IBHS Joins in Celebrating Historic New Building Code Law In Mississippi
TAMPA – April 7, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) joined representatives from the insurance industry, housing industry, Mississippi Department of Insurance, and members of the state Legislature on Apr. 2 to celebrate the ceremonial signing by Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant of a new law that will strengthen building safety in the state. The landmark legislation (SB 2378) creating a state building code law, which will help improve public safety, make homes stronger and protect property values.
“IBHS was very pleased to be part of this special ceremony with Gov. Bryant as Mississippi took an important step forward in better protecting its residents with a stronger building code,” said Alex Cary, IBHS FORTIFIED Coastal Programs Manager, who participated in the event. “We also want to thank Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney for his outstanding leadership and commitment to enacting stronger building codes, and his staff who not only worked with key legislators, but also with insurers, homeowners, builders and other key stakeholders to improve building safety for Mississippians.”
Mississippi is highly vulnerable not only to hurricanes and severe windstorms, but also to non-catastrophic wind and fire losses. Implementing effective property loss mitigation measures like strong building codes can save lives, promote long-term fiscal stability, reduce post-disaster state government aid and recovery costs, protect the environment, and create a more resilient society. As the state begins to roll out the new codes, which become effective July 1, it will be critical to provide a uniform, statewide approach to the training and implementation of code enforcement.
“We can’t move buildings out of the way when Mother Nature roars, but we can make sure they are built stronger and safer so they are more resistant to severe weather events,” said Julie Rochman, IBHS CEO and president. “While there is still work ahead, Mississippi has done something many said would never happen. Our hats are off to those who stayed focused and worked tirelessly to enact this important new building safety law.”
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About The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks on residential and commercial property by conducting building science research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness practices.
Media Contact: Tiffany O’Shea, Director, Public Affairs
Phone: (813) 675-1047 (o) (512) 636-7811 (c); Email: toshea (at) ibhs (dot) org
