Center for Risk and Insurance Research

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Center for Risk and Insurance Research

The Center for Risk and Insurance Research is a credible source of objective insight, information, and analysis on insurance and risk management for all Alabamians. The Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research provides highly credible information and research insight for the benefit key stakeholders across the State of Alabama, including policymakers, the public, insurance companies,

intermediaries, trade groups, and other parties who need information concerning the management risk. Powell
Director
[email protected]
205.348.3589

Danielle Kenaston
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
205.348.3583

Kaylin Bowen
Communications Specialist
[email protected]
205.348.4513

05/28/2026

🐾 In recognition of National Pet Month, it’s a good reminder that pets are part of the family and should be included in every emergency plan.

Explore these tips to help keep your furry companions safe and prepared during emergencies: https://bit.ly/3GK1PLu

05/19/2026

The Center for Risk and Insurance Research is excited to see Dr. Lars Powell featured as part of the Insurance for Good Research for Practice webinar series on Thursday, May 21.

Dr. Powell will discuss the benefits of loss reduction and findings related to housing and risk reduction on the Gulf Coast. Learn how much home hardening can save in avoided losses, lead to higher property values, and improve insurability. Also hear about Alabama’s nationally recognized policy approaches to creating safer homes that are better able to withstand hurricanes.

Don’t miss this important conversation on resilience and risk reduction. Register today! https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7217749754898/WN_sjkVWnPyT_GtJNCElwAiYQ #/registration

05/18/2026

Week 3 of Building Safety Month focuses on “Prepared to Protect” and the importance of disaster preparedness, resilient construction, and strong building codes. From severe storms and tornadoes to flooding and wildfires, preparation plays a critical role in protecting lives, homes, businesses, and communities.

Modern building codes, mitigation efforts, and emergency planning help reduce damage and improve recovery after disasters strike. Insurance is also an important part of preparedness by helping individuals, families, and businesses recover when the unexpected happens.

The Center for Risk and Insurance Research is proud to support efforts that promote safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

05/11/2026

Week 2 of Building Safety Month recognizes the Voices of the Built Environment and the professionals who work every day to keep our communities safe, resilient, and prepared.

From engineers and code officials to emergency managers and insurers, building safety is a shared responsibility. Strong building practices not only help protect lives and property, but they also play a critical role in reducing risk, limiting insurance losses, and supporting faster recovery after disasters.

At the Center for Risk and Insurance Research, we are committed to doing our part through research, education, and outreach that supports safer, stronger communities across Alabama and beyond.

https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/building-safety-month/bsm-week-2/

05/05/2026

Hurricane Preparedness Week is a great time to get ready for the season ahead.

Forecasts do more than track storms. They help you prepare. Learn how to understand key details like storm paths, rainfall, and wind speeds so you can act early and stay safe.

Find out more at https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/shorthand_story/hurricane-guide/

05/01/2026

Dr. Lars Powell, Director of the Center for Risk and Insurance Research at The University of Alabama, presented to elected and code officials in Mississippi yesterday, sharing key findings from the Center’s Hurricane Sally Study. The discussion highlighted how stronger construction practices, particularly FORTIFIED standards, can significantly improve home resilience and reduce storm-related damage.

You can read the full report herehttps://aldoi.gov/PDF/News/PerformanceIBHSFortifiedHomeConstructionHurricaneSally.pdf

04/17/2026

As severe weather season approaches, Dr. Laura Myers, Sr. Research Specialist and Resilience Director at The University of Alabama’s Center for Risk and Insurance Research, spoke with Spectrum News journalist Hannah Holcomb about the importance of preparedness and resilience.

During the conversation, Dr. Myers shared insights from her research and highlighted the value of strong partnerships across emergency management, academic research, and community stakeholders. These collaborations help inform evidence-based approaches that strengthen severe weather preparedness and support more resilient communities.

As we move into a critical time of year, continued dialogue and shared knowledge remain essential to helping communities stay informed, prepared, and protected.

04/16/2026

🐾 This week is Dog Bite Prevention Week. With nearly 90M dogs living in U.S. households, it's a good time to brush up on bite prevention and responsible dog ownership.

About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S., most of them children. Dog bite liability claims cost homeowners insurers $1.86B in 2025, with claims rising 25.6% from the year before.

Take a few minutes this week to review your policy with your insurance agent and share these tips with fellow dog owners!

04/15/2026

April is National Rebuilding Month 🏡✨

When the unexpected happens, having the right coverage makes all the difference. From storm damage to home restoration, we’re here to help you restore, recover, and rebuild with confidence.

✔️ Know your coverage
✔️ Act quickly after a loss
✔️ Rebuild smarter and stronger

Let’s make sure you’re protected before you need it most. 💼💙

04/14/2026

The Center for Risk and Insurance Research was proud to host the Careers in Emergency and Disaster Management Conference on April 7 in Tuscaloosa, bringing together students and partners from Jackson State University’s CREED Project and the STEER Title III Program.

Held at the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency, the event provided an immersive look at real-world emergency management. Students heard from 911 Director Rich Schreiber, toured the facility, and gained firsthand insight into coordinated response and local emergency operations.

The program also featured research and applied perspectives from Dr. Laura Myers (The University of Alabama) and Dr. Jessica L. Murphy (Jackson State University), along with presentations from Dr. Donald Keith and Sarah Johnston from the University’s Office of Emergency Management. Sessions highlighted career pathways, community resilience, and the multidisciplinary nature of the field.

Students engaged throughout the day with strong curiosity and professionalism, gaining key takeaways on collaboration, networking, and the evolving tools used in emergency response.

We are grateful to Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley, his staff, and all presenters for making this experience so impactful and for supporting the next generation of emergency management leaders.

Address

1500 Greenboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL
35401

Telephone

+12053484513

Website

http://crir.culverhouse.ua.edu/

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