The American Insurance Association (AIA) recently gave testimony before the North Carolina Building Code Council to request stricter construction standards for coastal areas exposed to hurricane-force winds.

According to a release by AIA, in recent years North Carolina has made some progress by extending wind-borne debris requirements for the state's barrier islands and new homes within 1,500 feet of the coast. However, communities outside of this line, which can expect to experience wind speeds of more than 100 mph, are under-protected. AIA is concerned that if the state continues to exempt wind-borne debris protections in the International Building and Residential Codes in hazardous coastal areas, a higher risk of structural failure, interior damage, and personal safety will occur.

AIA Assistant Vice President David Unnewehr submitted testimony that recommends extending wind-borne debris protection along the North Carolina coast. The testimony states that "homes in high hurricane risk areas fully built to code standards with wind-borne debris protections will fare better in a hurricane than homes that are not built to code that lack wind-borne protections. Therefore, the more resilient homes are more attractive to insurers," said Unnewehr, in a release. "The time is now for the state's code council to make sure that any future development in coastal counties is built to state-of-the-art standards for wind protection, a step that will enhance personal safety and reduce property loss."