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Harnessing Knowledge for Impact: Hurricane Ian MAT Report
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s devastating impact on Florida in 2022, the need for information on resilience and mitigation against future disasters became abundantly clear.
Building Code Lessons From the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake
At 6 a.m. on Feb. 9, 1971, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck outside Los Angeles in the foothills above the San Fernando Valley. An estimated half a billion dollars in damages and 65 deaths were attributable to the earthquake. Most of the deaths occurred in two nearby hospital complexes, Olive View and Veterans, both of which suffered significant damage.
Drought Hazard Use Case
As a producer of soybeans, corn and livestock, Iowa’s economy revolves around water. When a three-year drought hit Iowa, it was clear the state needed to make major investments toward drought resilience. As a result, a multi-agency partnership formed the drought coordination team, which leveraged national, regional and state resources including the National Risk Index to create the Iowa Drought Plan.
Rebuilding Education: Tipton County's Response to a Devastating Tornado
On March 31, 2023, an EF3 tornado wreaked havoc in Tipton County, causing one fatality and 28 injuries in Covington, Tennessee. The Tipton County School Board took on the critical responsibility of swiftly reintegrating students into classrooms for the remainder of the academic year.
Protecting School Children from Tornadoes: State of Kansas School Shelter Initiative
On May 3, 1999, a series of intense storms moved through “Tornado Alley,” producing numerous tornadoes that tore through areas of Oklahoma and Kansas.
Miami County, Ohio: Virtual Inspections
Current building codes require site inspections at several stages throughout the construction process. These can include inspections of concrete slabs, foundation walls, insulation, and roof ice guards, as well as re-inspections of specific or code-required (i.e., welds, masonry, etc.) items.
Hurricane Resistant Building Code Helps Protect Alabama
Coastal Alabama has seen rapid growth over the past decade, but it also happens to be the area most vulnerable to hurricanes and other natural hazards in the state.
Community Wind Shelters: Background and Research
Because of the rising frequency of extreme weather, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) strongly encourages homeowners and communities to build safe rooms to FEMA standards. Community shelters have been consistently needed due to the increased risk posed by strong winds and flying debris during natural hazards.
Mitigation Matters: Rebuilding for a Resilient Future
It’s imperative to acquaint yourself with alternative resources designed to mitigate losses resulting from uncovered damages. These resources are equally essential in fortifying your significant investments against the potential impact of natural hazards, fostering resilience, and minimizing vulnerabilities.
Austin: The State Capital’s Fight Against Wildfire
In 2013, Austin was ranked the city with the third greatest risk of wildfire-related structure losses, specifically for communities outside the urban core. These areas, known as the wildland-urban interface, are in the transition zone between undeveloped rural wildlands and developed areas and account for 61% of households in Austin and 64% of the land within Austin city limits.