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Where Science Creates Resilience

For decades the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has studied the damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe weather events and identified common weaknesses in typically built homes. We then spent years testing ways to make homes more resilient in the only full-scale research center in the world. Now, you can use our science to defend your home, simply by asking your contractor to follow the FORTIFIED construction method.

Studying the Effects of Severe Weather on the Built Environment

Researchers at IBHS test different methods for reducing property damage in a $40 million research facility in South Carolina. There, they subject full-size homes to realistic storm conditions including wind-driven rain, hail, and winds up to 130 mph.  

 

 

 

Post-Disaster Research

When hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather occurs, IBHS researchers examine the damage to identify common ways homes are damaged. We then focus our research on ways to prevent or minimize the most prevalent vulnerabilities.

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Experts

The FORTIFIED team offers useful tips and research-backed insights to help you protect your home and property. Prepare your home for inclement weather and learn about the impacts of high wind, hail, heavy storms and other severe weather hazards from the scientists and building science experts at IBHS.

JULIE LOWREY, P.E.

FORTIFIED Engineering Director

FRED MALIK

Managing Director of FORTIFIED

ANNE D. COPE, PHD, P.E.

Chief Engineer

MURRAY MORRISON, PHD

Managing Director of Research

IAN GIAMMANCO, PHD

Senior Director of Product Design & Lead Meteorologist

Featured On

wall street journal
Roofing Contractor
The Weather Channel
New York Times
This Old House

Stay In The Know

Do you want to keep up with the latest resiliency research? Would you like timely tips and reminders to keep your home safe from Mother Nature? Are you interested in the science behind the FORTIFIED standard?  Then sign up for the FORTIFIED Update, today!

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Sign up to receive natural disaster-related updates, information about research that can you help protect your home and more.

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