Tampa/June 17, 2008 – The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) today announced the launch of a new web site www.ibhstraining.org designed to train government officials and building professionals in the Gulf Coast region on code administration and high-wind construction products and techniques.

Developed for IBHS by Building Media Inc., the free online training includes a series of video presentations on educating building inspectors, setting up a building department and other duties associated with code enforcement.

The IBHS training program covers permitting, plan checking and the inspection process, as well as the key high-wind construction issues specified in the International Residential Code (IRC). The goal is to help builders know what to expect from the inspection process and help building officials understand the desired workflow in their offices, how to conduct proper field inspections, and help them prepare for International Code Council certification exams.

The training program also includes construction site videos to show code-specific aspects of the building process, allowing users to learn and understand the latest requirements. There are also demonstrations from product manufacturers and trade associations showing the proper installation of key construction components.

"Strong and enforceable building codes are essential to crafting resilient communities that can better withstand natural threats," said Mike Salmon, IBHS senior engineering manager. "For states in the beginning stages of implementing a new residential code, there are several steps to success. Our goal for this site was to provide guidance for everyone participating in that process."

Craig Savage, vice president of marketing at Building Media, explained, "Our online training system has proved to be an effective and economical way to get building code information into the hands of the building departments and officials who need it most."

This instruction was made possible in part by a grant from Travelers insurance company. Other partners include APA-The Engineered Wood Association, Air Barrier Association of America, American Architectural Manufacturers Association, American Forest & Paper Association, CertainTeed Fiber Cement Siding, Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International (DASMA), England Enterprises, Insulating Concrete Form Association, James Hardie Building Products, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Concrete Masonry Association, Portland Cement Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Simpson Strong-Tie, Southern Forest Products Association, Steel Framing Alliance, Structural Insulated Panel Association, Tile Roofing Institute, and building code consultant Terry Summey.