Chester County, S.C.
The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) officially broke ground on its disaster safety research center in September of 2009. Located in Chester County, S.C., the laboratory will enable researchers to subject structures such as homes, light commercial construction, and agricultural buildings to a variety of hazards, including realistic Category 3 hurricanes, wind-blown fire, and hailstorms. The $40 million multi-peril research facility is funded entirely by property insurance companies, reinsurers, and brokers. The project will support the development of methods of minimizing risk and loss to homes, businesses, and communities resulting from natural disasters. Completion is slated for spring of 2010.
