South Carolina Department of Insurance

South Carolina Department of Insurance

Historically South Carolina has experienced destructive hurricanes to include the Sea Island Hurricane of 1893, Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and more recently, Hurricane Hugo which made land fall in September 1989. As with many other states with coastal exposure, South Carolina s population is increasing faster than the national average, especially along our coastline. Coastal residents make up one fourth of our statewide population. Between 2000 and 2010, Beaufort saw a 53.7% increase in the number of housing units, Charleston experienced a 20.5 % increase and Horry County increased their number of housing units by 52.3%.

In1997 the SC General Assembly passed legislation calling for the adoption of a statewide building code. The legislation also created the Loss Mitigation Grant and Training Grant Program which provided start-up dollars to local jurisdictions for the development of code programs and for the training of code enforcement officers. We currently build to the 2012 IRC.

Initiatives Consumer Initiatives Catastrophe Savings Account Tax Credits for fortification measures Premium Discounts for Approved Retrofits * Insurer Initiatives Emergency Powers Authorizes Director to issue emergency regulations when Governor declares state of emergency

Annual allocation approximately $2 million. Provides grants up to $5,000 to homeowners to retrofit their primary residence. Educates homeowners about the potential catastrophic damages caused by high winds associated with hurricanes. Assists homeowners in understanding what mitigation is and how it can help protect their property. Improves the existing housing stock in coastal South Carolina. Encourages availability and affordability of homeowner s insurance.

All openings must be protected (remember, this is a hurricane mitigation program). Shutters made of Plywood or OSB are NOT allowed. All new products installed must be impacted rated or have the proper DP rating AND be appropriately protected. All impacted rated products must meet the ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 engineering testing standards for impact. *Any thing not specified by the code plus standards that SCSH uses must meet or exceed local building code standards. 6

All roof retrofits MUST include: Removal of entire existing roof covering/expose decking. Re-nail decking to at least 6 on center using 8d ring-shank nails (for galvanized, corrosion resistant, stainless steel, consult local building code). Install a Self-Adhering Secondary Water Barrier (unless tongue and groove, the roof decking seams must be covered with bitumen tape, or the entire roof must be covered with self-adhering membrane ). Install drip-edge & high wind rated ridge vent. Inspect all pipe vents and flashing. High wind rated shingles. Metal roofs must be installed as per the manufacturer s specifications for high-wind. Gable ends must be braced- or reason why not, documented. Skylights addressed during roof retrofits- new impact rated skylights must be installed or the openings must be covered with roof decking. *Any thing not specified by the code plus standards that SCSH uses must meet or exceed local building code standards 7

We recommend you use 4 or wider tape on panel decks Or Sprayed on Foam Adhesive 8

Roof retrofit with Secondary water barrier Window Replacement Gable-end Bracing Storm Shutter Application

Awarded over 3,000 grants totaling approximately $13 million in the 11 coastal counties of SC. Outreach events to citizens through meetings, expos, school activities, classes and training. Partnerships with public and private entities. SC Safe Home is a model program and is being replicated in other states with coastal exposure.

South Carolina Department of Insurance 1201 Main Street, Suite 1000 Columbia, SC 29201 PO Box 100105 Columbia, SC 29202-3105 803-737-6087 www.doi.sc.gov http://www.scsafehome.sc.gov/

To help consumers shop the insurance market to get the best possible coverage at the best possible price. To educate homeowners on their options for coastal property insurance. http://doi.sc.gov Joseph R. McDonald 843-577-3415 jmcdonald@doi.sc.gov