Fire Protection Research Foundation report: "Disaster Resiliency and NFPA Codes and Standards" (PDF, 2 MB)
Author: Kenneth W. Dungan, P.E., Performance Design Technologies
Date of issue: December 2014
Introduction
The literature review provides relevant extracts from a variety of sources and is intended to include a pathway for understanding how the concepts of resilience could apply to the wide range of NFPA codes and standards. The mapping is intended to be both a benchmarking of the current codes and standards and an identification of a path forward for incorporating resilience concepts. The gap assessment is intended to identify knowledge gaps or other barriers to implementation.
Currently the focus of the majority of NFPA codes and standards is fire, electrical, and life safety. However, with the introduction of NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code in 2002, the scope of activities expanded to address other design hazards including natural hazards. Likewise, NFPA’s long history in developing documents for the fire service provides a perspective on the emergency response aspect of disaster resilience. As the nation moves forward to incorporate Disaster Resiliency as a national priority, standards organizations will be expected to play a critical and complementary role in achieving that goal.