IBHS said the "Fortified" designation must be granted by a qualified inspection service. The organization said the North Carolina "Fortified" guidelines are designed to better protect homes primarily against high winds and flooding. Construction features in the Wilmington Habitat home include:

? Non-combustible roof materials that also better withstand high winds.

? Stronger connections tying the roof and walls to the foundation.

? Shutter-protected windows.

? Reinforced entry doors.

? Building site and landscaping techniques to reduce wildfire and flooding vulnerability.

Habitat houses are offered to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. In addition to the down payment and the monthly mortgage, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor--so-called "sweat equity"--into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

"This will be the third Habitat house that Nationwide has built in North Carolina," noted Dave Gettles, vice president in charge of Nationwide's North Carolina operations. "Following ?builds' in Charlotte and Raleigh, we are pleased to pioneer the Fortified house project in Wilmington. Given the state's exposure to hurricanes, we wanted to showcase the additional safety features that can help protect our citizens' homes."

Nationwide said it has committed $3.2 million to build 61 homes in 58 cities in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International.

The Wilmington house also had funding and supplies from Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and Simpson Strong-Tie Company.