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.
Building codes and standards are crucial to protecting homes in the event of a natural hazard. There have been numerous examples of homes or communities that were designed and built to the latest building codes that have not only survived a significant natural disaster but were able to continue their intended function, helping their community quickly recover and remain resilient. Some of these examples are detailed here.
This document includes the updated seismic design maps that have been adopted into the 2024 editions of the International Residential Code and the International Building Code. Both map sets are based on the 2020 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures and the 2022 ASCE Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.
A look at the current state of earthquake insurance in the United States, the infographic provides general information on the cost and availability of earthquake insurance while also depicting what it will usually cover.
Flyer outlining eligible building code activities that occur up to 180 days after a major disaster declaration can be reimbursed through Public Assistance.
FEMA P-2192 is a three-volume series of educational materials for users of the 2020 NEHRP Recommended Provisions and the ASCE/SEI 7-22 standard. Volume 2 provides a collection of training course presentations for the topics of design examples in Volume 1.
FEMA P-2192 is a three-volume series of educational materials for users of the 2020 NEHRP Recommended Provisions and the ASCE/SEI 7-22 standard. Volume 1 includes design examples covering the major topics of change in the 2020 NEHRP Recommend Provisions.
FEMA P-2192 is a three-volume series of educational materials for users of the 2020 NEHRP Recommended Provisions and the ASCE/SEI 7-22 standard. Volume 3 offers design flow charts for various parts of seismic design for buildings.