Building Science Resource Library

The Building Science Resource Library contains all of FEMA’s hazard-specific guidance that focuses on creating hazard-resistant communities.

You can search for a document by its title, or filter the collection to browse by:

  • Topic: High winds, flood, earthquake, etc.
  • Document Type: Brochure, report, fact sheet, infographic, etc.
  • Audience: Building professionals & engineers, individuals & homeowners, teachers & kids, etc.
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Comparing National Flood Insurance Program Requirements to 2021 International Codes / American Society of Civil Engineers Standard ASCE 24-14

This checklist guides floodplain managers, building officials, and designers as they compare the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program to the flood provisions of the 2021 edition of the International Codes and the American Society of Civil Engineers reference standard ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction.

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FEMA P-2181, Hurricane and Flood Mitigation Handbook for Public Facilities

The Hurricane and Flood Mitigation Handbook for Public Facilities presents an introduction and 30 fact sheets that provide technical guidance and recommendations for applying mitigation best practices.

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Timeline of FEMA Policies and Regulations Related to Building Codes and Standards

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FEMA P-787, Catalog of FEMA Building Science Resources

This catalog includes FEMA’s natural hazard-specific guidance that focuses on creating hazard-resistant communities conveniently in one place. The publications are organized by primary hazard (earthquake, flood, high wind, multi-hazard, and other) and then by stakeholder groups.

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Protect Your Property From Flooding: Anchor Fuel Tanks

One of four publications offering information on how protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions, from inspecting and maintaining the building to installing protective devices.

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Protect Your Property From Flooding: Install Sewer Backflow Valves

One of four publications offering information on how protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions, from inspecting and maintaining the building to installing protective devices.

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Protect Your Property From Flooding: Raise Electrical System Components

One of four publications offering information on how protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions, from inspecting and maintaining the building to installing protective devices.

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Protect Your Property From Flooding: Build With Flood Damage Resistant Materials

One of four publications offering information on how protecting your property from flooding can involve a variety of actions, from inspecting and maintaining the building to installing protective devices.

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Guidance for Applying ASCE 24 Engineering Standards to HMA Flood Retrofitting and Reconstruction Projects

This document was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist local governments, designers, and property owners. It identifies key design and construction requirements in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Structural Engineering Institute’s ASCE/SEI 24-05, Flood-Resistant Design and Construction (ASCE 24) that apply to HMA flood mitigation grant projects.

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FEMA P-550, Recommended Residential Construction for Coastal Areas: Building on Strong and Safe Foundations

FEMA P-550 provides a series of recommended foundation designs that will help create safer and stronger buildings in coastal areas. The designs are intended to help support rebuilding efforts after coastal areas have been damaged by floods, high winds, or other natural hazards.