Building Science Resource Library

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

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

 

 

  • Disaster Type: 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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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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Urban Flooding: Guidance for Homeowners and Renters

When you read this document, you will learn about actions you can take as either a homeowner or renter to reduce the potential of flood damage to your residence. These actions are called “mitigation” because they will mitigate—reduce or lessen—the loss of life, injuries, and property damage that can happen during urban floods. The mitigation measures described include how to address sewer backup and surface flooding, actions that help reduce flood damage in your home, and how to protect equipment and appliances.

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Reducing Wildfire Risk to Your Home (Maui Wildfires Recovery Advisory #2)

Defensible space is an area with limited combustibles surrounding your home that helps to reduce the chance that your home will catch fire during a wildfire event. Defensible space is up to 100 feet from your home and slows or stops the progression of wildfire. Defensible space, coupled with structural hardening, is critical to increasing your home’s likelihood of surviving a wildfire.

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Fire-Resistant Materials and Assemblies (Maui Wildfires Recovery Advisory #4)

Homeowners, business owners, design professionals and builders in wildfire-prone regions can benefit from understanding general fire resistance characteristics of common construction materials and building products. This Recovery Advisory aims to provide a list of materials that can withstand higher exposure and help slow the spread of fire, but it is important to remember that fire-resistant does not mean fire-proof.

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Designing New Residential Structures to Decrease Wildfire Risk (Maui Wildfires Recovery Advisory #3)

This Recovery Advisory, focused on one- and two-family dwellings, presents important fire safety recommendations for design professionals, including architects, engineers, installation professionals and contractors to reduce the likelihood of ignition and structure-to-structure fire spread in single family homes during a wildfire, where building setbacks and defensible space may be limited.

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FEMA Building Codes Summer Activity Sheet

FEMA has created this activity sheet intended to inform and engage children about building codes.

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FEMA Building Codes Summer Activity Sheet

FEMA has created this activity sheet intended to inform and engage children about building codes.

FEMA Building Codes Winter Activity Thumbnail
FEMA Building Codes Winter Activity Thumbnail

FEMA Building Codes Winter Activity Thumbnail

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Renter's Guide to Prepare Financially for Earthquakes

This guide provides essential financial preparedness advice for renters in earthquake-prone areas. It covers the potential financial impacts of an earthquake. The guide outlines various financial tools renters can use for recovery, such as savings, insurance, loans, and disaster assistance, and emphasizes the importance of earthquake insurance and maintaining financial resilience before a disaster strikes.

Thumbnail of Summer Activity Worksheet
FEMA BS Summer Activity Worksheet Thumbnail

FEMA has created this activity sheet intended to inform and engage children about building codes.