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Does FEMA have any publications that address design and construction guidance for high wind?

FEMA has several publications that address high-wind hazards. The following publications are useful references on residential construction in high-wind areas:

  • FEMA P-320. Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business. Washington, DC. August 2014.
  • FEMA P-550. Recommended Residential Construction for Coastal Areas: Building on Strong and Safe Foundations. Washington DC. December 2009.
  • FEMA P-499. Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction: Technical Fact Sheet Series. Washington, DC. December 2010.
  • FEMA P-804. Wind Retrofit Guide for Residential Buildings. Washington, DC. December 2010.
  • FEMA P-55. Coastal Construction Manual. Washington, DC. August 2011.

FEMA also has many publications that address the high-wind hazard for non-residential construction:

  • FEMA P-424. Design Guide for School Safety in Earthquakes, Floods, and High Winds. Washington, DC. December 2010.
  • FEMA 543. Design Guide for Improving Critical Facility Safety from Flooding and High Winds: Providing Protection to People and Buildings. Washington, DC. January 2007.
  • FEMA 577. Design Guide for Improving Hospital Safety in Earthquakes, Floods and High Winds: Providing Protection to People and Buildings. Washington, DC. June 2007.
  • FEMA P-361. Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms. Washington, DC. March 2015.

Other resources include:

  • ASCE 7. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2010.
  • ICC 600. Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions. International Code Council (ICC) 2008.
  • ICC 500. Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. International Code Council (ICC) 2014.
  • American Wood Council. Wood Frame Construction Manual Guide to Wood Construction in High Wind Areas for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (Exposure B versions for 90 mph, 100 mph, 110 mph, 120 mph, and 130 mph). 2006.
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