A recent study from the University of Alabama has revealed that homes built to specific fortified standards can significantly reduce damage during severe weather events. The research found that these homes, constructed according to guidelines from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), saw a drop in claims severity by 15% to 40% and a remarkable 55% reduction in the frequency of losses.
The study focused on the performance of these fortified homes during Hurricane Sally, which struck in 2020. The researchers analyzed data from 88 insurance companies, concluding that the improved construction standards not only protected properties but also lowered policyholder deductibles by more than 60%.
Alabama has been proactive in this area, launching its home-hardening program in 2021. Currently, the state boasts 53,000 homes certified by the IBHS. Hurricane Sally was the first significant storm to impact a region with a high number of these fortified structures, providing a real-world opportunity to assess their effectiveness during a Category 2 hurricane.
Mark Fowler, Alabama’s insurance commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the findings, noting that the data confirmed what officials had suspected: fortified homes perform well in actual storm conditions. He stated that the fortified standards exceeded expectations and demonstrated that such mitigation strategies are effective against the real threats faced by residents in Alabama and along the Gulf Coast.
In addition to state efforts, federal lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at promoting home-hardening across the country. This legislation proposes a grant program that could provide up to $10,000 in tax-exempt funds for homeowners looking to make improvements like installing impact-resistant roofs or backup power systems. The bill also includes a federal tax credit of 30% for qualifying upgrades, specifically targeting lower- and middle-income households.
Other states are taking notice of Alabama’s success. A recent review in Louisiana found that homeowners with fortified roofs experienced a 22% drop in annual insurance premiums. Louisiana launched its own home-hardening program in 2023, inspired by Alabama’s results. Meanwhile, Oklahoma has expanded its Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program, offering grants for approved projects and citing Alabama’s study as evidence of potential benefits.
Despite these positive developments, some states, like Mississippi, have faced challenges in implementing similar programs due to political opposition. Mississippi currently lacks a home-hardening initiative, making it unique among coastal states.
The need for such measures has become increasingly urgent. Homeowners across the Gulf Coast have seen insurance premiums rise sharply in recent years, with increases of 34% in Louisiana, 29% in Florida, and 24% in Texas, compared to a national average of 24%. Rising construction costs, inflation, and limited federal disaster aid have all contributed to this trend, highlighting the importance of making homes more resilient and insurable.
As communities continue to face the realities of climate change and severe weather, the push for fortified homes and effective mitigation strategies remains critical for protecting both property and lives.