Library

Report presenting safe room designs and showing the homeowner and builder/contractor or local design professional how to construct a safe room for a home or small business.

Article describing identification of termite infestations in homes and treatment options.

FSEC certification and testing page for solar systems.

Fact sheet describing the test procedure for wind and wind driven rain resistance of discontinuous roofing systems.

Study comparing the thermal performance of phase change materials to concrete construction during heat waves.

Article from Green Building Advisor on the importance of window selection in hot climates, with an emphasis on window glazing.

Standard providing industry-backed information for assessing new and existing HVAC systems, evaluating and verifying the cleanliness of HVAC system components, preventing job related hazards and guiding the cleaning and restoration of HVAC systems to a specific level of cleanliness.

Manuals describing design, materials, and installation techniques applicable to almost all types of roof systems; four-volume set includes Metal Panel and SPF Roof Systems, Membrane Roof Systems, Architectural Metal Flashing and Condensation and Air Leakage Control, and Steep-Slope Roof Systems.

Standard 55 specifies conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is intended for use in design, operation, and commissioning of buildings and other occupied spaces; is the current version of the standard, which was published in the year 2021, and is available for preview and purchase at the...

Guide from Energy Star on smart thermostats and offering some guidance for choosing one.

Article from Purdue University on the potential for white paint technology to lower air conditioning usage requirements.

Online course describing the behavior of wildfires for firefighters.

Website providing guidance for people to find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience.

Webpage for the United States Geological Survey for the Department of the Interior.

Documents describing Flood Resistant Provisions of codes published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officers (IAPMO): the Uniform Mechanical Code; Uniform Plumbing Code; Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; and Uniform Solar, Hydronics and Geothermal Code (Uniform...

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has been protecting the public’s health and safety for ninety-three years by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world. Main website.

Webpage from Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) on identifying key problem spots on unreinforced masonry chimneys and how to retrofit them to withstand seismic forces.

EPA WaterSense guidance on urinals.

A reference guide providing basic tips on using backup generators safely and effectively.

ENERGY STAR overview on certified ventilation fans.

Products and specification for a State of California-compliant earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff valve.

Article describing ways to construct or retrofit a home to increase is resistance to high winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

A website providing information on sealing the home against rodents and how to trap rodents once they have made their way into the home.

A info sheet providing information on ENERGY STAR certified water heaters and the various criteria water heaters must undergo to become ENERGY STAR certified, including metrics on efficiency and performance.

Article describing different types of water softeners and how they work.

Resource that provides a directory of individuals that have successfully completed all requirements of at least one WaterSense Approved Certification Method (WACM) through a Home Certification Organization (HCO).

Website providing a searchable list of products that meet the EPA WaterSense criteria for water savings.

Fact sheet describing how the Environmental Protection Agency ensures labeled homes meet the WaterSense efficiency requirements for whole house water management including a list of requirements and a data chart.

Document on the EPA WaterSense webpage describing the technical evaluation process used by EPA WaterSense to authorize home certification organizations to certify homes through the WaterSense program.

Webpage from NW Natural on how to prepare homes with natural gas service for earthquakes and floods, what to do during an emergency, and how to respond after the emergency has passed.

Web page providing statistics on weather related fatalities and injuries.

An overview of impacts from weather, climate, and water extremes globally from 1970 to 2019 based on disaster data from the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT)

An informational guide established to educate the public on seismic shut-off valves and how to avoid fires following an earthquake.

A website explaining the connection between using compact fluorescent lightbulbs and the amount of mercury released into the environment.

Document describing what levees are, how they work, and who owns them.

Infographic explaining what a seismic shut-off valve is and providing frequently asked questions.

Information sheet outlining the criteria for ENERGY STAR qualified, windows, doors, and skylights.

Guidelines from IBHS on modifications to homes to prepare for a wildfire if evacuation orders are anticipated for the area.

Webpage describing how different amounts and types of snow loads affect the structural integrity of roofs and homes.

Conference paper presented at the 2020 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings presenting the results of an evaluation of control strategies used when new mini-splits are installed in a home with an existing HVAC system.

Introductory guide to air sealing the envelope of a home to reduce wasted energy and save on energy costs.

Webpage from USFA compiling resources from across the U.S. on Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) information.

Webpage from USDA and U.S. Forest Service with a map of potential wildfire risk across the U.S.

A report for homeowners and contractors providing specific recommendations for how to retrofit existing components of a home to withstand wildfire.

Website describing how wildfires spread and how fuels, weather, and topography influence fires.

Webpage that providing designation program enables homeowners to take preventative measures for their home and yard to protect against wildfire.

Webpage describing ways builders and communities an reduce wildfire risk.

A webpage providing guidance on increasing the wildfire resistance of a home.