Foley among national leaders for number of fortified homes

Foley among national leaders for number of fortified homes

Foley leads almost every city in the United States in building homes designed to withstand the impact of hurricanes and other weather events, according to the most recent report from SmartHomes America. Foley ranked third in the country in the number of homes designated as “fortified.” Fortified homes are built with reinforced roofs and other measures intended to protect the buildings from storm damage. The designation usually reduces insurance rates since the buildings are constructed to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said city building codes require the higher standard of protection.
“Foley is one of the top three fortified cities in the nation,” Hellmich said. “It mainly has to do with roofs. Alabama has the most fortified homes in the United States. Fairhope, Foley and Daphne are all in the top four.”