The International Code Council (ICC) applauds the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s passage of S.3041, disaster recovery reform legislation. Modeled off the House-passed Disaster Recovery Reform Act, the legislation makes new resources available, both pre- and post-disaster, to support the adoption and implementation of current model codes.

Studies confirm that the adoption and implementation of current model building codes is one of the nation’s best defenses against hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding and other natural disasters. A Federal Emergency Management Agency analysis from 2014 estimated approximately $500 million in annualized loss avoided in eight southeastern states due to do the adoption of modern building codes.

The Code Council is working closely with members of Congress and their staff to highlight the importance of pre-disaster mitigation and adoption of the latest building codes.

“Following a devastating hurricane season and tragic wildfires last year, and with the current hurricane season now upon us, investing in critical, cost-effective, disaster mitigation measures like modern code adoption and effective implementation is more important now than ever,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “I thank Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member McCaskill for their leadership on this critical issue and look forward to continuing our work to advance disaster recovery reform legislation through Congress.”

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