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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Episode 98: Building Resiliency Using Strong Building Codes

The launch of the National Initiative to Advance Building Codes and implementation of the FEMA Building Codes Strategy have created an opportunity to discuss building codes and their importance for creating a more resilient nation. In this episode, we will discuss “resilience” through the lens of building codes and the potential impact of the National Initiative and the FEMA Building Codes Strategy.

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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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Three Little Pigs Activity Sheet

“How the Three Little Pigs Could Have Saved Their Homes” is a short story and accompanying activity sheet intended to inform and engage children about building codes. The front side is a story following the typical structure of the Three Little Pigs, and the backside has a spot the difference activity, maze, and word search.

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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.

Five building codes experts, including: Mariam Yousuf, Pataya Scott, Sharon Magorien, Christina Aronson and Larissa Santoro.
Panel of Building Experts Panel

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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-2191, A Step Forward. Recommendations for Improving Seismic Code Development, Content, and Education

The purpose of this report is to (1) identify ways to improve U.S. seismic code and standard development for new buildings, (2) identify areas where improved content and ease of use would be beneficial, and (3) identify how to better disseminate seismic code updates and to provide education about the code to practicing engineers and building officials.

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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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