Building codes are a crucial element of disaster recovery

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, civic leaders on the national and state levels recognize the importance of strong building codes for pre- and post-disaster mitigation

Washington, D.C. – Modern, regularly updated building codes are the key to preparing for and recovering quickly from a disaster. Studies consistently show that the adoption and implementation of current building codes is one of the nation’s strongest defenses against natural disasters and is a cost effective way of protecting what for many is their most important investment – their home or business.

The International Codes (I-Codes), developed by the International Code Council, are a family of modern, comprehensive and coordinated building codes used in all 50 states, in federal buildings, U.S. military bases, U.S. embassies abroad and in many other countries around the globe. They are updated regularly and take into account the latest health and safety technology and building science advancements.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, one of the most destructive storms to ever hit Florida, state and federal leaders are speaking out about the importance of strong building codes for pre- and post-disaster mitigation.

Florida Governor Rick Scott on October 15: “After every event, you always go back and look what you can do better. After Andrew, the codes changed dramatically in our state. Every time something like this happens, you have to say to yourself, ‘Is there something we can do better?’”

In describing the “key to resiliency in this country,” Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long said on October 12: “Local officials and state officials are going to have to do something proactively to start passing building codes to high standards.” He continued, “Building codes, resiliency, pre-disaster mitigation is the answer.”

On October 12, Florida Senator Bill Nelson shared: “I just came from Panama City and Mexico Beach. It is unlike any other hurricane that I have seen, except Hurricane Andrew, which was 1992 south of Miami. It leveled Homestead, Florida. This leveled all of the structures that were old in Mexico Beach. They are rubble. The newer ones under the building code stood up.”

In describing the increased risk of “more and stronger hurricanes down the road,” Florida Senator Marco Rubio on October 16 said: “That’s why we have to improve building codes and do all sorts of work in infrastructure to adapt to that new reality. We’re going to have to do it from an economic perspective.”

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush on October 11: “Florida did something that was really important when I was governor. The legislature passed the strongest building code in the country, and we are constantly looking at this. You’ll see this when cameras get back into these areas. The new building code housing won’t be damaged next to places that will be completely destroyed.”

For resources on building codes and disaster mitigation, click here.

To download a guide about the I-Codes and the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, recently passed by the U.S. Congress, click here.