IBHS

What does it take to turn science into a movement while making homes stronger across the country? In @IBHS_org 's Disaster Discussions Podcast, #FORTIFIED experts Cliff Barros and Alex Cary share how lessons learned from Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina sparked a shift toward resilience -and helped grow the FORTIFIED program from early projects on the Alabama Gulf Coast to 100,000+ homes nationwide. 🎧 Listen today at the 🔗 in our bio.

When we think about wildfires, we picture flames reaching a home but research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) shows that embers, not flames, are the leading cause of home ignition. That’s why the area closest to your home matters! Creating a five-foot noncombustible zone around your home can act as a buffer, helping stop fire spread. These small changes can make a big difference in reducing your risk: Remove anything that can burn within five feet of the home. Relocate items like trash cans and other combustibles outside of the five-foot zone. Trim back or remove branches and trees that extend into this area. Keep vehicles, trailers, and other equipment parked outside the five-foot zone. Swap combustible ground cover like mulch or pine needles for river rock or pavers. Get the full checklist at wildfireprepared.org. #IBHSPartner

Your garage door isn’t just a door… it’s one of your home’s weakest links in a storm. Things you should know before the next one hits ⬇️ Wind-rated garage doors are designed to handle wind and pressure in your area, helping keep your home intact. Most people don’t think about it, until it’s too late. So, when it’s time to upgrade be sure you get a wind-rated door. For @ibhs_org full Thunderstorm Ready checklist for ways to strengthen your home against severe weather, comment “GUIDE.” #thınderstorm #IBHSPartner #thunderstormprep #garagedoor #thingsyoushouldknow

Wildfires don’t behave like other natural disasters – when one home ignites, nearby homes can follow. This creates a cascade of destruction across entire neighborhoods – but we’re not powerless. 🔥 IBHS research shows that communities can take action to slow and stop the spread of fire. A Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood—built on intentional choices and community-wide action—creates a clear path to greater survivability and long-term insurability. 🏘️ Together, we can build neighborhoods ready to withstand wildfire. Learn how your community can get started at the 🔗 in our bio.

New resources are available to build wildfire resilience from the ground up — one home, neighborhood and community at a time. @IBHS_Org and APCIA have released a science-based toolkit to help Californians take practical steps to reduce wildfire risk. IBHS and APCIA share @CALFIRE ’s commitment to strengthening community wildfire resilience, and their efforts complement the state’s broader goals around reducing wildfire risk. “Community wildfire resilience is something we build together, one neighbor and one neighborhood at a time,” stated California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “This toolkit gives people the practical guidance and confidence to take meaningful action, whether that means hardening a single home or organizing a community-wide effort. When communities are informed, connected, and prepared, we significantly reduce wildfire risk and create safer places for everyone across the state.” As more communities become informed, connected and equipped with proven strategies, the ability to minimize risk and create safer, more resilient neighborhoods grows. Explore the full toolkit at the 🔗 in bio.

Wildfire resilience at scale starts with: ✅ Upgrading existing homes ✅ Building new homes stronger from Day 1 ✅️ Leveraging mitigation strategies, like thoughtful landscaping and reducing combustible materials near structures, for new and existing homes In March, IBHS saw firsthand these strategies put into action at homes in Altadena and the Palisades — communities deeply impacted by the LA County fires. Existing properties were retrofitted to meet the Wildfire Prepared Home standard, while others are being rebuilt to the Wildfire Prepared Home Plus standard. 🔥 Using science-backed, proven mitigations is how we move forward and better protect homes and communities from future wildfire risk.

The start of #HurricaneSeason is less than 30 days away, and it’s not too late to prepare! Get started today – ahead of the season – to prevent storm damage this year. Find ways to prepare at the 🔗 in our bio.

Paradise is rebuilding. They’ve also been preparing. In November 2018, one of the most destructive wildfires in state history swept through Butte County — 85 lives were lost, nearly 19,000 structures were destroyed, and the entire community of Paradise has been rebuilding from the ground up since then. Yesterday, Paradise showed us what rebuilding with wildfire resilience really looks like. Defensible space. Hardened homes. Fuel breaks. Neighbors committed to making sure their community is ready for wildfire. The lessons learned from the Camp Fire have shaped how all of California approaches wildfire preparedness. Wildfire recovery isn’t just rebuilding structures. It’s about building resilience. #WildfirePreparednessWeek #Paradise #CampFire #ReadyForWildfire #CommunityResilience @calfire_butteco @ibhs_org @buttecountypublicworks @cal_oes @bereadybutte @u.s.forestservice @buttefiresafe

Water damage often starts before you notice. During severe weather, small openings around your home can allow water in – leading to costly damage over time. Reduce the risk by starting with these simple checks: 🏠 Inspect your roof for damage near vents, soffits, and other vulnerable areas. 💧 Seal gaps and cracks on your home’s exterior. 🚰 Maintain appliances and plumbing to help prevent leaks. Find more ways to prep your home ahead of hurricane season at the 🔗 in our bio.

On the IRE show floor, GAF highlighted its alliance with @ibhs_org and the growth of @fortifiedstandard Roof designations. Through this collaboration, contractors are gaining access to training and resources that help them install storm-ready roofing systems designed to better protect homes. With nearly 100,000 FORTIFIED roofs expected nationwide in early 2026, momentum continues to grow.

Whether you’re building resilience or just getting started with your prep, hurricane preparedness is possible at any budget. Take these cost-friendly steps to reduce storm damage: 🍃 Clean gutters. 🌲 Trim trees. 💧 Seal gaps and cracks on the home’s exterior. Find more science-backed ways to prepare for #HurricaneSeason at the 🔗 in our bio.

New tools are here to help communities across California reduce wildfire risk! 🔥⁠ ⁠ Whether you’re building on existing efforts or just getting started, @IBHS_Org and @teamapcia have launched a science-based toolkit to support local leaders, fire agencies, and residents in reducing home ignition risk and limiting fire spread.⁠ ⁠ At the California Fire Safe Council, we know that local action drives real impact. Resources like this help turn wildfire science into practical, step-by-step guidance that supports communities at every stage, strengthening ongoing work while also providing a clear starting point for those just beginning.⁠ ⁠ The result: research-backed strategies that support Fire Safe Councils and partners in advancing resilience where it matters most, on the ground in our communities.⁠ ⁠ Explore the full toolkit at the link in bio or visit ibhs.org/wildfire-partnerships-resources/.