Local Building Codes Sometimes Fail to Address Disaster Threats
In some areas, local building codes ignore real threats, says the author of a new book on designing for disaster resiliency. For example, in some areas of the country at risk for tornados, codes do not include standards that would help a home withstand them.
Some builders do take necessary steps to boost resiliency whether codes require them or not. For example, homes built to stand up to flooding typically include back flow valves to prevent sewage from backing up into the house. Some new homes can harvest their own drinking water, enabling owners to use their taps if there is a utility outage.
Builders who go the extra mile for resiliency include such features as anchored foundations, lateral wall bracing, roof tie-downs, and impact-resistant windows and garage doors.