In Alabama, the Fortified standard for home construction has emerged as a critical response to increasing climate-driven disasters, particularly hurricanes. Following Hurricane Sally's devastation in 2020, Matt Fetner's home in Orange Beach stood out among others, having previously upgraded to Fortified standards, sparing it from extensive damage. This initiative, backed by millions in state funding, aims to fortify homes against hurricane-force winds using specialized materials and construction techniques. Homes meeting these standards typically qualify for lower insurance premiums, attracting insurers despite coastal risks and reducing claims payouts.

Alabama's Strengthen Alabama Homes program, led by Travis Taylor, has been instrumental in promoting Fortified roofs, making the state a model for others. Over 7,000 residents have benefited from grants, with local contractors integrating these standards into their services. Nationally, 60,000 homes are Fortified, half of which are in Alabama, influencing local building codes aligned with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety standards. Industry experts affirm the program's success, noting its role in enhancing market resilience and increasing home resale values.

Across the United States, states like Louisiana, Minnesota, and Oklahoma have adopted similar initiatives to combat escalating insurance costs due to climate impacts. The Insurance Institute anticipates wider adoption of resilient construction standards as states prioritize mitigating risks from severe weather events through proactive measures.