A federal initiative to encourage the statewide adoption and enforcement of building codes is pending in Congress. U.S. Reps. Doris Matsui, D-California, and Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Florida, have introduced the Safe Building Codes Act of 2007. The act would create incentives for states to adopt and enforce heightened construction standards to... Tampa – As wildfires rage in Southern California, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is encouraging homeowners who are not immediately threatened to take steps to reduce their risk and boost their homes’ defenses.  The key, according to IBHS, is removing everything fire would view as a fuel... Tampa - The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has outlined key steps to help residents and business owners affected by tornadoes and wildfires take the first steps toward recovery. Protect yourself.   Always be careful when surveying the damage.  Report downed power lines or gas leaks.  Keep electricity... Tampa - Julie A. Rochman has been named to succeed Harvey G. Ryland as president and chief executive officer of the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Ms. Rochman, currently senior vice president of public affairs at The Glover Park Group (GPG), a leading Washington-based strategic communication consulting firm,...

View All »

These links take you to recent articles that include information from IBHS.

  In Tumbling Dice, Ted Cushman asks "Can we make manufactured housing safer in the face of tornadoes?"  http://www.builderonline.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=28&articleID=396610 While spending time and resources on something that hasn't happened yet might not seem like a priority, as Manufacturing.net News Editor Anita LaFond writes, readying your supply chain for the impact of natural disasters or terrorism is a must.  The article linked below discusses ways to prepare. http://www.manufacturing.net/article/CA6411028.html The eaves of a home can expose the structure to the ravages of wind-driven rain on two fronts: when soffits are blown out during a storm, and when winds of 90 m.p.h. or greater drive water through vented soffits.  Effective December 2006, the Florida Building Code requires soffit systems to...

View All »