Design Guide for Improving School Safety in Earthquakes, Floods, and High Winds (FEMA 424)

The focus of this manual is on the safety of school buildings and their occupants, and the economic losses and social disruption caused by building damage and destruction.

This manual is intended as the first of a series of publications (hospitals, multifamily dwellings, commercial buildings, and light industrial facilities to follow) to provide guidance for the protection of school buildings from natural disasters. This volume concentrates on grade schools, K-12. FEMA 424 covers earthquakes, floods, and high winds. Its intended audience is design professionals and school officials involved in the technical and financial decisions of school construction, repair, and renovations

FEMA 424 introduces two core concepts: multihazard design and performance-based design. Neither of these is revolutionary, but represent an evolution in design thinking that is in tune with the increasing complexity of today’s buildings and also takes advantage of developments and innovations in building technology. It also outlines the steps necessary in the creation of a specific risk management plan for protection against earthquakes, floods, and high winds. Visit the website to download all or part of this manual.