Media Advisory: IBHS Expert Available at Houses in "Parade of Homes" Built to Withstand Natural Disasters

FAIRHOPE, Ala., Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety:

WHAT:
This weekend's Parade of Homes in Baldwin County, Alabama, will showcase houses that are not only beautiful, but built stronger and safer to withstand Mother Nature's severe weather events. About 90 percent of the houses on the tour are FORTIFIED Homes built using standards created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).  An IBHS expert will be available at three of the homes to discuss how any home can be built or retrofitted to reduce damage from severe weather events that will actually increase the home's value and reduce insurance costs, too.

WHO:
Alexandra Cary, IBHS Manager of FORTIFIED Coastal Programs

WHEN:
Saturday, September 24, 2016, at the following times and Parade homes:

• 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Showcase Home - Greenbriar at Firethorne - 465 Fortune Drive, Fairhope (Builder - Truland Homes)
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 722 Truxton Street, Fairhope (Builder - D.R. Horton)
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Stone Creek Villas - 786 Serpentine Drive, Fairhope (Builder – DSLD Homes)

WHY:
Find out how Alabama homeowners and homebuyers can build or retrofit houses that are more resistant to hurricanes. As severe weather events increase in both frequency and severity, Alabama is leading the way in the nation with the largest number of IBHS FORTIFIED Homes, which are stronger, safer and will suffer less storm damage. Learn how FORTIFIED Homes provide cost-savings and peace of mind to the families who live in them.

HOW:
Through full-scale testing conducted at the unique IBHS Research Center, scientists and engineers investigate building materials, products and installation practices that will lead to better building performance during severe weather conditions. Their research findings inform the FORTIFIED Home construction standards, which go beyond local building code requirements.

CONTACT:
If you're interested in speaking with Cary or other IBHS building science experts, please contact Cynthia Michener at (508) 864-9532 or [email protected].

IBHS FORTIFIED Resources:

• Video:  What is FORTIFIED?
• App:  FORTIFIED On the Go App (for homeowners and builders/contractors)
• Building or Retrofitting a FORTIFIED Home
• IBHS High Wind FORTIFIED Construction Demonstration Highlights

About The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
IBHS' mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss.    

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SOURCE Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

Related Links

http://www.disastersafety.org