Most Americans favor public policies that could help to mitigate the damage caused by catastrophic natural disasters before they happen, but many Americans remain unprepared for a disaster in their own homes and communities, according to a recent study from the Insurance Research Council entitled Public Attitude Monitor 2006, Issue 1, Natural Disasters.

Nine out of 10 Americans support the adoption and enforcement of building codes to make new homes stronger and safer. Two-thirds (67 percent) support building codes even when they would add six percent to the cost of a new home.

Other public policies relating to natural disaster loss mitigation now being discussed in state legislatures around the country and in Congress also enjoy strong support, according to the survey. A large majority (70 percent) of those surveyed favored the adoption of laws and regulations restricting the construction of new homes in disaster-prone areas, including coastal areas, and 82 percent favored government action and public spending to preserve and rebuild coastal wetlands that act as buffers against hurricanes.

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