Connecticut building codes and practices make it the fifth most prepared state for hurricanes, according to a report by an insurance organization.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety recently released the report, entitled "Rating the States," at the National Hurricane Conference in Austin, Texas. The study assesses the preparations of 18 states along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, including changes that have been made to building practices since an initial IBHS report on hurricane preparedness in 2012.

"Because building codes provide minimum design and construction standards, they are very important to the safety of our nation's homes," said IBHS president and CEO Julie Rochman. "When disasters strike, communities

with strong, well-enforced building codes fare better than those with weak or no codes."

Connecticut earned a score of 88 out of 100, seven points higher than its rating in 2012. The IBHS rating is based on 47 data points, with half of the score coming from the effectiveness of statewide adoption and enforcement of building codes. The remaining 50 percent is split between state-adopted requirements for building official certification and continuing education as well as similar regulations for contractors.

IBHS, a nonprofit research organization, says the report is intended to demonstrate the importance of building codes and code enforcement. It also suggests steps states can take to strengthen their codes.

"When buildings are stronger and more resilient, property damage is greatly reduced, home and business owners are able to recover faster, the local economy and tax base are maintained, and the amount of government disaster aid is decreased," said Rochman. "These are among the many reasons that communities should adopt and enforce strong codes before catastrophes strike."

Connecticut's score includes a 47 out of 50 on code adoption and enforcement, a 21 out of 25 on building official certification and training, and a 20 out of 25 on contractor licensing. The report says that Connecticut adopted the 2009 version of the International Residential Code last year.

This code is updated every three years, and the most recent version adopted by any state was released in 2012. Connecticut is working to update to this version, with an anticipated adoption date in the autumn. The report says the newer version includes stronger requirements for roof tie-downs, which will improve newer buildings' ability to withstand strong winds.

The state has a program in place to certify building officials, which requires completion of classes before someone can become a building code inspector. The report says Connecticut should consider a continuing education requirement for these officials to maintain their certification.

IBHS also recommends a continuing education requirement for contractors. Connecticut requires licensing for all construction trades, but electrical and plumbing contractors are currently the only ones required to take continuing education. The report also notes that the state has a system allowing consumers to file a complaint against a contractor, and that this process can result in disciplinary action.

Rhode Island was close behind Connecticut, earning a score of 87. This rating marked a nine-point improvement from 2012.

IBHS says Rhode Island has adopted the 2012 version of the International Residential Code, has a certification program and continuing education requirement for code inspectors, and a registration requirement for general contractors. However, the report also criticizes the state for continuing to allow partially enclosed buildings, a design which is more vulnerable to wind and flooding.

Virginia topped the rankings with a score of 95, followed by Florida with a score of 94. South Carolina was ranked the third most prepared state with a score of 92.

Delaware was at the bottom of the rankings, scoring only 17 points. IBHS says Delaware lacks a statewide building code or statewide program to license code inspectors. Licenses are required for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors in the state, and continuing education is required for electrical contractors. There is no licensing requirement for general contractors or roofing contractors.

The ratings for 12 states either rose or stayed the same between 2012 and 2015. The rating went down in six states, with Maine having the largest reduction.

The report says the state allows municipalities with fewer than 4,000 residents to decide not to have or enforce a building code. The report says Maine's rating was also affected by not having the most current version of the International Residential Code, not requiring building officials to complete code-specific courses before certification, and not having a way to file complaints against inspectors.

Though it had the third lowest ranking overall, Mississippi had the most significant improvement. The state's ranking increased from four in 2012 to 28 in 2015.

IBHS says Mississippi enacted its first statewide building code in 2014. Only seven counties were required to enact the requirements of the 2003 version of the International Residential Code prior to this statewide code, leaving buildings in the rest of the state more vulnerable to hurricane damage.