Resources for Residential Builders on Disaster Recovery
On this page you'll find brief descriptions and links for residential builders to learn more about national and regional resources, disaster preparedness, flood and mold cleanup, tools and training, and building design.
Research conducted by DOE and others has resulted in proven methods for building homes that are energy efficient and less vulnerable to hurricane and flood damage. These resources support the application of energy-efficient, cost-effective, and durable rebuilding strategies. Please view the Resources for State and Local Officials and the Resources for Consumers for additional relevant information.
National Resources
Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 1: Builders and Buyers Handbook for Improving New Home Efficiency, Comfort, and Durability in the Hot and Humid Climate — Helps builders develop durable, comfortable homes that achieve 30% energy savings in space conditioning and water heating in hot and humid climates.
National Association of Home Builders Disaster Resources — How to contribute to the recovery effort, help reestablish businesses, and help the community rebuild and repair homes.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy — Provides comprehensive information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy.
Regional Resources
Disaster Contractor's Network - Florida — Helps connect contractors and homeowners/business owners before, during, and after disasters strike.
Disaster Preparedness
Fortified... for safer living® Program — Details construction, design, and landscaping guidelines that can increase a new home's resistance to natural disasters. Enter your zip code to view building recommendations from the foundation to the roof.
"S" Marks the Spot — New hurricane protection guide focuses on five areas of the home (soffits, shingles, shutters, seals and surroundings) where engineers noted frequent weaknesses under high wind conditions.
Keep Wind and Water Out: A Guide to High Wind Protection — Outlines various shutter materials and explains how to install them so windows and doors are well protected from hurricane-force winds. Find your community on the wind speed map.
FEMA: Home Builder's Guide to Coastal Construction Technical Fact Sheet Series — Provides technical guidance and recommendations for constructing coastal residential buildings, including information on improving the performance of buildings subject to flood and wind forces in coastal environments.
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes — A nonprofit that promotes life safety, property protection, and economic well-being by strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters.
Flood and Mold Cleanup
FEMA Recovering From and Coping with Flood Damaged Property — Provides information on how to deal with flood damaged items, removing mold from your home, and how to check for hazards.
FEMA Rebuild Smarter and Stronger — Tips for how to make your home or business property less susceptible to future losses.
Flood Damage Assessment: Procedures for Cleaning Out a House or Building Following a Flood — Discusses flood water damage and recovery and provides basic clean-up procedures, including warnings on what to do before beginning clean-up efforts.
Building Media Inc.: Education — A resource for the building industry that provides construction education with e-learning software, distance training, Web site content, and interactive software and database management services.
Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings — Includes information on how to care for wet plaster, problems with foundations, treatment for saturated wood-framed walls and floors, exterior paint problems, cleaning out mud, and where to go for assistance.
Flood Cleanup - Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems — Discusses problems caused by microbial growth, as well as other potential effects of flooding, on long-term indoor air quality and the steps that can be taken to lessen these effects.
Checklist for Tornado/Hurricane Damaged Structure Inspection — Describes the damage signs that should be noted for a wood frame structure (exterior and interior), steel frame or load bearing walls, or concrete frame or slab.
Water Damage Recovery Guide — Will help you understand how to properly prevent, or deal with, water damage in your home following a natural disaster or other moisture-related problem.
Louisiana Floods — What you need to know in the event of a flood, including flood proofing your home, cleaning up after the flood, and funding sources for flood proofing.
Tools and Training
Software Tools and Training — Resources offered by the Building Technologies Program on energy efficiency technologies and practices.
Building Media Inc.: Education — A resource for the building industry that provides construction education with e-learning software, distance training, Web site content, and interactive software and database management services.
Additional Information
Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA-213/May 1991 — Answers many of the questions regarding FEMA regulations and policy on substantial improvement as it applies to damaged structures.
A Guide to Deconstruction: An Overview of Destruction with a Focus on Community Development Opportunities — U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's guide on the selective dismantling or removal of materials from buildings before or instead of some elements of demolition.