Living in a disaster-prone area entails a lot of planning and preparation – and most likely a huge home insurance premium. A more cost-effective solution is building a Fortified home – a project developed by the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Homes and buildings are certified by IBHS to be Fortified if it has special features such as wind and fire resistant roofing, hurricane straps and clips connecting the roof to the walls, impact and pressure resistant doors and windows, a securely anchored foundation, and landscaping techniques that reduce wildfire and flooding vulnerability. (source: www.insure.com)

These safety features help avoid total destruction of a home or building. Putting up a Fortified home will cost a little more than ordinary homes, around 3 to 5 percent above the usual cost of construction. But the add-on is worth it, rather than paying for repair or reconstruction. IBHS ensures that prices of disaster-resistant homes are within reach. There is a variety of construction design, you can choose depending on your budget. It also offers guidelines in choosing other home materials and accessories such as window materials.

Existing homes can be improved using disaster-resistant materials during renovations and re-roofing.

Calamities vary in different states. Check out this map to see whether you are in a tornado path or a hurricane-prone area. Practical tips are available to help you customize your home and give that added protection depending on your location.

Visit www.ibhs.org and check out the Features of Fortified Homes