Technology Transfer

Successful hazard mitigation depends in part on the application of MAT findings and recommendations to new construction and post-disaster repair and recovery. MAT findings and recommendations are used to establish improved disaster-resistant construction codes and standards, designs, methods, and materials. The transfer of information by FEMA to state and local governments, and the private sector is critical to this process. FEMA employs a variety of methods to disseminate this information.

FEMA sponsors and produces:

Protecting Your House and Property

The FEMA website has an extensive collection of How-to Fact Sheets. These fact sheets provide easy step-by-step instructions, making it easy for you to take protective steps to minimize damage to your home and property during a hazard event. See the How-to Series Index for more information.

Back To Top

Coastal Construction Manual

In June 2000, FEMA released the Third Edition of its Coastal Construction Manual (FEMA 55) as both a print publication and an interactive CD-ROM. This edition is an updated and expanded version of the 1985 manual, and is intended to help design professionals, state and local officials, and builders mitigate natural hazards to one- to four-family residential buildings in coastal areas. Building on the numerous findings from MAT investigations conducted in various coastal areas of the United States, the manual presents state-of-the-art engineering techniques for siting, design, construction, and maintenance. These recommendations are aimed at reducing damage from natural hazard events, including hurricanes, northeasters, and other coastal storms. A print version (FEMA 55) and a CD-ROM version (FEMA 55 CD) are available from the FEMA Publications Warehouse at 1-800-480-2520.

Back To Top

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting

If your house has been flooded, or if you know that your house is in a flood hazard area, you should take action to avoid future flood damage. As a homeowner, you need clear information about methods you can use to reduce flood damage to your home, and you need straightforward guidance on selecting the method that is best for you. FEMA’s Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting (FEMA 312) explains the damage-reduction methods that are available, discusses the degree to which they work, and helps you decide whether they meet your needs. This publication is for readers who have little or no knowledge of flood protection methods or building construction techniques.

Back To Top

Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Fact Sheets

FEMA has produced Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction (FEMA 499), a series of 31 illustrated fact sheets that provide technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings. The fact sheets, intended primarily for building contractors working in coastal areas, present information aimed at improving the performance of buildings subject to flood and wind forces in coastal environments. The fact sheets make extensive use of photographs and drawings to illustrate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulatory requirements, the proper siting of coastal buildings, and recommended design and construction practices. These practices address structural connections, the building envelope, utilities, and accessory structures. Many of the fact sheets also include lists of additional resources that provide more information about the topics discussed. A print version of FEMA 499 in its entirety is available from the FEMA Publications Warehouse at 1-800-480-2520.

Back To Top

Last Modified: Wednesday, 30-Jan-2008 16:03:11 EST

Contacts