Building Science Resource Library
The Building Science Resource Library contains all of FEMA’s hazard-specific guidance that focuses on creating hazard-resistant communities.
You can search for a document by its title, or filter the collection to browse by:
- Topic: High winds, flood, earthquake, etc.
- Document Type: Brochure, report, fact sheet, infographic, etc.
- Audience: Building professionals & engineers, individuals & homeowners, teachers & kids, etc.
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The Snow Load Safety Guide provides a comprehensive guide to snow loads and their impact on buildings. The guide covers various topics such as building characteristics, roof conditions, and common roofing materials. It also discusses factors that affect snow loads, including unbalanced snow load, snow fall rate, ambient temperature, and rain-on-snow load.
This is one in a series of publications that were developed in response to September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the New York World Trade Center and the subsequent events that led to the formation of DHS and an increased emphasis on preparedness and mitigation of terrorism-related hazards. One issue that FEMA began shortly after that was to examine whether lessons learned in response to natural hazards could be effectively applied to protect building occupants from human threats. Important similarities between seismic and blast loadings lend themselves to such examination.
This table is a comparison of the provisions of the 2009 I-Codes/ASCE 24-05 and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.
The purpose of these Technical Fact Sheets is to provide information about wildfire behavior and recommendations for building design and construction methods in the wildland/urban interface. Implementation of the recommended design and construction methods can greatly increase the chances of a building’s survival in a wildfire.
This Handbook is intended for use by State, local, tribal, and private, non-profit Applicants for assistance, FEMA and State PA Group Supervisors, and FEMA and State PA Program Project Specialists. The Handbook can be used to identify potentially feasible mitigation measures that can be implemented during the repair and rebuilding of damaged facilities after a disaster.
The Gutters and Downspouts Technical Fact Sheet provides guidance about installing fire-resistant gutters and downspouts to reduce the potential for damage to homes and other buildings from wildfires. Guidance pertains to both new and existing buildings. Note: this is an excerpt from FEMA P-737, Home Builder's Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones (released in September 2008). This content needs to be verified by an Authority Having Jurisdiction to align with current local codes and building standards.
The Vents Technical Fact Sheet provides information about ways to avoid windborne embers, convective heat, and radiant heat entering exterior vent openings, which can lead to the ignition of interior building components and contents. Guidance pertains to both new and existing buildings. Note: this is an excerpt from FEMA P-737, Home Builder's Guide to Construction in Wildfire Zones (released in September 2008). This content needs to be verified by an Authority Having Jurisdiction to align with current local codes and building standards.