Sources of Information on Flood-Resistant Design and Construction1
Introduction
The primary purpose of the publications referenced in this article is to assist engineers, architects, contractors, and property owners in locating detailed information on how to design and construct flood-resistant buildings and structures.
Appropriate design and construction practices are necessary for any site development, including new and substantially improved structures. Requests for information on construction requirements should be directed to the community. The state National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator and the appropriate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regional offices will also provide relevant information.
FEMA offers a wide array of materials for land development professionals and designated communities regarding NFIP construction requirements in identified flood-prone areas. The following list is an overview of a number of FEMA materials related to flood-resistant design and construction.
Online FEMA Resources
https://www.fema.gov/resources-home-builders-developers-and-construction-professionals
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1459-20490-1112/fema489_chap2.pdf
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1538-20490-2983/fema499web_2.pdf
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1537-20490-6166/fema499_9_1.pdf
Other FEMA Resources
FEMA resources are available for ordering via telephone, toll-free, at 1-800-480-2520.
Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction, FEMA-15
Elevated Residential Structures, FEMA-54
Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA-55
Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazard, FEMA-85
Floodproofing Non-Residential Structures. FEMA-102
Retrofitting Flood-Prone Residential Structures, FEMA-114
Reducing Losses in High Risk Flood Hazard Areas: A Guide for Local Officials, FEMA-116
Answers to Questions About Substantially Damaged Buildings, FEMA-213
Repairing Your Flooded Home, FEMA-234
Mitigation of Flood and Erosion Damage to Residential Buildings in Coastal Areas, FEMA-257
Guide to Flood Maps. A how-to booklet for reading Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS), FEMA-258
Flood Emergency and Residential Repair Handbook, FEMA-13*
Engineering Principles and Practices for Retrofitting Flood Prone Residential Buildings, FEMA-259
Managing Floodplain Development in Approximate Zone A Areas: A Guide for Obtaining and Developing Base (100-Year) Flood Elevations, FEMA-265
Protecting Floodplain Resources, FEMA-268
Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding, FEMA-312
*Note: FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency; FIMA is the Flood Insurance and Mitigation Administration, a division of FEMA.