What Is the Fortified Roofing Program? The FORTIFIED Home™ program , run by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), provides construction and retrofit guidelines to strengthen homes against severe weather. It includes three tiers: FORTIFIED Roof: Reinforces the roof system. FORTIFIED Silver: Adds enhancements like reinforced windows and doors. FORTIFIED Gold: Implements a continuous load path—integrating roof, walls, and foundation for maximum resilience. Strengthen Alabama Homes: State-Level Support Alabama’s Department of Insurance administers the Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program, which provides significant financial and insurance incentives for homeowners: Grants up to $10,000 for eligible primary residences to retrofit to a FORTIFIED standard. Insurance Premium Discounts: FORTIFIED Roof: ~25–35% FORTIFIED Silver: ~35–45% FORTIFIED Gold: ~45–55% off the wind portion of homeowner’s insurance. Tax Deduction: Homeowners may deduct the lesser of 50% of retrofit costs or $3,000 from their gross income. Proven Impact & Scale Inception & Reach: The program began around 2015–2016. Since then, over 8,700 homes have received retrofits through more than $86 million in grants. Coverage & Adoption: Alabama has over 50,000 FORTIFIED-certified homes—comprising a large majority (~80%) of all such homes nationwide. Effectiveness: Homes built or retrofitted to FORTIFIED standards experienced 55–74% fewer insurance claims, with 14–40% less severe losses—as demonstrated during Hurricane Sally in 2020. Insurance Market Stabilization: The initiative has helped stabilize Alabama’s insurance market, with substantial premium reductions and more insurers willing to write policies in previously high-risk areas. Application Process & Community Insights How to Apply: Go to: https://www.strengthenalabamahomes.com/ Register online and upload required documents (e.g., proof of homeowner’s insurance and tax details). Hire a certified FORTIFIED evaluator. Southeast Roofing & Construction is a Fortified Contractor. Receive and compare three contractor bids. Work completed by certified contractors; grant funds are paid directly to them. Once work passes inspection, the home is certified FORTIFIED. Certification Renewal: FORTIFIED certification must be renewed every five years to maintain insurance benefits. Community Experiences: Many residents report fierce demand upon application openings—"like getting Taylor Swift tickets," as one official put it. Reddit users recount how the program helped fully retrofit homes, significantly reduced insurance costs, and was considered well worth the effort. Why It Matters This program has proven cost-effective and resilience-building, offering: Direct financial support for homeowners. Major insurance savings and better insurability. Measurable reduction in damage and claims. A blueprint that other states—like Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina—are already modeling.

Hurricane preparedness is crucial to staying safe and minimizing damage in the event of a storm. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get ready: 1. Stay Informed Monitor weather updates: Follow local weather stations, NOAA, and the National Hurricane Center for real-time updates on storm paths and intensity. Download a weather app to receive alerts about hurricanes and severe weather in your area. Know your evacuation routes and local shelters. 2. Create an Emergency Kit Your hurricane kit should include: Water: At least one gallon per person per day for 3-7 days. Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, and dry foods (enough for at least 3 days). First-aid supplies: Bandages, antiseptics, prescription medications, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Flashlights and batteries (don't rely on candles). Portable phone charger or backup power bank. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated if power goes out. Personal hygiene items: Toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. Important documents: IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof bag. Cash: ATMs may not be working, and cards may not be accepted during power outages. Blankets, sleeping bags, or extra clothes (depending on your needs). Pet supplies (if applicable): Food, water, leash, and medications for your pets. 3. Prepare Your Home Secure windows and doors: Install storm shutters or use plywood to cover windows. Consider adding impact-resistant glass or hurricane-rated windows. Trim trees and bushes: Remove dead branches or anything that could become a projectile. Check your roof: Repair leaks, secure loose shingles, and ensure gutters are clear. Elevate electrical appliances: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider raising appliances and electrical outlets above potential flood levels. Secure outdoor items: Bring in furniture, grills, and other objects that could blow away. 4. Know Evacuation Procedures Evacuate if necessary: Follow evacuation orders from local authorities. Don’t wait until the last minute. Have a plan for pets: Not all shelters accept pets, so make sure you know where to take them if you need to evacuate. Set up a meeting point: If your family gets separated, have a pre-determined place to meet. 5. Strengthen Your Family Plan Communication plan: Make sure everyone knows how to reach each other. Establish a point of contact outside your area in case local networks are down. Plan for elderly or disabled family members: Ensure that vulnerable family members are taken care of and have their medications or mobility aids. 6. After the Hurricane Avoid downed power lines: Stay away from fallen wires and report them to authorities. Inspect your home for damage: Check for structural issues, flooding, and leaks before re-entering. Use caution with food and water: Do not drink tap water unless authorities have declared it safe. Avoid driving in flood waters: It can be deceptively dangerous.