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2011 Coastal Construction Manual – FEMA P-55 Now Available

The 2011 Coastal Construction Manual, Fourth Edition (FEMA P-55), is a two-volume publication that provides a comprehensive approach to planning, siting, designing, constructing, and maintaining homes in the coastal environment. Volume I provides information about hazard identification, siting decisions, regulatory requirements, economic implications, and risk management. The primary audience for Volume I is design professionals, officials, and those involved in the decision-making process.

Volume II contains in-depth descriptions of design, construction, and maintenance practices that, when followed, will increase the durability of residential buildings in the harsh coastal environment and reduce economic losses associated with coastal natural disasters. The primary audience for Volume II is the design professional who is familiar with building codes and standards and has a basic understanding of engineering principles.

For additional information on residential coastal construction, see the FEMA Residential Coastal Construction web site.

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Fourth Edition of FEMA E-74 Released

The publication Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage: A Practical Guide, Fourth Edition (FEMA E-74) is now available through the Applied Technology Council (ATC) as an e-document only. Click here to find the document through the FEMA Library.

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Helpline Established

The Building Science Branch has established a helpline (phone and email) for questions related to building science issues:

(866) 927-2104
FEMA-Buildingsciencehelp@fema.dhs.gov

Please allow up to 5 business days for a response.

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Disaster prevention and response goal of FEMA, Code Council agreement

The International Code Council and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are teaming up to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters. A memorandum of understanding calls for FEMA and the Code Council to support the maintenance, adoption, outreach, training and enforcement of disaster-resistant building safety codes to reduce human and economic losses resulting from natural hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados and flooding. Click here to read more.

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Last Modified: Tuesday, 31-Jan-2012 10:49:30 EST