Assessing Disaster Impacts with the Building Science Disaster Support Program

Main Functions

Resource Library

The Building Science Disaster Support (BSDS) Program sends experts to assess the performance of buildings, structures and Community Lifelines after disasters like extreme wind, floods, wildfires, earthquakes and more.

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The Building Science Disaster Support Program has been around for over 30 years. However, it hasn’t always gone by that title – in the past it’s been referred to as the Building Performance Assessment Team Program and the Mitigation Assessment Team Program.

Main Functions

Disaster Readiness (Steady State)

During disaster readiness, the program gathers information about natural hazard events and locations to determine if disaster support is needed.

Disaster Support Operations

Depending on the analysis of the events, the BSDS program can provide Disaster Support Operations by assembling and deploying Mitigation Assessment Teams (MAT) to evaluate the performance of buildings, other structures, and associated community lifelines.

Working closely with federal and state, local, tribal and territorial officials, academia and private sector partners, the MAT develop conclusions and recommendations to improve building, utility and community resilience on the local and state levels.

Technical Assistance

The Building Science Disaster Support Program can also provide Technical Assistance and subject matter expert support for the disaster.

You Have Questions

“How do we build back better?”

“What can we do differently to prevent future damage?"

BSDS Has Answers

Learning from the disaster damage, the BSDS program provides expert support and technical assistance throughout the recovery process.

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Resource Library: Search for Reports and Advisories

This collection contains all available resources produced as a result of the Building Science Disaster Support Program’s recommendations.

These reports, fact sheets and advisories are based on their observation of the impact of natural hazards on the built environment and otherwise.

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Most Recent Reports

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Multi-Hazard Considerations and Mitigation Strategies for Residential Structures

This Recovery Advisory is intended to provide property owners, designers, and builders with an understanding of natural hazards common to Maui such as flooding, high winds, wildfire, earthquakes, and others to inform mitigation strategies for new residential construction or reconstruction following a hazard event such as the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Property owners, designers and builders should evaluate building site and structure hazard exposure to ensure a multi-hazard approach to mitigation when possible.

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Hurricane Ian Recovery Advisory 1: Designing for Flood Levels Above the Minimum Required Elevation After Hurricane Ian

This Recovery Advisory outlines observations from Hurricane Ian in Florida, DR-4673-FL, that provide insights regarding building improvement opportunities. These recommendations are applicable to buildings experiencing similar issues and need not be limited to the state or disaster in which they were observed.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Fact Sheet 1: What Building Owners and Tenants Should Know About Urban Flooding

This fact sheet discusses urban flooding, a type of flooding that occurs in cities due to heavy rainfall and inadequate stormwater drainage systems. It highlights the risks associated with urban flooding, including safety risks and damage to buildings and occupants. The document also provides information on how building owners, tenants, and communities can take actions to minimize damage from urban flooding.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Fact Sheet 3: Understanding Stormwater Runoff in Highly Urbanized Areas

This fact sheet explains stormwater runoff and its impact on urbanized areas. It discusses the connection between surface runoff and stormwater drainage systems, and how storms are defined.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Technical Report 1: Building Performance: Basement Buildings and Urban Flooding

This report discusses the performance of basement buildings during Hurricane Ida in New York City and the role of urban flooding. It includes results from previous flooding events such as Hurricane Sandy and Harvey.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Technical Report 2: Building Performance: Egress from Floodprone Basements

This report assesses building performance during Hurricane Ida in New York City and focuses on egress from floodprone basements. The report discusses observations made by the MAT team after the disaster and highlights risks to occupants of floodprone basements.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Technical Report 3: Reducing the Effects of Urban Flooding in New York City

This report discusses strategies for reducing the effects of urban flooding in New York City. The report provides an overview of rainfall runoff and urban flooding basics, as well as the current state of stormwater infrastructure and initiatives in NYC. It also highlights the importance of increasing public awareness of urban flooding.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Compendium Report (FEMA P-2054)

This report provides a summary of the key observations and conclusions from the 2017 Mitigation Assessment Teams (MATs) in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The report aims to improve disaster resistance of the built environment by providing design and construction guidance.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report Spring 2011 Tornadoes: April 25-28 and May 22 (FEMA P-908)

This report provides a mitigation assessment of tornadoes that occurred in April and May 2011. The report includes building performance observations, recommendations, and technical guidance. It is intended to assist building professionals and community officials in mitigating the effects of future tornadoes.

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Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Hurricane Harvey in Texas (FEMA P-2022)

The Mitigation Assessment Team Report provides observations on the building performance during Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The report offers recommendations and technical guidance for future disaster mitigation efforts. Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane that dropped up to 70 inches of rain, causing significant damage and flooding.

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