For many years, the IHPA has been expressing industry concern to consumers and government authorities about the growing trend of untested and unapproved products being marketed as hurricane and windstorm protection. Johnston pointed out that advertising would often highlight the benefits of the product without ever mentioning that it could not meet the minimum test standards set forth in the Florida or International Building Codes. Often the advertising has been cleverly created to fool the consumer. “If you see pictures of windblown palm trees, satellite images of hurricanes and wording such as – ‘protection against severe weather’, what is the consumer to think?” Johnston stated that advertisers would imply hurricane protection and hide behind the claim that they did not actually state it.

In 2008, the IHPA began a consumer protection campaign called “Get the Number”. Through press releases, flyers, and buttons they slowly began to increase industry awareness of the importance of protecting homes with products submitted for full testing and evaluation under the nationally recognized standards. This simple program was designed to encourage the consumer to insist on a product approval/ evaluation number from a legitimate agency before considering any product as protection for their home. However, it was still the responsibility of the consumer to request this information and to interpret technical documentation before making an informed decision against a growing tide of clever marketing schemes developed by the promoters of unapproved products.

The IHPA had been sending documentation of advertising and unsubstantiated claims to the Florida Attorney General’s Office and this culminated in a consumer warning issued by the then Attorney General Bill McCollum. Soon after, various Florida organizations and governmental bodies began supporting the IHPA call for legislation to protect the consumer. During the 2011 legislative session, the concept became reality.

Johnston stated that “We’re not done yet. We consider this legislation in Florida to be a win for the consumer and legitimate manufacturers and contractors who provide these protection products on a daily basis. Our job will now be to carry this message to other States and regions. We look forward to the day when all hurricane prone regions are promoting products that comply with the testing and approval standards required under the International Building Codes.”

If you haven’t yet seen this video – click on the picture below:

The home on the right stands firm thanks to the benefit of approximately $2000 worth of fortifying improvements.  While the home on the left – well…..

IHPA Vice-President, Darius Grimes, represented the IHPA at the IBHS event on November 4th and 5th. 

His Report – HERE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

IHPA GENERAL Meeting

ALL WELCOME – MEMBERS, POTENTIAL MEMBERS AND GUESTS

 Thursday & Friday November 4th and 5th, 2010

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Fort Myers, FL

Hotel Reservations

Take advantage of the IHPA Room Rate ($99)

Go online to the IHPA Reservation Webpage

Or call: (239) 210-2465 or (800) 465-4329 – Mention IHPA

Schedule:  

November 4^th

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm:  CEU Seminar Presented by Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services 

·         Wind Load Provisions and Bldg Envelope Requirements of the FBC

o         Will include discussion of ASCE 7-2010

o         Check-in begins 12:30 pm

November 5th

7:45 am – 9:45 am:  Shutter Installation – Roll Shutters and Others

·         Hosted at the facilities of Croci North America, 11600 Adelmo Ln., Fort Myers, FL 33966

·         Presented by representatives of Croci North America, Brian Rist and Barry Feldman (Storm Smart), Bill Spindel (Windshutters), Tom Johnston (T&C) and Bill Feeley (EMS) 

10:15 am – 11:45 am:  Tabletop Displays at the Crowne Plaza

Noon – 2pm:  IHPA General Meeting and luncheon with Guest Speaker – John Dearden 

Agenda:

o         Call to Order and Opening Remarks – Thomas Johnston

o         Reading of Previous Minutes, Roll Call, Treasurer’s Report, Committee Reports

o         Guest Speaker – John Dearden, Hurricane Protection Sales and Marketing

§          John has spoken throughout the country to small, medium and large companies.  He has also addressed associations, chambers, non-profit organizations and conventions.  His Keynote addresses, sales workshops, general sessions, seminars and interactive training sessions will leave audiences with the desire to take action.

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Tabletop Displays

2:30 pm to 4:15 pm:  Shutter Installation and Weatherization  

·         Presentation by Tom Johnston and George Pfaller (IHPA Officers)

o          Installation of shutters with regard to the prevention of water penetration

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm:  Tabletop Displays and Meet & Greet Reception (Beverages Available

Information and registration here:   Meetings and Events.

The IHPA has continued its work toward representing its members and helping to protect the public from the devastation so often associated with hurricanes. 

Our membership continues to grow.  We are pleased to present three of our newest members:

American Building Products of Harahan, LA represented by Sam Ethridge

Bee Safe Hurricane Shutters of Bonita Springs, FL represented by Brent Keller

Honeywell International of Morristown, NJ represented by Brian Metrocavage

Welcome to our new members!

Forms and information for IHPA Membership can be found: HERE.

The IHPA spent considerable time and effort in gathering and compiling advertising and technical materials demonstrating misleading advertising and unfair or deceptive trade practices regarding the marketing of unapproved products and window film for use as hurricane protection.  Late last year the IHPA Board of Directors, under Tom Johnston’s leadership, submitted the findings to the Florida Attorney General’s Office during meetings and direct correspondence.  Our report  and communications highlighted the tremendous risk of consumers being mislead; thereby creating a recipe for disaster and potential unnecessary loss of property and life. The IHPA Board and its members are pleased that Attorney General Bill McCollum and staff immediately recognized the seriousness of the issue and took direct action to alert consumers to the issue and dangers of using unapproved products for hurricane protection.

Attorney General Bill McCollum News Release

September 9, 2010
Media Contact: Ryan Wiggins
Phone: (850) 245-0150

Attorney General Warns Consumers of Unapproved Hurricane Protection for Windows

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer advisory warning Floridians about window film companies that have sold or are selling products to residential homeowners as “hurricane protection.” The implied benefits leave homeowners with a false sense of security, and ultimately very vulnerable to the destructive forces of hurricane winds and flying debris.

Through information gathered from the International Hurricane Protection Association (IHPA), investigators have determined that aggressive sales tactics may have misled some homeowners to believe the hurricane protection for windows has been approved for residential as well as commercial use, when in reality the film protection advertised has only been approved for commercial use. The Florida Building Code compliant forms of hurricane protection contain no approval(s) for film applied to a residential structure. The consumer must be aware that passing some but not all testing does not qualify a product for approval.

Purportedly, some window film companies are also falsely claiming that by purchasing the window film for residential use, the homeowner will be eligible for an insurance discount. In reality, the insurance industry may not recognize this discount because the window film does not meet the standards for use in a residential home.

Recently, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) has began issuing manufacturer and dealer alerts in an effort to make sure companies are adhering to proper business procedures. While most members are following proper advertising and sales practices, some are not. Additionally, not all film manufacturers are part of the IWFA, therefore they are not held to the same standards.
Attorney General McCollum offers the following recommendations to consumers to avoid falling victim to dealers who may be misrepresenting the film’s capabilities:

· Ask to see the product approval and the corresponding number;
· Go to www.floridabuilding.org and/or www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode/ to assure that the number supplied is verifiable;
· Check with your local building department. Most building departments require a permit to install hurricane protection; and
· Report any company that is making fraudulent claims about window film.

Consumers who believe they may be victims of fraud may contact the Attorney General’s fraud hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226) or file an online complaint at http://myfloridalegal.com.

This release may also be found at: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/2381FFF92F5F132E85257799005ACE46

Hilton New Orleans Riverside – August 19th & 20th

Note: Continuing Education Courses Approved – ICC, LSBAE and LSLBC

We are pleased to announce that approvals are in for CEU’s for Building Officials, Architects and Contractors at the IHPA event in New Orleans. 

The classes included will be two 4 hour Seminars presented by IHPA Code Consultant, Joe Belcher and two 2 hour Panel Discussions with hands-on familiarization with product types.

IHPA Members, please help spread the word!

All information, forms and registration links for the Meeting, Classes and Tabletop Displays  can be found here:

http://ihpaprotect.org/meetings.aspx

Schedule of Events

Thursday August 19th

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: CEU Seminar “The Wind Load Provisions of the Code and Building Envelope Requirements”. Instructor – Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services, Inc. Check-in 12:30 – 1:00.

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm: IHPA Board of Directors Meeting (open to members interested in committees and running for future BOD positions – RSVP Required)

Friday August 20^th

7:30 am – 11:30 am: CEU Seminar ”Heights and Areas/ Application of Chapters 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the 2006 IBC”. Instructor – Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services, Inc. Check-in 7:00 – 7:30.

9:00 am – 10:45 am: Panel Discussion – Open discussion with the IHPA Board of Directors and others.

· HMGP/ IMM Program – Questions, Problems, Solutions

· Impact Resistant Devices and Systems – Installations and Applications

10:45 am – 11: 45 am: Tabletop Displays

Noon – 2pm: IHPA General Meeting

· Luncheon Meeting with Guest Speaker Fred Malik, IBHS Fortified Program Manager

o Fortified is presently accepted in Louisiana for the highest mitigation credits available, it is the only way to receive mitigation credits on existing homes in AL and is being used in the TX, SC, NC, and other markets around the US.

o Overview of the program, with what it is and what is involved with Fortified Designations.

2:00pm – 2:30pm: Tabletop Displays

2:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Panel Discussion. LA Codes and Mitigation, rewards for stronger safer buildings.

· Panelists:

o Bill Hatchett, Registered LA Wind Mitigation Surveyor. Founder, Wind Mitigation Surveyors, LLC. Denise Jobe, Administrator of LSUCCC and BOD of BOAL

o Mark Roberts, Regional Manager ICC, Governmental Affairs Contact ICC

o Bhola Dhume, AIA, CBO, Deputy Director, Dept. of Safety and Permits, City of New Orleans

o Darius Grimes, CRC, CSI-CDT, CWMI, IHPA Vice-Pres., Founder- Disaster-Smart Consulting Inc- Moderator

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Tabletop Displays with Meet and Greet Reception. Beverages.

IHPA, 2501 Floral Road, Lantana, FL 33462 Phone: 561.282.2395 Fax: 561.433.2101 E-mail: mgrsoffc@bellsouth.net

Registration: http://ihpaprotect.org/meetings.aspx

Registration Open!

IHPA MEETING – PANEL DISCUSSIONS – TABLETOP DISPLAYS – CEU CLASSES

Come Join Us in New Orleans August 19th & 20th!

Host Hotel – Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Two Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Overview:

Day One (Thursday 8/19):

• CEU Class and Board of Directors Meeting

Day Two (Friday 8/20):

• IHPA Meeting with Luncheon and Guest Speaker
• CEU Class, Panel Discussions, Tabletop Displays, Meet & Greet Reception

Complete schedule of events HERE

Meeting Friday Aug. 20th 12 Noon – 2:00 pm:

IHPA General Meeting to include Luncheon, Industry Updates and Guest Speaker.

• The IHPA is pleased to feature guest speaker Fred Malik of IBHS.

Mr. Malik is Fortified Program Manager

•  
  • Fortified is presently accepted in Louisiana for the highest mitigation credits available, it is the only way to receive mitigation credits on existing homes in AL and is being used in the TX, SC, NC, and other markets around the US. Fred will give an overview of the program, what it is and what is involved with Fortified Designations.  Read more about Fred Malik HERE. 

Panel Discussions Friday Aug. 20th:

AM Panel Discussion 9:00 am – 10:45 am:

• Open discussion with the IHPA Board of Directors and others.
  • HMGP/ IMM Program – Questions, Problems, Solutions
  • Impact Resistant Devices and Systems – Installations and Applications

   

  Panelists: IHPA Board of Directors – 3 ea. Suppliers, Manufacturers, and Contractors plus 1 Engineer all selected for their integrity, knowledge and experience in the field of Hurricane Protection.  Moderator; Thomas Johnston, IHPA President and Director of Research and Development for Town & Country Industries.

PM Panel Discussion 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm:

• LA Codes and Mitigation, rewards for stronger safer buildings.
  • Panelists:
    • Bill Hatchett, Registered LA Wind Mitigation Surveyor. Founder, Wind Mitigation Surveyors, LLC.
    • Denise Jobe, Administrator of LSUCCC and BOD of BOAL
    • Mark Roberts, Regional Manager ICC, Governmental Affairs Contact ICC
    • Bhola Dhume, AIA, CBO, Deputy Director, Dept. of Safety and Permits, City of New Orleans
    • Darius Grimes, CRC, CSI-CDT, CWMI, IHPA Vice-Pres., Founder- Disaster-Smart Consulting Inc- Moderator

IHPA Sponsored CEU Classes:

Instructor – Joe Belcher, JDB Code Services, Inc.       

Thursday Aug. 19th 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm:

CEU Seminar “The Wind Load Provisions of the Code and Building Envelope   Requirements”.

   Check-in 12:30 – 1:00

Friday August 20th 7:30 am – 11:30 am:

   CEU Seminar ”Heights and Areas/ Application of Chapters 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the 2006 IBC”.

   Check-in 7:00 – 7:30.

Note: CEU approvals applied for.

Complete Course Description Here

Tabletop Display:

If you produce approved hurricane protection products  and would like to present them to attendees at the IHPA New Orleans Meeting, take this opportunity now to register for a Tabletop Display.

Details:

• 8′ Table
• Located in pre-event lobby area
• Fee $300.00

Value: This is a stellar opportunity to present your products/service at low cost.

To reserve a tabletop, register HERE.

Or call or e-mail our Executive Administrator:

(561) 282-2395 or mgrsoffc@bellsouth.net.

REGISTRATION FOR AUGUST 19th & 20th IHPA Events

Registration is required

Register Online – HERE

Complete and fax registration form found HERE

REGISTER NOW – Avoid late registration rates

All forms and information: http://ihpaprotect.org/meetings.aspx

Come Join Us August 20^th in New Orleans!

Host Hotel – Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Two Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130

Featuring experts in the fields of Hurricane Protection, Building Codes and Wind Mitigation.

Registration (required) will be available soon. Visit www.ihpaprotect.org/meetings.

Note: At this time, there are also preliminary plans underway for CEU Seminars for Contractors and Building Officials starting around 12:30 P.M. Thursday August 19^th and/or Friday morning the 20th.

Further details including detailed schedule will be available soon.

Hotel Reservations

Those planning to attend the IHPA Meeting in New Orleans are urged to make hotel reservations now! You must CALL 504-561-0500 and mention the” IHP” rate!

The host hotel for this event is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, located immediately on the banks of the Mississippi River.  A “city within a city”, the newly renovated complex includes over 140 shops and food outlets.  Within walking distance are the Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s Casino, the French Quarter, IMAX Theatre and more.   

Group Room Rate ($89 Good until July 31st)

Call 504-561-0500, press “1” for reservations. The special rate plan code is IHP.

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WordPress Tags: New Orleans,IHPA,PANEL,DISCUSSION,TABLETOP,August 20th,Hilton New Orleans Riverside,Hurricane,Protection,Wind,Mitigation,Codes

As recently announced, the IHPA will be returning to New Orleans for the August Meeting.  Some of the details are yet to be confirmed but this event is shaping up nicely.

So mark your calendars for August 20th – New Orleans

• Hilton New Orleans Riverside
• Full day of activities including educational opportunities, meeting with guest speaker and reception
• Tabletop displays with great exposure
• An ideal location convenient to all the best sights and attractions of New Orleans
• Group room rates

In the coming days, we will post information  regarding hotel reservations, meeting registration and arrangements for available tabletop space. 

The day began with a fact filled legal issues seminar presented by Jay Steven Levine and associate Christopher A. Sajdera, both attorneys with the Jay Steven Levine Law Group.  Mr. Levine serves as IHPA Counsel.

Read more:

About – Jay Steven Levine, Esquire and Christopher A. Sajdera, Esquire.

Seminar Outline – Elements of Contracts

Seminar Outline – Litigation Issues

For questions or to contact Jay Steven Levine Law Group – (561) 999-9925

Attendees were treated to presentations by Bill Read, NHC Director and Jack Parrish of the Hurricane Hunters.  The IHPA presented awards to both organizations for Distinguished Service.

Throughout the day, tabletop displays of approved hurricane protection products were on display.  The day concluded with a “Meet and Greet” Reception.

It was announced that the next regular meeting of the IHPA will be in New Orleans in August- date and location to be announced.

If you have interest in IHPA Membership, click HERE.

If you are not a member but would like to be on our mailing list, click HERE.