IBHS Urges Consumers and Business Owners to Participate in National Prepare-A-Thon to be Ready for Disasters

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Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

Apr 28, 2014, 15:00 ET


(PRWEB) April 28, 2014 -- The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is proud to join with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the first National Prepare-A-Thon on April 30, which will help home and business owners become better prepared for natural disasters.

“Research shows that communities, families and individuals who prepare in advance for possible disasters are better able to recover from them and adapt to new or changing conditions,” said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. “Communities around the country are holding Prepare-A-Thon events April 30. The time to act is now – before disasters threaten. These events are perfect opportunities to learn how to make your home and business safer and stronger in the face of disasters.”

Find an event in your area on the Prepare-A-Thon website listed above.

The first step in preparing for a disaster is knowing what risks you face. IBHS provides an interactive risk map on its website to help you identify your region’s risks by entering your ZIP Code.

“A critical part of preparedness is making sure your home or business is disaster-resistant. Strengthening your building will make it more likely it will be there when you return after a disaster. A stronger, safer building will sustain less damage, making your community more resilient and requiring less federal and state aid to recover,” stated Rochman.

IBHS provides a wealth of information on DisasterSafety.org for home and business owners about how to protect your home and business against damage from tornadoes, wildfires, floods and hurricanes.

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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.

Stacy Williams, APR, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, http://www.disastersafety.org, +1 (813) 675-1045, [email protected]