Insurer's group announces new research institute to study property damage caused by natural disasters | 04.22.2008 | 08:19:58 | Views: 6497 | ID: April 22 '08: In a press release the Institute for Business & Home Safety announced the creation of a new research initiative and facility to test the damage done to personal property and homes cause by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. The new center will test scenarios on full-scale model homes and construction components using high wind and high water situations. IBHS, a non-profit organization representing insurance companies around the US said its new facility "will be dedicated to reducing the human, financial and societal costs of natural disasters and other threats to property from coast to coast. ... The Center will feature full-scale testing of buildings and construction components. A two-track research program will allow IBHS to address catastrophic issues, such as high winds and wind-drive water intrusion, earthquakes and hail as well as more isolated, but expensive, maintenance-related issues like plumbing system failure and interior fires." Officials from IBHS said that in addition to the planned research at the new center, partnerships will be created to leverage existing resources in other areas "through ongoing partnerships with existing facilities and other researchers." Currently, IBHS is working with the University of Colorado, and Pennsylvania State University on wildfire risk reduction projects. Dr. Timothy Reihnhold, director of engineering and vice president of IHBS said in the press release the center "will also foster a broader understanding of what can be accomplished with sustainable construction by providing training to builders, building officials, architect, engineers, insurance personnel and others with a professional interest in the field." National Blueprint Tags: Economic & Infrastructure.
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