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Building Science Success Stories

Building and construction success stories that result after disasters often start when a community has properly enforced building codes and standards. For homeowners, building professionals, or elected officials, it is important to realize that building codes are a minimum standard and that it is essential to build above the baseline.

This page highlights numerous stories from around the nation where individuals, communities, and even states have taken action to increase their building safety.

Explore these case studies and success stories on our interactive Building Science Success Stories story map.  If you have a case study or success story worth sharing, please email us.

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In 2020, the City of El Paso revolutionized its permitting and development processes by adopting a digital plan review platform, allowing for greater efficiency and collaboration across departments. With around 85% of plan submissions now submitted electronically, the city has seen faster response times and improved accessibility for applicants. This successful initiative has not only streamlined operations but also set a benchmark for neighboring jurisdictions.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian landed on Florida’s coast, causing 149 fatalities and $112 billion in damage, making it the most expensive hurricane in Florida's history and the third costliest in the history of the United States.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian landed on Florida’s coast, causing 149 fatalities and $112 billion in damage, making it the most expensive hurricane in Florida's history and the third costliest in the history of the United States. FEMA’s Building Science Disaster Support Program (BSDS) deployed a Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT)
FEMA-funded Ohio safe room provides shelter during two recent tornadoes.
At 4:30 a.m. on January 17, 1994, the M6.7 Northridge struck in the San Fernando Valley, roughly 20 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Although the duration was only 10 to 20 seconds, the ground motions included a reading of 1.82g, the highest ever recorded in an urban area in North America, and the MMI was IX (violent). The earthquake resulted in around 60 fatalities, and damage estimates were as high as $50 billion.
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