DENVER, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 natural hazards season is underway, with smoke already filling the skies across the West and Atlantic waters beginning to churn. As hurricanes and wildfires pose threats this summer, millions of Americans will face them in homes not designed to withstand these risks.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 3 million acres have already burned across the U.S. this year — a surge that sits 64% above the same period in 2025 (January 1-July 2).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts an active 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with eight to 14 named storms and increasing opportunities for rapid intensification of those storms due to warming ocean temperatures.

How Has America's Housing Stock Kept Pace With These Realities?
Yet despite growing disaster risks, the United States continues to rely overwhelmingly on wood-frame residential construction. By contrast, concrete, brick and stone masonry remain the predominant materials for housing across much of the developed world, where durability and resilience have long been priorities.

"As disaster losses continue to mount, communities should be asking whether the homes we build today are designed for the risks they are likely to face tomorrow," says James Cain, President of Southeast Concrete Masonry Association. "For most families, a home is their largest financial investment. They shouldn't have to worry about it burning or blowing away."

Restoring CMU's Relevance With Design Community
In 2025, the Concrete Masonry Checkoff launched the Block Design Collective (BDC), where architects, engineers and contractors can access free CMU design assistance.

The BDC connects project teams with regional technical directors and consultants who help integrate concrete masonry into projects while meeting performance and budget goals.