Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Research Center Projects: At its unique, world-class IBHS Research Center in South Carolina, IBHS conducts a variety of tests to examine the impact of wind, fire, hail and wind-driven water on both residential and commercial structures. Using transparent, objective research methodologies, this 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. Research Center staff coordinates and leverages its research resources through collaboration with other scientists and research organizations, trade groups, and manufacturers. In 2024, IBHS conducted 44 research projects-including advancing structural separation wildfire research-and conducted a full-scale hurricane/FORTIFIED demonstration, broadcast nationally from the IBHS test chamber.

FORTIFIED Programs: IBHS has developed and promulgated a set of science-based, hazard specific building design, repair and retrofitting standards for residential and commercial construction called the FORTIFIED program. In 2024, IBHS designated more than 17,000 properties through the FORTIFIED program, bringing total designations above 70,000 across 31 states.Wildfire Prepared: IBHS translates its wildfire research in a variety of ways, including media engagement, public policy engagement, live demonstrations, and developing and promulgating the Wildfire Prepared Program, a designation program based on a suite of mitigation actions designed to reduce the risk of home ignition. IBHS conducted several live demonstrations in to illustrate the importance of removing combustible material from the five-foot zone around structures. IBHS also educated state insurance regulators, lawmakers, and other policymakers about science-based wildfire mitigation actions. Over 1,000 homes are now designated Wildfire Prepared .