Shows
Disaster Discussions PodcastSummer of Science: 2025 IBHS Interns and Fellows, Part 1Every summer IBHS welcomes a diverse and talented group of interns and fellows from across the country to work closely with our world-class engineers, scientists, and communications professionals. The scope of their projects is wide- assisting with full-scale research, developing state of the art instrumentation and electrical solutions, running lab equipment to conduct research, designing and constructing building systems, and much more. Most of the participants are students studying IT, engineering, meteorology, or communications in some form- spanning from undergraduates to postdocs. Some of these students even return to IBHS later in their careers. We learn more about these in...2025-07-2846 minDisaster Discussions PodcastSummer of Science: 2025 IBHS Interns and Fellows, Part 2Every summer IBHS welcomes a diverse and talented group of interns and fellows from across the country to work closely with our world-class engineers, scientists, and communications professionals. The scope of their projects is wide- assisting with full-scale research, developing state of the art instrumentation and electrical solutions, running lab equipment to conduct research, designing and constructing building systems, and much more. Most of the participants are students studying IT, engineering, meteorology, or communications in some form- spanning from undergraduates to postdocs. Some of these students even return to IBHS later in their careers. We learn more about these in...2025-07-2858 min
Around the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your HomeStorm Proof Your Castle: Fun Tips from Eric G and Fred on Surviving Hurricanes and WildfiresWe're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of hurricane and wildfire preparedness this Fourth of July weekend! Eric G is joined by Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, and trust me, this chat is a must-listen. We kick things off by tackling the critical aspects of prepping your home against those wild winds and raging flames—because, let’s face it, Mother Nature can be a total diva sometimes! With over three decades of research under their belt, Fred and his team have the scoop on how to make our homes not just pretty, but also...2025-07-0344 min
The FORTIFIED FactorWind-Driven Rain Research by IBHSIn this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) on wind-driven rain — a powerful but often underestimated force in severe storms. Join us as we explore how IBHS scientists simulate hurricane conditions in their state-of-the-art lab to better understand how rain penetrates buildings during high-wind events. You'll hear how this research directly influences FORTIFIED Home™ standards, improves building practices, and helps homeowners strengthen their defenses against costly water damage.For any questions following this episode, please call Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com.2025-05-2310 minThe FORTIFIED FactorIBHS Hail Testing Protocols on Asphalt ShinglesDid you know a #FORTIFIEDRoof is a roof that's more resilient against hail damage?In this episode of The FORTIFIED Factor, we take you behind the scenes at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to explore how asphalt shingles—the most common roofing material in the U.S.—are put to the test against hail. Whether you're a roofer, homeowner, or inspector, this deep dive into hail impact testing will give you a new appreciation for science-backed protection.For questions following this episode, contact Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO or fortifiedhome.com.2025-05-1618 minDisaster Discussions PodcastHail as America’s Loss Driver & Studying a Significant Hail Event in Rock Hill, SCIn this episode of Disaster Discussions Research Project Scientist Jake Sorber joins the podcast for a discussion on why hail is an extreme loss driver across the United States, and the reasons behind why that trend is growing. Plus, an in-depth conversation about lessons learned from a case study of significant hail that fell in Rock Hill, SC and a look ahead to what IBHS scientists are aiming to learn during ICECHIP- the largest scientific field campaign since the 70s devoted to studying hail.2025-05-0754 minThe FORTIFIED FactorWhy IBHS Renamed FORTIFIED BronzeWhen the FORTIFIED Home Program first began, the three tiers of designations were known as Bronze, Silver and Gold. But in 2019, IBHS changed Bronze to "Roof." Want to know why? Take a listen to this quick 5-minute episode of The FORTIFIED Factor Podcast and find out!If you have any questions following this episode, give Knockout Inspections a call at 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com.2025-05-0205 min
The Texas Insurance PodcastCan you make your home resilient?Making your home stronger can protect your property and your family if a severe storm hits. What does “home hardening” mean? Home hardening makes your home stronger to withstand severe weather. This can help avoid costly insurance claims. Less costly claims can also mean lower insurance costs. What is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety’s role in home hardening? The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) is a nonprofit research center that analyzes how buildings perform in severe weather. The lab in Richburg, South Carolina can create ful...2025-04-1021 minDisaster Discussions PodcastCombating Conflagration in Communities: The Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood StandardThis Disaster Discussions episode highlights the development of the new Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood technical standard- the first and only science-based standard that aims to meaningfully reduce the probability of a built-environment conflagration in the neighborhoods where it is applied. Guests on this episode are Dr. Ian Giammanco, IBHS Managing Director of Standards and Data Analytics and Lead Research Meteorologist and Evan Sluder, Research Project Engineer. The conversation includes an explanation of the science behind the standard's four core principles and details how the standard can be applied in both new-build and retrofit scenarios. The episode also covers h...2025-04-021h 04
Commercial Construction Coffee TalkCCCT with Fred Malik, Managing Director, Fortified, A IBHS ProgramDavid Corson, CCR Publisher/Editor of CCR Magazine, sat down with Fred Malik, Managing Director, Fortified, A IBHS Program, that offers building codes that establish the minimum construction standards required to ensure the safety of those inside a home. Any reputable contractor will build your home or install your roof according to your local building code. However, even in areas where the most up-to-date codes are adopted and enforced, your home can be stronger. By choosing FORTIFIED, you are getting protection that goes beyond even the strictest code. FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing Pr...2025-03-1249 min
GeoTrekHow Hail Causes Damage and How We Can Reduce it with IBHSHailstorms cause billions of dollars in damage each year, but how do we study hail to build stronger homes and communities?In Episode 109 of the GeoTrek Podcast, we dive into the world of hail research, forensic meteorology, and building science with two incredible guests:Brenna Meisenzahl – Researcher at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), leading field studies on hail formation and its impacts on buildings.Sara Hudson – a Forensic Meteorologist at CNC Catastrophe & National Claims, specializing in storm analysis and severe weather damage assessments.Together, we explore:🔬 How sci...2025-03-1139 minDisaster Discussions PodcastThe Storm That Changed Australia: Cyclone Tracy’s Impact & the Cyclone Testing Station as a Catalyst for Wind Engineering Research & Building CodesIn this episode of Disaster Discussions we're joined by Dr. Geoff Boughton, Adjunct Associate Professor at the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station and Dr. Korah Parackal, IBHS Research Engineer and Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station. This discussion looks back at the evolution and landfall of category four Cyclone Tracy that struck Darwin, Australia on Christmas Eve 1974, leaving 90% of the town's residential homes uninhabitable and tens of thousands of residents homeless. We discuss how Tracy's devastating impact sparked changes to the way Australia's housing was built, and how these changes eventually led...2025-03-051h 15The FORTIFIED FactorHurricane-Ready Home: Preparedness & UpgradesHurricane season runs from June 1st - November 30th. This episode goes over tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) on how to plan ahead and prepare your home for hurricane weather. These tips can be found at ibhs.org/hurricanereadyhome. If you have any questions following this episode, call 855-GO-FOR-KO or visit fortifiedhome.com to get in touch with Knockout Inspections and our team of FORTIFIED Evaluators.2025-02-1414 minDisaster Discussions PodcastObservations in LA: How the Eaton and Palisades Conflagrations Became Two of California’s Worst, Part 1In this episode of Disaster Discussions host Rachael Penton Gauthier is joined by Dr. Murray Morrison, IBHS Managing Director of Research and Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire. Part 1 of this discussion details the extreme meteorological conditions that allowed several wildfires to spark in early January in LA county, and details the conditions that allowed the Eaton and Palisades fires to transition into urban conflagrations. This episode highlights the working partnership between IBHS and CAL FIRE to expand wildfire research in California. Plus, learn about the logistics and operations of IBHS's post-event investigation of the Eaton Fire. 2025-02-0540 minDisaster Discussions PodcastObservations in LA: How the Eaton and Palisades Conflagrations Became Two of California’s Worst, Part 2In this episode of Disaster Discussions host Rachael Penton Gauthier is joined by Dr. Murray Morrison, IBHS Managing Director of Research and Steve Hawks, Senior Director for Wildfire for Part 2 of a discussion about the LA County wildfires. This episode details how the Palisades Fire started and the unique factors that allowed this wildfire to morph into a devastating urban conflagration. Plus, an in depth discussion on IBHS's post-event investigation of the Palisades Fire. Finally, the episode analyzes lessons learned from field observations of both the Eaton and Palisades post-event investigations and how the results will help better prepare...2025-02-0543 minThe FORTIFIED FactorIBHS Research Center - All The Details!The Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS) does a lot more than most people think, and their Research Center--located in Chester County, South Carolina--is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that significantly advances building science and influences residential and commercial structural design and construction, helping to create more resilient communities. Listen here to learn all about it!For any FORTIFIED questions following this episode, visit fortifiedhome.com or call Knockout Inspections at 855-GO-FOR-KO.2024-12-2718 min
How To Be Happy HourIntensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) - How To Be Happy Hour w/ Dr. Kimberly Ernest S2 E12A team of Behavioral Specialists, BCBAs, and a psychologist sit down to discuss the strengths and benefits of the Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) program in Pennsylvania. We explore who qualifies, how to access, and everything prospective staff, families, and referral sources may need to know about this essential service.2024-12-171h 24Disaster Discussions PodcastThe Art of Communicating Science: Messaging Hurricane HeleneIn this episode of Disaster Discussions we sit down with WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich and IBHS Lead Research Meteorologist Dr. Ian Giammanco to discuss the communication challenges of messaging for historic weather events such as Hurricane Helene. Topics discussed include: messaging seasonal tropical forecasts, communicating differences in storm intensity both before and during landfall, and messaging for systems with big inland impacts. We also discuss how best to communicate extreme weather events, such as the historic rainfall event that Helene brought to the mountains of North Carolina as well as perceptions around flood insurance for communities away from...2024-12-041h 27Around the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your HomeBuilding Resilience: How to Fortify Your Home Against Natural DisastersDr. Ian Giammanco, Managing Director for Standards & Data Analytics at the IBHS Research Center, joins Eric to discuss how the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety is revolutionizing the way homeowners approach resilience in their homes against natural disasters. The conversation highlights the importance of fortified building practices that not only improve safety but also provide long-term cost savings by minimizing damage from events like hurricanes and wildfires. Dr. Giammanco explains the Fortified program, which offers various levels of protection for roofs and structures, ensuring homes can withstand severe weather. They also delve into the crucial role of proper...2024-11-3047 min
Carolina Weather GroupCelebrating 500 episodes of the Carolina Weather Group: Memories, fun and history [Ep. 500 - Part 2]Join the Carolina Weather Group as we celebrate the first 500 episodes of our podcast. We're back on-location at the Insurance Institute of Home and Business Safety in Richburg, South Carolina @IBHS_org .
Over the years, the weekly weather podcast has brought you exciting science, insightful interviews with your favorite meteorologists and live coverage of historic severe weather. Plus special events including our trip to Kennedy Space Center for the launch of NASA SpaceX Crew-6, a railfanning adventure in Altoona, Pennsylvania and - of course - the lifesaving science experiments we saw at IBHS.
Join us as we reminisce about th...2024-11-2133 min
Carolina Weather GroupWhy this home was set on fire FOR SCIENCE! [Podcast Ep. 500 @IBHS]
Setting a home on fire intentionally... or shooting hail out of a potato gun at roofing material... are all ways the Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety uses science to make our lives safer.
For the Carolina Weather Group's 500th podcast episode, the team goes on-location to the giant IBHS weather lab in Richburg, South Carolina.
In this video, you will see scientists light a home on fire INTENTIONALLY in order to study how wind spread wildfires. On-hand for this experiment in the Carolinas, CALTECH and CAL FIRE from California, where wildfires can quickly become deadly and...2024-11-1427 minDisaster Discussions PodcastWeathering the Storms: Small Business Resilience and Commercial Lines MitigationsIn this episode of Disaster Discussions we highlight the partnership between IBHS, Triple-I, and the U.S. Small Business Administration with an encore presentation of the LinkedIn audio event: Weathering the Storms: Strategies for Small Business Resilience. Then, we talk with Chuck Miccolis, IBHS Managing Director of Commercial Lines, to hear more about common vulnerabilities of commercial buildings, as well as our research-backed mitigation methods for resiliency. In this episode we also help small business owners and commercial property owners better understand how they can better prepare for a range of hazards, including hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, wildfire, and severe...2024-11-131h 14
The Insurance Guys PodcastIBHS's Fortified Home Program And How It Affects Insurance AgentsIn this episode, Bradley and Scott sit down with Alex Cary from IBHS. Alex takes the guys through IBHS's fortified home program and details how insurance agents can use that to help their clients in cat-prone areas.2024-11-0650 min
Concrete CredentialsHow to Improve the Performance of BuildingsIn the latest episode of Concrete Credentials, host Shamim Rashid-Sumar is joined by Dr. Anne Cope, Chief Engineer of Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). Together, they explore her research on how to improve the performance of buildings during natural disasters and IBHS's initiatives to build disaster-proof homes. 2024-10-3117 minThe FORTIFIED FactorAn Intro to IBHS - The Creators of FORTIFIEDLearn how the FORTIFIED Home™ building standards – developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) – protect your home and create the potential for receiving big discounts on your homeowners insurance. For any questions, visit fortifiedhome.com or give us a call at 855-GO-FOR-KO.2024-10-2215 min
Meteorology MattersFlorida Always Near Top in Hurricane Building Codes The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has published a report titled “Rating the States” that evaluates the building code enforcement and administration systems, as well as contractor licensing practices in the 18 Atlantic and Gulf coast states most vulnerable to hurricanes. Each state is assigned a score from 0 to 100 based on the state’s adoption, implementation, and enforcement of building codes designed to minimize windstorm damage. The report highlights states with the most effective building code systems, identifies areas for improvement, and emphasizes the importance of adopting modern building codes to reduce the devastating impacts of hurricanes. The IBHS r...2024-10-1807 min
Weather GeeksCompound Disasters Along the Gulf CoastGuest: Roy Wright, President & CEO of IBHSFool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. After a natural disaster strikes a community, it takes a lot of time to recover, since you have to not only rebuild the infrastructure but also allow the people to rebound mentally and physically. However, some communities along the Gulf Coast do not get the luxury of extended recovery, as they are struck by compound disasters. What are those, and what can we do to improve mitigation and adaptation of these vulnerable communities so we don’t get foole...2024-10-1642 min
Climate CheckHow Homeowners Can Reduce Wildfire Risk: Part 2Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), shares how the insurance industry and IBHS are partnering to provide homeowners with a meaningful path to greater wildfire resilience.2024-10-1011 minClimate CheckHow Homeowners Can Reduce Wildfire Risk: Part 2Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), shares how the insurance industry and IBHS are partnering to provide homeowners with a meaningful path to greater wildfire resilience.2024-10-1011 min
Climate CheckHow Homeowners Can Reduce Wildfire Risk: Part 1Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), shares how the insurance industry and IBHS are partnering to provide homeowners with a meaningful path to greater wildfire resilience.2024-10-1010 minClimate CheckHow Homeowners Can Reduce Wildfire Risk: Part 1Alister Watt, Chief Product Officer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), shares how the insurance industry and IBHS are partnering to provide homeowners with a meaningful path to greater wildfire resilience.2024-10-1010 minDisaster Discussions PodcastFrom Science to Solutions: Advancing Resilience Through Public Policy and InvestmentsIn this episode host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with IBHS General Counsel Michael Newman and Public Policy Associate Manuela Ekowo, who together make up the IBHS public policy team. Learn how they're working to advance science-based public action to build resiliency for homeowners, businesses, and communities. Topics of discussion include building codes, wildfire policy, science-backed construction retrofits, disaster recovery, affordable housing, and meeting the need for investment so that resilient housing can become standard and accessible to all populations. Plus, hear the economic benefits of investing in resilient communities and highlights from some success stories.2024-10-021h 23
The Mark Bishop ShowTMBS E333: Karen Collins from APCIA and Dr. Anne D Cope from IBHS Research CenterScience backed action steps to help prevent you losing your home to fire. Wildfire research shows three vulnerable areas of a home. Do you know them? Listen to these tips from Anne D. Cope and Karen Collins APCIA and IBHS combined to give you the facts. Protection, Insurance and the leading cause of ignition...what is it?2024-09-1510 minDisaster Discussions PodcastBreaking the Chain of Fire: Wildfire Research & the Pathway to Wildfire ReadyIn this episode of Disaster Discussions, host Rachael Penton Gauthier sits down with the IBHS wildfire research team to discuss insights from research projects past and present. The researchers examine some of the reasons behind the growing issue of conflagration in the Wildland Urban Interface. They also define the three the types of fire ignition mechanisms, and discuss the research that has informed mitigation methods homeowners can use to help protect their properties from embers and flames, including the importance of the non-combustible zone zero. They also highlight the wind-driven building-to-building fire spread project that is underway at the...2024-09-041h 03Disaster Discussions PodcastUsing Science to Defend Your Home: The FORTIFIED StandardIn this episode of Disaster Discussions we dive into the science behind the FORTIFIED standard, the series of construction and roofing upgrades that work together to create a system proven to strengthen homes against severe weather. Guest Fred Malik, Managing Director of the FORTIFIED program, gives us an in-depth explanation of the construction components that make up the standard, explains how homeowners can participate, outlines the benefits of using the science to protect a home, and current grant programs available for homeowners. We also dive into the research insights that support the FORTIFIED program based on decades of research...2024-08-071h 02Disaster Discussions PodcastOne Hail of a Trip: Recapping the 2024 Hail Field StudyIn this episode of Disaster Discussions we sit down with IBHS research scientists Dr. Ian Giammanco, Brenna Meisenzahl, and Jake Sorber to recap this year's hail field study. We discuss this year's active weather pattern that led to a record number of operating days and the characteristics of some of the storms teams were able to survey. We also discuss the nomadic elements of the trip and the logistics of operating a multi-day scientific operation. Plus, we highlight some of the unique field opportunities teams were able to participate in this year, including cross-sectioning and 3D scanning giant hailstones...2024-07-031h 12
Beyond the BuildingsBuilding Codes Cost. But What is Resiliency Actually Worth?As the frequency and severity of natural catastrophes intensify, the need to strengthen the resiliency of communities against these perils is increasingly urgent. Building codes are a critical tool in this endeavor. However, their adoption and enforcement vary significantly across states. A recent report from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) underscores the lack of uniformity in building code implementation among states vulnerable to hurricanes.While some states, like Florida, have stringent codes that help to reinforce home resilience, other states like Texas grapple with disparities in code adoption, amplifying vulnerability to hurricane-related damages.2024-06-1221 min
Cyrus Webb's tracksDr. Ian Giammanco of #IBHS and Michael Richmond-Crum of #APCIA discuss #disasterprep ~ @idhs_org @teamapciaDr. Ian Giammanco of #IBHS and Michael Richmond-Crum of #APCIA discuss #disasterprep with host Cyrus Webb on Conversations LIVE. www.ibhs.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cyrus-webb-s-tracks--1422267/support.2024-06-1108 min
Carolina Weather GroupWhy South Carolina buildings are more hurricane-ready than North Carolina [Ep. 492]
#weather #northcarolina #southcarolina #hurricane #severeweather
See why IBHS is expressing serious concerns about North Carolina's building codes when it comes to hurricane readiness -- and why South Carolina continues to hold strong.
With the traditional start of hurricane season just weeks away, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) has released its Rating the States which report evaluates the 18 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, all vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes, based on building code adoption, enforcement, and contractor licensing. In the report, published every three years, each state is rated on a 0–100 scale using data from responses to...2024-05-1640 minDisaster Discussions PodcastRating the States 2024Now in its fifth edition, IBHS’s Rating the States report evaluates the 18 states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts based on residential building code adoption, enforcement, training, education and contractor licensing. In this episode of Disaster Discussions, we’re joined by Dr. Ian Giammanco, IBHS Managing Director of Standards and Data Analytics and Dr. Milad Shabanian, IBHS Codes and Standards Engineer, to discuss the results of the latest report. The episode covers the history and mission of Rating the States, the methodology used to calculate state scores, and a deep dive into the results. We highlight several states and what t...2024-05-0841 min
Adapt: Climate Change and the Built EnvironmentResilience Pays: Insurance Companies Fund Climate-Resilient Buildings ResearchJessica Mederson and Monika Serrano close the first season speaking with Dr. Anne Cope, Chief Engineer at IBHS, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a nonprofit supported by property insurers, reinsurers, and affiliated companies. Anne leads the engineering team, researching the performance of homes and businesses in hurricanes, wildfires, severe thunderstorms, and hailstorms. We talk about her role at the National Institute of BUilding Sciences, building codes, affordability, return on investment from resilience, the role of insurers in adaptation and more. Resources: IBHS - https://ibhs.org/ IBHS Understanding Building Codes - h...2024-04-2442 min
BUILDTank / buildCAST#9-2024 Dr. Ian Giammanco and IBHS’s Thunderstorm Ready HomeDr. Ian Giammanco is the Managing Director for Standards & Data Analytics and a Lead Research Meteorologist at the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Center. He has been instrumental in the creation of IBHS’s Thunderstorm Ready Home program which was created in the wake of severe weather events. In 2023 alone 20 states were impacted by 19 severe convective storm events, each causing over $1 billion in damage.
Building from the Fortified Homes, Fortified, Roof, and Wildfire Prepared homes programs the voluntary Thunderstorm Ready Home program is another example of the results of applied research and inspection tha...2024-04-221h 05
Homeowners Be AwareDisaster Prep Essentials for Every Homeowner with Roy WrightSend us a textFebruary 20, 2024123. Disaster Prep Essentials for Every Homeowner with Roy WrightIn today's eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the critical importance of preparing homes to withstand the wrath of severe weather and wildfires. George Siegal's guest is Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Roy talks about practical steps homeowners can take to fortify their homes against natural disasters. Discover the innovative testing methods used to simulate catastrophic conditions and understand why building to higher standards is not just an option, but a necessity...2024-02-2035 minAround the House® Home Improvement: A Deep Dive into Your HomeHow strong is your home? We talk Fortified Homes with Fred Malik from the IBHSWe sit down and talk with Fred Malik, Director of FORTIFIED from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. This is a great organization that researches what you can to so that your home will be more resilient to a storm or wildfire. This is a great interview where we talk about those steps you can do if you are building or remodeling your home. Some of these easy steps could change how your home survives a big storm or wildfire. For more information: https://ibhs.org/To get your questions answered by Eric G give...2024-02-1741 minDisaster Discussions PodcastResearch and Operations: On a Tornado Damage Survey TogetherOn this episode, meteorologists and wind engineers head to Bamberg, South Carolina to survey tornado damage after a January severe weather event. Join the discussion to explore an example of the operational application of wind engineering during a tornado survey from John Quagliariello and Matt Gropp with the Columbia, SC National Weather Service office. IBHS’s Ali Merhi joins the conversation as well to share research perspectives from the ground as IBHS builds its partnership with local NWS offices and the broader weather enterprise.2024-02-0748 minDisaster Discussions Podcast1-Year Anniversary Podcast Top 5As we celebrate just over one year of our Disaster Discussions Podcast, our staff chose their Top 5 favorite episodes of our podcast so far. These conversations stood out to us as informative and engaging, and we invite you to go listen to each episode in its entirety! Thank you to all of our listeners for making this year plus of our podcast a success. We're looking forward to bring you more insightful interviews from a variety of guests across the industries served by IBHS!2023-12-2052 min
Private Client Risk & ResiliencePreparing for Wildfire Risk with Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist Mike ThayerIn this information-packed episode, host Kurt Thoennessen and certified wildfire mitigation specialist, Mike Thayer provides invaluable insights on wildfire risks and prevention strategies. As wildfires continue to rise in severity across the Western U.S., homeowners must get prepared.Key topics discussed:The role of wind events in driving large, fast-moving wildfires that rapidly spreadHow extended drought and historical fire suppression have built up fuel loads, contributing to more severe firesWhy ember intrusion, not walls of flames, cause most home ignitions - defensible space is criticalNew standards like the zero to five foot “non-combustible zone” being mand...2023-11-2248 min
NAMIC's Insurance UncoveredInsurance Uncovered: IBHS Wildfire Mitigation ResearchEpisode 622: On today's Unscripted, Roy Wright, IBHS president and CEO, tells us about the latest wildfire mitigation research and shares how the organization educates homeowners to protect property from severe weather disruptions. 2023-11-0130 minDisaster Discussions PodcastWater, Water, Everywhere: Pioneering Observations of Wind-Driven RainWind-driven rain is not only a nuisance, but a damage amplifier, generating costly water intrusion claims each year. On August 30, 2023, Hurricane Idalia slammed into the Florida panhandle as a Category 3, and IBHS's Research Scientist, Ali Merhi, joined the University of Florida deployment team to deploy IBHS's wind-driven rain observing tower. This presented an opportunity to learn how rain drop size, distribution, and wind affect how water penetrates the building envelop. In this episode, Ali shares his experience on this deployment and how it is only the second such observational dataset of its kind, and we'll learn how these deployments...2023-11-011h 00Disaster Discussions PodcastOn the Radar - Insights on the Lahaina WildfiresOur second edition of the 'On the Radar' podcast series focuses on the early insights IBHS and the fire communities have gained on the devastating Lahaina wildfires. Our experts break down how a grassland fire evolved into suburban conflagration that destroyed nearly 2,700 structures and how the building components and vegetative landscape likely contributed to the rapid progression of this fire throughout the community. We'll also discuss the importance of holistic mitigation approaches and the benefits of not only parcel mitigation, but community-level mitigation. Resilience to wildfire requires efforts from multiple agencies and participation on local and state-levels to ensure...2023-09-061h 14Weather GeeksIt's Time to Get FORTIFIEDGuests: Fred Malik, IBHSIntroduction: After severe weather barrels through a town and destroys everything in its wake, there are stories of survival and perseverance. But then, these communities are tasked to rebuild. But are they rebuilding correctly? Are the new homes being built going to keep the owners more safe than they were before, or do they have to experience the terror of severe weather over and over again? There has to be a better way! Well a company called IBHS is working towards that goal! They are working towards a new FORTIFIED standar...2023-07-2628 minDisaster Discussions PodcastOn the Radar - Extreme Weather of 2023It’s been an extraordinarily turbulent first half of 2023. A steady string of storms has caused death, destruction, and displacement. In a new segment, “On the Radar,” IBHS experts give their take on recent severe weather and its impact on the built environment. In this episode, IBHS Lead Research Meteorologist Dr. Ian Giammanco and Senior Meteorologist Sarah Dillingham join us with their observations and analysis on why severe convective storms have caused so much havoc this year. They also provide mitigation strategies and share details on how we can build better to prevent avoidable suffering and loss. We wrap up wit...2023-06-071h 16
HURRICANE CENTERS4: Episode 3 - NTWC Live: Dan Brown NHC and Roy Wright IBHSDan Brown dives into the Hurricane Forecasting process at NHC. Roy Wright gives us an overview of IBHS and the FORTIFIED Home program.Support the showSuggest a topic or ask a question: alex@wxguide.comVisit our conference site: www.hurricanecenterlive.comThanks for listening and please share with your friends and co-workers.2023-05-241h 02Disaster Discussions PodcastCommitted to Resilience: Alabama and the FORTIFIED ProgramIBHS’ FORTIFIED Program is celebrating 50,000 designations. No state has been more committed to resilient construction than Alabama. Close to 80 percent of all FORTIFIED designations are located there. To mark the 50,000 milestone, this month’s episode of the Disaster Discussions Podcast features Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) Commissioner Mark Fowler. Commissioner Fowler joins us to add context to the extraordinary milestone. He also shares how ALDOI identified FORTIFIED as a proven way to reduce risk, and he explains how Alabama’s belief in FORTIFIED serves as a model to the rest of the country.2023-05-031h 03Disaster Discussions PodcastReducing the Risk: Strategies and Solutions for Wildfire MitigationFor more than three decades, Steve Hawks has been instrumental in helping communities adapt to the threat of wildfire. He recently joined IBHS as Director of Wildfire Policy, advancing our work to give homeowners the tools to meaningfully reduce their wildfire risk.In the April episode of the Disaster Discussions Podcast, Steve opens up on why the 2018 Camp Fire was so personal to him. Drawing from his more than 30 years in the wildfire service space, he also explains the work he’s doing with IBHS, and offers insights on wildfire preparedness and mitigation strategies.2023-04-0542 min
All Things Wildfire PodcastWildfire Preparedness and Mitigation with Steve Hawks from IBHS and CAL FIREIn this episode, we are joined by Steve Hawks, who has dedicated over three decades to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). Steve's impressive career began as a firefighter and eventually led him to serve as the Assistant Deputy Director of CAL FIRE's Office of the State Fire Marshal's Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation and Fire Engineering and Investigations Divisions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource Management from Humboldt State University and has served on various CAL FIRE Incident Management Teams for 13 years. After retiring in December 2022, Steve returned to the...2023-03-0831 minDisaster Discussions PodcastHome Resilience and Real Estate: What's It Worth to You?A core mission of IBHS is delivering top-tier science with the goal of strengthening homes. But there’s a key and perhaps overlooked piece to that mission that should be explored. That is the role of those who help us buy and sell homes: real estate agents. The March episode of the Disaster Discussions Podcast focuses on how realtors can help educate homeowners toward building resilience. We sit down with real estate broker Scott Wurtzbacher to discuss how realtors and appraisers account for mitigation in the home buying process and how homeowners are affected and empowered.2023-03-0147 minCommercial Construction Coffee TalkCCCT with Chuck Miccolis from Insurance Institute of Building & Home Safety CCCT with Chuck Miccolis from the Insurance Institute of Building & Home Safety Video CCCT sat down with Chuck Miccolis, Managing Director Commercial Lines from Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety. Severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss. IBHS delivers top-tier science and translates it into action so we can prevent avoidable suffering, strengthen our homes and businesses, inform the insurance industry, and support thriving communities. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, 501 (C) nonprofit scientific research and communications organization supported by property insurers, reinsurers, an...2023-02-2849 min
All Things Wildfire PodcastCreating A Wildfire Prepared Home With Dr. Anne CopeWe are excited to have structural engineer Dr. Anne Cope from IBHS Research on the show today. IBHS Research is part of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a 501 (C) nonprofit scientific research and communications organization. Anne is the Chief Engineer at IBHS, where she leads the development of research programs to improve structural performance during natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and thunderstorms. She also oversees the implementation of research findings and building codes and standards. This show is for you if you are ready to take control of your wildfire preparedness. W...2023-02-0819 minDisaster Discussions PodcastSevere Local Storms Series: Are You Talking to Me?Do you know what to do when severe weather is approaching? What information do you need to receive to take protective actions? Dr. Krocak is a Research Scientist focused on answering these questions. IBHS’s Science Producer and Meteorologist, Christina Gropp, joined Dr. Krocak to discuss how people respond to information shared in advance of severe weather events and how it is used to make decisions.2022-11-1631 minDisaster Discussions PodcastSevere Local Storms Series: I Spy with My Little Radar...HailWhen it comes to the economic impact of severe storms, hail might seem like the little brother to tornadoes and damaging winds, but did you know it’s the greatest loss driver in total cost to insurers? The more we learn about the characteristics of hail, the more we can prevent future losses. IBHS’s Ian Giammanco was joined by Dr. Matthew Kumjian who uses weather radar to detect hail in severe storms. They’ll discuss how this is helping to work towards determining the sizes of hail that may be present and how that relates to damage potential.2022-11-1630 minDisaster Discussions PodcastSevere Local Storm Series: Setting the Standard for WindHow much damage can severe winds inflict? The Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale used for rating tornadoes is one of the most familiar methods we use to answer this question. The only problem, it’s incomplete. Jim Ladue of NIST joined IBHS’s Sarah Dillingham to discuss the committee he chairs under the American Society of Civil Engineers that is working to improve and standardize the EF scale. They outline how various subcommittees are working towards this goal and what the future holds for its applications. 2022-11-1632 min
How to Disaster008: How Building Materials Make a Difference in Disasters with Alister Watt and Daniel Gorham"We know that we're not powerless against wildfires. It's a question of, 'what are the steps? What are the actions that really make a difference?'" -Alister Watt "Wildfire doesn't acknowledge boundaries— we need to be thinking about resilience and preparedness with that in mind." -Daniel Gorham Episode Description: When it comes to disasters, building materials are not just useful—they're essential. Every time we build something that can help prevent fires from happening or spreading, we're influencing how wildfire impacts our properties and the community we live i...2022-11-0756 minDisaster Discussions PodcastBack to the Future of HailDr. Ian Giammanco of IBHS and Dr. Julian Brimelow of the Northern Hail Project and Western University have been instrumental in fostering the resurgence of operational field research documenting the characteristics of hail to better inform lab testing. This episode explores how this new data is already helping to improve standardized tests, mitigation efforts, and loss reduction. 2022-11-0249 minDisaster Discussions PodcastIBHS & NOAA - Partnering Pathways to ResilienceWelcome to Disaster Discussions, a podcast from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. This podcast will feature science, insurance and building industry experts who will help us explore the intersection of weather-related hazards with the built environment as well as steps being taken to prevent future devastation. Our first guest is Dr. Sarah Kapnick, Chief Scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. We’ll discuss Dr. Kapnick’s years of experience at the intersection of climate science and economics and outline climate change’s role in the extreme weather events we’ve seen in the last...2022-10-0324 minDisaster Discussions PodcastEpisode 0: Introducing IBHS's Disaster DiscussionsIBHS is proud to launch its first podcast highlighting our mission of reducing the damage footprint left behind in the wake of disasters and using our research to support stronger, safer homes & businesses. Listen now & subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!2022-10-0301 min
GeoTrekBuilding Better to Mitigate Disasters with Alex Cary and IBHSAlex Cary, FORTIFIED Market Development Manager at The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), shares insights about how to build better to minimize storm damage.2022-09-2642 min
KPFA - UpFrontLatest on the legal battle ensuing over classified documents seized by FBI at Mar-a-Lago; Kaiser mental health workers begin their second month on strike
On today’s show:
0:08 – We discuss the ongoing legal battle over the classified documents seized by the FBI at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort with Marcy Wheeler (@emptywheel), an independent journalist writing about national security and civil liberties at emptywheel.net
0:35 – Kaiser returned to the bargaining table yesterday, but their mental health workers, unionized under NUHW continue to strike. Kimberly Hollingsworth Hornor, a Kaiser LMFT in Fresno and a member of the NUHW IBHS bargaining committee joins us on the phone on her way to the picket line.
0:41 – Sharon Sobotta has been spend...2022-09-1559 min
BUILDTank / buildCAST#20-2022 Dan Gorham and the new Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety Wildfire Prepared Home ProgramIn episode #16 of 2022 I spoke with Fred Malik about the Fortified Construction Program. The FORTIFIED construction method is a voluntary construction standard and program designed to help protect homes against sever weather events. Primarily wind driven damage event. FORTIFIED construction was created from decades of research that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety or (IBHS) has conducted. Their lab allows for the building and testing of full-size houses in a controlled environment.
In this episode I am learning about a new IBHS program that has just been released and is of great interest to me because...2022-09-121h 06
Act ASAPFortify Your Home with Ian Giammanco, PhDDr. Ian Giammanco is the Senior Director for Standards & Data Analytics and a Lead Research Meteorologist at the IBHS Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina.
He has participated in numerous hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, and tornado research projects over his career.
In honor of National Preparedness Month. What can any homeowner or business owner can do to narrow the impact of severe weather and wildfires on their Home or Business?
-IBHS's FORTIFIED Standard (and the science behind it): a designation program that narrows the impact of high wind events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe...2022-09-1035 min
AM Best AudioAM Best Audio - Thursday, August 11, 2022IBHS’ Hedayati: 'Wildfire Season' Is No Longer Seasonal2022-08-1108 minBUILDTank / buildCAST#16 – 2022 Fred Malik and the Fortified Construction ProgramThe FORTIFIED construction method is a voluntary construction standard and program back by decades of research, that roofing contractors and builders can use to help protect their homes against sever weather events. FORTIFIED construction has been created from decades of research that the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety or (IBHS) has conducted. Fred Malik is the Managing Director of the program.
Fred Malik on LinkedIn
FORTIFIED program information and information for Builders and Homeowners
Insurance Institute for Builders and Home Safety (IBHS)
IBHS Research Center information and video2022-07-181h 00
Future of RiskIBHS and Hurricane Season PreparednessPrepare for Hurricane Season: https://insights.zurichna.com/hurricane-hub Hurricane season begins June 1 and early forecasts are predicting above normal activity this year. Is your business prepared? This week’s Future of Risk podcast talks to Chuck Miccolis, Managing Director of Commercial Lines at IBHS, about the upcoming season and some things that businesses should keep in mind as they prepare. Hint: protect your building envelope.Recorded: 4-26-222022-05-1817 min
prepare. respond. recover.IBHS, Destroying Buildings to Save YoursToday prepare.respond.recover. speaks with Lead Research Meteorologist and Senior Director for Standards and Analytics Dr. Ian Giammanco from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) as he talks about the crazy experiments IBHS conducts to save lives and property as a result of severe weather. Why does IBHS do what they do? As we unfortunately know, severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss, however IBHS’s building safety research helps lead us to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn mo...2022-05-1733 min
The Emergency Management Network PodcastIBHS, Destroying Buildings to Save YoursToday prepare.respond.recover. speaks with Lead Research Meteorologist and Senior Director for Standards and Analytics Dr. Ian Giammanco from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) as he talks about the crazy experiments IBHS conducts to save lives and property as a result of severe weather. Why does IBHS do what they do? As we unfortunately know, severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss, however IBHS’s building safety research helps lead us to real-world solutions for home and business owners, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like to learn mo...2022-05-1733 min
The Modern Facilities Management Podcast#49 Chuck Miccolis: Preparing Facilities for Severe WeatherThis weeks guest is Chuck Miccolis, Managing Director of Commercial Lines at The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety. IBHS is an independent, nonprofit 501 (C), scientific research and communications organization, whose building safety research helps create more resilient communities. Climate change is leading to more severe storms and a more frequent rate. On this episode, Chuck talks about the importance of being proactive when it comes to preparing for sever...2022-04-2828 min
FNO: InsureTechIBHS former CEO, Julie RochmanOn the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, Rob and Lee talk with Julie Rochman, former CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported solely by property insurers and reinsurers. They deliver top-tier science and translate it into action so they can prevent risks, strengthen homes and businesses, inform the insurance industry, and support thriving communities. Join Julie, Rob, and Lee as they discuss Julie’s extensive experience in the insurance industry, her many seats on boards, her thoughts on insuretech, and much mor...2022-04-0849 min
Everything Under the SunSpring Forecast/Protecting your home from the weatherReady for spring yet? This week, Dean DeVore is joined by AccuWeather's Lead Long-range Forecaster, Paul Pastelok with a breakdown of AccuWeather’s 2022 spring forecast! Then, Dean welcomes Dr. Ian Giammanco, Lead Research Meteorologist & Senior Director for Standards and Analytics at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety with advice on preparing and protecting your home against adverse weather. For more info on preparing your home, listeners should check out the IBHS Winter Weather Ready guide and for severe weather, the IBHS Thunderstorm Ready guide. Twitter: @disastersafetyDr. Ian Giammanco Twitter: @igiammanco33Facebook: Insurance Institute for...2022-02-1146 min
Carolina Weather GroupProtecting your home from severe weather [Ep. 380]There's a lab in Chester County, South Carolina where scientists build life-sized structures, and re-create actual severe weather, to test the integrity of home construction. Inside their lab, they can recreate damaging hail, damaging wind, hurricanes, and even wildfires. They can then test to determine how walls, windows, garage doors, roofs, cars, and more hold up against severe weather.
Ian Giammanco is the senior director of product design and lead meteorologist with the Insurance Institute for business and Home Safety.
Ian shares new state-by-state rankings that show how states, including North Carolina and South Carolina...2021-09-0931 min
The Texas Insurance PodcastTips to strengthen your homeFred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety joins us to give tips on how Texans can reduce the risk of roof and home damage in severe weather.
What is the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety?
The IBHS is about keeping people in their homes and getting them back to everyday life after a major weather.
How can Texans reduce the risk of storm damage?
Texans can reduce 50% of your losses just by getting a better-performing roof. Your roof is the thing that’s most exposed in...2021-09-0215 minprepare. respond. recover.Building Fortified Homes – How IBHS Prevents Destruction During DisastersAbout 45 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina sits a unique test facility measuring over 40,000 square feet and equipped with 105 electric fans. This facility is where the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) can build and test structures against damage caused by high winds, hail, wildfire, and rain. Testing realistic re-creations of severe weather hazards enables researchers to accurately evaluate residential and commercial construction materials and systems. The research conducted at this unique facility significantly advances building science and influences residential and commercial structural design and construction, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like...2021-05-0429 min
The Emergency Management Network PodcastBuilding Fortified Homes – How IBHS Prevents Destruction During DisastersAbout 45 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina sits a unique test facility measuring over 40,000 square feet and equipped with 105 electric fans. This facility is where the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) can build and test structures against damage caused by high winds, hail, wildfire, and rain. Testing realistic re-creations of severe weather hazards enables researchers to accurately evaluate residential and commercial construction materials and systems. The research conducted at this unique facility significantly advances building science and influences residential and commercial structural design and construction, helping to create more resilient communities.If you would like...2021-05-0429 min
Remodel Revolution ShowEps 322- Alex Cary with IBHSAlex Cary with IBHS gives advice on reinforcing your home to prevent storm damage.2021-03-0429 min
Behind the Shield - Shelter InsuranceEpisode 43.5 (UNCUT): Shelter Building the Way for better Home Safety Through the IBHSIn this uncut episode, our conversation goes even deeper with Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety President and CEO Roy Wright and Shelter EVP Rockne Corbin. The trends, the stories, and the experience is something you won't want to miss.2021-02-2235 minBehind the Shield - Shelter InsuranceEpisode 43: Shelter Building the Way for better Home Safety Through the IBHSShelter is a proud partner with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). EVP Rockne Corbin and IBHS President and CEO Roy Wright talk with the podcast to explain the trends agents and employees should be on the lookout for and how Shelter is using its knowledge and expertise to pave the way for homes to be safer.
Link for SEC video described in podcast: https://vimeo.com/257936561/6a8a6a7c72 2021-02-2216 min
RESTalkEP60: Resilience, sustainability and high-performance homes with Ryan Colker of ICC“Resilience is all about being able to overcome the unexpected. Sustainability is about survival. The goal of resilience is to thrive.” -Jamias Cascio Governments are struggling to prepare for hazards and other disaster events they face, Communities cannot sustain in a chronic response mode. What goes into making a community event disastrous?What planning tools or programs can be used to mitigate the impact? How do building codes and other mitigating strategies allow them to get ahead of the situat...2020-10-2622 minRemodel Revolution ShowEps 267 - Daniel Gorham with IBHSDaniel Gorham of IBHS talks about brush fires and protecting our homes.2020-08-0213 min
Strong Homes, Safe Families!Dr. Anne Cope on Science That Makes Us #HurricaneStrongHave you ever heard that closing your doors can limit damage in a windstorm? Do you know how many bathtubs worth of wind-driven water comes through an unprotected roof? Can you explain why something as innocuous as a soffit is relevant to the fate of your home? And, by the way, what exactly is a soffit?
If you want answers to these questions and more, this is the podcast for you. This week we talk about science and demystify the #HurricaneStrong home. Our guest expert is Anne Cope, Ph.D., PE, Chief Engineer at...2020-06-2527 minStrong Homes, Safe Families!Trailer - Dr. Anne Cope on Science That Makes Us #HurricaneStrongHave you heard that closing your interior doors can limit damage in a windstorm? Do you know how many bathtubs worth of wind-driven water comes through an unprotected roof? Can you explain why something as innocuous as a soffit is relevant to the fate of your home? And, by the way, what exactly is a soffit?
If you want answers to these questions and more, this is the podcast for you. This week we talk about science and demystify the #HurricaneStrong home. Our guest expert is Anne Cope, Ph.D., PE, Chief Engineer at...2020-06-2500 min
Talk! with AudreyWeathering The Storm of Unscrupulous RoofersInsurers pay billions of dollars each year to cover losses caused by severe weather but, unfortunately, sometimes those payments end up in the pockets of unscrupulous contractors. Those contractors follow the path of damage caused by severe storms around the country soliciting business door-to-door. Dr. Tanya Brown-Giammanco, Managing Director of Research at IBHS joins me to talk about common roofing scams and the fight to stop the criminals who commit them.2020-04-1509 min