Library

FEMA guide containing recommendations on how to implement cost-effective measures that can help to reduce the potential hazards associated with earthquakes.

Poster describing earthquake safety tips and protection measures to take at home.

A book describing how to complete an earthquake retrofit plan for wood-frame residential buildings.

Factsheet describing ways to retrofit a home to make it more earthquake resistant.

Webpage providing earthquake safety tips including proactive home structure and utility action items.

Guide provides homeowners ways to prepare for an earthquake and protect a home against earthquake damage.

Reference guide helping families prepare for an earthquake and prevent earthquake-related damage.

A one-page fact sheet outlining the purpose of an earthquake valve and how the valve can stop gas from flowing into a residence or building.

Standard providing minimum functionality requirements for earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff devices; applicable to systems carrying natural gas and propane, the devices are used in piping, equipment, and appliances typically found in structures of three stories or less.

Report providing an introduction to the NEHRP recommended seismic provisions for new buildings and other structures.

Website describing what to do for safety in an earthquake and other types of disasters.

Factsheet describing methods for securing HVAC units to avoid damage during an earthquake.

A FAQ explaining the purpose of the Energy Independence and Security Act, a law which sets energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs.

Document providing descriptions of the many insulation options available to homeowners, along with guidance on where, when, and how to install insulation throughout your house.

Website providing consumer information about ceiling fans, including specifications and buying guidance.

Informational guide describing the benefits, functionality, and cost savings of ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting incentives.

ENERGY STAR specifications for residential window, door and skylights, Version 6, effective January 1, 2015.

Archived 2014 EPA newsroom release describing new EnergyStar standards for clothes dryers.

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

Study investigating homeowner measure package choices in the Illinois Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program compared to cost-optimal choices determined through Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) modeling software.

Flyer from the City of Ellensburg WA describing what an excess flow valve is, how they work, and associated costs.

Website for gas utility customers describing the installation of excess flow valves to stop the flow of natural gas into a home in the event of a line rupture.

Webpage describing what excess flow valves are, how they work, and the installation process.

Utility webpage describing the monetary costs associated with excess flow valves for TECO in Florida.

Newsletter reviewing federal disaster policy, the research basis for resilience, and three models of building resilient communities.

Short guide from FEMA describing how to anchor tall bookcases and file cabinets during seismic events.

Guide providing homeowners tips on how to secure bookcases and other heavy furniture with brackets and child-proof drawer and cabinet locks.

Website providing links to scalable guidance and tools about the importance of earthquake mitiation to the private sector, its owners, managers, and employees.

Activity sheets describing questions and preparedness action items for a variety of disasters including floods, fires, earthquakes, and winter weather.

Brochure detailing how to latch and lock cabinets and drawers to prevent injury to residents of the home.

Report on the field evaluation of whole-building approaches and estimation of the relative contributions of select technologies toward reducing energy use related to space conditioning in new manufactured homes.

Website containing resources from the nonprofit FLASH, which "is the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters."

A fact sheet on how to prepare for a natural disaster by storing food and water through an emergency food supply.

Website with information for consumers about solar thermal systems for homes.

Detailed information about Formaldehyde including health effects and strategies to reduce exposure.

Webpage describing homeowner resources program designed to strengthen homes and commercial buildings against severe weather such as high winds, hail, hurricanes, and even tornadoes.

Webpage describing the safety hazards associated with natural gas and tips on how to avoid these hazards by a step process of turning off natural gas service to a home and restoring service afterwards.

Brochure for natural gas utility customers describing seismic valves and excess flow valves for homes.

Webpage describing when and how to safely turn off the natural gas to the home during an emergency.

Website providing certifications and codes for automatic gas shut off valves in the state of California.

Webpage with certification requirements for excess flow and earthquake valves from California's Division of the State Architect (DSA).

Report investigating the status of the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry and technology in the United States, assembling GHP energy savings potential, identifying key barriers to application of GHPs, and identifying actions that could accelerate adoption of GHPs.

Report about indoor air quality related to indoor mold growth.

Webpage providing maps and information to assess the particular hazards and risks for an area.

Webpage that describes health problems that can be caused by secondhand smoke.

Provides consumers with general information on solar water heating systems and how to select a contractor.

Report providing information for HVAC designers, installers, and consumers about air source heat pumps.

Webpage describing federal regulation related to excess flow valves on residential natural gas lines.

Research study investigating the factors influencing consumer adoption of HEDs and evaluating the resulting electricity consumption.

Report presenting seismic design and construction guidance for one- and two-family houses for homebuilders, knowledgeable homeowners, and other non-engineers.