Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Research Center Projects: At the world-class Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center in South Carolina, researchers study the impact of the natural perils of wind, wind-driven rain, hail and wildire on both residential and commercial structures. Using transparent, objective research and methodologies, the multi-faceted research approach includes full-scale testing of one- and two-story test specimens; physical testing of individual structural components and building systems; and evaluation of existing/potential test methods and metrics.

Communications & Product Design: IBHS has robust communications capabilities that build upon and amplify the impact of our research capabilities. By translating technical research findings into guidance for homeowners and businesses and using a growing range of communications channels to reach a wide audience we seek to motivate action by educating stakeholders about practical and cost-effective ways to increase the resilience of both residential and commercial structures. Each year, IBHScreates a substantial amount of original data and related content. This information is communicated to the public directly and through IBHS member companies, via the IBHS website and utilizing both digital and traditional media. Costs associated with this work all fall within the IBHS annual budget's personnel, printing, graphics, and IT expense items. No revenue is generated by this work.

FORTIFIED Programs: IBHS has developed and operationalized FORTIFIED, a voluntary construction and re-roofing Program designed to strengthen single family homes, multifamily buildings, and commercial structures against specific types of severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes and even tornados. Total expense for this work in 2023 was confined to the IBHS annual budget in the form of personnel, IT, and travel costs.