Mississippi Okays Home Mitigation Program

Mississippi legislation creating a comprehensive homeowner mitigation program is under review by Republican Gov. Haley Barbour, his staff said.

American Insurance Association said they expect he will sign the measure (HB 753), which the organization believes has the potential to substantially reduce the threat of natural catastrophe losses to home and business owners.

“Comprehensive mitigation programs, including policies that encourage the hardening of existing buildings, are one of the keys to stable coastal insurance markets,” said Cecil Pearce, AIA vice president, Southeast Region.

The measure establishes a program similar to the My Safe Florida Home program, providing no-cost state wind certification and hurricane mitigation inspections to home and business owners, with the option of state grants to fund recommended storm-proofing home improvements.

The new program also will provide homeowners with the potential for insurance premium discounts for their investment in mitigation improvements.

“The Florida program is a great example of the commitment that all our coastal states need to make to mitigation efforts,” said Pearce. “The word seems to be spreading with Mississippi's passage of HB 753.”