Five Steps to Make Your Home More Hurricane Resistant

Dr. Tim Reinhold, director of Engineering and vice president, Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has identified five steps homeowners or their contractors can take to make homes more hurricane-resistant: (1) Shutter all openings, (2) Protect gable end vents, (3) Secure loose roof shingles, (4) Seal openings, cracks and holes, and (5) Strengthen doors. "If you do everything on this list, it could cost $4,000 or more but your home will be much stronger and safer," said Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson at the I.I.I. "On the other hand, if you don't make these improvements and you're hit with major damage, you could end up paying a sizable hurricane deductible before the insurance payment kicks in. In comparison, the $4,000 will seem like a bargain."

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Disaster Survey

Earthquakes. Fires. Floods. Californians experience a wider array of natural hazards than most Americans, but do they care to prepare?The Insurance Information Network of California and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company commissioned a statewide poll to determine Californians' attitudes toward disaster preparedness. The result? Californians believe that their state is prone to disasters, but see little motivation to prepare for nature's crushing blows.

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