NPR reports that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been ordered by the Trump Administration to stop helping communities set building codes aimed to make homes and businesses more likely to survive disasters like hurricanes, wildfires and earthquakes. For example, in Florida after Hurricane Andrew, a team from FEMA noted that homes built with metal straps securing the roof faired much better. Florida adopted the recommendation and one study showed the losses from wind damage in the state dropped by 72 percent over 10 years. "Studies show most building codes for floods and other hazards add 1 or 2% to the construction cost of a new home," NPR reports.

To help homes survive more intense disasters, FEMA has been developing recommendations for stronger building codes. The Trump Administration has pulled them back.[image or embed]

-- NPR (@npr.org) February 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM