A home should be your safe space, but when severe storms or other disasters strike, that safety can vanish in seconds. From high winds and flying debris to fires and flash flooding, our climate seems to be hitting back at us harder and more often than ever before. In fact, in 2024 alone, the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information noted there were 27 confirmed billion-dollar weather events in the U.S., that together cost just over $182 billion. That's why it's important to build with resilience in mind.

Whether you're building new or upgrading an existing building or home, the right materials and design choices can make all the difference. Concrete masonry units (CMU) offer durability, stability and much-needed peace of mind.

"With extreme weather becoming the new norm, every design decision should contribute to long-term resilience," says Tino Kalayil, Technical Director for the Central Region of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff's Block Design Collective. "CMU helps buildings stand strong against high winds, flying debris and even fire — protecting lives and making recovery faster and easier."

Here are four ways to stormproof your home with resilience in mind:

1. Choose storm-resistant walls that stay standing

CMU walls are engineered to handle wind and snow loads, resist impact and stay intact during severe storms. It's an ideal choice for storm shelters in tornado-prone areas and blizzard conditions.

2. Fortify your perimeter

Use concrete pavers, gravel and masonry features to reduce stormwater pooling and debris buildup around your home. In areas prone to flooding, these materials help manage runoff and resist water damage. CMU perimeter walls act as windbreaks, firebreaks and barriers, shielding adjacent structures from wind-driven rain, debris impact and floating embers.

3. Consider post-event durability

CMU is both pest and mold resistant. Its durability also makes it resistant to everyday wear-and-tear from heavy use and accidental impacts.

4. Build smart and save later

Storm-resilient construction is a smart financial move. CMU homes are more likely to qualify for insurance discounts. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every $1 spent on disaster mitigation can save $6 in future losses, which makes good long-term sense.

Beyond the storm: Built-in performance

While storm protection is essential, concrete masonry also delivers lasting benefits that go far beyond severe weather. With built-in fire resistance, moisture control and energy efficiency, your home is ready for whatever challenges come next.

• Thermal mass moderates indoor temperatures by absorbing and gradually releasing heat, reducing loads on HVAC systems.
• Insulated CMU assemblies offer excellent thermal resistance (R-value), reaching R-10 or higher — making it easier to meet or exceed energy codes.
• Fire protection is inherent to the material with no added treatments required. Depending on the assembly, CMU walls provide two- to four-hour fire ratings for enhanced life safety.

Stronger walls. Safer homes. Storm-ready communities.

In a world of rising risks, resilience starts with what you build. Whether you're upgrading your home or building new, choose materials that are designed to overcome the elements. CMU can help save lives, but it may also help you recover quicker should a disaster land on your doorstep.

Learn more at beautyofblock.com/resilient.