In the aftermath of a disaster, the last thing anyone wants to think about is whether their home or business complies with building codes. But the truth is, building codes play a critical role in disaster resilience, both in terms of preventing damage and promoting speedy recovery.
In the United States, building codes are typically developed at the state or local level. This can make it difficult to know what to expect in terms of code enforcement after a disaster. In Tennessee and Northern Alabama, building code enforcement is the responsibility of the local government.
There are a few different ways that building codes can help promote disaster resilience. First, codes can help to prevent damage by requiring structures to be built to certain standards. This is particularly important in areas that are susceptible to severe weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes.
Second, building codes can help facilitate recovery after a disaster by providing a roadmap for rebuilding. This is especially important in the case of major disasters like hurricanes, where large-scale rebuilding is often necessary.
Finally, building codes can help to ensure that new construction is compatible with existing infrastructure. This is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons.
Building codes are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to disaster resilience. But they play an important role in protecting property and promoting recovery after a disaster.
Sources:
https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/building-codes/
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1914-25045-0102/fema_p-499_ch2.pdf