Federal disaster policy should shift its focus toward mitigation in order to reduce future disaster costs, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies says. The industry group recommends that the federal government create incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong building codes.
“For decades, Congress has provided insufficient funding for disaster relief and then added funds in the middle of fiscal years,” Robert Detlefsen, vice president of public policy for NAMIC, told the Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management. “Merely hoping the weather cooperates and relying on luck are not the ways to establish FEMA’s disaster relief budget.”
NAMIC and the BuildStrong Coalition are advocating for the Safe Building Code Incentive Act, which provides additional post-disaster grant money to states that adopt and enforce a model statewide building code.
"There is overwhelming scientific evidence to support the conclusion that statewide building codes save lives and greatly reduce property damage and the subsequent need for federal disaster aid," Detlefsen said. He noted that a study by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that for every $1 spent to make buildings stronger, the American taxpayer saves $4 in federal disaster assistance.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2018
Coalition of mayors around the globe pledge net-zero buildings by 2030
New construction to produce as much energy as it consumes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 5, 2018
New White Paper on Metal Panel Fire Safety Released
Has detailed information for insulation, fire safety requirements in U.S., other countries.
Codes and Standards | Aug 31, 2018
Trade war could make adaptive reuse more attractive
Higher cost of building materials could make rehab a better financial bet.
Codes and Standards | Aug 30, 2018
Metrics should guide strategy for schools seeking LEED certification
Assessing current status helps direct where improvements can have greatest impact.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2018
The 2018 IAPMO solar and swimming pool codes now available
For installation and inspection of public and private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2018
New York’s green roof program needs reform
Despite incentives, few owners add vegetative roofs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2018
Resilience, sustainability emphasized in plans for new 23,000-acre city in the Philippines
“A backup for when Manila fails.”
Codes and Standards | Aug 23, 2018
Cities promote deconstruction of old homes with mixed results
Market factors complicate efforts to recycle material from old structures.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2018
Oregon is first state to change building code to allow tall mass timber buildings
Statewide alternate method allows early technical consideration and approval.
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2018
First mass timber panel made from structural composite lumber gets APA certification
Said to be much more cost effective than CLT options.