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FEMA Media Library

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FEMA P-213, Answers to Questions About Substantially Improved/Substantially Damaged Buildings

The questions and answers in the 2018 update to FEMA 213 provide guidance for many concerns regarding Substantial Improvement (SI) and Substantial Damage (SD) of buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas. The publication answers questions about pertinent definitions and regulations and some general questions about SI/SD and determining when buildings are Substantially Improved or have incurred Substantial Damage. Revised FEMA 213 also addresses common questions that arise about SI/SD in the post-disaster period. Each question refers readers to specific sections and more complete guidance in FEMA P-758, Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage Desk Reference.

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FEMA P-784, Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) Tool

FEMA developed the SDE tool to assist State and local officials in estimating Substantial Damage for residential and non-residential structures in accordance with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as adopted by the communities. The tool can be used to assess flood, wind, wildfire, seismic, and other forms of damage. It helps communities provide timely Substantial Damage determinations so that reconstruction can begin quickly following a disaster.

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FEMA P-784, Substantial Damage Estimator Best Practices

The FEMA Substantial Damage Estimator Best Practices (2017) document suggests approaches for dealing with some of the challenging situations users may encounter while using the SDE tool. After a disaster, the complexity of field conditions and the need to prepare for and perform SDE inspections to assess damage can present numerous challenges. This document contains suggested solutions to some common challenges that SDE users may encounter. The information and methods can be used by Federal, State, and local officials when developing SDE-based inventories of potentially substantially damaged residential and non-residential structures. The guidance is organized into three phases of SDE management: 1. Planning for Data Collection, 2. Field Work, and 3. SDE Quality Assurance Reviews.

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FEMA P-784, Substantial Damage Estimator Forms Combined

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FEMA P-784, Substantial Damage Estimator Read Me – SDE 3.0 Tool Installation Guide

General Guidance for Installation and Use of SDE 3.0

- Although it is not required, FEMA recommends that users uninstall previous versions of SDE from the host computer to avoid confusion between past and current inventories.

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FEMA P-784, Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) 3.0 User Manual and Field Workbook

FEMA P-784, Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE) User Manual and Field Workbook: Using the SDE Tool to Perform Substantial Damage Determinations (August 2017) document have been updated to reflect the enhanced tool.

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FEMA P-758, Substantial Improvement/ Substantial Damage Desk Reference

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Protect Your Property from Coastal Erosion

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Protect Your Property from Flooding

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Protect Your Property from Storm Surge

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FEMA P-348, Protect Your Property from Flooding: Protecting Building Utility Systems From Flood Damage

This publication illustrates the design and construction of utility systems that comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements for the construction of new residential and non-residential structures in flood-prone areas. It is also useful when evaluating structures that will undergo Substantial Improvement, guiding users to meet floodplain management regulations and building code requirements. Even if compliance is not required, many building owners may find that applying mitigation measures described in this publication will not only reduce future flood damage but also facilitate recovery after flooding.

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FEMA P-348, Protect Your Property from Flooding: Protecting Building Utility Systems From Flood Damage Flyer

This flyer announces FEMA Building Science Branch's release of the second edition of Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage, FEMA P-348. The overall objective of this updated publication is to assist in the repair, reconstruction, and new construction of buildings with building utility systems and equipment that are designed and built for maximum flood resiliency.

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Overview of FEMA P-85 | Protect Your Property from Flooding: Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards

Overview of FEMA P-85 | Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards

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FEMA P-85, Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards 

FEMA P-85 (Second Edition, November 2009) has been updated to reflect the requirements of the most current codes and standards and to provide the best practices approach in reducing damages from natural hazards. While the original version of FEMA 85 concentrated on flood and wind events, this version also addresses seismic hazards and recommends several multi-hazard resistant foundation designs. Designs are included for wood-framed foundations, conventional concrete and masonry pier foundations, and ground anchors. The ground anchor foundations are based on results from a series of first-of-its-kind saturated and dry soil anchor tests.

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FEMA P-312, Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting 3rd Edition

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has prepared this guide specifically for homeowners who want to know how to protect their homes from flooding. As a homeowner, you need clear information about the options available to you and straightforward guidance that will help you make decisions. This guide gives you both, in a form designed for readers who have little or no experience with flood protection methods or building construction techniques.

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FEMA P-936, Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings

The primary focus of the guidance document is on dry floodproofing technologies for non-residential buildings, but it also includes an overview of other techniques including wet floodproofing and the use of levees and floodwalls. The publication provides information about regulatory requirements, design considerations, and descriptions of floodproofing methods and equipment. Key document features include: 1) Tools to assist the designer or building owner in determining the best floodproofing option for a particular building including a vulnerability checklist, 2) Case studies providing examples of applied floodproofing techniques, 3) Equations for determining flood forces and loads, 4) A summary of results from recent dry floodproofing research and testing for new construction.

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FFEMA P-259, Engineering Principles and Practices of Retrofitting Floodprone Residential Structures, Third Edition

The third edition of this document is intended to further aid homeowners in selecting and successfully executing a flood retrofit on their home. Engineering design and economic guidance on what constitutes feasible and cost-effective retrofitting measures for flood-prone residential and non-residential structures are presented. Elevation, relocation, dry floodproofing, wet floodproofing, and the use of levees and floodwalls to mitigate flood hazards are discussed. This edition was updated to be more user-friendly and concise, the overall length of the publication has been shortened.

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Elevated Residential Structures

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Design and Construction in Coastal A Zones

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Recommended Residential Construction for Coastal Areas