S.C. sponsors free mitigation workshop

Scott H. Richardson, South Carolina insurance director, recently unveiled the department’s new grant initiative, SC Safe Home.

The program is a component of the recently-enacted Coastal Omnibus Act of 2007 which focuses on the availability and affordability of insurance coverage for coastal South Carolina property owners.

The program partners, including the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, The Home Depot, The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Member Companies of the South Carolina Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, sponsored free how-to clinics recently in Charleston. Engineering and construction experts in hazard mitigation provided hands-on demonstrations for the steps toward a wind-resistant home including construction and installation of plywood shutters; use of rafter glue to strengthen roof connections; installation of weather-stripping for windows; throw lengths of dead bolts; reinforcement of garage doors and installation of head and foot bolts for French and double-entry doors.