Picture this: Eric's off gallivanting at Design and Construction Week in sunny Orlando, probably sipping on a piña colada while we’re here holding down the fort. But hey, no worries, because we’ve got a gem of an episode from the vault featuring Fred Malik from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. We dive into the absolutely riveting world of home resilience—yes, we’re talking about how to fortify your castle against those pesky storms that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Fred, with his wealth of knowledge, breaks down the Fortified Home program, which is basically a superhero cape for your house. Who wouldn’t want their home to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at it? We chat about the nuts and bolts (pun intended) of building structures that can weather the storm, from the roof to the garage door—yes, even that garage door you thought was just a pretty face. It's shocking how much a little wind can turn it into a pancake if it’s not up to snuff. So, kick back, grab a snack, and get ready to take notes because this episode might just save your home from becoming the latest headline news during storm season. Spoiler alert: you’ll never look at your garage door the same way again!

Takeaways:

1. Understanding how to fortify your home can save you a fortune in repairs after storms.
2. Garage doors are often the weakest link in your home's storm defense; don't skimp on quality!
3. Making simple upgrades like sealing gaps can drastically reduce water damage during heavy rainstorms.
4. The Fortified program offers valuable resources to help homeowners make informed decisions about resilience.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. aroundthehouseonline.com
2. ibhs.org
3. fortifiedhome.org
4. wildfireprepared.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Fortified
2. Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety
3. Gulf Coast
4. Florida
5. IBHS
6. Wildfire Prepared

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Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.

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Around the House Top Products!

Producer Jim shares an insider look at Eric G's hand-curated Top 10 products for 2026. From smart locks and app-controlled garage openers to precision tools and energy-saving water heaters, these are the game-changing items Eric personally recommends to make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient. Head to AroundTheHouseOnline.com/Top-Products to see the full list, click the product links for exclusive Amazon deals, and upgrade your home today!794msFast

Around the House Top Products

Around the House Top Products!

Producer Jim shares an insider look at Eric G's hand-curated Top 10 products for 2026. From smart locks and app-controlled garage openers to precision tools and energy-saving water heaters, these are the game-changing items Eric personally recommends to make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient. Head to AroundTheHouseOnline.com/Top-Products to see the full list, click the product links for exclusive Amazon deals, and upgrade your home today!794msFast

Around the House Top Products

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