The First Facility Management Blog

The International Code Council and the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are teaming up to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural disasters. A memorandum of understanding calls for FEMA and the Code Council to support the maintenance, adoption, outreach, training, and enforcement of disaster-resistant building safety codes to reduce human and economic losses resulting from natural hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and flooding.

“Our agreement with FEMA addresses the role of First Preventers, code and fire officials who prevent harm by ensuring compliance with building safety codes before a disaster occurs,” said Code Council Immediate Past President Steve Shapiro, who called for creating the Council’s Disaster Support Program. “Our members also have the experience and capability to provide help to communities during those moments when skilled extra hands are needed during response and recovery from natural disasters. Code compliance and permits are vital to a community’s safety.”

“Hurricane Katrina taught us some valuable lessons about partnerships,” said FEMA Administrator David Paulison. “Our pre-disaster partnerships are key and this new, formalized partnership with ICC will go a long way toward making America safer. Mitigation—reducing disaster losses before events strike—is more important than ever in today’s economy. Small investments now will provide big returns when disasters do strike. We’re glad to be partnering with the Code Council. Bringing together all of the energy, creativity, and knowledge our two organizations represent is a big step forward in reducing America’s risk profile.”

Under the agreement, the Code Council will provide direct assistance to FEMA on a range of programs designed to reduce losses during natural disasters. FEMA will participate in the Council’s code development process, using its data to help develop future codes that increase public safety. The organizations also will jointly develop a strategy to promote code adoption to enhance disaster resistance in the built environment.

FEMA and the Code Council have a history of cooperating successfully to enhance public safety. FEMA was one of the first federal agencies to recognize the benefits of model building codes and to participate in the code development process. The two organizations worked together to incorporate the National Flood Insurance Program floodplain management regulations and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Recommended Provisions in safety codes developed by the Council.

This Web Exclusive comes from Bill Begal, 2007 Phoenix Award winner for innovation in restoration and president of Begal Enterprises, Inc. This collection of “best practices” is based on Begal’s experiences with past clients. So while it may seem like common sense, it could help businesses or individuals who have never faced such a massive loss.

Begal adds, “The purpose [of these tips] is to assist any friends, family members, or associates that may have flood damage and are not sure of what to do, where to turn, or even where to begin.”

• Get a notebook and keep track of any and all dates, times, and persons that you talk to in regards to your claim.
• Get a copy of your insurance policy. This will define and determine your limits as well as your rights and responsibilities to and from your insurance company.
• Speak/sit down with your adjuster.
• Define who is taking responsibility for your loss.
• What are your responsibilities and duties to comply as well as make a smooth and seamless process?
• Ask what is the process for listing and valuating your T/L (total loss) personal property. Do not throw ANYTHING away; everything has value.
• Follow up EVERY meeting and conversation with an e-mail to memorialize and capture what was discussed and might have been agreed to. This will eliminate confusion and misunderstandings later on.
• Define and get an explanation of what is necessary to be reimbursed for any lost rent or interruption of business.
• Ask your adjuster for a sufficient advance for purchases that are necessary. Include enough money to assist with your first month and security deposit for a temporary dwelling.
• Save ALL receipts for any and all meals, hotels, purchases, toiletries, vitamins, cosmetics etc.
• Wear personal protective equipment if you are entering a disaster zone: gloves, hard hat, approved respirator, Tyvek suit, etc.
• Refer to the EPA Web site to answer questions on mold and how to clean or disinfect properly.
• NEVER EVER open a refrigerator or freezer that has been off for more than a week to 10 days. The smell will knock you over.
• DO NOT TAKE ANY FOOD, PRESCRIPTIONS, or COSMETICS FROM THE BUILDING that have gotten wet or been exposed to an unusual amount of moisture or heat.
• ALWAYS remember that it is your decision, NOT the adjusters, as to which service provider can assist you.
• NO ONE can demand or force you to use a particular company at any time for any reason.
• Check references for any and all companies that you retain to perform work on your behalf.

Begal, who is based in Rockville, MD, regularly assists those who are dealing with the aftermath of a disaster, and acknowledges, “The recovery process can be overwhelming when all you have appears to be damaged or ruined.” His company is currently preparing to mobilize labor and equipment with in the next week, as national clients have requested assistance in different areas in Iowa and Missouri. He can be contacted directly toll-free at 888-BEGAL44.