Updates from AIA's Disaster Assistance Program

This page will be updated as new information arises - Last updated February 8, 2023

AIA and its architects, often serving as volunteers, assist communities following disasters. Updates regarding AIA's activities in disaster areas, resources, and volunteer opportunities are below. Please contact resilience@aia.org if you have any additional questions, or if your community needs support following a disaster, don't hesitate to contact resilience@aia.org.

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

On Monday, February 6, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck parts of Turkey and Syria. A second 7.5 magnitude quake struck 9 hours later, with more than 40 aftershocks occurring since the first earthquake. Search and rescue operations are still underway in below-freezing conditions. We will update this page as more opportunities to provide response and recovery support become available. In the meantime, consider donating to trusted organizations currently supporting response efforts.

Organizations recommended by members in Turkey:

Preparing for the next disaster

Building safety assessment training

City staff (including building inspectors) are often overstretched during response efforts and rely on volunteers to help communities return home quickly. The AIA Safety Assessment Program (SAP) training provides the specialized knowledge and technical skills to architects, engineers, and building inspectors to determine if a home or other building is safe and habitable post-disaster. Email resilience@aia.org to be alerted of future trainings.

Learn more about SAP trainings >

Disaster Assistance Handbook

Packed with case studies, resources, and tools to guide architects, government officials, and emergency managers, refer to the fourth edition of the Disaster Assistance Handbook to address hazard mitigation, emergency preparation, disaster response, and recovery.

Download handbook >

Resilient Project Process Guide

The Resilient Project Process Guide presents a series of questions for architects to engage clients and additional resources for architects to act upon. Organized by project phase, the guide identifies the points at which resilience and climate adaptation goals layer into specific design solutions.

Download the guide >

Recent disasters

Check back here next time a disaster occurs to learn more about how you can support affected communities.

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