The adoption and implementation of hazard-resistant building codes is the most effective community mitigation measure against hazard risk.
According to FEMA's Building Code Save Study, 65% of counties, cities, and towns across the United States of America (USA) currently have not adopted modern building codes.
Getting community ready
FEMA's new Building Science Resource Library, launched in October 2021, contains materials focused on creating disaster-resistant communities, including detailed information on building codes.
Visitors can search for materials by title, or easily access enhanced search capabilities for any combination of search filters:
- Disaster Type: High winds, flood, earthquake, etc.
- Document Type: Brochure, report, fact sheet, infographic, etc.
- Audience: Building professionals and engineers, individuals and homeowners, teachers and kids, etc.
The Building Science Resource Library also includes actionable materials, such as a Building Codes Toolkit for Building Owners and Occupants PDF and hazard mitigation training.