Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This webinar provides a practical introduction to the FORTIFIED Home program for design and construction professionals, housing administrators, and homeowners interested in building or upgrading stronger, more resilient homes.
Attendees will learn the core requirements of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's FORTIFIED standard and the IBHS research and building science behind it, along with the proven benefits of a designation—including improved insurance access, potential premium discounts, and reduced storm losses, supported by findings from a study of over 40,000 properties impacted by Hurricane Sally.
The session will also examine how states and housing agencies are using FORTIFIED to reduce risk in affordable housing, and how public grant programs are driving adoption of resilient construction and reroofing. The webinar will also include an overview of IBHS and its role in advancing safer, more resilient communities nationwide.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Materials & Place
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/reducing-wind-impact-risk-and-costs-in-homes
Speaker: Alexandra Cary
Alex is the FORTIFIED Market Development Manager at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, providing communities across the Gulf Coast and nationally with a dedicated expert, collaborating with active and potential FORTIFIED program participants to bring sustainable and resilient construction practices into vulnerable communities.
Alex has worked in the homebuilding industry for over 20 years and is now involved in leadership roles at the local, state, and national level, including as an NAHB national delegate. Alex is a licensed homebuilder in Alabama and recently completed construction on her own FORTIFIED Gold home.
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that the FORTIFIED Home program not only promotes stronger construction practices but also significantly contributes to community health by minimizing storm-related damages that can lead to long-term health issues for residents.
2. Analyze the safety implications of implementing the FORTIFIED standards, as they provide homeowners and housing agencies with critical information about building resilience against natural disasters, thereby reducing risks to life and property.
3. Introduce the concept of affordable housing resilience through FORTIFIED, where public grant programs play a vital role in ensuring the welfare of communities by enabling access to safer housing conditions.
4. Articulate the importance of the FORTIFIED designation in enhancing insurance access and lowering premiums, which ultimately supports the economic welfare of homeowners and fosters community stability.
This webinar provides a practical introduction to the FORTIFIED Home program for design and construction professionals, housing administrators, and homeowners interested in building or upgrading stronger, more resilient homes.
Attendees will learn the core requirements of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety's FORTIFIED standard and the IBHS research and building science behind it, along with the proven benefits of a designation—including improved insurance access, potential premium discounts, and reduced storm losses, supported by findings from a study of over 40,000 properties impacted by Hurricane Sally.
The session will also examine how states and housing agencies are using FORTIFIED to reduce risk in affordable housing, and how public grant programs are driving adoption of resilient construction and reroofing. The webinar will also include an overview of IBHS and its role in advancing safer, more resilient communities nationwide.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)**
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• GHI Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Materials & Place
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
**State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/reducing-wind-impact-risk-and-costs-in-homes
Speaker: Alexandra Cary
Alex is the FORTIFIED Market Development Manager at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, providing communities across the Gulf Coast and nationally with a dedicated expert, collaborating with active and potential FORTIFIED program participants to bring sustainable and resilient construction practices into vulnerable communities.
Alex has worked in the homebuilding industry for over 20 years and is now involved in leadership roles at the local, state, and national level, including as an NAHB national delegate. Alex is a licensed homebuilder in Alabama and recently completed construction on her own FORTIFIED Gold home.
Lessons Learned
1. Understand that the FORTIFIED Home program not only promotes stronger construction practices but also significantly contributes to community health by minimizing storm-related damages that can lead to long-term health issues for residents.
2. Analyze the safety implications of implementing the FORTIFIED standards, as they provide homeowners and housing agencies with critical information about building resilience against natural disasters, thereby reducing risks to life and property.
3. Introduce the concept of affordable housing resilience through FORTIFIED, where public grant programs play a vital role in ensuring the welfare of communities by enabling access to safer housing conditions.
4. Articulate the importance of the FORTIFIED designation in enhancing insurance access and lowering premiums, which ultimately supports the economic welfare of homeowners and fosters community stability.
