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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Role of Insurance

The insurance industry plays a vital role in supporting building codes so that homeowners and occupants are better protected against and prepared for natural hazards. This section explains what insurance options are available and how purchasing insurance helps protect both renters and homeowners.

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Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor

This document helps homeowners with hiring credible contractors who will construct using the codes and standards enforced in the home’s area.

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Technical Bulletin 10, Reasonably Safe from Flooding Requirement for Building on Filled Land

This technical bulletin discusses building techniques, including the use of fill, that can be used to ensure structures are reasonably safe from flooding.

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FEMA P-2196, Building Codes Adoption Playbook for Authorities Having Jurisdiction

The Playbook is intended for officials interested in increasing community resilience and reducing loss from natural hazards by adopting the latest editions of model building codes. The Playbook provides general steps to help navigate the code adoption process and informs about FEMA grants available to support building code adoption and enforcement activities.

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Applying for Building Code Administration and Enforcement Reimbursement through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (DRRA 1206 Flyer)

Flyer outlining eligible building code activities that occur up to 180 days after a major disaster declaration can be reimbursed through Public Assistance.

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Updates to the Technical Bulletins

The Bulletins are changing to update and streamline their content and presentation. These changes are captured in this fact sheet.

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Technical Bulletin 7, Wet Floodproofing Requirements and Limitations

Provides guidance on the NFIP regulations concerning wet floodproofing of certain types of structures located in Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AR, AO, and AH.

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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