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www.disastersafety.org
The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is sponsoring features that make the 2009 NextGen “First to the Future” Home strong.
IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.
Construction of the house will follow criteria of the IBHS Fortified…for safer living® program, which increases a new home's resistance to natural disasters from the ground up. The 2009 NextGen Home features Fortified criteria to lessen the impact of earthquake, wildfire, high wind and hail. Additional property losses such as electrical surge, interior fires and plumbing leaks are also addressed.
Builders can look to the Fortified…for safer living® program for guidance to build durable, sustainable homes. Online training and resources are available. The Fortified program also requires an independent third-party inspection throughout the construction process. IBHS offers a free training course for pre-qualified individuals interested in becoming an inspector or plan reviewer for the program. Certification is contingent on successful completion of an on-site test. Certified personnel are then approved to work with builders and developers to expand this code-plus program throughout the country.
The Fortified…for safer living® designation offers builders a marketing advantage, and gives safety-conscious consumers the disaster protection and peace of mind they seek. Download a copy of the Fortified Builder’s Guide from the IBHS web site www.disastersafety.org.
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