everything in its wake, there are stories of survival and perseverance. But then, these communities are tasked to rebuild. But are they rebuilding correctly? Are the new homes being built going to keep the owners more safe than they were before, or do they have to experience the terror of severe weather over and over again? There has to be a better way! Well a company called IBHS is working towards that goal! They are working towards a new FORTIFIED standard that is changing the way we build, and we have Fred Malik here to talk about it…See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dan Brown dives into the Hurricane Forecasting process at NHC.  Roy Wright gives us an overview of IBHS and the FORTIFIED Home program.Suggest a topic or ask a question: alex@wxguide.comVisit our conference site: www.hurricanecenterlive.comThanks for listening and please share with your friends and co-workers.

Episode 609: NAMIC will soon launch a quarterly Judicial Advocacy Update to inform the membership on the status of first-party litigation, provide updates on amicus activity, and examine issues where law and policy intersect.On today's Unscripted, NAMIC CEO Neil Alldredge talks with  Andrew Kirkner, the association's general counsel, about some of the challenges currently facing insurers on the judicial advocacy front.

In this episode, we are joined by Steve Hawks, who has dedicated over three decades to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Steve's impressive career began as a firefighter and eventually led him to serve as the Assistant Deputy Director of CAL FIRE's Office of the State Fire Marshal's Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation and Fire Engineering and Investigations Divisions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource Management from Humboldt State University and has served on various CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams for 13 years. After retiring in December 2022, Steve returned to the CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal's Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division and has also taken on the role of Director of Wildfire Policy for the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) team. During our conversation, Steve shares his insights on community wildfire preparedness and mitigation strategies, including defensible space home hardening, fuel reduction projects, grant funding, and other programs implemented by CAL FIRE's Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division. He also provides a detailed analysis of the impacts of Assembly Bill 38 on homeowners living in high fire hazard zones, which mandates defensible space compliance inspections and proof of passing. Join us as we dive deep into the world of wildfire preparedness and mitigation with Steve Hawks. You can listen to the episode on our website, or on your favorite podcast platform, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. And don't forget to subscribe to our show and follow us on social media to stay up to date on all things wildfire. Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy this episode.

  CCCT with Chuck Miccolis from the Insurance Institute of Building & Home Safety Video CCCT sat down with Chuck Miccolis, Managing Director Commercial Lines from Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety. Severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss. IBHS delivers top-tier science and translates it into action so we can prevent avoidable suffering, strengthen our homes and businesses, inform the insurance industry, and support thriving communities. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, 501 (C) nonprofit scientific research and communications organization supported by property insurers, reinsurers, and affiliated companies. IBHS's building safety research leads to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.    

We are excited to have structural engineer Dr. Anne Cope from IBHS Research on the show today. IBHS Research is part of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a 501 (C) nonprofit scientific research and communications organization.  Anne is the Chief Engineer at IBHS, where she leads the development of research programs to improve structural performance during natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and thunderstorms. She also oversees the implementation of research findings and building codes and standards. This show is for you if you are ready to take control of your wildfire preparedness. We cover the science behind keeping homes safe and how small steps can make your home safer and more resilient. Anne also explains why this is important from a homeowner and insurance perspective. She talks about upcoming regulations that should result in insurance incentives for homeowners and shares how anyone can get started in incremental steps.   Highlights: [00:57] Dr. Anne Cope is a structural engineer at the IBHS Research Center. They do research about wildfires, wind, rain, hail, and more.  [01:43] She grew up studying the impact of wind on structures. Fortified is a program and construction standard to reduce damage to homes developed from years of engineering judgment and testing.  [02:09] The secrets for keeping houses together in the wind are the connections. The roof needs to stay connected to the walls. Embers need to be kept out during a fire. It's all about the details.  [04:39] IBHS is funded by the insurance industry similar to the way crash dummies are funded by the insurance industry. They're looking for cost-effective workable solutions that will make their homes and communities safer. [06:02] Insurance companies have been hit badly by wildfires. Companies like IBHS can help lead the pack in finding solutions to make communities more resilient.  [07:50] Wildfire prepared home. You can find solutions to wildfire prepare your home at WildfirePrepared.org. There is a designation you can get in California.  [09:20] Insurers are looking for solutions and ways for home owners to differentiate the safety of their homes. They'll begin to offer incentives for homeowners who do things to reduce their risk.  [11:57] Homeowners can take control of their own situations having a wildfire prepared home. [16:16] Safer from Wildfires is a California interagency partnership to help protect homes and businesses from wildfires.  [17:02] Take advantage of fireproofing your home and then talk to your insurance agent about finding a good solution for your home and situation.  [17:38] We aren't powerless against wildfires. The science that Wildfire Prepares uses is designed for single family homes, but it can be adapted for businesses too.    Resources: IBHS Research Center Wildfire Prepared Safer from Wildfires

"We know that we're not powerless against wildfires. It's a question of, 'what are the steps? What are the actions that really make a difference?'" -Alister Watt   "Wildfire doesn't acknowledge boundaries— we need to be thinking about resilience and preparedness with that in mind." -Daniel Gorham Episode Description:  When it comes to disasters, building materials are not just useful—they're essential. Every time we build something that can help prevent fires from happening or spreading, we're influencing how wildfire impacts our properties and the community we live in.    The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), an independent, 501 (C) nonprofit scientific research and communications organization, works to provide practical solutions to build more resilient communities.    This week, we are joined by the organization's Chief Product Officer Alister Watt and Research Engineer, Daniel Gorham to talk about how our choice of building materials can make a difference during a disaster. They also help us understand the trend of fires in the wildlands vs urban communities, how the layout of an environment influences the extent and gravity of a disaster's impact, why we need to change our view of aesthetics, what ember casts are and how to prevent them from entering our homes, and how Wildfire Prepared, a project of IBHS, can help us get better insured. Connect with After The Fire USA:  Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebuildNorthBay/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ Highlights: 02:13 Meet Alister and Daniel and Their Work with IBHS 06:29 Understanding the Trend: Wildland vs Urban Fires 12:09 Rural Community Fire vs Condensed Fire 17:42 The Role of Insurance in Disaster Preparedness 21:04 A Change Needed in Our View of Aesthetics 24:50 It's All About Ember 30:24 How to Prevent Embers From Entering Our Homes 39:37 We Are Not Powerless Against Wildfires 45:13 Recreating Hazards: What Happens "During"  49:53 Spend More to Build It Right 52:58 The Benefits of Being Prepared

Alex Cary, FORTIFIED Market Development Manager at The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), shares insights about how to build better to minimize storm damage.

September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect opportunity to get your home ready for potential wildfires due to these extreme conditions. 

September is National Preparedness Month and the perfect opportunity to get your home ready for potential wildfires due to these extreme conditions. 

In episode #16 of 2022 I spoke with Fred Malik about the Fortified Construction Program. The FORTIFIED construction method is a voluntary construction standard and program designed to help protect homes against sever weather events. Primarily wind driven damage event. FORTIFIED construction was created from decades of research that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety or (IBHS) has conducted. Their lab allows for the building and testing of full-size houses in a controlled environment. In this episode I am learning about a new IBHS program that has just been released and is of great interest to me because of my work as the Boulder County Marshall Fire New Homes Building Advisor. I spoke with Dan Gorham, a Research Engineer focusing on wildfire and its impact on the built environment at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Like the Fortified programs focus on sever wind events, IBHS has focused its attention on wildfires and their impact on homes. They have recently launched a new Wildfire Prepared Home Program which is a research driven program design to meaningfully reduce risk and better protecting homes against wildfire. Dan was supper informative, and a pleasure to speak with, as he walked me through the IBHS research findings and the new Wildfire Prepared Home Program. Dan Gorham on LinkedIn Wildfire Prepared Home Program Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety FireWise USA Colorado Firewise USA Fortified Program

Dr. Ian Giammanco is the Senior Director for Standards & Data Analytics and a Lead Research Meteorologist at the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina. He has participated in numerous hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, and tornado research projects over his career. In honor of National Preparedness Month. What can any homeowner or business owner can do to narrow the impact of severe weather and wildfires on their Home or Business? -IBHS's FORTIFIED Standard (and the science behind it): a designation program that narrows the impact of high wind events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms, through small but meaningful changes in the structure of the roof or home. -IBHS's Wildfire Prepared Home Program (and the wildfire science behind it): the first-ever wildfire mitigation designation program. It launched in June 2022 in California and will expand beyond the parcel level and into new states. -The Importance of Building Codes Where can everyone find you if they're looking to connect or learn more? Links: https://inspecttoprotect.org/ www.disastersafety.org www.fortifiedhome.org www.wildfireprepared.org https://www.emergencyactionplanning.com/2016/02/15/risk-assessment/ Till next time “Be Safe” Please like, share, and comment.

IBHS' Hedayati: 'Wildfire Season' Is No Longer Seasonal

The FORTIFIED construction method is a voluntary construction standard and program back by decades of research, that roofing contractors and builders can use to help protect their homes against sever weather events. FORTIFIED construction has been created from decades of research that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety or (IBHS) has conducted. Fred Malik is the Managing Director of the program. Fred Malik on LinkedIn FORTIFIED program information and information for Builders and Homeowners Insurance Institute for Builders and Home Safety (IBHS) IBHS Research Center information and video

Do You know You Are In The Water? I have only recently learned of a great thinker named David Foster Wallace. He was a writer and college professor and challenged the way people look at life. Although he left this world way too young, David made a lasting mark with his writings and thoughts. When I think of the people I have come in contact with, both good and bad, I try to learn from them. David Forter Wallace, when he was addressing the students at Kenyon College, he started his speech with this story: There are these two young fish swimming along, and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, "Morning, boys. How's the water?" And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually, one of them looks over at the other and goes, "What the hell is water?"One of my students asked me how someone in emergency management can positively impact their community. The answer was simple, don’t forget the people you serve. However, we should explore this question and my response a little deeper. In the spirit of David Foster Wallace, the simple answer may be the most complex. We must break down this student's question first as a humanitarian and then as a professional. And for my friends that do not think you are a humanitarian, you are in the wrong line of work. We have chosen a field where we deal with disasters that impact people's lives. We have to remember that we are serving people, not the damage that has occurred or the threat we face. I have repeatedly seen how we meet the challenges of the danger, the hurricane, the storm, the fire, the earthquake, but we forget about how these disasters affect the displaced people. We talk about numbers, the billions of dollars the response costs, the number of acres burned, the thousands of emergency responders on scene, and the total number of people evacuated. We don't talk about the number of people returning to a home that was underwater or burned to the ground. Their struggles to rebuild their home that will never be the same for them. We ignore their losses that will never be replaced, the loss of photos hanging on the wall, the baby clothes in a cedar chest in the attic that are gone forever, and the blanket that kept them warm when sitting on their favorite chair. We forget about the loss of the residents from the community that cannot or will not return. They may be a statistic in some accounting program at city hall, but they are real people to neighbors and friends that are now lost. When we talk about recovery, it is all numbers and not reflective of what the community is or was. We do not realize that we are in the water. The fish story's point is that the most obvious, important realities are often the hardest to see and talk about...In the day-to-day trenches of emergency management, the banal platitudes of "we have been there and done that" and “You did a great job on this drill, everyone.” You know, the ones that make us all feel good even when we see areas of improvement. They can have a life or death importance. Before I Got Old, I Had All of The AnswersWhen I was young and had all of life's answers, I complained about running a routine call and how the victim's family was in a panic. A senior department member looked at me and told me that this might be the 1,000th time you have seen this issue. However, it was their first time for them. What I learned that day is that we need to put ourselves in their shoes, empathy is the most critical skill that we can learn and develop, especially when we have become hardened to the horrors of the job.  We need to celebrate the victories, the lives saved from near death,  the family reunified with their pet, the everyday hero who was at the right place and did the right thing. We need to bring the community together after the disaster and lead them through recovery. We need to share tears and smiles with the people that look to us for answers. And together, we can become a stronger community. When we seek the truth of what we do, it has nothing to do with the number of years on the job, the training, the classes we attend, and the meetings we hold. Everything that we do as emergency managers are simple. It is awareness, awareness of what is fundamental and essential, awareness that we are serving the people of our jurisdiction, the members of our organization, and the individuals in need. We need to keep the core of what we do in mind, life safety, preserving property, and protecting the environment. As David Foster Wallace said, we have to keep reminding ourselves over and over:This is water.This is water.PodcastsThe Todd DeVoe ShowEmergency Management as a Second CareerEmergency Management is a highly diverse career field with a favorably projected future job growth. There is no clearly defined pathway for becoming an emergency manager and why are people moving to emergency management? Because there are opportunities in public service at all levels of government and a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, and private business. Today, we explore emergency management as a second career with Jill Caputi and Cassie Nanoff.prepare. respond. recoverIBHS, Destroying Buildings to Save YoursToday prepare.respond.recover. speaks with Lead Research Meteorologist and Senior Director for Standards and Analytics Dr. Ian Giammanco from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). He talks about the crazy experiments IBHS conducts to save lives and property as a result of severe weather. Why does IBHS do what they do? As we unfortunately know, severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss. However, IBHS’s building safety research helps lead us to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, please visit us on the web – https://www.ndemevent.comBusiness Continuity TodayCommunications and Active Shooter Response PlanningThe news of two active shooter events one in Buffalo NY and the other at a church in Laguna Woods CA, and mass notification communications mistake by a major city in SoCal are driving the conversation in emergency management. Do you have a plan on how to communicate with your team, your clients, and stakeholders? Now is the time to take a look at your plan, test it and revise it if you need to. Join BCT as we explore these events and more.What To ReadNew York City resident tested positive for MonkeypoxAccording to A.P., New York state health officials said late Friday that a New York City resident tested positive for the virus that causes monkeypox.Why it matters: It's the state's first confirmed case of monkeypox since multiple countries recently reported infections from the virus, which previously had been rarely seen outside of western and central African countries.It's also the U.S.' second confirmed monkeypox infection this year, as Massachusetts reported the first on Wednesday.Your Emergency Management Team Has a Strategy Whether You Like It or NotBy Kelly McKinney As an emergency manager, you’ve got a huge job to do...but you don't have nearly enough resources to do it withYou pry away the valuable time of executives, managers, and staff all across your organization...building resilience for the inevitable next disaster...while struggling against the fierce headwinds of competing priorities, high expectations, and ever-increasing risk All the while, that little voice in your head tells you that all of this is somehow your fault...not only because you chose to pursue a career in emergency management (instead of going to law school as your mother told you)Crisis Response JournalExamining post-incident processes There is general learning here for organizations; learning about the strengths and weaknesses of internal processes. The evidence provides an insight into how organizations deal with priority setting and governance. It gives a hint about corporate perceptions of risk and it shows that it has become routine for important functions to become under-resourced, leaving individuals struggling to provide services to the standard that they regard as the minimum.Bringing clarity to your Business Continuity exerciseIn planning an exercise, we tend to confuse what it is we’re trying to achieve. Even though we think we know what we want our people to do or to experience, we seem to have a habit of making it far less clear than we should. So, aprons on and let’s see how setting the right intentions for a BC exercise is as simple as following the recipe for your favorite cake.  Supportershttps://www.disastertech.com/https://titanhst.com/https://www.ndemevent.com/en-us/show-info.html Get full access to The Emergency Management Network at emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Prepare for Hurricane Season: https://insights.zurichna.com/hurricane-hub Hurricane season begins June 1 and early forecasts are predicting above normal activity this year. Is your business prepared? This week's Future of Risk podcast talks to Chuck Miccolis, Managing Director of Commercial Lines at IBHS, about the upcoming season and some things that businesses should keep in mind as they prepare. Hint: protect your building envelope. Recorded: 4-26-22

Today prepare.respond.recover. speaks with Lead Research Meteorologist and Senior Director for Standards and Analytics Dr. Ian Giammanco from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) as he talks about the crazy experiments IBHS conducts to save lives and property as a result of severe weather. Why does IBHS do what they do? As we unfortunately know, severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss, however IBHS's building safety research helps lead us to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Today prepare.respond.recover. speaks with Lead Research Meteorologist and Senior Director for Standards and Analytics Dr. Ian Giammanco from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) as he talks about the crazy experiments IBHS conducts to save lives and property as a result of severe weather. Why does IBHS do what they do? As we unfortunately know, severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss, however IBHS's building safety research helps lead us to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com

This weeks guest is Chuck Miccolis, Managing Director of Commercial Lines at The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.  IBHS is an independent, nonprofit 501 (C), scientific research and communications organization, whose building safety research helps create more resilient communities. Climate change is leading to more severe storms and a more frequent rate.  On this episode, Chuck talks about the importance of being proactive when it comes to preparing for severe weather, and the steps you can take to ensure your building is ready for future storms!  For more information, and detailed guides to prepare, check out these resources:FORTIFIED, the National Resilient Construction Standard – https://fortifiedhome.org/Severe Weather Preparedness Guidance – https://disastersafety.org/Thunderstorm Ready Guide – Thunderstorm-ready.orgOFB-EZ Guide – https://disastersafety.org/business-protection/ofb-ez/

On the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, Rob and Lee talk with Julie Rochman, former CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported solely by property insurers and reinsurers. They deliver top-tier science and translate it into action so they can prevent risks, strengthen homes and businesses, inform the insurance industry, and support thriving communities. Join Julie, Rob, and Lee as they discuss Julie's extensive experience in the insurance industry, her many seats on boards, her thoughts on insuretech, and much more. Like what you hear on FNO: InsureTech? Know someone who would be a great guest for the podcast? Let us know: Email us at amuya@alacritysolutions.com!

Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety joins us to give tips on how Texans can reduce the risk of roof and home damage in severe weather. What is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety? The IBHS is about keeping people in their homes and getting them back to everyday life after a major weather. How can Texans reduce the risk of storm damage? Texans can reduce 50% of your losses just by getting a better-performing roof. Your roof is the thing that's most exposed in a storm, and damage to a roof is the easiest to mitigate. When replacing a roof or building a new home, what should a contractor know? Attach the roof with ring shank nails (nails with ridges or grooves on them). Ring shank nails can double the strength of your roof. And they're extremely affordable, less than $50. Attach the roof decking (the part the shingles or metal roof sits on top of) to the trusses of the rafters with ring shank nails. Seal the roof deck to keep wind and water out of the primary roof cover. That will keep the water from getting into the house and leading to more expensive damage. The bulk of insurance claims from natural disasters in Texas are from smaller storms (flooding, hail, etc.) and preventable damage. The roof covering products that you choose should be designed to resist the conditions you might face in your area. You don't necessarily have to spend more money. Focus on opening protection. If you lose a door, a window, or a garage door, all the pressure in your house gets into places where it's not supposed to be. That can lead to major structural failures. If you don't live on the coast, your biggest issue is your garage door. Make sure it is properly rated. In Texas, hail is the No. 1 threat to roofs. Can impact-resistant shingles help against hail damage? Most shingles are tested with a solid sphere of ice or a steel ball dropped on the surface. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, that's not a realistic way to test hail damage. So they created a new test that studies the way different types of hail hit a roof and how they can damage a home. In 2020, IBHS released the test results and the list of shingles that perform better. If they rate shingles as good or excellent, it's going to resist most of the different types of hail. Roofers and contractors should visit https://www.ibhs.org or https://www.fortifiedhome.org to see the list of products that work best. And not all of them are the most expensive. The IBHS doesn't get any compensation from shingle manufacturers. They recommend the products that deliver the best no matter the cost or brand name. You can also find guidelines for hurricanes, high winds, and hail at https://www.ibhs.org and https://www.fortifiedhome.org. It's free information for roofers, contractors, and consumers. If you want to learn more about insurance options or it's time to shop for insurance, go to the Texas Department of Insurance website, https://www.tdi.texas.gov, or call 800-252-3439

Episode 411: NAMIC President and CEO Chuck Chamness talks with GenRe’s Ridge Muhly about how social inflation is affecting the property/casualty insurance industry and how to identify and respond to shifting trends. 

About 45 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina sits a unique test facility measuring over 40,000 square feet and equipped with 105 electric fans. This facility is where the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) can build and test structures against damage caused by high winds, hail, wildfire, and rain. Testing realistic re-creations of severe weather hazards enables researchers to accurately evaluate residential and commercial construction materials and systems. The research conducted at this unique facility significantly advances building science and influences residential and commercial structural design and construction, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

About 45 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina sits a unique test facility measuring over 40,000 square feet and equipped with 105 electric fans. This facility is where the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) can build and test structures against damage caused by high winds, hail, wildfire, and rain. Testing realistic re-creations of severe weather hazards enables researchers to accurately evaluate residential and commercial construction materials and systems. The research conducted at this unique facility significantly advances building science and influences residential and commercial structural design and construction, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn more about the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo please visit us on the web - https://www.ndemevent.com

Alex Cary with IBHS gives advice on reinforcing your home to prevent storm damage.

In this uncut episode, our conversation goes even deeper with Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety President and CEO Roy Wright and Shelter EVP Rockne Corbin. The trends, the stories, and the experience is something you won't want to miss.

Shelter is a proud partner with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). EVP Rockne Corbin and IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright talk with the podcast to explain the trends agents and employees should be on the lookout for and how Shelter is using its knowledge and expertise to pave the way for homes to be safer. Link for SEC video described in podcast: https://vimeo.com/257936561/6a8a6a7c72

S2:E43 Jack Gottesman and Mark Zehal - Roofing Systems that are Challenging the Weather This week on Roofing Road Trips, Heidi J. Ellsworth, chats with Jack Gottesman of IKO and Mark Zehnal of IBHS. Jack and Mark share the excitement around IKO roofing products and how they are creating systems that meet the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s (IBHS) FORTIFIED Home™ standards. The FORTIFIED Home program seeks to improve property resilience to natural disasters on a local, regional and national level. Listen to this episode to learn how FORTIFIED and IKO are working together to create roofing systems that can challenge the weather.

Daniel Gorham of IBHS talks about brush fires and protecting our homes.

Insurers pay billions of dollars each year to cover losses caused by severe weather but, unfortunately, sometimes those payments end up in the pockets of unscrupulous contractors. Those contractors follow the path of damage caused by severe storms around the country soliciting business door-to-door. Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco, Managing Director of Research at IBHS joins me to talk about common roofing scams and the fight to stop the criminals who commit them.

Insurers pay billions of dollars each year to cover losses caused by severe weather but, unfortunately, sometimes those payments end up in the pockets of unscrupulous contractors. Those contractors follow the path of damage caused by severe storms around the country soliciting business door-to-door. Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco, Managing Director of Research at IBHS joins me to talk about common roofing scams and the fight to stop the criminals who commit them.

Fortifying your home against high winds such as tornado's, and Hurricanes is what Fortified Building is all about. This is a must-listen if you're a building professional or DIY homeowner.

Not only was the Florida Building Code not fully effective in buildings damaged by Hurricane Michael, but neither were mitigation efforts designed to fortify our homes and businesses, according to a new FEMA report. A team of building experts conducted an assessment of 350 structures affected by Michael's Category 5 winds that reached upwards of 160 mph.  They paint a dismal result.  Buildings with wind retrofits, such as stronger windows or doors, suffered significant damage, even when those windows and doors held up. The FEMA report notes people were injured as a result.  Expensive mitigation upgrades were for nothing.  And entire buildings, including multi-million dollar local government facilities, now have to be rebuilt from scratch.What happened?  Isn't mitigation supposed to be a smart investment?  Host Lisa Miller, a former deputy insurance commissioner, asks her guests, including a former state legislator who had a hand in creating the Florida Building Code and the Panhandle's wind standards, and two noted structural engineers.Show NotesThis podcast is a follow-up in part, to the August 31, 2019 podcast Is Florida's Building Code Protecting All of Us?  A University of Florida engineering school report found that the Florida Building Code wasn't tough enough to withstand Michael's Category 5 winds.  Not even in some newer structures, although they did fare better than those built before the 2002 code was enacted. But almost two-thirds of those buildings built after the code had some roof cover loss, according to the report.Although there is a single state building code, it has different wind standards depending on where you live.  The eastern Panhandle, where Hurricane Michael struck, has some of the weakest wind standards in the state, at 130 mph on the coast and 120 mph slightly inland.  Former state Senator Charlie Clary was involved in the creation of those wind standards in 2002. “We tried to come up with some ways of helping, as we made the codes tougher and more uniform throughout the state, but still be somewhat affordable as they constructed these homes, because we were in a very intense growth mode at that time.  There had never been a Category 4 or greater hurricane to impact NW Florida at that time,” said Clary, who is founding principal with DAG Architects in Destin, Florida.  “We have to just learn lessons from Michael and make the changes necessary.”In Bay County, ground-zero for Michael, officials estimate nearly 75% of its 68,000 households were impacted. The UF report noted roof and siding loss was common in both pre-code and post-code construction. Dr. Arn Womble, Research Engineer with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, said roofing products themselves need improvement and that aging effects seem to play a big role in how the roofs perform.  “We are frustrated as well as I think everybody in the industry in that the standard test for shingles – and we run them in our lab and they pass a certain test and then when they get subjected to reality out there in the field, they don't perform like the laboratory test indicated that they might, so we're realizing there's a big disconnect there,” said Dr. Womble, who led a field survey team after Michael struck.  He added that siding products haven't gotten as much attention as roofing, but need to going forward.The conversation moved to the newest set of post-Michael reports from FEMA.  Its recovery advisory Successfully Retrofitting Buildings for Wind Resistance, resulted from FEMA's Mitigation Assessment Team survey of Hurricane Michael damage.  It found that buildings and homes with wind retrofits suffered significant damage—even in cases when the retrofit itself performed well—because other building vulnerabilities were not addressed when the retrofit was installed.  So “the whole retrofit project may be ineffective.” “It is true that when you mitigate to try to gain more resilience, your building is only as strong as its remaining weakest link,” said Dr. Karthik Ramanathan, Assistant Vice President & Principal Engineer for AIR Worldwide, a global catastrophe modeling firm.  He, too, has found disconnects between what mitigation can achieve versus what's actually happening in the field.  As an example, his field work has noted “striking dissimilarity” in metal roofs in areas ravaged by Hurricanes Michael and Irma. “Most agree if built and installed properly, metal roofs are a great mitigation investment against wind damage.  But time and again, you saw metal roofs installed on pre-existing shingle roofs.  When you're not attaching a metal roof to a substrate that it ought to be attached to, you cannot expect a metal roof to perform in the way it is supposed to,” said Dr. Ramanathan.  He added that there seems to be a lack of knowledge and a need for education in proper installation.The FEMA assessment also found that “even modest damage to the building envelope or rooftop equipment was observed to lead to costly water damage, which can take months to repair and cause disruption of building operations.”   A companion assessment, Best Practices for Minimizing Wind and Water Infiltration Damage has some recommendations on building materials to use to provide extra layers of protection.Based on the University of Florida report, the Florida Building Commission has taken several steps with the support of the homebuilders to strengthen the next 7th Edition of the Florida Building Code to be published in December 2020.  It includes adoption of ASCE 7-16, the newest Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria.  While there's no reported plans to change the various wind standards around Florida, the method for determining the design pressures on roofs for buildings less than 60 feet in height has changed.  There are expected to be requirements for secondary roof underlayment to prevent water intrusion in the event the roof covering is blown off.New sections are also being added to the code detailing requirements for the attachment of vinyl, fiber-cement, and hardboard.  Wood structural panels and soffit panels are also being added to the code.  All these moves were applauded by the podcast's guests. “I'd like to see the building code and material science move down the building envelope now from the roof,” said Dr. Ramanathan, who focuses on the structural impacts of storms in his work.  “I think the research now needs to focus more heavily on how you build soffits that can withstand the impact of wind-driven rain so that you can keep the home's envelope watertight.  How do you look at the performance of wall siding, be it vinyl or brick, how can you make these better?”  He noted that water damage is more expensive to repair than wind damage.All three guests agreed that code enforcement is crucial when building resilient homes and businesses.  In a recent guest column in the Insurance Journal, two Munich Re senior executives cite “the need to enhance and consistently enforce building codes” as one of the two big challenges facing reinsurers with Florida interests.“I think you're naturally going to have different levels of enforcement just because of the different sorts of budgets throughout the state and the ability to cover what's necessary,” said Dr. Womble.  Given the code is key to protecting consumers, having uniform code enforcement is important, he added.With Hurricane Michael recovery still ongoing in the Panhandle, “I think we're definitely on the right path to building under a tougher code,” said Clary.  “Enforcement is vital and it's important to have the architect and engineers that work for the client involved to make sure the structures are built according to plans and specifications.”Dr. Ramanathan said he sees individual building departments within Florida have gaps in how they adopt and enforce certain practices, including verifying building plans and conducting on-site inspections.  “I think the Panhandle and other parts of Florida need to move to the high-velocity zone (170 mph wind standards), which is essentially Miami-Dade and Broward, not just in terms of building standards but also enforcement standards,” said Dr. Ramanathan.  “Michael did pretty much just what Hurricane Andrew did, so the time is never more opportune than what it is now to reflect that learning, in terms of building code enforcement in the Panhandle.”FEMA will use its two assessments to develop formal conclusions and recommendations to improve resilience of buildings and their utility systems in Florida.  A formal report is expected by December 2019.Host Lisa Miller, a former deputy insurance commissioner, noted “there is ongoing concern that even for those with insurance checks, some Panhandle residents may not be able to afford to rebuild their homes.  Is it time for these tougher standards, materials, and practices we've discussed today to be enacted across the Florida Panhandle – and across Florida for that matter?”Links and Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeDAG ArchitectsInsurance Institute on Business & Home Safety (IBHS)www.DisasterSafety.org  (IBHS guidance for home and business owners)AIR-Worldwide.comSuccessfully Retrofitting Buildings for Wind Resistance (FEMA Recovery Advisory 1, June 2019)Best Practices for Minimizing Wind and Water Infiltration Damage (FEMA Recovery Advisory 2, June 2019)Is Florida's Building Code Protecting All of Us? (The Florida Insurance Roundup podcast of 8/31/19)Reports referenced from our previous podcast “Is Florida's Building Code Protecting All of Us?”: Investigation of buildings damaged by Hurricane Michael (The University of Florida Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, prepared for the Florida Building Commission, June 10, 2019) Hurricane Michael: Field Assessment Team Early Access Reconnaissance Report (from Structural Extreme Event Reconnaissance Network, October 25, 2018) Florida Building CommissionFlorida Building Commission Wind MapsPitfalls in Mitigating Risk (LMA Newsletter of 8-26-19)Cities Where Hurricanes Would Cause the Most Damage (24/7 Wall Street, July 31, 2019)** The Listener Call-In Line for your recorded questions and comments to air in future episodes is 850-388-8002 or you may send email to LisaMiller@LisaMillerAssociates.com **The Florida Insurance Roundup from Lisa Miller & Associates, brings you the latest developments in Property & Casualty, Healthcare, Workers' Compensation, and Surplus Lines insurance from around the Sunshine State.  Based in the state capital of Tallahassee, Lisa Miller & Associates provides its clients with focused, intelligent, and cost conscious solutions to their business development, government consulting, and public relations needs.  On the web at www.LisaMillerAssociates.com or call 850-222-1041.  Your questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome!  Date of Recording 9/10/19. Email via info@LisaMillerAssociates.com   Composer: www.TeleDirections.com  © Copyright 2017-2019 Lisa Miller & Associates, All Rights Reserved

Episode 217: Chuck talks with IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright about how legislators, insurers, and individuals alike share responsibility for a resilient future. Plus, several states make the move to adopt Resiliency Week to educate residents about the importance of pre-disaster mitigation. And the latest on Hurricane Dorian as the record-setting storm approaches the U.S.

Fortified Homes and the Fortified Builders program. Alex Cary with IBHS gives us the lowdown.

Alex and Alex discuss Fortified Homes.

Susan Millerick explains how houses are destroyed on purpose to learn better building techniques. Fascinating!

Episode #121: Chuck talks with Ted Nickel, Wisconsin state insurance commissioner and former President of the NAIC about some of his greatest accomplishments as well as what he sees as the challenges ahead for the new NAIC leadership.

Episode #113: Chuck talks with Tom Karol, NAMIC's General Counsel - Federal, about emerging technologies and how the association is helping regulators address safety issues when it comes to automated vehicles and drones. Plus, the NAIC wrapped up its summer meeting facing a tight deadline to establish a group capital calculation standard.

Episode #104: Chuck talks with NAMIC Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Jimi Grande about insurance industry accomplishments in Washington. We also uncover distracted driving and how one state is modernizing laws against cell phone usage behind the wheel. Plus, disaster mitigation takes a major step forward to improve the resiliency of our country.

Episode #101: Insurance Uncovered talks retirement and disaster safety with the head of the IBHS, reports on happenings at the spring NAIC meeting, and shows how insurers and friends are helping raise money for children’s cancer research.

In this episode of Profiles in Risk, Rob Galbraith becomes the first person to be on both Profiles in Risk and The Attachment Point Podcast. We discuss Rob's time storm chasing as an embedded civilian with the IBHS and the article he wrote for InsNerds on the trip. MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: IBHS - INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS & HOME SAFETY: https://disastersafety.org/ Disdrometer - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disdrometer HOW TO REACH ROB: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-galbraith-8707aa1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/robgalb