Florida, long associated with sunshine and sandy beaches, experienced a rare seismic rumble on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck about 101
Florida, like many coastal states, is facing a major property insurance crisis. In recent years, several factors have led to skyrocketing insurance rates and
Homeowners in coastal areas are at risk of wind damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms. A wind mitigation inspection
Your roof—It’s the first line of defense from the elements, it helps to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the
In a recent article by the Insurance Journal, the state of Florida’s property insurance market was the topic of discussion. Citing the Florida Office of
Living on the coast comes with a unique set of ups and downs. On the one hand, you have unbelievable views and quick access to
In a recent press release, Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced on May 1st, 2023, that he had fined Texas law firm McClenney Moseley
On Monday, May 1, 2023 the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) hosted the 8th Annual FORTIFIED Awards in Daphne, AL. In
In a recent Forbes Advisor publication, a list of the most disaster-prone counties in the United States was released. This list was compiled based on
In the Coastal US, Spring is not only a time for warm weather and beautiful flowers, but heavy storms, that can produce tornadoes and hurricanes.
Per NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower
Whether you’ve put in an offer/ just purchased a home, renewed a policy for a home you’ve had for 10 years, or switched insurance
Living on the coast has many advantages, spectacular views, a variety of outdoor activities, and high-value properties just to name a few, but every coin
Why it Came to Be In the early morning hours of August 24th, 1992, Hurricane Andrew, a devastating Category 5 storm, struck land off
Home ownership comes with its own set of highs and lows, especially when it comes to the upkeep and protection of your property. One
We get a lot of questions from new and existing homeowners concerning the FORTIFIED™ program, so we’d like to take a moment and
Household chores, no one wants to get up early on a weekend and clean gutters or do yard work, but in doing so,
If you’ve ever had a child throw a ball on your house, or grabbed the ladder to clean your gutters, then chances are,
Building codes establish the minimum construction standards necessary to ensure the safety of those who live, work, and exist inside of a property. In a
The coastal areas that we service are home to some of the most beautiful locations for properties…from Pensacola, FL & Orange Beach, AL with
Disaster Smart collaborates with companies that develop standards and evolve to assist people in protecting not only their assets, but also their overall well-being. Hurricane
Disaster Smart Client & Award-Winning MGA (managing general agent), Orchid, Details How to Persevere in a Challenging Industry. Due to the increased frequency
2022 National Disaster Resilience Conference (NDRC22) Presented by the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Partnership National Disaster Resilience Conference – the premier
“With over 7,000 FORTIFIED homes in Alabama and now the first-ever FORTIFIED Commercial-Hurricane Gold designation is also earned in Alabama.” The Colonial Inn Condominiums have
“Travelers Insurance joined forces with Habitat for Humanity and Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) to build affordable, wind-resistant, FORTIFIED homes in coastal
“Here is another news story by our local station, NBC 15, on how to strengthen existing homes to FORTIFIED standard. This is something every homeowner
“Our local news station NBC 15 did a story on building to the Fortified standard and how this could of help saved some of the
“Experts suggest completing a few key maintenance tasks, such as ensuring your smoke alarms are working and installing an automatic water shut-off device. This U.S.
Photo: AP After Hurricane Michael’s devastation, experts say building codes should be a starting point, not the end goal for home construction. “When rebuilding your
Five Habitat For Humanity houses, center, stood firm during Hurricane Michael even as an adjacent trailer park saw heavy damage. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
By Associated Press 24 hours ago As people are beginning to rebuild in Mexico Beach, and along the Florida Panhandle, we strongly encourage them to
The building codes are the lowest standard of acceptable construction for homes. When local building inspectors do not fully enforce the minimum standards then destruction
Here is a very informative piece on building codes and how they are supposed to protect you and your community. But remember building codes specify
Disaster-Smart, Inc. works closely with MyStrongHome by handling the FORTIFIED evaluations. “This is a phenomenal program for the homeowner” states Darius Grimes, CEO, Disaster-Smart, Inc.
ZIP System sheathing and tape when used in roof assemblies helps meet FORTIFIED Home national resilient building standards. Take a few minutes to review this
Disaster Smart is one of the small number of Certified Evaluators for the FORTIFIED program in the coastal area. Give us a call at (888)
“Here is a very simple thing to do to reduce damage risks whether you stay or if you go.” Coastal storm approaching? Close all interior
A hurricane headed to you is a very stressful situation for you and your family. Do I go or Do I stay is constantly going
This article is very informative and gives you and your family an opportunity to become knowledgeable of your evacuation route ahead of a storm. It
– A Statement from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) Learning from the 2017 Disasters to Create a Reliably Resilient U.S. The Learning from
Here is a problem too often we see with the regulatory departments lengthening the cycle between building code adoption from three years to six. It’s
This article from IBHS is a very informative hurricane preparedness expose’. It is one of the most comprehensive one we have seen and is worth
Below is a very interesting article that IBHS has developed with help of several other entities. It is well worth you taking a look at
With a Category 4 hurricane predicted to hit the East Coast later this week, this gives us time to work on developing an emergency plan
Disaster-Smart Consulting, Inc has Commercially Licensed Drone Pilots servicing our coastal areas. Let us help you with all your drone needs. Give us a call
Darius Grimes, CEO, of Disaster Smart Consulting, Inc. was on the advisory board in 2005 – 2006 when this program was being developed. This program
Disaster Smart Consulting, Inc received the 2017 Spotlight award for completing 283 FORTIFIED designations. It was also one of the four award winners who earned
BUILDER These standards help prevent losses and promote recovery from hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and more. By Kathleen Brown weberfoto/Adobe Stock The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
How community organizing, the insurance industry and state policy changes came together to make coastal Alabama a leader in weather-resilient home construction. A new home
With hurricane season already in the air, Curtis Wilson, Co-anchor of Good Morning Columbia, stopped by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Research
Hurricane season is officially underway. We’re all hoping for a mild season, but MyStrongHome customers are doing more: these customers are flexing their muscles in
Hurricane damage can cost a fortune and one of the most expensive repairs is the roof of your home. MyStrongHome is a local organization that
Lax building codes and poor enforcement are a big problem in some places. by Elizabeth Daigneau | June 2018 In less than a week, Hurricane
“Some United States zones and the Caribbean Islands are currently in their strongest hurricane landfall cycle in 40 to 70-years.” Most accurate hurricane prediction organization
By Collin Huguley Jun 4, 2018, 12:44pm Georgia homeowners might be a little less prepared for hurricanes if 2018 turns out to be a stormy
Coral Park High School won first place with their impressive wind resistance model building. Students from Florida Christian School set up their model building in
As hurricane season begins, an MIT expert discusses the benefits of building structures that can more easily weather a major storm. https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2018-06-01/mits-jeremy-gregory-building-with-resilience-to-beat-hurricane-damage
A new study on the resale value of FORTIFIED home construction by The University of Alabama’s Center for Insurance Information and Research, ACIIR, can be
This article was written by the Wall Street Journal about IBHS and their Fortified Program. IBHS digitally secured the rights to this article and it
Disaster-Smart can help you with our suite of inspections to help you strengthen your home from both destructive summer storms and hurricanes. Contact our office
As you read through this article, just remember, Disaster-Smart, offers home evaluations nationwide. Give us a call at 1-888-964-8776 to schedule your home evaluation today.
“According to Disaster-Smart’s CEO, people often ask “Why do I need FORTIFIED? My answer is For Peace of Mind, Savings, Improved Value and Stronger Communities.
According to Disaster-Smart’s CEO “All of our aerial photography and video is taken by DSCI inspectors who have obtained the required Commercial FAA License. DSCI
In cooperation with FEMA’ s Building Science Branch, FLASH launched DisasterSmart—Leadership for a Resilient Future. The new education initiative is for leaders seeking to advance
As the Alabama coast observes the quiet passage of another hurricane season, more homes are being built to better withstand the Next Big One.
“We must take precautions well in advance of mighty storms. And, believe it or not, the State of Alabama is on the forefront of home
White House Panel Discusses New Study by UA’s Insurance Research Center Posted on August 2, 2016 Under ACIIR News, In the News, Industry News A
Published on Sep 25, 2013 Members of Sea Grant, Smart Home America and Fortified Homes Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety discuss the benefits
After years of being battered by hurricanes, Alabama needed a new way forward to better withstand these punishing storms. Through the personal commitment of a
Habitat for Humanity Southwest Alabama will be hosting an open house in Mobile, Alabama, from 11
Disaster Smart provides the FORTIFIED Evaluation Services for the My Strong Home program in Alabama, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Tuesday, June 23rd 2015, 6:18 pm
According to new research by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, stronger building codes and standards, along with more stringent requirements for inspections,
Disaster Smart was a featured speaker at this year’s Zerion Power User Summit. Watch Darius speak about stronger, safer homes and how Disaster Smart leverages
Disaster Smart, a leader in the development and implementation of solutions to mitigate hurricane and
BY JEN KINNEY | NOVEMBER 13, 2015 A retrofitted home in Mobile, Alabama (Credit: MyStrongHome) As a native of Mobile, Alabama, Jerryln London has
Update [Wednesday January 13, 2016 at 5 pm AST] Sub-Tropical Storm Alex has formed in the East Atlantic. As discussed below, Alex is only the
FORTIFIED-Wise Training Coming to Coastal Alabama Did you know Alabama and Mississippi are leading the nation in FORTIFIED designated homes? Come join realtors, builders, insurance agents, roofers,
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