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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Performance of Buildings and Nonstructural Components in the 2014 South Napa Earthquake (FEMA P-1024)

On August 24, 2014, a magnitude-6.0 earthquake occurred in Napa, California. In response to this earthquake, the Special Projects task of the National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP) was used to fund an investigation. At the time, this event had not yet been declared a federal disaster, and disaster funds were therefore not available. Because of limitations to this funding, some issues, such as performance of lifelines or building investigations in additional areas, could not be investigated. Past earthquakes in California have resulted in significant improvements to national and local building codes. For the 2014 South Napa earthquake, work was focused on documenting the observed performance of buildings and nonstructural components in order to lead into future improvements in future building codes, and to do so within six months.

The goal of the project was to assess and document the performance of a population of buildings impacted by the earthquake and develop a series of recommendations to further improve mitigation.

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FEMA P-155, Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: Supporting Documentation

The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) handbook can be used by trained personnel to identify, inventory, and screen buildings that are potentially seismically vulnerable. The RVS procedure comprises a method and several forms that help users to quickly identify, inventory, and score buildings according to their risk of collapse if hit by major earthquakes. The RVS handbook describes how to identify the structural type and key weakness characteristics, how to complete the screening forms, and how to manage a successful RVS program.

The third edition of the Supporting Documentation (FEMA P-155) describes the technical background and process used to update the Handbook and the revisions considered and conclusions reached. Extensive detail is also provided in FEMA P-155 on the third edition scoring and associated risk.

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FEMA 154, Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook (Third Edition)

The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) handbook can be used by trained personnel to identify, inventory, and screen buildings that are potentially seismically vulnerable. The RVS procedure comprises a method and several forms that help users to quickly identify, inventory, and score buildings according to their risk of collapse if hit by major earthquakes. The RVS handbook describes how to identify the structural type and key weakness characteristics, how to complete the screening forms, and how to manage a successful RVS program.

The third edition of the Handbook (FEMA P-154) includes extensive updates, including improvements in the methodology, the screening forms, and the underlying scoring; the addition of a more detailed professional screening option (level 2 screening); new quick reference guides with extensive figures illustrating important building characteristics; an electronic scoring option; and guidance on how to administer an effective screening program. The FEMA P-154 CD contains PowerPoint slides with instructor notes; the RVS Student Manual (FEMA 154SM); data collection forms; and PDF and text file versions of FEMA P-154 (both FEMA P-154 and FEMA P-155 include the FEMA P-154 CD).

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Repair of Earthquake-Damaged Masonry Fireplace Chimneys (FEMA P-1024-RA1)

On August 24, 2014, a magnitude-6.0 earthquake occurred in Napa, California. In response to this earthquake, the Special Projects task of the National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP) was used to fund an investigation. At the time, this event had not yet been declared a federal disaster, and disaster funds were therefore not available. Because of limitations to this funding, some issues, such as performance of lifelines or building investigations in additional areas, could not be investigated. Past earthquakes in California have resulted in significant improvements to national and local building codes. For the 2014 South Napa earthquake, work was focused on documenting the observed performance of buildings and nonstructural components in order to lead into future improvements in future building codes, and to do so within six months.

Recovery Advisory 1 (RA1) is Appendix A of the FEMA P-1024 report. RA1 recommends best practices for reconstruction of earthquake‐damaged masonry chimneys in one‐and two‐family dwellings to minimize risk of damage in future earthquakes.

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FEMA V-528, Earthquake Home Hazard Hunt Poster

This poster provides visuals and descriptions so that homeowners can identify and fix at-risk areas of their homes to reduce future earthquake damage and disruption.

Recommendations for reducing earthquake hazards in your home.

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FEMA P-1019, Emergency Power Systems for Critical Facilities: A Best Practices Approach to Improving Reliability

There is a significant likelihood that utility power will not be available for an extended period of time during severe natural hazard events. Thus, it is necessary for critical facilities to have reliable sources of sustained electrical power to achieve continued operation. This document provides guidance on the design and operation of emergency power systems in critical facilities so that they will be able to remain operational for extended periods, as needed.

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FEMA V-529, Drop, Cover, and Hold On Poster

This poster (17-inches by 22-inches) is intended for classroom use and updates a previous edition. The poster depicts a teacher and students in a classroom responding appropriately to the first sign of an earthquake (Drop, Cover, and Hold On).

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National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP) Fact Sheet

The National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP) is FEMA’s program for delivering earthquake education and awareness training to the public. NETAP helps State, local, and Indian tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector obtain the knowledge and tools needed to plan and implement effective earthquake mitigation strategies.

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FEMA 176, Estimating Losses From Future Earthquakes Panel Report (Non-Technical Summary)

An earthquake loss estimate is a forecast of the effects of a hypothetical earthquake. Depending on its purpose, a loss study may include estimates of deaths and injuries; property losses; loss of function in industries, lifelines, and emergency facilities; homelessness; and economic impacts. This report focuses primarily on loss estimates of the type funded by FEMA.

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FEMA 177. Estimating Losses From Future Earthquakes Panel Report (Panel Report and Technical Background)

his report focuses primarily on loss estimates of the type funded by FEMA. They apply to an urban area or region and are intended primarily for use by local and state governments for disaster response and mitigation planning and the formulation of near-and long-term strategies for earthquake hazard reduction. However, the same basic methods, and many of the techniques for carrying out portions of these basic methods, also apply to other types of loss estimates.

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