The Federal Emergency Management Agency is highlighting the significance of implementing hazard-resistant building codes to protect communities against the growing threat of natural disasters.
As part of National Construction Safety Month, the organization urges people to adopt up-to-date construction rules, according to a May 1 news release. The theme of this year's campaign, "It Starts with You," emphasizes the importance of adopting current, frequently updated construction rules while also educating people about the steps necessary to design secure, long-lasting structures.
“One of the most effective ways to safeguard our communities against natural disasters is to adopt and follow hazard-resistant building codes," FEMA Regional Administrator Tom Sivak said in the release. "As climate change causes more frequent, intense weather events, smart construction codes and standards have become imperative to saving lives, protecting property and building disaster resilience in the places we call home."
To make a house stronger and safer, elevate and anchor the important utilities, such as electrical panels, propane tanks, outlets, wiring, appliances and heating systems, to lessen the chance that floodwaters would damage them, the release reported.
To secure a basement, install a water alarm and keep a functional sump pump, the release suggested. Install a backup pump that runs on batteries in case the power goes out. Installing a back-flow valve is another option to help direct water and sewage backup away from your property.
To lessen the likelihood of glass breaking from flying debris, think about adding storm shutters, shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass, the release said..
Fortify the roof by re-adhering loose shingles, considering impact-resistant shingles and installing strapping to anchor the roof framing to wall framings to keep the roof from lifting off, the release reported.
Many insurance policies also offer risk reduction measure incentives, according to the release. For example, the National Flood Insurance Program can cover up to $1,000 in reasonable expenses in the protection of an insured property.
You can check websites like InspectToProtect.org to learn what laws your neighborhood has passed to protect you, the release reported. Reach out to your community's decision-makers once you have this knowledge to put changes into place that will make your neighborhood safer and more resilient.
