A newly developed Building Codes Toolkit from FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) has been opened to the general public.
The Building Codes Toolkit is a central online page that designed to help understand building codes, their value to occupant safety and community resilience, and the available tools and resources. The lead developer was FEMA;’s Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Reduction Division, Building Science Branch.
FEMA said that “through close coordination and partnership with local, regional, and national contributors and subject matter experts and by utilizing existing multi-hazard standards and best practices, we were able to produce and organize a series of informational materials and tools for property owners and the general public.” To reach the full toolkit, go to Building Codes Toolkit. For key parts, use:
- Full Toolkit (pdf)
- Introduction to Building Codes Presentation (ppt)
- Building Codes Fact Sheet (pdf)
- Basic Project Planning Template (pdf)
- Checklist of Questions to Ask Your General Contractor (pdf)
- Basic Checklist to Acquire a Building Permit (pdf)
- Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
- Instructional and Testimonial Videos (pdf)
- Glossary (pdf)
- Other Useful Resources (pdf)
For many years, FEMA and ICC have also maintained and produced a huge portfolio of materials related to disaster resistant building codes, construction guidance and standards, technical training, and other informational resources for engineers, architects, code officials, and design professionals:
- Building Codes Resources for Earthquakes
- Building Codes Resources for Flood and Other Hazards
- International Code Council
Building codes and proper construction practices is one of the best strategies individuals, organizations, and communities can adopt to ensure occupant safety, protection of local tax base, continuity of essential services, and support more rapid recovery from disasters. Please utilize these materials and share with others. If you have any suggestions or comments, please fill out this customer survey.
For more information on available FEMA building codes and construction standards and guidance, please visit: http://www.fema.gov/building-science-publications.