Economy May Compound Potential for Hurricane Damage

TAMPA, Fla., June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2009 Hurricane Season is
upon us, and the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) warns that the
economy could compound the potential for damage this year.

IBHS is concerned that people who are struggling financially or are already on
a tight budget will hear forecasts for an 'average' season and put off
protecting their property.

"It's a double-edged sword for financially strapped home and business owners
this year," said IBHS President and CEO Julie Rochman. "They don't have funds
for protective measures -- but they're also ill-equipped to handle the
financial impact of a storm.

"If a hurricane hits and disrupts day-to-day life, people may be out of work
for days or weeks," Rochman added. "They may need to find alternate childcare,
or replace items not covered by insurance. Are they able to take time off to
attend to family matters or meet with contractors for repairs? There are lots
of things to think about, but people in hurricane-prone states should ask
themselves if they can afford to NOT prepare."

IBHS also says the number of foreclosed homes -- and unoccupied homes whose
owners have moved away before their property sells -- can mean an increased
potential for flying debris if they are left unprotected. Any building that is
unsecured for a severe storm, in disrepair or unfinished and left open to the
elements also means more potential windborne missiles threatening that
neighborhood.

To better equip all residents in hurricane-prone areas with information to
help prevent property damage, IBHS developed valuable new online resources,
including no- and low-cost options for hurricane protection and the
wind-driven rain that accompanies a storm.

An interactive graphic shows what areas of a home are vulnerable and how to
increase its defenses, and a video demonstrates how to accomplish some of the
most important tasks. Information is also provided to help owners of
manufactured homes assess their tie-downs and make sure their structures are
secure, and to help business owners create continuity plans.

View the hurricane resources here:
http://www.disastersafety.org/text.asp?id=hurricane_media.

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization
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.

SOURCE Institute for Business & Home Safety

Wendy Rose of the Institute for Business & Home Safety, +1-813-675-1045,
wrose@ibhs.org