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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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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Considering Policies and Regulations to Reduce Risks Caused by Urban Flooding (Hurricane Ida in New York Fact Sheet 4)

This fact sheet summarizes the recommendations from technical reports FEMA prepared after Hurricane Ida. Communities use different mechanisms to put recommendations into practice.

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Hurricane Ida in New York Fact Sheet 2: Flood Warning and Inundation Mapping

This fact sheet describes how flood warning systems and mapping can provide situational awareness for key questions before and during flood events. It also highlights the benefits of flood forecasting and warning in reducing physical damage and losses.

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