WILMINGTON, Del., February 6, 2007 - DuPont Building Innovations has played an important role in new Florida legislation that extends the state’s strong hurricane protection building codes to the Florida Panhandle, which suffered significant damage from storms over the past several hurricane seasons. 

DuPont reached out to legislators, building code officials and business associations in support of the legislation signed by Florida Governor Charlie Crist in January which requires the same building protection in all areas of the Florida coastline.

“DuPont brings a long history of safeguarding people, properties and operations around the world by putting its science to work,” said Thomas Kopec, North American architectural manager. “Efforts such as this and products like DuPont™ SentryGlas® Plus advanced interlayers demonstrate DuPont’s continuing commitment to sustainable, safer solutions.”

According to Kopec, DuPont™ SentryGlas® Plus interlayers (glass interlayers to help windows and doors meet stringent hurricane building codes), DuPont™ StormRoom™ and Tyvek® Home Wrap® all contribute important building protection elements.

DuPont Building Innovations has done extensive work in providing counsel to Gulf and Atlantic Coast states on stronger building codes and storm proofing. In addition, the company is supporting educational efforts on building practices and materials to make code compliance easier and cost effective. DuPont helped enact stronger building codes in Mississippi in 2006 and in Louisiana in 2005 for rebuilding in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Currently 15 states in the Gulf and Atlantic coastal regions have adopted statewide hurricane codes for windborne debris protection.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

02/06/07