On this page you will find resources you might find useful if you are considering improvements to any structures. These documents were prepared by the Building Science Division of FEMA.
Sign up for Mitigation Planning email updates
Substantially Damaged Buildings
- Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings
(FEMA 213)
Provides guidance to local officials on determining if a building is substantially damaged in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. - Substantial Damage Estimator
(FEMA P-784 CD)
Provides guidance on determining if a building is substantially damaged in accordance with NFIP regulations. - Substantial Damage Estimator Best Practices
Suggested approaches for dealing with some of the challenging situations users may encounter while using the FEMA developed Substantial Damage Estimator (SDE).
Coastal Construction Information
- Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Fact Sheets
(FEMA P-499)
A series of 37 fact sheets that provide detailed technical guidance on how to build safer in coastal areas. Topics include Moisture Barrier Systems, Asphalt Shingle Roofing for High Wind Areas; Foundation Walls, Lowest Floor Elevation. - Coastal Construction Manual
(FEMA P-55)
Provides detailed, technical guidance on how to build in coastal areas.
Floodproofing Measures
- Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards
(FEMA P-85, Second Edition)
Provides technical guidance on installation methods designed to make manufactured homes more resistant to flood and wind forces. - Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Floodprone Structures
(FEMA P-259)
Provides engineering design and economic guidance on technically feasible and cost-effective retrofitting measures for floodprone residences. - Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your Home from Flooding
(FEMA P-312)
Provides information to homeowners who want to know how to protect their homes from flooding. This guide gives clear information about the options available to you and straightforward guidance that will help you make decisions. - Protecting Building Utilities from Flood Damage
(FEMA P-348)
Provides information on how to protect building utilities from flooding. - Reducing Damage from Localized Flooding
(FEMA 511)
Identifies possible funding resources for and explains small flood control projects and measures that can be taken in B, C and X zones. - Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings
(FEMA P-936)
The primary focus of the guidance document is on dry floodproofing technologies for non-residential buildings but it also includes an overview of other techniques including wet floodproofing and the use of levees and floodwalls.
MAT Reports
- Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report – Hurricane Charley in Florida
(FEMA 488)
Observations, conclusions and recommendations of the MAT in response to Hurricane Charley. - Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report – Hurricane Ivan in Alabama and Florida
(FEMA 489)
Evaluation of building performance during Hurricane Ivan and the adequacy of current building codes, other construction requirements and building practices and materials. - Summary Report on Building Performance 2004 Hurricane Season
(FEMA 490)
This report summarizes the observations, conclusions and recommendations that resulted from post-disaster assessments sponsored by FEMA's Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA) in response to Florida's 2004 hurricane season, during which the state was struck by Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan. - Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report – Hurricane Katrina
(FEMA 549)
The conclusions and recommendations of the report provide decision-makers with information and technical guidance that can be used to reduce future hurricane damage. - Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report – Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana
(FEMA P-757)
The conclusions and recommendations of this report are intended to provide decision-makers with information and technical guidance that can be used to reduce future hurricane damage. - Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report – Spring 2011 Tornadoes: April 25-28 and May 22
(FEMA P-908)
The objective of the report is to provide information to communities, businesses and individuals so that they can rebuild safer, more robust structures and minimize loss of life, injuries and property damage in future tornadoes and high-wind events. - Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report – Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana
(FEMA P-938)
The conclusions and recommendations of this report are intended to provide decision-makers with information and technical guidance that can be used to reduce future hurricane damage. - Mitigation Assessment Team Report - Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and New York
(FEMA P 942)
This document presents the conclusions and recommendations derived from the field observations with regards to key engineering concepts, codes and standards, mitigation measures and considerations that can be used in the planning and recovery process to help minimize future damage to structures and their related utility systems.
Safe Room Construction Information
- Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms
(FEMA P-361)
Guidance on planning, designing, and constructing a safe room to provide protection to occupants from hurricanes and/or tornadoes.
- Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business
(FEMA P-320)
Guidance on planning a safe room for a home or small business, including design options for new construction.
Technical Information
Find several technical bulletins that provide guidance concerning the building performance standards of the NFIP.
You can download these and other publications from the FEMA Resource and Document Library or order a copy from the FEMA Distribution Center. To order publications please call 1-800-480-2520 or fax 1-240-699-0525 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. You may also email your request to FEMA-Publications-Warehouse@dhs.gov. Please provide the title, item number, short number and quantity of each publication, along with your name, address, zip code and daytime telephone number.
Last Updated:
09/12/2016 - 12:29