The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released an interim policy that would increase the amount of the federal government's cost share in post-disaster repair and reconstruction for public facilities from 75 percent to 85 percent for communities that have already adopted and enforce the two most recent editions of the IBC and IECC (or ASHRAE 90.1). This means that the building safety work you do could bring significantly greater resources to your community during disaster recovery.

Why do updated codes matter? FEMA’s Building Codes Save report noted the IBC helped avoid more than $600 billion in losses, while the National Institute for Building Sciences Mitigation Saves study showed $11 in mitigation savings for every $1 invested. Three national labs found the IECC can reduce extreme heat deaths associated with disaster-induced power outrages by 80 percent, or extreme cold deaths by 30 percent.

FEMA already requires the use of these codes for repair and reconstruction efforts. Providing additional funding for jurisdictions that adopt updated codes recognizes the importance of their mitigation benefits and will incentivize smart planning before disaster strikes.