South Carolina Home to First Fortified Medical Office in the U.S.

The first medical office in the nation to earn the Fortified for Safer Business designation is opening in Florence, S.C.

The Pee Dee Nephrology building has earned the designation from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. A news conference to mark the event is being held Thursday at the new office.

The designation means the building has been constructed to be resistant to damage caused by everything from earthquakes and hurricanes to wildfires, lightning, hail and even burglary.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety is a nationwide nonprofit research group that works to reduce the impact of natural disasters and other risks to commercial property.