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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These selected readings provide participants in the building process at the local, State, and regional levels with information on the most significant societal implications of adopting new or improved seismic regulations for new buildings. Included are papers on the estimated impact of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions on design and construction costs, seismic hazards in various areas of the U.S., seismic safety codes, current seismic hazard mitigation practices and programs, and recent seismic safety policy research. The book also contains an extensive bibliography, a list of information sources, and a glossary of terms.
The compressed file contains the PDF file and a text file for use with screen readers.
This report examines issues and problems associated with the availability and procurement of earthquake insurance from the point of view of consumers and providers. The report outlines the provisions of earthquake insurance policies currently available to homeowners, businesses, local governments, and special districts. It examines the extent to which earthquake insurance is purchased and why it may be unattractive to consumers. The federal role in providing or promoting earthquake insurance is reviewed. Policies are recommended for the Federal Government and others to develop a more adequate system of coverage.
The compressed file contains the PDF file and a text file for use with screen readers.
This storybook for children in grades 3-6 relates the adventures of the safety-conscious mayor of Shakeyville (Terry the Turtle) and a group of safety volunteers who meet with students at the local elementary school to teach them about earthquake safety. The students discover the importance of earthquake safety and preparedness. Included are suggestions for creating a disaster kit, illustrations of what to do if an earthquake happens (Drop, Cover, and Hold), and a list of resources.
This PowerPoint presentation is based on FEMA 396, Incremental Seismic Rehabilitation of Hospital Buildings: Providing Protection to People and Buildings. Recognizing that seismic mitigation can be expensive and disruptive, the purpose of this workshop is to introduce you to an innovative approach to seismic mitigation called “incremental seismic rehabilitation.” The approach essentially identifies systematic “opportunities” to conduct mitigation activities. Students are introduced to earthquake hazards in health care settings and learn about methods that can be used to analyze and reduce risks of damage in hospitals and other medical buildings. By implementing sound, cost-effective mitigation measures, health care facilities can reduce or eliminate seismic risks and ensure that, in the event of an earthquake, they can remain in operation to serve their communities.
The 2015 NEHRP Provisions marks the ninth edition of this technical resource document since its first publication in 1985. FEMA is proud to sponsor this cycle of the NEHRP Provisions update, and to publish the new edition for use by national codes and standards organizations and the general public. The 2015 NEHRP Provisions are a new knowledge-based resource document intended to translate research results into engineering design practice. The new changes in the 2015 NEHRP Provisions have incorporated extensive results and findings from recent research projects, problem-focused studies, and post-earthquake investigation reports conducted by various professional organizations, research institutes, universities, material industries, and the NEHRP agencies. Similar to the previous edition, the 2015 NEHRP Provisions have adopted by reference the American Structural Engineers Association (ASCE) / Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) standard ASCE/SEI 7-10: Minimum Design Loads for New Buildings and Other Structures as the baseline.
These updated training and instructional materials supplement the design examples. FEMA P-1052 Part 1 includes Chapters 1–3. FEMA P-1052 CD is available for order from the FEMA Distribution Center, 1-800-480-2520.
The FEMA National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program: Accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2013
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The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), which was first authorized by Congress in 1977, coordinates the earthquake-related activities of the Federal Government. The goal of NEHRP is to mitigate earthquake losses in the United States through basic and directed research and implementation activities in the fields of earthquake science and engineering. Under NEHRP, FEMA is responsible for developing effective earthquake risk reduction tools and promoting their implementation, as well as supporting the development of disaster-resistant building codes and standards. FEMA's NEHRP activities are led by the FEMA Headquarters (HQ), Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, Risk Reduction Division, Building Science Branch, in strong partnership with other FEMA HQ Directorates, and in coordination with the FEMA Regions, the States, the earthquake consortia, and other public and private partners. This report describes selected FEMA NEHRP accomplishments (HQ and Regional), followed by highlights from the States and U.S. territories and organizations which received FEMA support for NEHRP activities. The accomplishments described in this report showcase how FEMA and its partners, working in collaboration, continued to make progress toward earthquake loss-reduction nationwide.
New guidance and tools, continued and expanded support by FEMA Regional and Headquarters staff for ShakeOut drills and the 2013 Building Safety Month, training in earthquake topics offered at the State and local level, and best practices and new and innovative projects undertaken by States and U.S. Territories and organizations.
A tsunami is one of nature’s most powerful and destructive forces. This fact sheet combines a brief overview of the risks posed by tsunamis with a capsulized explanation of the ways in which communities can address those risks by employing techniques credited under the Community Rating System.