IBHS Research Center

Hail, hurricane force winds, tropical storms and wildfires cannot be prevented, but some of the world’s top researchers now have another tool to better prepare for the worst Mother Nature can dish out.

In October 2010, the Insurance Institute for Building and Home Safety (IBHS)  opened a state-of-the-art research facility in Chester County, South Carolina.

State Farm® is a leading sponsor for the IBHS Research Center, demonstrating its continued industry leadership in reducing the effects of natural disasters and property risks. State Farm has been a proud supporter of IBHS for more than 25 years.

The IBHS Research Center has been created to identify, evaluate and promote effective ways to prevent and reduce loss of life, injuries and property damage. Winds up to 140 m.p.h., eight inches of rain an hour, and wildfire ember showers can all be simulated in the 21,000 square foot test chamber.

This facility is a tangible, very public demonstration of the property insurance industry’s deep commitment to reducing and preventing losses that disrupt the lives of millions of home and business owners each year. IBHS’ scientific research will influence residential and commercial structural design and construction for decades to come. Resulting savings on natural disaster-related losses – which totaled more than $26 billion across the U.S. in 2009 alone, and are expected to double every decade – will “pay for” the lab many times over.

To learn more about the IBHS Research Center, go to www.disastersafety.org
(videos)
 

Highlights of Research Center Inaugural Test Demonstrations, Fall 2010: http://vimeo.com/17764719

Highlights of the IBHS Research Center Ember Test Demonstration, March 2011: http://vimeo.com/22751346

Hurricane Testing: Sealed Roof Deck Demonstration: http://vimeo.com/28068692