IBHS Says Foreclosures Put a New Twist on Hurricane Season and Intensify the Need to Prepare

TAMPA, Fla., May. 20 /PRNewswire/ --

TAMPA, Fla., May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fallout from the ongoing mortgage crisis provides a new, potentially hazardous twist to the 2008 hurricane season; however, communities can take steps to protect themselves, says the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

Unfortunately, more than half a million properties in hurricane-prone states are in some stage of foreclosure, according to RealtyTrac. IBHS warns that the many thousands of foreclosed homes standing empty in coastal areas from Texas to Maine could exacerbate property damage in their neighborhoods if the wind starts to blow.

"Foreclosed homes that are either poorly maintained or otherwise left vulnerable to natural forces could become flying debris that takes aim at neighboring buildings," said IBHS President and CEO Julie Rochman. "Gulf and Atlantic Coast communities should consider this fact when making or reviewing hurricane preparation and disaster recovery plans."

IBHS notes that a house is most vulnerable to high winds when the building "envelope" is not sealed by approved forms of opening protection, such as storm shutters or reinforced garage doors. Building materials and other debris from partially completed new homes sitting unsecured along the coasts also could become shrapnel or missiles impacting nearby buildings.

IBHS recommends that homeowner associations or community groups try to determine who is responsible for unoccupied properties in their neighborhoods, and encourage those responsible parties to take meaningful loss prevention steps prior to the start of hurricane season.

Many Americans are facing difficult times financially, but IBHS stresses there are effective, affordable options to minimize losses from hurricanes and wind-driven rain.

    --  A wide variety of products on the market today are rated for high wind
        and large missile impact; this variety means more inexpensive options.
        To help with decision-making, IBHS has created an online Shutter
        Selection Guide.
        (http://www.disastersafety.org/publications/view.asp?id=12883&cid=11
        02)
    --  Wind-driven rain can lead to significant water damage inside an
        otherwise intact home. However, a loss of power leaves little means to
        dry things out. So, homeowners should caulk any exterior holes, such as
        where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the house, and seal around
        electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels.
    --  Keeping shingles attached is critical, since edge shingles that are not
        well fastened or extend beyond the drip edge more than a 1/4" can
        be lifted off by high wind, creating a peeling process or domino effect.
        Homeowners should tug on shingles along the roof edge, and if they come
        up without much effort, secure them with three one-inch dabs of roofing
        cement under each tab (available at little cost at most hardware
        stores.)

"The payoff for a stronger, well-protected home goes beyond the structure itself," Rochman adds. "Being prepared contributes to a family's personal financial stability and improves the home's resale value - two very valuable aspects of home ownership today."

For more property protection projects to help reinforce homes against high winds and other hazards, visit the IBHS web site >.

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization wholly supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

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Julie Rochman

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