Achieving FORTIFIED Certification is a significant step in ensuring your home is built or upgraded to withstand extreme weather conditions. Developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), this designation provides homeowners with stronger, smarter, and safer homes. Here's why obtaining FORTIFIED Certification is a game-changer for homeowners. What is FORTIFIED Certification? FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program designed to strengthen homes against specific types of severe weather, including high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornadoes. The program offers different levels of certification—FORTIFIED Roof, FORTIFIED Silver, and FORTIFIED Gold—each providing increasing degrees of protection. How Does FORTIFIED Certification Benefit Homeowners? • Increased Durability: FORTIFIED homes are engineered to withstand high winds, hail, and severe storms, significantly reducing the risk of costly damage. • Lower Insurance Costs: Many insurance companies offer discounts for FORTIFIED homes, leading to substantial savings on premiums. • Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is built to higher standards provides confidence and reduces stress during storm seasons. • Higher Resale Value: A FORTIFIED designation can enhance your home's marketability and value, as buyers appreciate the long-term benefits of a storm-resistant structure. Real-World Success: Alabama's Experience with FORTIFIED Homes Alabama serves as a compelling example of the effectiveness of FORTIFIED homes. As of mid-2024, the state boasts over 50,000 FORTIFIED-certified homes, the highest concentration in the nation. This widespread adoption is largely due to successful incentive programs and the proven resilience of FORTIFIED structures. During Hurricane Sally in September 2020, more than 17,000 FORTIFIED homes in Alabama faced the storm's fury. Remarkably, 95% of these homes experienced little to no damage, allowing families to remain in their residences without the need for extensive repairs or displacement. This contrasts sharply with neighboring non-FORTIFIED homes, many of which suffered significant damage. fortifiedhome.org The financial benefits are equally noteworthy. Homeowners with FORTIFIED roofs have been found to be 35% less likely to file insurance claims after hurricanes. When claims are filed, the damage is typically 22% less severe compared to standard homes. These statistics underscore the cost-effectiveness of investing in FORTIFIED upgrades. fortifiedhome.org FORTIFIED Certification in Oklahoma Recognizing the success in Alabama, Oklahoma has introduced the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program to help residents enhance their homes' resilience against severe weather. Key Program Details: • Statewide Availability: Homeowners in all 77 counties of Oklahoma are eligible to apply. • Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must own and occupy a single-family home in good condition or one that has sustained damage from qualifying events like tornadoes, windstorms, or hail. • Insurance Requirements: Proof of active homeowners insurance with wind coverage is necessary; flood insurance may also be required depending on the location. • Grant Coverage: The program provides grants to cover enhancements needed to achieve the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof designation. Improvements include enhanced roof deck attachment, impact-resistant shingles, and wind-resistant attic vents. • Insurance Premium Savings: Homes meeting FORTIFIED standards may qualify for up to a 42% discount on the wind portion of homeowners insurance premiums, though specific discounts vary by insurer. • Certified Professionals: Only contractors and evaluators certified by the FORTIFIED program are authorized to perform the necessary upgrades. For more detailed information on the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program, visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department's official page. Take Action: Fortify Your Home Today Investing in FORTIFIED Certification not only enhances your home's resilience to severe weather but also offers financial benefits and peace of mind. Whether you're building a new home or upgrading an existing one, now is the ideal time to consider FORTIFIED standards. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving FORTIFIED Certification and safeguarding your home for the future. Note: The Strengthen Oklahoma Homes Program is funded by the insurance industry in Oklahoma and does not utilize the state's general budget. Applications are expected to open in early 2025. Stay updated by visiting the Oklahoma Insurance Department's official page

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