FEMA REGION IV (BUILDING SCIENCE FACT SHEET 1 OF 2): FEMA Building Science Considerations for Risk MAP

This fact sheet outlines the role of FEMA's Building Science Branch in supporting disaster resilience through multi-hazard mitigation guidance, technical support, and outreach. It details how Building Science resources integrate with Risk MAP products to help communities, officials, and building professionals understand and mitigate flood risks, comply with NFIP requirements, and adopt or exceed model building codes and standards. The document highlights best practices such as freeboard, eliminating enclosures below elevated buildings, and regulating Coastal A Zone construction to VE Zone standards. It is tailored for stakeholders in FEMA Region IV but provides broadly applicable strategies for improving building performance and resilience against flooding.