R is for Resilience

The Resilience Pillar of the Pearl SCORE™ looks at how well a home is prepared for natural disasters. It focuses on reducing the risk of damage from:

• Flooding
• Storms (including hail, hurricanes, and tornadoes)
• Wildfires
• Earthquakes
• Extreme temperatures

The Pearl SCORE considers a home’s geographic location when scoring for resilience. For example, a home in a flood zone will be evaluated based on its flood-prevention features, like elevated foundations and drainage systems. A home in a wildfire-prone area will be scored for things like fire-resistant materials and defensible space.

The Resilience Pillar also includes points for features that support sheltering in place. These features help people stay safe and maintain basic living conditions when outside help is delayed. This might include backup power, passive heating and cooling strategies, and water storage.

Homes earn more points when they include the right features for their local risks—and when those features are installed to high standards. A resilient home is less likely to suffer damage and more likely to protect the people inside.

The Resilience Pillar is based on trusted standards, including:

• Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS): Wildfire Prepared Home designation
• National Fire Protection Association: NFPA 1140
• American Society of Civil Engineers: ASCE 24
• FEMA resources and floodplain maps
• FEMA Community Rating System