Disaster Assistance Handbook

Architects support communities before and after disaster; creating more resilient, sustainable, equitable and healthy places and spaces

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The fourth edition of the Disaster Assistance Handbook addresses disaster response and preparedness, with an expanded section on mitigation, resilience, and long-term recovery.

"Citizen Architects" assist their communities through service on boards and commissions before and after a disaster to plan for hazardous events, ensure building codes are updated, and advise on responsible land use that will allow businesses and communities to assume operations more quickly after a disaster.

In a state of emergency, architects and engineers work together to determine the habitability of homes and businesses, preventing further harm and injury to unsuspecting residents.

This handbook will:

  • help architects better understand their role and how to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters
  • prepare AIA Component staff to engage and coordinate their architect members and provide community discourse and assistance
  • explain how built environment professionals can work with architects and the community on disaster response and preparedness efforts
  • inform municipal governments of the unique ways architects assist the public and their clients in mitigating, responding to and recovering from disasters

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AIA