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The Mobile Rundown
Alabama Leads the Way with 50,000 Fortified Homes
3 days ago
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Alabama has hit an exciting milestone with 50,000 homes now certified as Fortified, making the state a leader in resilient home construction.
Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), the Fortified standard is designed to protect homes from the worst of nature’s fury—think hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms.
Most of these homes are located along the Gulf Coast, an area that knows all too well how destructive these storms can be.
The driving force behind this program? Hurricanes.
In the aftermath of disasters like Ivan and Katrina, Alabama decided to take action, ensuring homes could better withstand future storms.
Fast forward to today, and Fortified homes are helping residents rest a little easier when those storm clouds roll in.
When Hurricane Ivan hit Alabama in 2004, and then Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the damage was catastrophic.
Thousands of homes across Mobile and Baldwin counties were lost or severely damaged. But from that devastation came a plan to build stronger.
The Fortified program, which started gaining momentum in 2009, was designed to do just that.
Since its inception, the program has seen steady growth, and the results speak for themselves.
After Hurricane Sally in 2020, 95% of the Fortified homes on the Gulf Coast experienced little to no damage.
These homes stood firm while others were left with blue tarps and piles of debris.
This kind of real-world success has given homeowners and builders confidence in the program, showing that stronger homes really do make a difference.
What Makes a Home "Fortified"?
The Fortified program offers three levels of protection—Fortified Roof, Silver, and Gold—each with increasingly stringent standards.
To get certified, a home must meet specific requirements, and it’s no walk in the park.
Existing homes need a third-party evaluation, where inspectors check everything from the roof to the foundation.
But for those who make the cut, the benefits are huge.
Aside from the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home can better withstand storms, there’s also a financial incentive.
Homes with Fortified certification can qualify for hefty discounts on homeowner’s insurance, which is music to any homeowner’s ears, especially on the coast.
Programs like Strengthen Alabama Homes even offer grants to help families bring their homes up to Fortified standards, making it easier for people to get involved.
Fewer Blue Tarps, Faster Recovery
The goal of the Fortified program is clear: build stronger homes and reduce the impact of storms.
And it’s working.
By helping communities avoid catastrophic damage, these homes allow residents to bounce back faster after a storm.
Instead of waiting for contractors or living under a blue tarp for months, families in Fortified homes can return to normal life sooner.
Alabama Insurance Commissioner Mark Fowler pointed out that this program has been a game changer for communities along the coast.
As the program grows nationwide, Alabama continues to lead the charge in creating stronger, more resilient homes.
With fewer worries about storm damage, it’s a step toward safer neighborhoods and a more secure future for homeowners across the state.
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