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 report discusses the performance of basement buildings during Hurricane Ida in New York City and the role of urban flooding. It includes results from previous flooding events such as Hurricane Sandy and Harvey.
This report assesses building performance during Hurricane Ida in New York City and focuses on egress from floodprone basements. The report discusses observations made by the MAT team after the disaster and highlights risks to occupants of floodprone basements.
This Recovery Advisory outlines observations from Hurricane Ian in Florida, DR-4673-FL, that provide insights regarding building improvement opportunities. These recommendations are applicable to buildings experiencing similar issues and need not be limited to the state or disaster in which they were observed.
This report discusses strategies for reducing the effects of urban flooding in New York City. The report provides an overview of rainfall runoff and urban flooding basics, as well as the current state of stormwater infrastructure and initiatives in NYC. It also highlights the importance of increasing public awareness of urban flooding.
This fact sheet explains stormwater runoff and its impact on urbanized areas. It discusses the connection between surface runoff and stormwater drainage systems, and how storms are defined.
This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) following Hurricane Ian in Florida. The report provides observations on building performance, recommendations for mitigation and resilience, and technical guidance for stakeholders.
This guidance document provides information and advice for homeowners and renters in Cook County, Illinois, on mitigating urban flooding. The document discusses the causes of urban flooding, lessons learned from past events, and efforts to mitigate flooding in the Greater Chicago region.
The Mitigation Assessment Team Report provides observations on the building performance during Hurricane Harvey in Texas. The report offers recommendations and technical guidance for future disaster mitigation efforts. Hurricane Harvey was a Category 4 hurricane that dropped up to 70 inches of rain, causing significant damage and flooding.
This report provides a mitigation assessment of tornadoes that occurred in April and May 2011. The report includes building performance observations, recommendations, and technical guidance. It is intended to assist building professionals and community officials in mitigating the effects of future tornadoes.
This report provides a summary of the key observations and conclusions from the 2017 Mitigation Assessment Teams (MATs) in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. The report aims to improve disaster resistance of the built environment by providing design and construction guidance.