Appendix Q Disaster Resilient Construction
Chapter AQ1 Scope and Administration
Section AQ101 Administration
AQ101.1 Purpose.
The scope of this appendix is to promote enhanced public health, safety and general welfare and to reduce public and private property losses due to hazards and natural disasters associated with flooding, high-winds, and windborne debris above that which is provided in the general provisions of this appendix.
AQ101.2 Objectives.
The objectives of this appendix are to:
- 1.
Protect human life, to minimize property loss and to minimize the expenditures of public money associated with natural weather related disasters, including flooding, tornadoes and other high-wind events.
- 2.
Establish enhanced design and construction regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practices for the safeguarding of life and property.
AQ101.3 Scope.
AQ101.3.1
The provisions of this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in an adopting ordinance of [NAME OF JURISDICTION]. If adopted, the provisions shall apply to all new development and to substantial improvements to existing development.
AQ101.3.2
The provisions of this appendix supplement the jurisdiction’s building and fire codes to provide for enhanced provisions to mitigate the hazard to life and property from natural weather related disasters, including flooding, tornadoes and other high- wind events.
AQ101.3.3
The provisions of this appendix establish design and construction standards for storm shelters.
AQ101.4 Violations.
Any violation of a provision of this appendix or failure to comply with a permit of variance issued pursuant to this appendix or any requirement of this appendix shall be handled in accordance with the ordinances of [NAME OF JURISDICTION].
Section AQ102 Applicability
AQ102.1 General.
This appendix provides enhanced minimum requirements for development of new construction and substantial improvement of existing development above that contained in the International Building Code (IBC).
AQ102.1.1
The provisions of this appendix shall apply to all new construction and additions, and shall apply to substantial alterations in flood hazard areas unless it is technically infeasible or otherwise exempted in Section 3403.2 of the International Building Code.
AQ102.1.2
Regardless of the category of work being performed, the work shall not cause the structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building; shall not cause an existing mechanical or plumbing system to become unsafe, hazardous, insanitary or overloaded; and unless expressly permitted by these provisions, shall not make the building any less compliant with this appendix or to any previously approved alternative arrangements than it was before the work was undertaken.
AQ102.1.3
Where there is a conflict between a requirement of the International Building Code and a requirement of this appendix, the requirement of this appendix shall govern. Where there is a conflict between a general requirement of this appendix and a specific requirement of this appendix, the specific requirement shall govern. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this appendix specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
AQ102.2 Other laws.
The provisions of this appendix shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal law.
AQ102.3 Referenced codes and standards.
The codes and standards referenced in this appendix shall be those that are listed in Chapter AQ7 and such codes and standards shall be considered as part of the requirements of this appendix to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions this appendix and referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this appendix shall apply.
Section AQ103 Post Disaster Event Inspections Guidelines
AQ103.1 Inspections.
The building official or agents shall inspect buildings and structures to determine the habitability of each with the goal of getting the community back into their residences quickly and safely. Inspections shall always be performed by teams of at least two individuals, also known as disaster assessment teams.
AQ103.1.1 Right of entry.
Unless permitted under the exigent circumstances provisions or from an order from State or Federal Authorities, disaster assessment teams shall confirm the right of entry requirements with the incident commander. Upon approval, the assessment teams shall be authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or perform duties as provided by this code, provided that the structure or premises be occupied, that credentials are presented, that entry is requested, and that entry is granted by the owner or person having charge over the structure or premises.
AQ103.2 Types of inspections.
AQ103.2.1 Rapid evaluation.
Rapid evaluation is performed after a disaster event to determine if a building is apparently safe or obviously unsafe. The evaluation should last 10 to 30 minutes per building and shall be performed by the building official and/or their designated responders. Evaluation shall determine if a detailed evaluation is necessary. Placards are posted on buildings indicating status as one of the following:
- 1.
INSPECTED
- 2.
RESTRICTED USE
- 3.
UNSAFE
See Section AQ605 for Placards that may be reproduced for use in the field during evaluations. The jurisdiction shall alter placards to meet the jurisdiction and building department’s requirements.
AQ103.2.2 Detailed evaluation.
Detailed evaluation is a thorough visual examination of a damaged building performed by a team of two, including an inspector and a design professional. Evaluation should last 30 minutes to 4 hours per building. Evaluation shall determine necessary restrictions on a damaged building’s use, the need for an engineering evaluation or to evaluate postings.
AQ103.2.3 Engineering evaluation.
When indicated by the building official as necessary, engineering evaluations shall be completed by a registered design professional hired by the building owner.
AQ103.3 Post disaster building safety evaluation chart.
See Figure AQ103.3 for Post Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Chart.
(a)When Disaster Strikes by the International Code Council, Inc., Seventh Printing: November 2011, copyright 2007.
AQ103.4 Evaluation Forms.
ATC-45 Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment Form and ATC-45 Detailed Evaluation Safety Assessment Form shall be used by [Name of Jurisdiction]’s Building Official for post disaster inspections. See Section AQ605 for copies of the Safety Assessment Forms.
AQ103.5 Placement and removal of placards.
AQ103.5.1 Placement.
Placards are to be posted in a clearly visible location near the main entrance and shall be visible from the public right-of-way. RESTRICTED USE or UNSAFE placards shall be placed at all entrances.
AQ103.5.2 Removal.
Placards shall not be removed or replaced, except by the authorized representatives of the local jurisdiction.
Chapter AQ2 Definitions
Section AQ201 General
AQ201.1 Scope.
Unless otherwise expressly stated the following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown in this chapter.
AQ201.2 Terms defined in other codes.
Where terms are not defined in this appendix and are defined in other International Codes, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
AQ201.3 Terms not defined.
Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.
Section AQ202 Definitions
500-YEAR FLOOD.
Flood having a 0.2% annual probability of being equaled or exceeded.
ADVISORY BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (ABFE).
An advisory base flood elevation (BFE) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that reflects post-storm conditions and vulnerability to damages from future flooding.
BASE FLOOD.
Flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also referred to as the 100-year flood.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE).
The elevation of flooding, including wave height, having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year established relative to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD), North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) or other datum specified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
BUILDING OFFICIAL.
The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the International Building Code, or the building official’s duly authorized representative.
DESIGN FLOOD.
The greater of the following two flood events:
- (1)
The base flood, affecting those areas identified as special flood hazard areas on the community’s FIRM;
- (2)
The flood corresponding to the area designated as a flood hazard area on a community’s flood hazard map or otherwise legally designated.
DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION (DFE).
The elevation of the design flood, including wave height, relative to the datum specified on the community’s legally designated flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AQ, the design flood elevation shall be the elevation of the highest existing grade of the building’s perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specified on the flood hazard map.
FLOOD [DAMAGE]-RESISTANT MATERIAL.
Any building product [material, component or system] capable of withstanding direct and prolonged contact with floodwaters without sustaining significant damage.
FLOOD HAZARD MAP.
Map delineating flood hazard areas adopted by the authority having jurisdiction.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM).
An official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
FREEBOARD.
A factor of safety expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management.
FUTURE-CONDITIONS FLOOD.
The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year based on future-conditions hydrology. Also known as the 100-year future-conditions flood.
FUTURE-CONDITIONS FLOOD ELEVATION.
The flood standard equal to or higher than the Base Flood Elevation. The future-conditions flood elevation is defined as the highest water surface anticipated at any given point during the future-conditions flood.
Chapter AQ3 Flood-Resistant Construction
Forward: This appendix provides three different options for increased freeboard. The jurisdiction may pick only one option that is higher than previously adopted and enforced by the jurisdiction. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum standards reference Base Flood Elevation without any freeboard in high risk flood hazard areas. Due to the flood damage prevention updates performed during the Map Modernization initiative that led to flood risks being digitally identified in all 159 Georgia counties, all Georgia NFIP participating communities have freeboard standards that meet or exceed the 1 foot standard used in the State model ordinances for areas where BFEs have been established.
Section AQ301 Hazard Identification
AQ301.1 Identification of flood hazard areas.
To establish flood hazard areas:
- (a)
flood hazard map adopted by jurisdiction based on areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled “The Flood Insurance Study of [INSERT NAME OF JURISDICTION],” dated [INSERT DATE ISSUANCE], and amended or revised with the accompanying Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto.
- (b)
FIRM maps provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Section AQ302 Scope
AQ302.1 Flood loads.
Buildings designed and constructed in flood hazard areas defined in IBC Section 1612.3.1 shall comply with the following:
AQ302.1.1 Flood hazard areas without base flood elevations.
In flood hazard areas without base flood or future-conditions flood elevation data, new construction and substantial improvements of existing structures shall have the lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement) elevated no less than three (3) feet above the highest adjacent grade to the building foundation.
AQ302.1.2 OPTION A – FLOOD ELEVATION
Increase to base flood elevation requirements.
Floors required by ASCE 24 to be built above base flood elevations as follows:
The higher of:
- (a)
Design flood elevation plus one (1) foot, or
- (b)
Base flood elevation plus one (1) foot, or
- (c)
Advisory base flood elevation, or
- (d)
Future-conditions plus one (1) foot, if known or
- (e)
500-year flood, if known
AQ302.1.3 OPTION B– FLOOD ELEVATION
Increase to base flood elevation requirements.
Floors required by ASCE 24 to be built above base flood elevations as follows:
The higher of:
- (a)
Design flood elevation plus two (2) feet, or
- (b)
Base flood elevation plus two (2) feet, or
- (c)
Advisory base flood elevation, or
- (d)
Future-conditions plus one (1) foot, if known or
- (e)
500-year flood, if known
AQ302.1.4 OPTION C – FLOOD ELEVATION
Increase to base flood elevation requirements.
Floors required by ASCE 24 to be built above base flood elevations as follows:
The higher of:
- (a)
Design flood elevation plus three (3) feet, or
- (b)
Base flood elevation plus three (3) feet, or
- (c)
Advisory base flood elevation, or
- (d)
Future-conditions plus one (1) foot, if known or
- (e)
500-year flood, if known
Section AQ303 Flood Damage-Resistant Materials
AQ303.1 Flood damage-resistant materials.
Flood damage-resistant materials comply with FEMA Technical Bulletin 2, Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials.
AQ303.2 Location of flood damage-resistant materials.
Building components and materials located below the increase to base flood elevation as determined by the local jurisdiction in accordance with AQ302.1 shall be flood damage-resistant as defined by Section AQ303.1.
AQ303.3 Fasteners and connectors used for flood damage-resistant materials.
Fasteners and connectors used for flood damage-resistant materials to be made of stainless steel, hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, mechanically deposited-zinc coated, silicon bronze or copper. Copper fasteners shall not be permitted for use in conjunction with steel.
Chapter AQ4 High-Wind Resistive Construction
Section AQ401 General
AQ401.1 Applications.
Buildings, and parts thereof shall be designed to withstand the minimum wind loads and meet the opening protection requirements of IBC Section 1609 as modified in this chapter. Wind Load Option A, B or C shall be selected. Table AQ401.1 may be used to assist in the selection of an appropriate Wind Load Option.
OPTION | DESIGN WIND EVENT | Risk Category II1 | Risk Category III2 | Risk Category IV1 | ||||||
Target Performance Level2 | Min Wind Speed Vult | Wind-Borne Debris | Target Performance Level2 | Min Wind Speed Vult | Wind-Borne Debris | Target Performance Level | Min Wind Speed Vult | Wind-Borne Debris | ||
A | EF0 & 1 Tornado – IBC level Hurricane | CP3 | IBC 1609.3 | IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7 | CP3 | IBC 1609.3 | IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7 | CP3 | IBC 1609.3 | IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7 |
LS | Glazing | IO5 | Glazing | |||||||
B | EF2 Tornado – Cat 3 Hurricane | CP3 for EF0–EF1–IBC Hurricane for Risk Cat. III/IV | IBC 1609.3 for Risk Cat. III/IV | IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7 | LS | 145 mph | Req’d for glazing per IBC 1609.2 and ASCE 7 | IO5 | 145 mph | Exterior Envelope |
C | EF3 Tornado – Cat 4 Hurricane | CP3 Hurricane for Risk Cat. III/IV | IBC 1609.3 for Risk Cat. III/IV | IBC 1609.2 or ASCE 7 | LS | 170 mph | Req’d for glazing per IBC 1609.2 and ASCE 7 | IO5 | 170 mph | Exterior Envelope |
Notes:
- 1.
Risk Category per IBC Section 1604.5
- 2.
Performance Levels:
-
CP: Collapse Prevention
-
LS: Life Safety
-
IO: Immediate Occupancy
-
OB: Operational Building
-
- 3.
LS for occupants away from exterior envelope. IO for storm shelters or safe rooms.
- 4.
See Section AQ401 and Section AQ403 for additional limitations and criteria.
- 5.
OB for building or an internal area within a building designed to ICC-500 or FEMA 361.
AQ401.2 Limitations.
The following limitations shall apply to the design and construction of buildings with respect to winds.
AQ401.2.1 Empirical masonry.
The empirical masonry provisions in IBC Section 2109 or Chapter 5 of TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5 shall not be permitted to be used for the wind load resisting elements of buildings, or parts of buildings or other structures.
AQ401.2.2 Unreinforced (plain) masonry.
The unreinforced masonry provisions in IBC Section 2109 or sections 2.2, 3.2 or 8.2 of TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5 shall not be permitted to be used for the wind load resisting elements of buildings, or parts of buildings or other structures.
AQ401.2.3 Conventional light-frame construction.
The conventional light-frame constriction provisions in IBC Section 2308 shall not be permitted to be used for the wind load resisting elements of buildings, or parts of buildings or other structures.
Exception: Compliance with AF&PA WFCM shall be permitted subject to the limitations therein and the limitations of this appendix.
Section AQ402 Definitions and Notations
AQ402.1 General.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2 of the International Building Code:
CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION.
MASONARY.
Unreinforced (plain) masonry.
WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION.
Vult.
Section AQ403 Wind Loads
AQ403.1 Wind Directionality Factor.
The directionality factor for Wind Option B and C shall be taken as 1.0.
AQ403.2 Exposure.
Wind pressures for Wind Option B and C shall be based on exposure category C or D in accordance with IBC Section 1609.4 or ASCE 7.
AQ403.3 Enclosure classification.
The enclosure classification shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7 with the largest door or window on a wall that receives positive external pressure considered as an opening.
AQ403.4 Continuous operation of Risk Category IV buildings.
When a building or an internal area within a building in Risk Category IV is required to remain operational during a design wind event (target performance level OB), that building or that internal area shall be designed in accordance with ICC-500 or FEMA- 361.
Section AQ404 Wind Load Option A
AQ404.1 Basic wind speed.
The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Section 1609.3.
AQ404.2 Debris Hazard and Protection of Openings.
Buildings shall be designed for impact resistance in accordance with IBC Section 1609.2 or ASCE 7.
Exceptions:
- 1.
For Risk Category III buildings with a Life Safety target performance level for the entire building, the exterior glazing shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996.
- 2.
For Risk Category IV buildings with an Immediate Occupancy target performance level for the entire building, the exterior glazing shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996 for Enhanced Protection.
Section AQ405 Wind Load Option B
AQ405.1 Basic wind speed.
The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category I buildings and structures shall be obtained from 0 Section 1609.3. The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category II buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1). The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category III and IV buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1) or 135 mph, whichever is greater.
AQ405.2 Debris Hazard and Protection of Openings.
Buildings shall be designed for impact resistance in accordance with this Section in addition to IBC Section 1609.2 or ASCE 7.
Exception:
- 1.
For Risk Category IV buildings, all components of the exterior envelope shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996 for Enhanced Protection.
Section AQ406 Wind Load Option C
AQ406.1 Basic wind speed.
The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category I buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Section 1609.3. The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category II buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1). The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for use in the design of Risk Category III and IV buildings and structures shall be obtained from IBC Figure 1609.3(1) or 170 mph, whichever is greater.
AQ406.2 Debris Hazard and Protection of Openings.
Buildings shall be designed for impact resistance in accordance with this Section in addition to IBC Section 1609.2 or ASCE 7.
Exception:
- 1.
For Risk Category IV buildings, all components of the exterior envelope shall be impact resistant or be protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of ASTM E1996 for Enhanced Protection.
CHAPTER AQ5 Storm Shelters, Safe Rooms and Best Available Refuge Areas
Section AQ501 General
AQ501.1 General.
This section applies to the location and construction of storm shelters and safe rooms when constructed as separate detached buildings or as internal areas within buildings for the purpose of providing safe refuge for storms that produce high winds, such as tornados and hurricanes, and to the selection of best available refuge areas. Storm shelters shall be designed and constructed in accordance with IBC Section 423. Safe rooms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with FEMA 361. Storm shelters, safe rooms, and best available refuge areas shall be located on an accessible route.
Exception: Residential Safe Rooms and safe rooms serving a Business Group B Occupancy and having an occupant load not exceeding 16 persons may be constructed in accordance with FEMA 320.
AQ501.2 Occupant load.
The occupant load for storm shelters and safe rooms shall be determined by ICC 500 and FEMA 361 respectively.
AQ501.3 Construction documents.
Construction documents for buildings containing a storm shelter or safe room shall include the information required in ICC 500 or FEMA 361 respectively. Construction documents for buildings with access to a remote community storm shelter or safe room shall indicate the location of and access to the community storm shelter or safe room. Construction documents for buildings not containing or without access to a remote storm shelter or safe room, shall indicate the best available refuge area.
AQ501.4 Signage.
The location(s) of storm shelters, safe rooms or the best available refuge area(s) shall be clearly marked with a permanent sign.
Section AQ502 Definitions and Notations
AQ502.1 Definitions.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2 of the International Building Code:
DWELLING UNITS.
OCCUPANT LOAD.
STORM SHELTER.
Community Storm Shelter.
Community Storm Shelter.
BEST AVAILABLE REFUGE AREAS.
Areas in a building that have been deemed by a registered design professional to likely offer the greatest safety for building occupants during a tornado or hurricane. Because these areas were not specifically designed as storm shelters or safe rooms, their occupants may be injured or killed during a tornado or hurricane. However, people in the best available refuge areas are less likely to be injured or killed than people in other areas of a building.
SAFE ROOM.
A building, structure or portions thereof, constructed in accordance with FEMA 361 and designed for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hurricane or tornado.
Community Safe Room.
A safe room not defined as a “Residential Safe Room”
Residential Safe Room.
A safe room serving occupants of dwelling units and having an occupant load not exceeding 16 persons.
Section AQ503 Best Available Refuge Areas
AQ503.1 General.
Best available refuge area occupants may be injured or killed during a tornado or hurricane. However, people in the best available refuge areas are less likely to be injured or killed than people in other areas of a building.
AQ503.2 Occupant Density.
The minimum required floor area per occupant for best available refuge area(s) shall be determined in accordance with ICC 500 Table 501.1.1.
AQ503.3 Identification of best available refuge areas.
Best available refuge areas shall be identified by a registered design professional in accordance with the Wind Hazard Checklist of FEMA 361, Appendix B and FEMA P-431.
Section AQ504 Applicability
AQ504.1 Required storm shelters or safe rooms.
- 1.
All new kindergarten through 12th grade schools with 50 or more occupants in total, per school, shall have a storm shelter or safe room.
- 2.
All new 911 call stations, emergency operation centers, and fire, rescue, ambulance, and police stations shall have a storm shelter or safe room.
Chapter AQ6 Resources
Section AQ601 Contacts
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Construction Codes
Georgia State Amendments to the State Minimum Standard Codes
dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/construction-codes
Phone: 404-679-3118
Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Floodplain Management
4220 International Parkway, Ste. 101, Atlanta, GA 30354-3902
Phone: 404-675-1757
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
www.fema.gov; www.floodsmart.gov
www.fema.gov/rebuild/buildingscience/
FEMA Publications and Technical Bulletins:
www.fema.gov/library/index.jsp
www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/techbul.shtm
Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)
Georgia Office of Homeland Security
P.O. Box 18055
Atlanta, GA 30316-0055
Phone: 404-635-7000
Georgia Association of Regional Commissions (GARC)
http://garc.ga.gov/main.php?Regional-Commissions-2
(for assistance in identifying Flood Hazard Areas)
International Code Council (ICC)
National Weather Service
State Fire Marshal’s Office
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Suite 920 / West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Phone: 404-656-7087
Section AQ602 Emergency Inspection Kitb
- ☐
Staff’s disaster response management plan
- ☐
Team contact list
- ☐
Area maps
- ☐
Official identification
- ☐
Personal identification
- ☐
Inspection forms and placards
- ☐
Communication equipment
- ☐
Clipboard
- ☐
Hard hat
- ☐
Orange safety vest
- ☐
Dust mask
- ☐
Work gloves
- ☐
Steel toe and waterproof boots
- ☐
Whistle
- ☐
First aid kit
- ☐
Latex gloves
- ☐
Safety glasses
- ☐
Sunglasses
- ☐
Pocket knife
- ☐
Matches
- ☐
Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- ☐
Insect repellant (w/ Deet or Picaridin)
- ☐
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
- ☐
Camera
- ☐
Black markers
- ☐
Pens & pencils
- ☐
Envelope for expense receipts
- ☐
Compass, GPS unit
- ☐
Backpack, waistpack
- ☐
Flashlight and extra batteries
- ☐
Battery-operated radio
- ☐
Duct tape
- ☐
Staples & stapler
- ☐
Staple gun
- ☐
Calculator
- ☐
Tire repair kit
Remember to grab:
- ☐
Personal identification
- ☐
Rain gear, extra clothing
- ☐
Water bottle
- ☐
Prescription medication
- ☐
Cell phone and charger
- ☐
Cash for personal expenses
- ☐
Toiletries
(b) Disaster Mitigation: A Guide for Building Departments by the International Code Council, Inc., copyright 2009
Section AQ603 Safety Tipsa
- 1.
Always travel in teams of at least two people.
- 2.
Always wear a hard hat, gloves, goggles, safety vest, and dust masks.
- 3.
Always wear safety shoes capable of protecting the toes and bottom of the foot.
- 4.
Survey the building exterior completely before entering.
- 5.
Enter building only if authorized and if deemed safe to do so.
- 6.
Be alert for falling objects.
- 7.
In case of fire, injuries or victims, evacuate the area and alert the fire department immediately.
- 8.
Avoid downed power lines and buildings under them or water surrounding them.
- 9.
In case of gas leaks, shut off the gas (if possible) and report the leak.
- 10.
In a flood situation, have a “walking stick.”
(a) When Disaster Strikes by the International Code Council, Inc., Seventh Printing: November 2011, copyright 2007
Section AQ604 Major Disaster Process (from link https://www.fema.gov/disaster-declaration-process)
A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:
- •
Incident occurs and local government responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance;
Generally the local government will issue a local state of emergency
- •
The State responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;
Prior to committing state resources, the Governor will declare a state of emergency in the counties impacted by the event for which assistance is needed.
- •
Damage assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determine losses and recovery needs;
Generally the locals will submit a preliminary damage assessment to the State and the State will review and determine if state and/or federal assistance is needed. If federal assistance is needed, the state will request FEMA perform a preliminary joint damage assessment. If the Governor determines that the incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and the affected local governments then supplementary Federal assistance is requested (next step).
- •
A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the Governor, based on the damage assessment, and agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;
- •
FEMA evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state’s ability to recover;
- •
The President approves the request or FEMA informs the Governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.
Section AQ605 Sample Evaluation Forms and Inspection Placardsb
Chapter AQ7 References
REFERENCED STANDARDS
ASCE Standards ASCE/SEI 24-14 Flood Resistant Design and Construction
FEMA P-320, Fourth Edition / December 2014 Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room For Your Home or Small Business, Includes Construction Plans and Cost Estimates
FEMA 361, Third Edition / March 2015 Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms
FEMA P-431, Second Edition/October 2009 Tornado Protection: Selecting Refuge Areas in Buildings
FEMA Technical Bulletin 2, Table 2. Types, Uses, and Classifications of Materials
REFERENCED STANDARDS
- (a)
When Disaster Strikes by the International Code Council, Inc., Seventh Printing: November 2011, copyright 2007
- (b)
Disaster Mitigation: A Guide for Building Departments by the International Code Council, Inc., copyright 2009