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Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards

Cover photo for the document: Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards

The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) handbook can be used by trained personnel to identify, inventory, and screen buildings that are potentially seismically vulnerable. The RVS procedure comprises a method and several forms that help users to quickly identify, inventory, and score buildings according to their risk of collapse if hit by major earthquakes. The RVS handbook describes how to identify the structural type and key weakness characteristics, how to complete the screening forms, and how to manage a successful RVS program.

SizePublication Date
Icon for file of type application/pdfRapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook. Third Edition (FEMA P-154)

The third edition of the Handbook (FEMA P-154) includes extensive updates, including improvements in the methodology, the screening forms, and the underlying scoring; the addition of a more detailed professional screening option (level 2 screening); new quick reference guides with extensive figures illustrating important building characteristics; an electronic scoring option; and guidance on how to administer an effective screening program. The FEMA P-154 CD contains PowerPoint slides with instructor notes; the RVS Student Manual (FEMA 154SM); data collection forms; and PDF and text file versions of FEMA P-154 (both FEMA P-154 and FEMA P-155 include the FEMA P-154 CD).

0.05GJanuary 1, 2015
Icon for file of type application/pdfRapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: Supporting Documentation. Third Edition (FEMA P-155)

The third edition of the Supporting Documentation (FEMA P-155) describes the technical background and process used to update the Handbook and the revisions considered and conclusions reached. Extensive detail is also provided in FEMA P-155 on the third edition scoring and associated risk.

5.36MJanuary 1, 2015
Icon for file of type application/pdfThird Edition Print Publication Order Form (Hardcopy)

The third edition of the RVS Handbook (FEMA P-154), Supporting Documentation (FEMA P-155), and CD (FEMA P-154 CD) are available from the FEMA Distribution Center. To place your order by phone, call 1-800-480-2520 (M-F: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST). To place your order by fax or email, download this order form.

0.11MFebruary 4, 2015
Icon for file of type application/pdfRapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook. Second Edition
0.01GMarch 1, 2002
Icon for file of type text/plainRapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook. Second Edition
0.24MMarch 1, 2002
Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Handbook. Second Edition

  • Print Publication (Hardcopy)

    Distribution Warehouse

    Publication Number: 
    FEMA 154
    Contact Name: 
    FEMA Distribution Center

    You can order this item from the FEMA Distribution Center. Download the Order Form and provide the resource title, FEMA publication ID #, quantity of each publication requesting, along with your name, address, zip code, and daytime phone #. Note: Some resources might have restrictions on the quantity allowed per order, per customer. Also, please review if the resource is currently backordered.

    You can order hardcopies by emailing, calling or faxing the FEMA Distribution Center using the Order Form. 

    Work hours for phone orders are M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

    Contact Phone Number: 
    (800) 480-2520
    Contact Email: 
    FEMA-Publications-Warehouse@dhs.gov
    Fax Number: 
    (240) 699-0525
March 1, 2002
PowerPoint slides with instructor notes; RVS Student Manual (FEMA 154SM); data collection forms; and FEMA 154

  • CD-ROM

    Distribution Warehouse

    Publication Number: 
    FEMA 154CD
    Contact Name: 
    FEMA Distribution Center

    You can order this item from the FEMA Distribution Center. Download the Order Form and provide the resource title, FEMA publication ID #, quantity of each publication requesting, along with your name, address, zip code, and daytime phone #. Note: Some resources might have restrictions on the quantity allowed per order, per customer. Also, please review if the resource is currently backordered.

    You can order hardcopies by emailing, calling or faxing the FEMA Distribution Center using the Order Form. 

    Work hours for phone orders are M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

    Contact Phone Number: 
    (800) 480-2520
    Contact Email: 
    FEMA-Publications-Warehouse@dhs.gov
    Fax Number: 
    (240) 699-0525
March 1, 2002
Resource Type:
Document / Report
Last Updated:
March 16, 2015