Disaster Resistance -
Flooding / Coastal Flooding
Flooding, whether due to coastal storm surges, rising inland waterways, or even burst pipes, is the most common disaster type, impacting more U.S. homes than any other natural disasters. Select the building components listed below to see guides that provide detailed information on making your home more resistant to water damage.
Description
An information guide on the best practices of ensuring the safety of those returning to a home after a disaster.
Description
To minimize flood risks with new construction, homes should be built on high ground outside of high-risk flood areas and above the base flood elevation (BFE). New homes should be constructed in conformance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and local floodplain management regulations...
Description
Guide describing options for designing and locating the thermal boundary at either the attic floor or along the roof line in new and existing homes.
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Guide describing options for providing access to the roof via openable skylights, dormer windows, or roof hatches, for occupants of homes in areas prone to severe flooding.
Walls
Windows
Description
Guide describing how to install flashings to help direct water down and out of windows and doors openings in exterior walls.
Description
Guide describing how to strengthen or protect windows against wind and wind-borne debris during high-wind events including hurricanes and tornados.
Doors
Description
Guide describing the use of doors that are insulated and are impact rated or have protective coverings for resistance to hurricane, high winds, wildfires and thermal losses.
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Guide describing how to air seal doors that are next to unconditioned spaces.
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Guide describing how to install flashings to help direct water down and out of windows and doors openings in exterior walls.
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Guide describing garage doors that are pressure-rated to withstand wind pressures from hurricanes, high winds, and tornados.
Porches / Carports / Decks
Description
Guide describing how to provide a continuous load path with appropriate connectors to improve the wind resistance of attached porches, carports, and decks during high-wind events.
Foundation
Description
Guide describing how to design or retrofit a crawlspace to reduce the risk of damage during a flood event.
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Guide describing ways to construct a raised-slab foundation to increase a home's resistance to floods.
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Guide describing how to construct flood-resistant homes using pier, pile, post, or column foundations.
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Guide describing appropriate flooring for wet areas of the home.
Site
Description
Guide describing methods for short-term control of erosion during construction and long-term measures for controlling erosion on sloped sites or sites with river banks or shore lines.
Description
Guide describing steps that builders can take to reduce the likelihood of standing water and localized flooding around the foundation of a home during rainy conditions, with links to several full guides providing detailed instructions for improving water management in new and existing homes.
Operations
Description
Guide describing space planning for emergency supplies storage.
Equipment
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Guide describing fuel tank anchoring practices for disaster resistance.
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Guide describing different types of gas shutoff valves to shutoff the flow of natural gas into a home to stop gas spills due to an accident or natural disaster.
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A guide describing how to elevate and secure HVAC equipment for protection against floods, earthquakes, and high winds.
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Guide describing how to elevate a water heater above the base flood elevation to protect it from flood damage.
Description
This guide describes how to install a whole-building ventilation system to provide adequate dilution of indoor air contaminants.