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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This document equips property owners with a template that they can use to understand the basic planning elements of a construction project. It includes items that local building departments and design professionals usually require.
The FEMA Building Codes Toolkit offers basic guidance and tools to help homeowners and occupants learn about building codes and how they can make a home more resilient against natural hazards.
These frequently asked questions address common concerns of people who rent residential buildings related to building codes, the process, and available tools.
Developed in response to Hurricane Ida in Louisiana, the purpose of this guide is to provide guidance on how to improve the wind resistance of existing one- and two-family dwellings in hurricane-prone regions of the United States and its territories. This guide is not applicable to manufactured housing (MH) units or townhouse units.
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.
Flyer outlining eligible building code activities that occur up to 180 days after a major disaster declaration can be reimbursed through Public Assistance.
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.
This fact sheet helps building owners, operators, contractors, and volunteer assistance groups deal with the challenges of working in structures that were not thoroughly cleaned and dried shortly after the flooding.
FEMA P-550 provides a series of recommended foundation designs that will help create safer and stronger buildings in coastal areas. The designs are intended to help support rebuilding efforts after coastal areas have been damaged by floods, high winds, or other natural hazards.