Bridging The Gap - Connecting Resilient Housing Research with Informed Buyer's Behaviour

Iceland Mountain & Mist (photo by V.A. McMillan, October 2023)

 

Today, I will share an article initially written to be submitted to the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management (CJEM). It was a very valuable experience, especially as my scholastic phase was coming to an end; to experience writing, submitting, editing, and waiting for the article to be reviewed and either accepted or not. Unfortunately, for my first attempt, my article did not achieve the required standard to be published in CJEM. While, I would have been honoured to be published on the first try; it was going through the process to be published that was a very valuable experience. One day in the future, when I have the time on my hands, I will craft future articles and hopefully, I will get published. Thankfully, I have my blogs to publish my works to share with others. 

I have made a couple edits to the submitted draft article. However, even these edits would have been unlikely to have changed the selection process, but they will make this post more complete. Enjoy.

Bridging Gaps – Encouraging Citizen Participation in Requesting Disaster Resilient Structures that Meet FEMA, IBHS, ICLR, & IBC Recommendations 

V. Andrew McMillan

Justice Institute of British Columbia

For

Canadian Journal of Emergency Management

Due Date: January 2023

Bridging Gaps – Encouraging Citizen Participation in Requesting Disaster Resilient Structures that Meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), & Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) Recommendations  

The quintessential question in home structures has always been why don’t homeowners, building owners, and residential renters request structures that are designed and constructed disaster resilient? As end-users of these accommodation structures, should they not have a voice to demand structures that do not fail when disaster strikes? Many emergency management practitioners and academics are familiar with the engineered solutions from organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). This paper will contribute to the greater discussion of bridging structural disaster resilient housing solutions for “disaster proofing” housing. 

Defining the Problem

With increasing severity and frequency of disaster events (United Nations, 2015), the need for structural disaster resiliency should be self-evident. Four of the seven targets identified on UN DRR website (https://www.undrr.org/implementing-sendai-framework/what-sendai-framework) are: reduce disaster mortality, reduce the number of impacted persons, reduce direct economic loss, and reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and basic services. All these targets are positively impacted if disaster resilient structures were the norm, rather than the exception. If the structures where people live, work, or learn are not destroyed by disaster events, fewer people would be injured or killed, recovery time from disasters would be reduced, and economic loss would be minimized. 

FEMA expressed concern that the transfer of knowledge, like solutions to disaster resilient structures, are trapped in research and agency silos and not reaching all audiences (FEMA, 2018)). In addition, agencies supported by the insurance industry, may be missing the opportunity to practice preventative strategies when solutions for designing and constructing resilient structures are not known by home or building owners. The key is to include all stakeholders in defining the problem, for without input from all impacted parties there might be gaps in the solutions devised. See Figure 1 for a Venn diagram of the interconnectedness of stakeholders and the location of the solution zone. 

Figure 1 Stakeholders & Systems

Disasters of the greatest impact to resilient housing structures result from a ‘quadruple threat’ created by wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and severe wind events (McMillan, 2022). The priority is to develop disaster resilient structures that are specifically designed, constructed, and operated to defeat a quadruple threat’s impact on the end-user, as this will ensure a higher survival rate for people and their homes when disaster strikes their community. 

Solutions 

The solutions required to design, construct, and operate disaster resilient homes and other structures in the quadruple threat environment (wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and wind events) span multiple sources (McMillan, 2022). IBHS, ICLR, and IBC share solutions to multiple specific threat vectors developed from their individual research labs. Other sources, like FireSmart (Canada) and FireWise (USA) are focused on wildfire mitigation tactics homeowners can employ to minimize the impacts caused by wildfires. FireSmart targets individual owners, while Firewise targets entire neighbourhoods and communities. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) targets the end-user and have developed a buyer’s guide for resilient homes to positively influence buying habits (2021). Other findings can be summed up for the roofing system, wall and floor system, foundation system and the water management (drainage) system. Solutions for the roofing system are most numerous as the roof is one of the critical systems of a disaster-proofed structure. The hip-styled roof profile enhances aerodynamics and ensures wind resistance (FEMA, 2013; Ginger et al., 2021). A steep pitched roof, 3/12 for water drainage, 4/12 for snow shedding, and 6/12 for hurricane resistance, is recommended for water and wind events (Deltec, 2020; FEMA, 2011). Fireproofed roofs require construction with non-combustible materials while using lightweight material can provide some protection from injuries from earthquakes (Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), 2022; Syphard et al., 2017; ICLR, 2016). Universally, the use of complex roof designs, including skylights, is strongly discouraged as they can be the weakest component of a roofing system to the quadruple threat of fire, water, quakes, and wind disaster elements (FEMA, 2006). 

Moving from the roofing system, the wall and floor system are substantially strengthened when continuous loading is achieved from roof to foundation (Deltec, 2020; FEMA, 2011). Achieving this requires using hurricane straps and hangers to connect trusses to the walls, connecting floor joist hangers to beams, and bolting sill plates to the concrete foundation (Deltec, 2020). Both fire and hurricane shutters rated appropriately can contribute to defending a structure from disaster by covering openings, while preventing firebrands and embers from infiltrating (FEMA, 2013; ICLR 2012/2018). Exterior siding should be constructed from non-combustible, impact resistant materials to offer maximum protection from heat or flame and wind hurled projectiles (FEMA, 2021, Quarles et al., 2010). 

The structural finding for the foundation system focuses mainly on earthquake and flood resilience. The addition of rubber crumb from recycled automotive tires to the concrete poured for footings and foundation can increase the foundation’s capacity to absorb motion (Chiaro et al., 2019). Similarly, structures built in the flood plain would greatly benefit from foundation systems that exclude the use of a basement (Boughton et al., 2017). Alternatively, the use of permanent elevated foundation or amphibious foundations, to get homes above the planned flood level, offer options for structures built in hurricane country (English et al., 2021; FEMA, 2011; Piatek & Wojnowska-Heciak, 2020). 

Finally, the water management system incorporates ideas to get water from the roof and dispersed away from the foundation or footings, as well as to prevent backup of sewage into the structure. This includes keeping roof gutters and downspouts free and clear of debris to prevent water backup inundating the structure in unplanned locations (IBC, 2016). Water falling from the sky or flowing overland are not the only flooding hazards to prepare for. When urban storm water systems are shared with wastewater systems, the opportunity for extreme back pressure is increased during flooding events. The homeowner has a couple of options to combat this threat. First is to ensure a properly sized and operational backflow valve is installed between the home’s sewer line and the city’s sewer system (ICLR, n.d.). This will prevent sewage from being forced into the lowest levels of a home, as the valve only allows movement in one direction, away from the home. The next item is to install a proper sized and functioning sump pump in the lowest level of the structure (IBC, 2016). The one caveat is to ensure the discharge from the sump pump is not re-entering the structure in another location. 

Figure 2 depicts over three dozen solutions that can be adopted at the design stage to improve structural disaster resilience and many of these solutions can be adopted and retrofitted into existing structures to enhance their structural disaster resiliency. 

Figure 2 Infographic -- Solutions (See Appendix for Details)

While some solutions such as fire and wind mitigation solutions are universally beneficial, the infographic is colour-coded to identify the different threats solutions work to mitigate. Thus, solutions in red mitigates fire risk, solutions in blue mitigate water emergencies, solutions in brown mitigate earthquake damage, and solutions in grey mitigate wind events. Readers can assess and determine which solutions is most relevant to combat hazard threat most common to their location. To make an informed decision, the reader or end-user must be aware of the available strategies to increase structural disaster resiliency, which is the goal of the infographic – collecting and sharing as many solutions as practical. 

An uninformed end-user will continue to accept whatever options are available on the market. To modify this purchasing behaviour to one that demands disaster resilient structures will require open dialogue, education, and factual, objective information. Unfortunately, marketing theory suggests that purchases are often influenced heavily by emotional factors. Therefore, it is highly recommended those with marketing expertise must be invited to the discussion of disaster-resilient home structures. While important to ensure building back better after disasters, but more importantly, building homes that can mitigate damage from disaster events. Thereby, increasing the community’s structural disaster resiliency will greatly aid in reducing fatalities, and those negatively impacted by disasters caused by the quadruple threat, including infrastructure and economic losses. 

References 

Boughton, G.N., Falck, D.J., & Henderson, D.J. (2017). Tool to evaluate the resilience of buildings to severe wind events. In H. Hao & C. Zhang (Eds.), Mechanics of structures and materials: Advancements and challenges (pp. 1887-1892). Taylor & Francis Group.

Chiaro, G., Palermo, A., Granello, G., Hernandez, E., Tasalloti, A., Stratford, C., & Banasiak, L.J. (2019). Enhancing the resilience of low-rise buildings: A New Zealand perspective. Society for Earthquake and Civil Engineering Dynamics. https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/handle/10092/17930

Colorado Springs Fire Department (CFSD). (2022). Ignition resistant construction design manual. The City of Colorado Springs. https://www.coswildfireready.org/codes-and-standards#rFblSt

Deltec Homes. (2020, 29 November). Anatomy of hurricane resistant home [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q_iAOSn8uM

English, E.C., Chen, M., Zarins, R., Patange, P., & Wiser, J.C. (2021). Building resilience through flood risk reduction: The benefits of amphibious foundation retrofits to heritage structures. International Journal Architectural Heritage, 15:7, 976-984. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2019.1695154

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH). (2021). Buyer’s guide to resilient homes – How to strengthen your home against natural disasters. https://buyersguidetoresilienthomes.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/9-7-21-Buyers-Guide-to-Resilient-Homes-Final.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2006). FEMA 232: Homebuilders’ guide to earthquake resistant design and construction. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_232_homebuilders-guide-to-earthquake-resistant-design_6-2006.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2011). FEMA P-55 Vol. II: Coastal construction manual – Principles and practices of planning, siting, designing, constructing, and maintaining residential buildings in coastal areas (4^th ed.). https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/publications?name=%22P-55%2C+Coastal+Construction+Manual%3A+Principles+and+Practices+of+Planning%2C+Siting%2C+Designing%2C+Constructing%2C+and+Maintaining+Resi%22

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). Mitigation ideas – A resource for reducing risk to natural hazards. https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/fema-mitigation-ideas_02-13-2013.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2018). A proposed research agenda for the emergency management higher education community. https://training.fema.gov/hiedu/docs/latest/2018_fema_research_agenda_final-508%20(march%202018).pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2021). FEMA P-361: Safe rooms for tornadoes and hurricanes – Guidance for community and residential safe rooms (4^th ed.). https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_safe-rooms-for-tornadoes-and-hurricanes_p-361.pdf

Ginger, J., Parackall, K., Henderson, D., Wehner, M., Ryu, H., & Edwards, M. (2021). Improving the resilience of existing housing to severe wind events – Final project report. Cyclone Testing Station, James Cook University. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/76921_improvingtheresilienceofexistinghou.pdf

Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. (n.d.). Focus on backwater valves. Retrieved on, 09 June 2022, from https://www.iclr.org/wp-content/uploads/PDFS/focus-on-backwater-valves.pdf

Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. (2012/2018). Protect your home from severe wind. https://www.iclr.org/wp-content/uploads/PDFS/ICLR_Severe-wind_2018.pdf

Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. (2016). ICLR’s QuakeSmart program – Protect your home from earthquakes. https://www.iclr.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ICLR_Earthquakes_2016.pdf

Insurance Bureau of Canada. (2016). Water damage – Are you protected? http://assets.ibc.ca/Documents/Brochures/Water-Damage-on-the-Rise.pdf

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. (2011, 25 April). IBHS Research Center ember storm test highlights [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvbNOPSYyss

McMillan, V.A. (2022). Houses of straw, sticks, and bricks: Increasing structural disaster resiliency to wildfires, floods, earthquakes, wind events, and the big bad wolf [Unpublished capstone research project]. Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Piatek, L., & Wojnowska-Heciak, M. (2020). Multicase study comparison of different types of flood-resilient buildings (Elevated, amphibious, and floating) at the Vistula River in Warsaw, Poland. Sustainability, 12(22):9725. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229725

Quarles, S.L., Valachovic, Y., Nakamura, G.M, Nader, G.A., & De LaSaux, M.J. (2010). Home survival in wildfire-prone areas: Building materials and design considerations. Agriculture and Natural Resources, Publication 8393. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8393.pdf

Syphard, A.D., Brennan, T.J., & Keeley, J.E. (2017). The importance of building construction materials relative to other factors affecting structure survival during wildfire. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 21(2017), 140-147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2016.11.011

United Nations. (2015, 23 June). Resolution 69/283. Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015-2030. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/resolutions/N1516716.pdf

Appendix

Thank you for reading this post.

Here are the links to other school projects I have posted on my blogs:

Research Poster:

https://thegoodplanblog.blogspot.com/2023/08/increasing-structural-disaster.html 

Literature Review from 2019

https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/08/beyond-three-little-pigs-creating_29.html

Literature Review from 2022

https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/09/houses-of-straw-sticks-bricks.html

Research Proposal from 2022

https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/10/the-research-proposal-for-houses-of.html

Capstone Research Project 2022

https://mtnmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/11/capstone-research-project-houses-of.html

Keep studying the world around you!!

V.A.M.