2024 AIANYS Disaster Assistance Resource Guide by American Institute of Architects New York State

New York State

Disaster

Foreword

In times of disaster, it is crucial for individuals to rally together to assist those in need. This collaborative effort, often referred to as “standing-up,” characterizes the coordinated response by emergency organizations and volunteers following a disaster (VOAD). Having served as the inaugural Disaster Assistance Coordinator for the American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS), I am pleased to present the first edition of the AIA New York State Disaster Assistance Resource Guide.

AIANYS is a member services organization representing a community of over 9,600 architects and design professionals. With 13 local chapters, we mirror the geographical and demographic diversity of New York State. As a component of the American Institute of Architects, we represent the largest group of design professionals globally.

This Resource Guide, now in your hands, establishes a framework for all licensed design professionals to aid our communities in preparing, adapting, and responding to climate change-induced shocks and other stressors such as earthquakes, disease outbreaks, terrorism, and more. As architects, our commitment to the public’s health, safety, and welfare is paramount, and it is ethically imperative that we assist communities and individuals before, during, and after a disaster.

Designed to be a resource, this guide empowers each of our components to comprehend and actively engage in disaster response and relief efforts when needed. Moreover, it is intended to be customizable to your specific needs. As a dynamic document, we welcome your contributions in the years to come.

Crafted by a team of architects and engineers with hands-on experience collaborating with government agencies, municipalities, emergency services, and local communities, the launch of the Disaster Assistance Resource Guide fills me with pride. It offers a valuable set of tools and guidelines that contribute to building a more resilient future for all New Yorkers.

In my capacity as the 2021 President of AIANYS, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Disaster Assistance Resource Guide Work Group. Their dedicated work over the past three years has been instrumental in bringing this guide to fruition.

Sincerely,

Illya Azaroff, FAIA

2021 AIA New York State President | AIANYS Disaster Assistance Team

Acknowledgments

AIANYS appreciates and acknowledges all the professional staff and volunteers who contributed to this publication.

Disaster Assistance Resource Guide Work Group

Timothy Boyland, AIA, AIA New York State Co-Disaster Assistance Coordinator

Daniel Horn, AIA

Pasquale Marchese, AIA

Jeff Pawlowski, AIA

Tom Reynolds, PE, TYLIN Silman Structural Solutions

Jeffery Smith, AIA

Willy Zambrano, FAIA

AIA New York State

Georgi Ann Bailey, CAE, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President

Robin Styles-Lopez, Director of Communications

Peer Review

Brian Kempf, New York State Office of Emergency Management

Melissa Umberger, New York State Office of Emergency Management

Leonel Lima Ponce, RA, LEED GA, WEDG, Sustainable Environmental Systems, Pratt Institute

Contributors

Illya Azaroff, FAIA, AIA New York State Co-Disaster Assistance Coordinator, Director of Design, +LAB architect PLLC, Brooklyn, NY

Nicholas B. Rajkovich, AIA, University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning

Amy Macdonald, Associate Principal & Resilience Practice Leader, Thornton Tomasetti, New York, NY

Kevin Millar, Former Tioga County planning board member, Village of Owego Mayor, FEMA Contact and flood plain manager, Tioga County, NY

Roger V. Brown, PE, Senior MPE Engineer, Chianis & Anderson Architects, Binghamton, NY

Chris Horch, PE, Associate Partner, JB&B, New York, NY

Christopher M. Schwarz, PE, LEED AP, Corporate Vice President, Facilities Department, FPM group, Bohemia, NY

Deborah McGuinness, PE, Senior Associate, TYLIN Silman Structural Solutions, New York, NY

Corrina Cavallo, Deputy Chief of Mitigation Programs, NYS Homeland Security, Albany, NY

Patrick W. Keenan, Superintendent of Public Works, City of Watertown, New York

Amanda Stevens, Senior Project Manager, NYSERDA

Editors

Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA

Robin Styles-Lopez, Director of Communications

Layout and Design

Robin Styles-Lopez, AIANYS

Kristy Klein, Fifteen Blue Design

For more information on the topics presented in this guide, contact the Disaster Assistance Team and Work Group at AIA New York State

Georgi Ann Bailey, CAE, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President gabailey@aianys.org

Illya Azaroff, FAIA ia.pluslab@gmail.com

Timothy Boyland, AIA tb@vb-architects.com

AIA New York State Disaster Assistance Work Group

Illya Azaroff, FAIA

Timothy Boyland, AIA

Daniel Horn, AIA

Tom Reynolds, PE, TYLIN Silman Structural Solutions

Jeffery Smith, AIA

Willy Zambrano, FAIA

Tell us about your experience using this guide.

American Institute of Architects New York State 50 State Street, 5th Floor Albany, New York 12207 518.449.3334 www.aianys.org

https://www.aianys.org/contact-aianys/

AIA New York State Disaster Assistance Resource Guide

First Edition, Published 2024

Note: Portions of this NYS Guide include information from AIA National publications and are reproduced with permission of the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006

Foreword Acknowledgments

Introduction to This Guide

• Purpose of this New York State Disaster Assistance Resource Guide

» How to Use this Resource Guide

• The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Disaster Assistance

» The AIA in New York State

Overview – How to Get Involved

• Understanding Liability Protection When Individual Architects Volunteer for Disaster Assistance

» What is ‘Good Sam’ Legislation?

» Public Advocacy: The Case for Good Sam Legislation in New York State

• Individual Training for Architects

» New York State Department of State - Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Volunteers

• Understanding the Disaster Assistance Process

» Pursuing a Disaster-Resistant, Resilient Built Environment

• How AIA Chapters Can Organize Local Disaster Assistance Programs

Chapter 1: Hazards Identification In New York State

• Hazards in New York State

A. Atmospheric Hazards in New York State

B. Water Hazards in New York State

C. Geologic, Seismic, and Earth Hazards

D. Biological and Pathogenic Hazards In New York State

E. Technological and Anthropogenic Hazards in New York State

Chapter 2: Mitigation to Reduce Hazard Risks in New York State

• Risk Reduction and Mitigation – An Ongoing Process

• Collaboration with Government is the Key to Successful Mitigation and Planning

• AIA Chapters and Mitigation

• Individual Architects and Mitigation

Disclaimer: This Guide has been developed for reference and guidance based on best practices and information available at the time of publication. It is not a substitute for formal training programs.

Rapid Need to Know Section

Chapter 3: Preparedness for Emergencies and Disasters in New York State

A. Preparedness Overview

B. AIA Chapter Preparedness Checklists

C. Individual (Personal) Preparedness Checklists

D. Disaster Responder Preparedness Checklists

E. Professional Firm Preparedness Checklists

F. Additional Preparedness Resources (Online)

Chapter 4: Response to Disasters In New York State

A. Response Overview

» First Steps – Consider Doing This

» Consider NOT Doing This

B. Emergency Response Process

» Response Level 1 – You

» Response Level 2 – Local

» Response Level 3 – Regional/ State

» Response Level 4 - Federal

C. Who to Contact During a Response Situation

Chapter 5: Recovery from Disasters in New York State

A. Recovery Overview

B. What to Do After the Crisis

C. What Individual Licensed Design Professionals Need to Know Before Volunteering for Field Deployment

D. Recovery Action List

E. Additional Recovery Resources (Online)

Chapter 6: Examples of NYS Disasters, Best Practices, Case Studies, & Lessons Learned

• Examples Overview

» Airborne Hazard Events in NY

» Wind Hazard Events in NY

» Water Hazard Events in NY

• AIA Chapter Program Case Studies

» Post Sandy Initiative

» SI Imagines

» SI QuickStart

» Professional One-on-One Consultations

» The Rhode Island Architects and Engineers Emergency Response Task Force

Appendix A: Additional Resources for AIANYS Chapters

Appendix B: Additional Resources for Individual Architects

Appendix C: Additional Resources for Professional Firms

Introduction

Purpose of this New York State Disaster Assistance Resource Guide

In January 2020, The American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS) Communications & Public Awareness Portfolio identified the development of a Disaster Assistance Resource Guide as a 2020 Empire Project. The Purpose of this Resource Guide is to serve as a resource when preparing for and responding to disasters throughout New York State –specifically for:

• The 13 AIA chapters in New York State

• The 9,000+ individual members of AIANYS

• All architectural and related professional design firms throughout New York State

• Municipal governments across the state of New York

Recognizing that all situations are different, the information included in the Resource Guide is intended to serve as a guideline that can be adapted to current needs. This Resource Guide is intended to be a reference so that:

• Architects will better understand their role and how to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

• AIA chapter staff and officers will be better prepared to engage and coordinate their architect members and provide community discourse and assistance.

• Built environment professionals and firm leaders will learn how to work with individual architects and the community on disaster response and preparedness efforts.

• Municipal governments will become aware of the unique ways architects assist the public and their clients before and after disaster.

How to Use this Resource Guide

• This Resource Guide is broken up into an Introduction, five Chapters, and three Appendices that provide you with information on the role of the architect in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response & recovery. Depending on the stage you are involved in and the information you need, you may review the entire Resource Guide or select specific sections to reference.

• The Introduction and Overview discusses the nature of the involvement of AIA at the national and New York State level in disaster assistance. It also reviews the different types of involvement an architect can take within the context of disaster assistance. As a licensed architect in New York State, it is critical to read the information in this Guide about volunteering to understand your risk and liability as there is currently no Good Samaritan Liability Protection in New York State.

• Chapter 1 reviews the specific types of hazards that can cause a disaster in New York State.

• Chapter 2 discusses the types on ongoing mitigation work to be undertaken before and after a potential or actual disaster.

• Chapters 3–5 include “Rapid Need to Know” sections for those in need of finding information quickly during emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery activities.

• Chapter 6 includes case study examples and lessons learned from AIA Components’ response to recent New York State Disasters.

• Appendices include additional resources for AIA Chapters, Individual Architects, and Professional firms.

• Words, phrases, abbreviations, and acronyms relevant to emergency management have special meanings. Terms used in this Guide are based on a Glossary excerpted from https://www.fema.gov/pdf/plan/slg101.pdf

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Disaster Assistance

Architects around the world and specifically in New York State are an integral part of achieving community resilience in the built environment; their work lies in the intersection of the planet, places, and people. This role is more important today than it has ever been.

Hazardous weather events, including those exacerbated by climate change, are on the rise nationally as well as in New York State—and continue to be more erratic and frequent. The impact of these events is felt by even more people due to population growth in some of the most vulnerable locations—whether it is coastal areas, seismically risky areas, or wildfire-prone areas.

In fact, overall disaster declarations worldwide have increased by a factor of ten since the 1950s. Events include floods, tornadoes, ice storms, fires, landslides, hurricanes, and earthquakes; and the damage can range from a few uprooted trees to the near obliteration of entire communities. All told, these incidents are becoming more and more expensive, causing billions of dollars in damage annually. The personal toll and costs to local culture and heritage are immeasurable. These challenges require a systems-based approach that seeks to balance the needs of the community and the environment.

Recognizing all these conditions, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has taken a leadership position to equip architects, AIA Chapters and others with tools and resources to prepare for and respond appropriately to this increased level of activity.

This New York State Guide is modeled after the National AIA resources with information specific to New York State. The National AIA publications can be referenced for more general information at https://www.aia.org/resources/71636-disasterassistance-handbook

AIA National Code of Ethics

Ethics and integrity are essential to the work of all architects. AIA members are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence through the AIA Code of Ethics. This long-standing document guides members’ conduct in fulfilling those obligations. The Code of Ethics applies to the

professional activities of all AIA members, regardless of their membership category. It is relevant to Disaster Assistance as a motivator for architects to act properly and professionally whether they are being paid for their services or volunteering, particularly in emergency situations.

A copy of the AIA Code of Ethics can be viewed at https://www.aia.org/about-aia/professional-standards/aia-codeof-ethics-and-professional-conduct

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

AIA has a long-term commitment to lead efforts that ensure the profession of architecture is as diverse as the nation we serve. Harnessing the passion of our members and the broader design community, AIA is taking steps to advance racial justice and equity in our organization, in our profession, and in our communities.

Individual Architects in New York State

An architect licensed and registered in New York State provides services related to the design and construction of buildings and the spaces around them, where the safeguarding of life, health, property, and public welfare is concerned. To use the title “Architect” in New York State, an individual must be licensed and registered by the New York State Education Department. To learn more about licensed design professionals or to verify a license: https://www.op.nysed.gov/architecture

Architectural Firms in New York State

A firm providing professional architectural services, must be owned primarily by licensed architects. Some firms also provide other professional services such as engineering, landscape architecture, etc. and those firms must be owned by the appropriate licensed professionals.

To learn more about firms and company types, see https://www.op.nysed.gov/corporate/introduction

Photo Credit: Tom Reynolds, PE, TYLIN Silman Structural Solutions

The AIA in New York State

Founded in 1931, AIA New York State is the voice of the architectural community and a resource for its members in service to society. It is American Institute of Architects New York State’s (AIANYS) Mission to represent architects and the profession of architecture in government and provide services to the membership.

The 13 AIA Chapters across New York State

The 13 local chapters of AIA New York State collectively represent over 9,000 members. Some of the chapters have full-time or part-time staff, others are all volunteer, unstaffed chapters.

Listed alphabetically, they include:

• AIA Bronx, founded 1945

• AIA Brooklyn, founded 1894

• AIA Buffalo-Western New York, founded 1890

• AIA Central New York, founded 1887

• AIA Eastern New York, founded 1930

• AIA Long Island, founded 1945

• AIA New York, founded 1867

• AIA Peconic, founded 2005

• AIA Queens, founded 1945

• AIA Rochester, founded 1919

• AIA Southern New York, founded 1979

• AIA Staten Island, founded 1945

• AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley, founded 1936

To find the most current information about leadership, staff, members, contacts, and programs within these 13 chapters, see https://www.aianys.org/about-the-aia/

WESTCHESTER

Overview – How To Get Involved

Understanding Liability Protection When Individual Architects Volunteer

for Disaster Assistance

What is ‘Good Sam’ Legislation?

Where Good Samaritan laws exist, a licensed architect or professional engineer who voluntarily, without compensation (other than expense reimbursement) provides architectural or professional engineering services respectively related to a declared national, state, or local disaster caused by an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, fire, explosion, collapse, or other similar catastrophic event, at the direction or request of or with the approval of a national, state, or local public official, law enforcement official, public safety official, or building inspection official believed by the licensed architect or professional engineer to be acting in an official capacity, shall not be liable for any personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other injury or loss of any nature related to the licensed architect’s or professional engineer’s acts, errors, or omissions in the performance of any architectural services (in the case of a licensed architect) or engineering services (in the case of a professional engineer) for any structure, building, facility, project utility, equipment, machine, process, piping, or other system, either publicly or privately owned. The immunity provided shall apply only to voluntary architectural or engineering services that occur during the declared disaster, or within 90 days following the end of the period for the disaster, unless extended in a manner in accordance with applicable law (including, but not limited to) extension by an executive order issued by the Governor under the Governor’s emergency executive powers.

There are at least 40 States and Puerto Rico with some form of Good Sam protection, including Florida, and the majority

Source: AIA. Reproduced with permission of the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 https://www.aia.org/ resource-center/disaster-assistance-handbook.

of East Coast States threatened by Sandy (NC, VA, MD, DE, PA, CT, RI). As of the date of this Guide, however, New York State does not have any form of Good Sam laws or protections. That means any architect or engineer who acts voluntarily as described above, may be held personally or professionally liable for anything that may go wrong, just as if they were under contract to be paid to perform those services.

The AIA Good Samaritan Statute Compendium is regularly updated with a list of state laws as well as AIA’s model law. https://www.aia.org/resources/71641-good-samaritan-statestatute-compendium

Advocacy: The Case for Good Sam Legislation in New York State

The devastation caused by natural and man-made disasters compels New Yorkers to help each other. We have seen remarkable examples of volunteerism — indeed, outright heroism in the days and weeks following disasters. The efforts of so many citizens to assist others impacted by these disasters, both friends and strangers, in all regions of the State, shows our courage, compassion and caring.

AIA members have often witnessed the devastation firsthand. Many of our members and their families live and work in impacted communities. We have a responsibility to join our neighbors in recovery efforts and we are committed to helping our friends and neighbors rebuild.

Unfortunately, we face a problem as volunteers. The State of New York does not provide immunity from liability for volunteer services rendered by design professionals during a declared state of emergency, known as “Good Samaritan” protection. Furthermore, while some architects may already have professional liability insurance, that insurance may not cover any actions they may take while acting as a “volunteer.” We want to help, we can help – but cannot risk adding to the losses we have already sustained in this disaster.

AIA New York State and its thirteen local chapters are proactively advocating for changes to cover “Good Samaritan” actions in times of declared disasters. Numerous legislators and municipal officials recognize and acknowledge the crucial support and services that architects provide in post-disaster recovery. We need the New York State Legislature to act. The devastation caused by recent events must be a wakeup call.

To learn more about the latest advocacy efforts of AIANYS to secure liability protection for design professionals in New York State, contact Georgi Ann Bailey, CAE, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President at gabailey@aianys.org.

Individual Training for Architects

(See Appendix B for detailed information) In addition to the architects who have already responded, despite the risks, many more architects and engineers in New York State (and beyond) have indicated a willingness to volunteer in the short-term recovery efforts in the future. Through training programs such as the Post-Disaster Building Safety Assessment (SAP) the number of certified emergency responder architects grows every year. When people need help, those who have completed this SAP training are prepared and willing to assist. AIANYS will continue to advocate for liability protection for such trained, licensed professional disaster response volunteers.

New York State Department of State - Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Volunteers

The New York Department of State Division of Building Standards and Codes (DBSC) Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Program provides requesting communities with timely, appropriate post-disaster assistance as part of the statewide coordinated effort under the leadership of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management, and in accordance with Executive Law Article 2-B. The program’s initial disaster response focuses on

performing Rapid Safety Assessments of damaged structures in affected communities for use as part of the application process to request federal disaster assistance through FEMA. These safety assessments can be completed by volunteer members of the CEDAR program.

If you are a NYS-licensed design professional seeking to volunteer to perform post-disaster building safety assessments within your home state of New York, you will need to be a registered member of the Department of State’s Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) program. As a member of the CEDAR team, a licensed design professional is considered an employee of the State of NY which provides some liability protection for volunteers.

Who can volunteer to perform the Rapid Safety Assessments as a member of the CEDAR program?

• Certified Code Enforcement Officials (CEO),

• Certified Building Safety Inspectors (BSI),

• Registered Design Professionals, or

• Others with specialized skills, knowledge, or abilities. Learn more and join the NYS Department of State’s CEDAR program at https://dos.ny.gov/code-enforcement-disasterassistance-response-cedar-program

FEMA News Photo. Public Domain Media (NARA & DVIDA Public Domain Archive)https://nara. getarchive.net/media/flooding-binghamton-n-y-september-8-2011-afloodwall-built-with-hazard-mitigation-f6044e. Floodwall Protected Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Binghamton, N. Y. , September 8, 2011.

Understanding the Disaster Assistance Process

Since 1972, the AIA has formally recognized the important role that architects can play in disaster response. In Washington, D.C., members and staff began developing strategies to assist components to respond quickly to requests for aid. Since then, several state and local components, including Texas, California, Florida, Kansas, and New York, have developed programs to provide assistance to communities struck by disasters, and more come online each year.

Currently, the National Disaster Assistance Program at the AIA Center for Communities by Design is working to update the AIA program and foster a deeper relationship with the larger disaster-response community. The program encourages architects to use their skills to help communities recover from disasters, but also seeks to position the architect as a civic leader whose capabilities are vital to the development of more livable communities.

Some of the latest thinking and organization at the national level is based on the Fourth Edition of the National AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook that was published in September 2021. Accordingly, this New York State Guide follows the process and format of the National AIA, with specific information for New York State.

Pursuing a Disaster-Resistant, Resilient Built Environment

Achieving a community that is truly resilient such that it can survive and function during and after an emergency event isn’t based on any single disaster. Rather it is an ongoing process that requires the cooperation of a wide variety of people in a local community. That especially includes architects whose skillsets are valuable in all phases of emergency management and disaster assistance. Architects are formally educated to act toward safer, healthier, more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. Additionally, thousands of architects nationwide are trained and ready to respond alongside state and local authorities after a disaster.

One of the first steps is to identify the hazard risks that are most likely to occur in a particular area. (See Chapter 1 of this Guide). Looking at this larger picture, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the AIA recognized four commonly identified phases of disaster response to those risks for communities. These are represented in the diagram below and discussed in the following paragraphs.

Source: AIA. Reproduced with permission of the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 https://www.aia.org/resource-center/disaster-assistance-handbook.

Mitigation

(See Chapter 2 of this Guide)

This phase is the ongoing process of assessing and improving the built environment of a community to make it more resilient and able to withstand a disaster. In particular, “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. The types of activities undertaken in this phase include the following to help prevent future emergencies and minimize effects:

• Building code and land-use updates

• Incentive retrofit programs

• Design innovation

• Renovations & retrofits

Response

(See Chapter 4 of this Guide)

Once a disaster happens, or even in anticipation of it, a specific, local response is formulated based on putting preparedness plans into action. Emergency response, the first step, involves providing emergency shelter, medical assistance, food, and other such services. This stage can last two to three weeks. In a state of emergency, architects and engineers can work together to determine the habitability of homes and businesses, preventing further harm and injury to unsuspecting residents. Unless specifically trained and certified, however, architects are not to be considered as “first responders” in the way that fire, police, or military personnel are. In the next stage of response, relief, short-term housing, health services, and employment counseling are provided. Formal assessment of damage can also begin with examinations of buildings, including analysis of historic properties and other structures. This stage may last up to six months. Architects, therefore, have a role to play in all the following during the response phase with actions to prevent further damage:

• Rapid safety assessments

• Community engagement

• Temporary housing

• Policy recommendations

Preparedness

(See Chapter 3 of this Guide)

While mitigation can be broad and ongoing, preparedness is specific to the disaster risks and needs of a particular community and its built environment. Architects are adept and skilled in anticipating the impacts of interventions in the built environment, including recognizing signs of potential building system and services malfunctions and failures. Hence, they can play important roles in all the following aspects of this phase to save lives, minimize damage, and help response and rescue operations:

• Vulnerability assessment

• Building performance analysis

• Business continuity planning

• Disaster scenario planning

• Training

Recovery

(See Chapter 5 of this Guide)

After a disaster, the recovery period can vary greatly depending on the nature of the disaster, the types of damage incurred, and the size and extent of the affected area of the community. First is the short-term recovery period to assess needs and identify strategies to support people and businesses. This can last from days to weeks. Second comes the intermediate recovery phase where interim support to people and businesses is provided over some number of weeks to months. Finally, the long-term recovery period is focused on getting the community to a new level of “normal” over the subsequent months to years. This stage is characterized by rebuilding, with an emphasis on long-term comprehensive planning to enhance the physical fabric of the community. Regulatory changes may be necessary to mitigate the effect of future disasters. Architects can help throughout the recovery process in all the following as part of a community-wide effort:

• Detailed building assessments

• Repair, rebuild, relocate

• Transitional housing

• Community & land-use planning

• Community townhalls and workshops

How AIA Chapters Can Organize Local Disaster Assistance Programs

In areas vulnerable to disasters, AIA architects should develop a response strategy in advance of an occurrence. Since destruction can happen almost immediately, a prepared architectural community will mean a faster, more effective response. (See examples in Chapter 6 of this Guide)

The National AIA Disaster Assistance Program, with guidance from the Disaster Assistance Committee, provides advocacy, education, and training to advance the role of architects in emergency response and to help communities recover more quickly following disaster. Through this work, architects have seen damage that never should have happened. In the face of rising costs for disaster and uncertain weather patterns, the profession has an opportunity to help communities mitigate damage, improve performance, and lead a movement in resilient design.

Based on the above, it has been recognized that the most effective AIA programs have been organized at the state level, in part because:

• Most government agencies coordinating disaster assistance and long-term reconstruction are at the state level, and AIA components can most easily plug into this network.

• A state component is better able to examine and discern regional patterns and trends and tailor programs before disaster strikes.

• A directory of all human resources in the state promotes an understanding of available professionals and should include not only architects but also the allied professional organizations and trades that typically need to be marshaled.

At the same time, local AIA chapters have significant roles to play:

• The local AIA component can most effectively marshal professional resources from nearby unaffected areas.

• AIA local components should establish rosters of potential volunteer members to form disaster response teams; thus, each component can understand the capabilities and willingness of its members and those statewide.

To avoid duplication of rescue efforts, a coalition must be formed by representatives from local agencies dealing with construction, code enforcement, general contractors, home builders, insurance industry representatives, other professional associations, and churches. If there is an overriding lesson that’s been learned from the Gulf Coast experience, it is that communication and coordination are vital—especially as affected areas may be without power, telephone, or public services for at least a week.

Toward these ends, contacts for many state and local organizations are included in the Appendices of this Resource Guide. Nonetheless, state and local chapters should maintain and update such contact information, including cell phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

When Disaster Strikes

Once a disaster strikes, architectural expertise must be provided as quickly as possible to assess the nature and extent of the damage following pre-established protocols:

• The disaster team’s response should be patterned on the general plan formulated prior to the disaster, with any necessary emergency changes. State and local members of the AIA disaster assistance team will be called, depending on need and expertise.

• A centralized headquarters will prove invaluable to communications, coordination, and training. A conference room at the local AIA chapter or an architect’s office can serve as the team’s “war room” and readied with the appropriate equipment. Again, the collection of cell-phone numbers and e-mail addresses is priority number one.

• Adequate accommodations for out-of-town team members must be secured and can be problematic. It is therefore critical to rely on local AIA Chapter members who can travel in and out of the affected area without need for housing.

• A response team with one lead contact person should be assembled. Each member will be assigned a specific job from a list of responsibilities that includes field evaluation work; connecting with local, state, and federal officials; “Good Samaritan” on-site consultations; and press outreach.

• The team should consider both short- and long-term activities; though it may seem premature, the most important responsibility is planning for long-term recovery, which can be initiated by advising public authorities of their options. This will help provide affected citizens with an emotional outlet and a vehicle to restore hope.

• Graphically, the disaster assistance decision making process might look something like the chart on the following page.

Photo Credit: Tim Boyland, AIA

Disaster Assistance Decision Making Process

Source: AIA. Reproduced with permission of the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 https://www.aia.org/resource-center/disaster-assistance-handbook.

Chapter 1: Hazards Identification

In New York State

Hazards in New York State

The first step in being prepared for a disaster response is to ask what types of disasters might realistically occur and what would cause them. The answer lies in identifying the hazards that have been historically present in different parts of New York State or those that are anticipated to be present in the foreseeable future. This chapter aims to highlight and identify some of the key hazards to be aware of, their locations of occurrence throughout the State, and to give AIA members and architects the information to understand the significance of these hazards.

New York State is geographically diverse and represents the fourth largest population in the Nation.1 Its unique geographical and topographical conditions coupled with various scales of built infrastructure make it constantly vulnerable to natural and manmade environmental hazards.

The diversity of the New York State natural environment includes waterfront (shoreline), many large urban areas, the Adirondack Mountains, the Ramapo fault line (Western NY), two great lakes, large and small rivers, and one of the most populous islands in the nation. Thus, it is imperative for the built environment to reflect the diverse local geographical conditions coupled with the compounding threats of a changing climate and environmental hazards.

Some hazards are considered natural events. These can be climate and weather-related (atmospheric) events, (e.g., hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, or winter storms) or geologic events (e.g., earthquakes and landslides). A third type of natural event includes disease epidemics and insect/ animal plagues, although they manifest themselves differently, internally, or externally.

We also experience human-caused events (known as anthropogenic or technological hazards) caused by human activities such as nuclear power plant malfunctions, brownfield creation, manufacturing and transportation pollution, natural material extraction from the earth, construction impacts, land use changes, agriculture side effects, and governance impacts.

Humans are responsible for altering the fabric of the built environment, and thus we must be concerned with and prepared for how natural hazards may become worse over time due to constantly changing climate conditions.

All these types of hazard events cause direct, indirect, or consequential damage to people, natural resources, infrastructure, transportation, utilities, public resources, and assets, along with the interior and exterior of public and

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_(state)

private property. The probability that a given hazard may occur is known as hazard risk. As a populous and extensively developed state, New York has a high hazard risk level.

Increasingly, hazard events are punctuated by an impact of great intensity, causing damage of such magnitude that it overwhelms local response capacity. The result is known as a disaster. A disaster may also be an event of widespread impact. A moderate event that could be resolved locally is elevated to the level of a disaster if the extent of the event is regional in nature. In this case, local communities cannot count on assistance from neighboring cities or states because those areas are also experiencing the same disaster. In this case, inter-regional help from those outside of the disaster zone is necessary.

Disaster risk is determined by the overlap between hazard risk and vulnerability—the exposure and sensitivity of a community that adversely affects its capacity to adapt and recover. Community components such as populations, economies, buildings, infrastructure, and natural systems have individual vulnerabilities that interdependently and collectively contribute to the vulnerability of a community. Vulnerability is a dynamic condition, which changes over time in response to interacting variables and local factors. A local variable that affects vulnerability and thus disaster risk is the adoption and enforcement of building codes.

While this chapter looks at individual hazards that can cause severe events or disasters, it is worth remembering that multiple hazards can occur either simultaneously or after each other. The City of Seattle, WA has looked at this and prepared the following graphic to illustrate the connection between primary and secondary hazards.

Photo Credit: Tim Boyland, AIA

The following pages include a collection of types of hazard risks, events, definition and historic data that have occurred in New York State and have been extracted from MitigateNY, the New York Climate Impacts Assessment, and other resources (linked and also included in the appendix). Credit for images on pages 22 - 31: Stevens, A., & Lamie, C., Eds. (2024). New York State Climate Impacts Assessment: Understanding and preparing for our changing climate. This work is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

In reviewing the following pages, consider these points:

Contemplate the diversity and varying severity of the hazards that are present in New York State.

Understand the variety of hazards and how they only represent a small sampling of the hazards that may affect New York.

Consider the compounding effects of such hazards, and their effect on the human ecosystem and communities we live in.

2https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/

3https://archplan.buffalo.edu/research/research-initiatives/adapting-buildings.html

Atmospheric Hazards in New York State

Atmospheric hazards are climate and weather-related phenomena. Some of the most common in New York State are described as follows.

Severe Storms

This section will be broken down into these main hazards: Tornadoes/high winds, lightning, hail, winter storms/blizzards, and ice storms.

Tornadoes / High Winds

New York State, geographically, is in a region highly susceptible to high winds which can cause flying debris or downed trees and power lines while also posing a threat to safety and property. High winds combined with dry conditions increases the probability of wildfires. These events can cause considerable damage to communities and infrastructure which has caused the state millions of dollars in damage.

Impact on Buildings

Structural vulnerability relates to building construction type and age. Structures of light construction, particularly manufactured homes typically sustain the greatest damage. Wood-frame structures are more susceptible to high winds; steel and concrete are more resistant. Even if a building remains structurally sound, broken glass from windows can cause injuries inside and outside the building and severely damage building contents. Failures of windows and doors can increase storm damage. If wind-driven rain and water reach the interior, materials can be damaged or ruined. Wet materials can promote the growth of mold, and even materials that do not appear damaged can harbor enough moisture to contribute to mold growth later.

For additional information on High Winds (Tornado) characteristics see: https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/tornado

Lightning

Damage from thunderstorms and lightning is often underestimated and these can occur anywhere within New York State. On average, 55 people are killed and hundreds are injured each year by lightning strikes in the United States. Lightning can strike communications equipment (e.g., radio or cell towers, antennae, satellite dishes, etc.) and hamper communication and emergency response. Lightning strikes can also cause considerable damage to buildings, critical facilities, and infrastructure, largely by igniting a fire. Lightning can also ignite a wildfire.

For additional information on Lightning characteristics see: https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/lightning

Hail

Hail can cause severe crop damage and may affect vehicles, roofs, landscaping, and other areas of the built environment. Hailstorm events can occur anywhere within New York State independently or during a tornado, thunder, or lightning storm event. In comparison to other natural hazards, most local jurisdictions rank hail as a “low” or “moderately low” risk hazard. It is estimated that damage from hail approaches $1 billion in the U.S. annually. In New York, agriculture is typically the most affected by hailstorms due to crop damage. The severity of hail events range based on size of hail, winds, and structures in the path of a hailstorm. Fortunately, most hailstorms produce marble-size or smaller hailstones.

According to Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Databases for the United States (SHELDUS), the State encountered nearly 2,500 hail events in nearly 60 years, causing more than $33 million in property damage and more than $87 million in crop damage.

Additional information, characteristics and statistics of hail can be found at: https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/hail

Winter Storm Hazards / Blizzard

While the entire New York State is subject to severe winter storms, which includes snow, sleet, freezing rain, or a mix of wintry forms of precipitation, the easternmost and west-central portions of New York are more likely to be impacted by severe winter storm occurrences than the southern portion. In New York State snowfall can immobilize large regions of the state by causing road closures, power and utility outages, structural damage to buildings, disruption in communication and transportation services for hours, days or weeks.

For additional information on Snowstorm characteristics see: https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/winterweat

Ice Storm

New York State is highly susceptible to serious ice storms. These occur typically from late October through mid-April. Commonly, the most widespread and longest lasting impact of ice storms is the loss of electrical power. Power outages also cause secondary effects, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire, and they can force people to leave their homes because of a lack of heat. Build-up of a quarter inch of ice can have severe impacts: ice can increase the weight of tree branches up to 30 times and can add 500 pounds of extra weight to power lines. Consequently, tree branches, communication towers, power lines and power poles can fall causing even greater effect and may limit accessible emergency roads. Roads also become slippery affecting highway conditions. For additional information on ice storm characteristics see: https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/snowstorm/snowstorm_risk_profile

EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS (EAL)

The table and map below represent the Expected Annual Loss (EAL) associated with damaging snowstorm events across the state, and in each county.

EAL represents the average economic loss in dollars resulting from any given natural hazard each year and is comprised of three types of consequences: crop loss, building damages, and quantified values of death and injury. The EAL is calculated at the census tract level. It includes the location and impact of historic snowstorm events and also calculates exposure values of buildings, population, and crops. Subsequently, the distribution of Total EAL across New York State is estimated to be higher in more densely developed areas.

Graphic Credit: Attribution: NRI Counties 1.19 (with social columns) (09/18/2023) https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/snowstorm/snowstorm_risk_profile.

Extreme Cold and Extreme Heat

Extreme Cold

New York State’s geographic location makes it highly susceptible to extreme, freezing weather temperatures that can cause impact to human life and property. Varying topographical landscapes and proximity to large bodies of water play a significant role in extreme cold temperatures. In buildings, pipes may freeze and burst causing flood. Injuries and fatalities can result from extreme cold, as these temperatures can push the human body beyond its limits. There are also compounding effects during extreme cold waves such as power outages. From 2002 to 2014 there were 106 cold-weather power outages that impacted 78 to 25,909 customers in New York City. These cold-temperature events were associated with high winds, snowstorms, and Nor’easters. The mean daily count of deaths was 3.7 between October and April. The most vulnerable populations to extreme cold include infants and the elderly.

For more information on cold weather characteristics, magnitude conditions, and health impacts see:

• https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/extreme_cold/extreme_cold_risk_profile

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

• The Department of Homeland Security - Ready.Gov: Snowstorms & Extreme Cold

• The National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart calculates the danger from winter winds and freezing temperatures using a 3-factor time-based scale (30 min, 10 min, 5 min).

EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS (EAL)

The table and map below represent the Expected Annual Loss (EAL) associated with damaging extreme cold events across the state, and in each county.

Graphic Credit: Top: Attribution: NRI Counties 1.19 (with social columns) (09/18/2023) https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/extreme_cold/extreme_ cold_risk_profile. Bottom: https://i0.wp.com/nysclimateimpacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Temp-Below-32-Figure_v2.png?w=928&ssl=1

Extreme Heat

New York State is also highly susceptible to extreme heat especially in large cities such as New York City where extreme heat episodes have had acute consequences. Exposure to these episodes or higher than normal risks tend to be on the more impoverished, under-represented areas, institutionalized and hospitalized populations and people living dependent on public assistance. It has been found that poverty, poor housing conditions, lower rates of access to air-conditioning, impervious land cover, surface temperatures aggregated to the area-level, and seniors’ hypertension are all characteristics tied to neighborhood vulnerability.

Across the US, the average number of deaths for extreme heatwaves per year has been 131 deaths over a 30-year span, more average deaths per year than any other natural hazard.

Learn more about extreme heat and what can be done to help people keep cool during the hottest days of the year from New York State Department of Health: Heat and Health in New York State.

For additional information on the magnitude and characteristics of heat related events, see:

• https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/extreme_heat/extreme_heat_risk_profile

• The National Weather Service Heat Index calculates how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature using a 4-factor scale: caution, extreme caution, danger, extreme danger.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Extreme heat poses a threat to many different sectors within the built environment. Although perhaps more subtle than other hazards such as hurricanes or flooding, extreme heat can cause significant impacts to infrastructure, buildings, and energy infrastructure (both physical structure and demand).

Graphic Credit: Right: Attribution: 1.19 (06/24/2024) https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/extreme_heat/extreme_heat_risk_profile Left: https:// i0.wp.com/nysclimateimpacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Temp-Above-90-Figure_v2.png?w=928&ssl=1

Water Hazards in New York State

Water is needed for all life, but excessive amounts, or the action of moving and rising water create a variety of hazards that need to be considered. While some are interrelated, they are broken out individually as follows.

Hurricanes

While New York State is not always in the path of major hurricanes that are formed in the Caribbean oceans, these are able to sometimes reach as far as the northeast US where they can become destructive and deadly. Superstorm Sandy and Irene are perfect examples.

Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30. Historically, the greatest potential for hurricanes in New York City occurs from August to October. A tropical storm is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 39-73mph. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74mph or greater.

Impact on Buildings

Due to their geographic scale, extended periods of exposure, high winds, intense precipitation, and storm surges, hurricanes and tropical storms are one of the most destructive types of climate-related hazards.

Extreme winds can remove roof and wall coverings, destroy homes, and tear up trees. Coastal storms and their remnants produce intense rainfall, which can lead to serious flooding or flash flooding. Storm surges can rise 25 feet above the normal water level when they combine with high tides, creating hurricane storm tides.

Flooding from either precipitation or storm surges can lift smaller structures from their foundations or cause considerable damage to building systems located below the base flood elevation (BFE).

For additional information on Hurricane characteristics and categories see: https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/hurricane/hurricane_risk_profile

EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS (EAL)

The table and map below represent the Expected Annual Loss (EAL) associated with damaging extreme cold events across the state, and in each county.

Graphic Credit: Attribution: NRI Counties 1.19 (with social columns) (09/18/2023).

Attribution: 1.19 (06/24/2024) https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/hurricane/hurricane_risk_profile

Coastal Erosion Hazards

It is estimated that in the Northeast including New York State the coastal erosion rate is 1.18 inches per year. The natural process by which ocean waves wash sand away from the shorelines of New York State beaches is called coastal erosion and causes beaches to shrink or change over time. Human development along with strong storms on the shorelines have worsened coastal erosion. Sea level rise has compounded and exacerbated this effect creating low-lying areas vulnerable to storm surges, wave actions and tides.

The natural hazards outlined in the 2019 New York State Hazard Mitigation Plan were selected based on their prevalence in New York State and the availability of data sources. The data presented in the Coastal Hazards profile includes National Climatic Data Center Severe Weather data about high surf, storm surge, rip current, and coastal and lakeshore flood.

Note that erosion can impact all of New York’s coastal counties along the following bodies of water:

• Lake Erie and the Niagara River

• Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound

• Hudson River south of the Federal Dam in Troy East River

• Harlem River

• Kill van Kull and Arthur Kill

• All connecting water bodies, bays, harbors, shallows, and wetlands

Storm-induced shore erosion also impacts shorelines along the Great Lakes.

New York is very vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise, including storm surge and coastal flooding since much of New York State’s coast is highly developed and populated. Tidally influenced areas in New York State have experienced at least a foot of sea level rise since 1900. Sea level rise in New York state increases the frequency and intensity of severe flooding and storm surge damage, not only for communities and infrastructure, but also for critical ecosystems that buffer against floods, protect drinking water and provide habitat for important species. Many coastal areas of New York State are highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to the lack of storm protection and the erosion of supportive and protective natural features such as beaches, dunes, and bluffs. New York State’s general vulnerability to coastal hazards includes sand loss that causes the beach to become narrower and lower in elevation.

In New York State, storm surge can cause flooding, beach erosion, and damage to coastal property and infrastructure. Storm surge is the additional water above mean (average) sea level that results directly from a coastal storm. Along the coast, storm surge is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. For example, all of New York City’s 26 power generation facilities are in storm surge inundation zones, which increases the risk of a citywide outage during a major storm.

For more information and characteristics on Coastal Erosion see:

• https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/coastal

• https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/underwater

Flooding (Inundation and Surge)

Flooding is the primary natural hazard in New York State. Although some areas are more prone to flooding than others, no area in New York is exempt from the flood hazard. The State is vulnerable to both inland and coastal flooding and millions of people live, work and travel to or through flood-prone areas. Areas outside mapped and recognized flood hazard zones can also experience flooding.

For more information on the characteristics, statistics, and flood patterns see:

• https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/riverine

• Coastal Risk Area Maps

• Stormwater Resiliency https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/orr/pdf/publications/stormwater-resiliency-plan.pdf

• On line maps: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4b290961cac34643a49b9002f165fad8/

• FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/guidance-reports/guidelines-standards

• New York City Stormwater Resiliency Plan https://www.nyc.gov/assets/orr/pdf/publications/stormwater-resiliency-plan.pdf

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Flood damages have historically occurred throughout New York, but severe damages to the built environment such as downed power lines and damaged structures are estimated to be more frequent in Delaware, Broome, Chemung, Herkimer, Essex, and Warren counties. Expected Annual Loss, which is calculated at the census tract level, relies on the built environment exposure, which the National Risk Index estimates using FEMA’s HAZUS model.

Expected Annual Loss, which is calculated at the census tract level, relies on the built environment exposure which the National Risk Index estimates using FEMA’s HAZUS model.

Graphic Credit: Top: https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/flood/flood_risk_profile. Bottom: https://i0.wp.com/nysclimateimpacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/fig_2-14_title.png?w=928&ssl=1

Sea Level Rise (SLR)

Global warming is creating compounding effects across the world and thus affecting climate. Along these effects are the melting of the great ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. These are adding enormous volumes of water to the world’s ocean thus causing global sea water levels to rise. New York State has a multitude of coastal shorelines making the existing building stock adjacent to them vulnerable. These areas are also typically low-lying, highly populated, and contain low- and middle-income communities raising issues of environmental justice. Coastal flooding has been increasing constantly in recent years, causing chronic nuisance flooding year-round adding a strain to property values and communities’ infrastructure.

For more information on Sea level rise risks and characteristics, see:

• https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/underwater

• https://sealevelrise.org/forecast/

• Lake Ontario water level rise: https://www.governor.ny.gov/programs/lake-ontario-resiliency-and-economic-developmentinitiative-redi

Graphic Credit: https://i0.wp.com/nysclimateimpacts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sea-Level-Rise-Figure-v6.png?w=928&ssl=1

Geologic, Seismic, and Earth Hazards in New York State

While places like California are well known for earthquakes and the Midwest is known for drought, New York State is not immune from geologic, seismic, and earth related hazards including the following:

Tsunami/Seiche

While New York State has a relatively low probability of a tsunami, the potential impact for the low-lying, highly populated coastline of the state is high.

Any lake can experience a seiche, but protected bays of the ocean can also see them as well. In New York, seiche occurs in lakes, such as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and can damage shoreline structures. When a destructive seiche occurs its impact can cause damage to public and private facilities that can result in high monetary loss and threaten people on land.

For more information and characteristics on tsunamis and seiche see links below:

• https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/tsunami

• https://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/Dart/

Drought Stricken Earth

Drought affects people, animals, and vegetation. It can seriously damage crops, livestock, municipal water supplies, and recreational facilities. Drought has an economic impact if conditions exist over a period of years. Elevated temperatures, high winds, and low humidity associated with drought can make areas more susceptible to wildfire.

Human activity can worsen the impact of drought.

Locations: New York State is divided into nine-drought management regions based loosely on drainage basins as well as county lines. Data generated by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is used to assess and analyze each of the region’s conditions and is classified by four levels of state drought advisories if conditions are not normal: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster.

The nine drought regions are:

• I- Long Island

• IIA- NYC/Westchester

• II- Catskills

• III- Susquehanna

• IV- Mohawk/Upper Hudson

For more information and characteristics of drought see:

• https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/drought

• State Drought Index (SDI)

• Palmer Drought Severity Index

• V- Adirondack

• VI- Great Lakes

• VII- Finger Lakes

• VIII- Southern Tier

Photo Credit: Daniel Horn, AIA

Earthquake

While New York State is not in a seismic active fault line, there is the Ramapo Fault which sits in the Newark Riff Basin and straddles New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Though not active, low magnitude recent activities may have been caused by these systems of faults, these stretch between the northern Appalachian Mountains and Piedmont areas to the east for about 185 miles across these states.

Most earthquake-related property damage and deaths are caused by the failure and collapse of structures due to ground shaking. The level of damage depends upon the extent and duration of the shaking and the structural design. In New York City, the risks associated with a moderate earthquake can be severe due to population density as well as the scale and the geographic complexity of the built environment. New York City is also susceptible to post-earthquake fires.

Proximity to nuclear plants can have catastrophic consequential damages. Nuclear plants such as Limerick, Saratoga, PA, Susquehanna, Salem Twp, PA, R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, Ontario, NY, James A Fitzpatrick, Lycoming, NY and Millstone, Waterford, CT will need to be considered for potential consequential catastrophic damages.

Under certain conditions, earthquakes can trigger landslides and cause soil liquefaction. The latter occurs when shaking and ground vibration during an earthquake cause unconsolidated, water saturated soils to soften and turn fluid. Ground shaking, landslides, and liquefaction together damage and destroy buildings, disrupt utilities, trigger fires, and endanger public safety.

Areas of New York State that would experience an amplification of ground motion during seismic activity according to the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program soil classification map include the following:

• Northwest NY - Northern Erie County; North Central

• Northeast NY - Jefferson; St. Lawrence; and Northern Franklin Counties

• Upper Hudson River area of Eastern NY - Northern Saratoga; Washington; and Southern Warren Counties

• Southeastern NY - Western Nassau County; and New York City

For more information and characteristics of earthquakes see:

• https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/earthquake

• Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI)

• Richter Scale

• Moment Magnitude Scale (MMS)

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramapo_Fault

• https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/earthquake-hazards/ earthquakes

• https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/?extent=39.90974,-119.17969&extent=70.49557,-8.08594

• Seismic map https://earthquake.usgs.gov/ earthquakes/map/?extent=6.83917,-153.36914&exte nt=62.83509,-12.74414

• Cornell University - https://www.eas.cornell.edu/eas/ research

Image shows the approximate trace of the Ramapo Fault System in New Jersey, southeastern New York, and eastern Pennsylvania.

Landslide

The potential for landslides exists across all of New York. Landslides often occur with little or no warning, and pose significant risks to the natural environment, safety, property, infrastructure, utilities, and transportation. Impacts can include injuries or fatalities. Scientific and historical landslide data indicates that some areas of the state have a substantial landslide risk.

For more information about landslides and its characteristics see: https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/landslide

Wildfire

As we have seen in the recent years across the US, wildfires cause widespread damage if they are not contained, and New York State is highly susceptible to wildfires.

New York State is 30.9 million acres in size with 18.9 million acres of non-federal forested lands. In addition, there is an undetermined amount of open-space non-forested lands with significant wildfire potential. The wetlands of western New York and New York City frequently burn as weather conditions allow. These fires are not only spectacular in their intensity but quite often threaten nearby homes, businesses or improvements becoming wildland-urban interface fires.

For more information on wildfire and its characteristics see:

• https://hazardmitigation.ny.gov/hazards/wildfire

• Fire danger map: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/68329.html

Historical examples: rocky point and sunrise highway wildfires

• Https://www.firehouse.com/home/news/10544280/long-island-wildfires

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Wildfires pose a direct risk to many parts of the built environment, including homes and infrastructure. Wildfires can damage power lines and infrastructure, particularly in regions with overhead power lines running through forested areas. They can similarly damage or destroy communication infrastructure, including cell towers and fiber optic cables, causing service disruptions and isolating communities.

Western New York, the Catskills, and the end of Long Island are the areas in New York State with the greatest EAL for the built environment. The New York City area has among the lowest EAL for the built environment in the state because it is not prone to wildfires.

Graphic Credit: https://mitigateny.org/hazards_of_concern/wildfire/wildfire_risk_profile

Biological and Pathogenic Hazards In New York State

This category includes local outbreaks of deadly diseases, seasonal resurgences, biological contamination of shared water/air/soil resources, etc. In addition, these hazards may not originate in New York but may be part of national or global public health hazards, epidemics, or global pandemics.

Pandemics

The 2020 pandemic affected the entire built environment worldwide. It included many types of building typologies — Schools, Offices, Housing, Retail, etc. New York City quickly became the epicenter at the start of the pandemic. Our daily living and health and safety were at risk, the entire economy, business, and commerce came to scratching halt for a few months.

Physical distancing practices and stay-at-home orders were implemented in the US on a state-by-state basis in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. However, as state authorities have allowed businesses to reopen, there is limited guidance on how to modify the built environment to reduce the likelihood of transmission and to avoid recurring cycles of outbreak during the pandemic. Simple adjustments within buildings offer businesses the opportunity to resume operations and reduce risk, but such ideas require exploration.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) launched an initiative to assist design professionals, public officials, building owners, and businesses with strategies for mitigating transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 in the built environment. AIA convened architects along with experts from the fields of public health, engineering, and facilities management using a virtual-design charrette method to develop tools addressing: 1) risk assessment and management for the built environment; 2) preparedness for building re-occupancy; and 3) design and space planning strategies emphasizing the health, safety, and welfare of the public in occupying US buildings.

From AIA National “Reopening America” Report https://content.aia.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/Reopening-AmericaStrategies-for-Safer-Buildings_final.pdf a number of recommendations were developed including the following:

• Safer re-occupancy requires guidance: Quarantine is not a viable long-term strategy for our economy nor mental health. Yet building owners and operators need guidance to understand what aspects of their buildings pose the greatest risk for virus transmission, along with practical strategies to mitigate risk, before opening their doors to children, families, and employees. Strategies must be based on leading scientific agencies and authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Designing for risk: Building owners and design teams need a building risk management process to increase the likelihood of maintaining safe operations during the pandemic. The process includes identification and analysis of suspected hazards and identifies strategies to reduce the negative impacts.

• Sharing science and design: Sharing design strategies that proactively mitigate virus transmission is critical to facilitating design innovation resilient to a myriad of risks and meeting operational goals.

As New York City became the epicenter during the 2020 Pandemic, The New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects convened a Unified City and State Taskforce to engage the design community, AEC organizations and government agencies in an effort to create guidance and understand the complexities surrounding the risks and challenges of SARS-CoV-2 in the built environment across the city and the State.

We recognize that each building type and environmental condition will be affected by COVID-19, and that subsequent environmental hazards similar to this pandemic will create a variety of challenges that can be mitigated in part through updated design and building practices.

Photo Credit: BlackJack3D, http://blackjack3d.wixsite.com/portfolio

Technological and Anthropogenic Hazards in New York State

This category of hazards is caused by human activities, including the following.

Industrial Waste Landfills

The US is no stranger to existing Brownfields and biohazards risks from industrial chemical dumping in sites across the entire country. Take for example the Love Canal Tragedy, where a chemical dumpsite was redeveloped with about 100 homes and a school built on the same grounds. The chemicals left underground had been slowly affecting the livelihood of all the residents in the area, causing birth defects and other health issues. The NYS DEC has identified all brownfields within the state to mitigate and avoid future disasters and health hazard risks.

For more information see:

• NYS DEC: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/brownfields.html

• https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/84286.html

• NYS DEC Site Data Search: https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8437.html

• Love Canal Tragedy: https://archive.epa.gov/epa/aboutepa/love-canal-tragedy.html

Power Plants

There are three nuclear power plants in upstate New York State, Fitzpatrick, Ginna and Nine Mile consisting of four nuclear reactors. These power plants along with their ongoing operations create major environmental issues such as radioactive wastes. These wastes materials pose radioactive and health problems to human for thousands of years. Compounding effects of a possible earthquake could be disastrous to anything within a 50 –mile radius of the nuclear plant. Refer to the Ramapo fault diagrams under earthquake hazards discussed previously in part C-3 of this Chapter.

For more information see:

• Oswego Nuclear Plant- https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/public_safety/emergency_management/nuclear_ preparedness.php

• Red Cross- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html

Riots (Civil Disorder)

Civil unrest or public disorder conduct is now more prevalent across the country in current times and for many reasons in part due to polarized political views, unjust actions, and racial divides. In many major cities around the country, people reacted to the unjust killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, among others. These events created compounding chaos amid a global pandemic and were further impacted by other movements such as the Black Live Matter movements and the constant conflict with police enforcement reform. New York City had to go through a state of emergency and implement nighttime curfews for a period of time. The Capital Insurrection of January 6, 2021 is a perfect example of the political polarization state of our country.

For more information see resources and fact sheets from Homeland Security relating to personal and infrastructure security during these incidents are on the following DHS links:

• Protecting Infrastructure During Public Demonstrations

• Personal Security Considerations

• cisa.gov/hometown-security.

Terrorist Attacks (Foreign & Domestic Terrorism)

September 11 attacks, also called 9/11 attacks, series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks committed in 2001 by 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda against targets in the United States, the deadliest terrorist attacks on American soil in U.S. history. The attacks against New York City and Washington, D.C., caused extensive death and destruction and triggered an enormous U.S. effort to combat terrorism. Some 2,750 people were killed in New York, 184 at the Pentagon, and 40 in Pennsylvania (where one of the hijacked planes crashed after the passengers attempted to retake the plane); all 19 terrorists died (see Researcher’s Note: September 11 attacks). Police and fire departments in New York were especially hard-hit: hundreds had rushed to the scene of the attacks, and more than 400 police officers and firefighters were killed.

Source: From Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/event/September-11-attacks

Written by Peter L. Bergen, CNN national security analyst and director of the national security studies program at the New America Foundation. Author of The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between America and al-Qaeda

See Article History

Photo Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/Terraxplorer?mediatype=photography

NYS Hazards Summary

While any of the hazards identified in this chapter are possible throughout New York State, special attention should be placed on those that have the highest risk potential when looking at specific planning and mitigation efforts for localities.

Chapter 2: Mitigation to Reduce Hazard Risks in New

York State

Disclaimer:

Mitigation to Reduce Hazard Risks in New York State

Risk Reduction and Mitigation – An Ongoing Process

As noted previously, mitigation is the ongoing process of first assessing and then improving the built environment of a community. The intended outcome is to make the community more resilient and better able to withstand a disaster. That means activities are needed well in advance of any potential disaster as well as after a disaster to determine how best to achieve these outcomes.

The types of mitigation activities undertaken include the following to reduce the impacts of identified risks to a community and lessen the likelihood of future emergencies:

• Building code and land-use updates

• Incentive retrofit programs

• Design innovation

• Renovations & retrofits

• Ongoing planning and design efforts focused on resilience and sustainability

Collaboration with Government is the Key to Successful Mitigation and Planning

All three levels of government, federal, state, and local, have laws, policies, and programs in place to address hazard mitigation. These programs are typically divided into two sections: pre-disaster and post-disaster mitigation. Most local mitigation activities will be based on funding or input from agencies at all 3 levels of government.

At the Federal level, FEMA Region 2 office, located in New York, N.Y. oversees federal emergency management for all of New York State. They also address New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Tribal Nations. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a presidentially declared disaster. In this program, homeowners and businesses may only apply for a grant as a sub-applicant in partnership with a state government. At the local level, the programs are implemented and carried out.

Recognizing the various people and agencies that are involved, the AIA encourages full collaboration with governmental agencies and personnel to support their efforts in a coordinated, constructive manner. AIA Chapters as well as individual architects and firms all have specific roles that they can play in this larger collaboration as discussed more in the following paragraphs.

AIA Chapters and Mitigation

The biggest role that an AIA Chapter can play is that of “connector” and “convener.” Connections need to be made and maintained with the government agencies and other

organizations that operate in the same geographic area of the chapter. As an organizational entity, the Chapter is also the best vehicle to convene people from those various groups to come together for planning, discussion, review, and input into the larger risk reduction and hazard mitigation efforts happening in the area.

The National AIA provides many resources to help Chapters and AIA members get engaged in hazard risk reduction and mitigation. Over the past number of years, the AIA, in collaboration with numerous task forces such as Design for Risk and Reconstruction (AIANY), AIA Resilience initiatives (National), and others, publications and information is available for use and guidance. For the latest resources, see https://www. aia.org/landing-pages/6456551-resilience

Internal AIA Community Engagement VS. External Community

There are essentially two ways that architects can engage in disaster mitigation. Internal engagement has to do with forming strategic alliances and bonds between several AIA Chapters, AIA NY State, or AIA National so architects can act appropriately prior to and after a hazard event. This becomes particularly important when responding after a disaster but is equally important for the ongoing work of mitigation.

External community engagement means that architects are not just speaking to themselves, but to community stakeholders external to the profession of architecture. In this way, architects are often actively involved in leading community design workshops, meetings, etc. to build trust and create a vision for the full, resilient potential of that community. External community engagement is typically an underutilized as part of the mitigation process but is crucial when engaging with a high-risk community for identified hazards. This type of external engagement, as may be convened by an AIA Chapter and its members, facilitates meaningful ways for architects to contribute to the communities in which they live – and for the communities to benefit from their particular expertise in problem solving.

Equitable Engagement

When working with an external community, it is important that all voices are heard from all socio-economic levels, from all major and minor stakeholders, and with openness and transparency for all citizens of that community. An excellent resource in this regard is called the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice.

The Guides for Equitable Practice are one component of a broad commitment by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to overcome inequities and advance the profession, the careers of individual architects, and the quality of the built environment by creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplaces and interactions. Some relevant excerpts from these Guides are included below. The latest information can be accessed at https://www.aia.org/resources/6489940-creating-equitablechange-through-design

Engaging Community (Ch. 8, page 1, cover)

Equitable and inclusive practices involve not only the workplace but also the communities and end users that the profession serves to produce a more flourishing built environment. As community needs become deeper and more urgent, encompassing broad concerns such as resiliency and social justice, architects will do well to adopt solutions created in partnership with those communities. By practicing greater equity, the profession increases its value to society as well as its visibility among potential partners and future practitioners.

Excerpt from AIA Guide for Equitable Practice, Ch. 8 (pg. 2):

“The essence of community engagement is the inclusion of divergent voices— professionals, stakeholders, and end users—to arrive at consensus about project goals and characteristics, with a positive outcome for all. A broad body of research in multiple fields, including higher education, social science research, and public health, can help inform architecture professionals about the outcomes and methods of constructive community engagement.

The work of architects almost always has an impact on communities, especially when community is defined broadly— not only as neighborhoods but also as any group that occupies or experiences the end product, from a single family to an entire city. Client goals may sometimes align with those of the community and at other times they may conflict, for example, when the architect is representing a private client whose project objectives are at odds with those of the neighborhood or of other constituents. Since most of the work produced by architects affects communities of different kinds and scales, it becomes important to imagine the design with all stakeholders—client and community— in mind as each project progresses. Knowing how to engage with communities respectfully and with a disposition toward learning is essential to ensure successful end results. Architects may be effective in several different roles: learner,

facilitator, mediator, advocate, or implementer. In most cases, the architect is an outsider and, therefore, is responsible for building trust and understanding the community as part of a project’s foundational work. In any case, the architect’s primary contractual responsibility is toward the client; the extent to which community engagement is part of the project depends on the negotiated scope of the project and can be influenced by the architect.”

Top: Mitigation planning conceptual model - https://www.aia.org/ resource-center/guides-equitable-practice. Diagram Credit: Vadim Gershman Bottom: Mitigation planning conceptual model as it is put into practice with community engagement.Photo Credit: Daniel Horn, AIA

The AIA has long anchored the profession with policies and resources on ethics and practices, and it is logical that the Institute sponsors the development of urgently needed guidance at this time. Many recent resources on diversity, inclusion, and equity, while not all architecture specific, are extremely valuable to anyone working in or leading the architectural profession. These guides augment those resources, translating relevant research to actionable practices that can be used in the profession.

Individual Architects and Mitigation

Beyond the chapter level, there are roles that individual architects can take to become engaged in the mitigation of potential disasters and risk reductions in buildings and communities. Any architect who would like to become involved individually should consider the following:

1. Recognize that architects bring unique quantifiable knowledge and time to the table.

2. Think about your network & contacts you’ve made over the years in your community.

3. Consider staying engaged with local advocacy efforts.

4. Consider your working relationship with local building departments / Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)

The need for architects who are connected to their respective communities (i.e., live, work or practice) and are poised to respond before, during, and after a disaster is crucial to any communities’ recovery. Architects possess a unique skill set that enables them to effectively communicate and coordinate a particular scope of work to owners, stakeholders, clients, community members, and governmental bodies. This becomes particularly important in the aftermath of a hazard event. Architects are also well poised to respond in a timely, critical, and effective manner, coordinating with the appropriate personnel and approaching the response with readiness and care.

Becoming a Citizen Architect

A particular way to be involved is to step up to be a “citizen architect” to assist communities through service on boards and commissions. This is an invaluable role both before and after a disaster to:

a. Plan for hazardous events

b. Ensure building codes are updated

c. Advise on responsible land use that will allow businesses and communities to assume operations more quickly after a disaster.

d. Work with legislators or support legislative initiatives that encourage pre-disaster mitigation planning and construction strategies, such as mandatory or incentivized hazard mitigation retrofit programs, requiring the incorporation of future climate conditions into government-funded projects, or requiring an architect’s stamp for all buildings located in high-hazard areas regardless of occupancy type. Opportunities exist at both state and national levels.

e. Advocate for a state and local climate adaptation plan. Ensure that the built environment is addressed in the plan so that all stakeholders know how to prioritize hazard mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.

f. Work at the state or local level to assist in developing contractor education and license criteria that addresses hazard mitigation. Contractors who better understand why certain construction materials and details reduce damage are key to mitigating damage. For example, simply confirming anchor bolts are correct (spacing, washer size) can keep a structure from shaking off its foundation.

Ensuring that hurricane straps are in place and adequately fastened with enough nails can keep a roof from blowing off in a windstorm.

For more information on becoming a Citizen Architect in your community with a focus on disaster mitigation, see the AIA National Disaster Assistance Handbook 4th Edition at https:// www.aia.org/resources/71636-disaster-assistance-handbook

The Role of Firms in Mitigation

Second, as an employer, the principals can encourage and support the individual professionals in the firm who seek to become personally involved. This can include proactive approaches such as making training and resources available within the firm, just as they are provided for other topics such as continuing education, codes, etc. It can also include appropriate responses to employees who seek training and certification under national or state training programs and need the endorsement and sign-off by the employer to participate. Of course, that also means the employee is given the time to spend on training and appropriate disaster response activities when the time comes.

Top: January 2007 publication “June 2006 Flood Summary”SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BASIN COMMISSION,1721 North Front StreetHarrisburg, Pennsylvania 171022391717.238.0423 • 717.238.2436 faxsrbc@srbc.net • www.srbc.net

Bottom: Floodwall Protected Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. Binghamton, N.Y., September 8, 2011 -- A floodwall, built with hazard mitigation funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and New York State protected this vital property from flood waters that devastated other parts of the city, even as rising water from the Susquehanna River engulfed the hospital’s parking lot during Tropical Storm Lee. Photographer Name: FEMA News Photo. Public Domain Media (NARA & DVIDA Public Domain Archive).

Additional Mitigation Resources (Online)

This list is intended to provide some additional information to assist you with mitigation efforts in your community. This list is not all inclusive or comprehensive. Additional resources can be found in the AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook and through Federal, state, and local governments.

• Blackspace Manifesto: https://blackspace.wpengine.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/09/BlackSpace-Manifesto.pdf

• American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP) https:// adaptationprofessionals.org/

• Association for Community Design https://www.communitydesign.org/

• Climigration Network https://www.climigration.org/

» Leading with Listening Guidebook https://www.climigration.org/guidebook

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine –https://www.nationalacademies.org/home

» Paper on “Engaging Socially Vulnerable Communities and Communicating About Climate Change-Related Risks and Hazards https://nap.nationalacademies. org/catalog/26734/engaging-socially-vulnerablecommunities-and-communicating-about-climatechange-related-risks-and-hazards

• U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit is a website designed to help people find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience. The Toolkit offers information from all across the U.S. federal government in one easy-touse location. The goal is to improve people’s ability to understand and manage their climate-related risks and opportunities, and to help them make their communities and businesses more resilient to extreme events.

» https://toolkit.climate.gov/

• United Nations Environment Programme This practical guide demonstrates how buildings and community spaces can be constructed to increase their resilience to climate change, especially in developing countries where structures are largely self-built. The publication provides an overview of the fundamental types of interventions at the building scale, including the use of nature-based solutions.

» https://www.unep.org/resources/practical-guideclimate-resilient-buildings

Photo Credit: bilanol, Envato

Rapid Need to Know Section

Chapter 3: Preparedness for Emergencies and Disasters in New York State

As an Architect you may be planning to assist your local community during a disaster event. STOP!

Design professionals shall consider the liability risk of assisting in a professional capacity if the state where a disaster occurs does not have a Good Samaritan law.

Refer to the Overview Section of the guide for specifics of the lack of such a law in New York State and the alternatives available such as the NYS CEDAR program.

Preparedness Overview

While mitigation can be broad and ongoing, preparedness is specific to the disaster risks and needs of a particular community and its built environment. The best prepared are those who have planned ahead. Architects are adept and skilled in anticipating the impacts of interventions in the built environment, including recognizing signs of potential building system and services malfunctions and failures. Hence, they can play important roles in all the following aspects of this phase to save lives, minimize damage, and help response and rescue operations:

• Vulnerability assessment

• Building performance analysis

• Business continuity planning

• Disaster scenario planning

• Training

First Things to Consider

• Planning in advance – are you prepared —your family, your business, your AIA chapter?

• Practicing your plan

• Listening to your local first responders & authorities

» Evacuating if you are told to

» Sheltering in place if you are told to

• Moving vehicles to higher ground off streets

• Assume power grid and communications systems will be affected.

• Not traveling unnecessarily.

• Staying calm.

• Leading by example

Being adequately prepared prior to, during, and after an event better ensures a resilient outcome. This is true for AIA Chapters, Individual Architects, and Firms/Businesses, all of which are discussed further in the following pages. Use this information as a guide to spur further thought in advance of a hazard event in your community.

Take a Training or Certification Course

The best way to be prepared is to be trained ahead of time. All architects and others who are interested in taking an active role is disaster assistance are advised to enroll in a training program now, well before a disaster strikes. Refer to Appendix B of this guide for more information on such programs including:

• Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Training

• California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Certification Programs

• NYS Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Program Training

• NFPA Training Programs

• Red Cross First Aid Training

Safety Assessment Program Training at the AIA NY Chapter in New York City. Photo Credit: Illya Azaroff, FAIA

AIA Chapter Preparedness Checklists

The following text is excerpted from a variety of sources including the AIA National Disaster Handbook, the AIA California Disaster Response Toolkit and other groups noted in the Resources section at the end of this chapter.

Chapters can do all the following and also lead individual architects and firms to do the same things.

Inclement Weather Preparedness Checklist:

Staff should be notified and advised of the weather danger and kept abreast of plans to prepare, stay home/work from home and closure of the office/building.

Communication should be made with the business Owners and managers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors advising them that the office is being closed and next steps.

Include in the communication a point of contact other than the office phone (home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, email etc.)

Include in the communications an estimated date/time for an update on the situation.

Technology Preparedness Checklist:

Confirm in advance what equipment is covered if taken home with staff. If taken off-premises, property may not be covered under insurance if it is destroyed while at an employee’s home.

Disconnect all computers/monitors from their power source and cover or wrap all computers. Include power cords, mouse, keyboard, docking station and other peripherals.

Place all equipment that is to remain, off the ground and away from windows/doors so they are not affected by wind/flood water.

Assure that internal processes for server/data backup is implemented.

Office Equipment Preparedness Checklist:

Copier/fax/postage– cover or wrap and disconnect it from its power source. Be sure that it is full of paper, toner, supplies.

Refrigerator/freezer/microwave/coffee – empty all contents. Disconnect the power source. Leave doors ajar.

Air Conditioner/Heater Units – turn all units off.

Set up mail message on phone system that advises callers the office is closed and give a projected date that the office will be operational.

Take digital photos of the exterior and the interior of the office(s) in order to document condition prior to event resulting in closure of office.

Unplug and place all equipment that is to remain, off the ground and away from windows/doors so they are less affected by wind/flood water.

Building and Facilities Preparedness Checklist:

Tape all exterior windows and glass doors. If time allows board up windows and doors. If boarding is possible, post emergency contact information on the front door board.

Close all blinds in spaces where there are external windows. Move all items away from exterior windows and doors.

Turn off and unplug all sensitive equipment.

Turn off all utilities (electrical panel, gas valve, water valve).

If a high-water event is expected, move all items that are on the ground floor and lower levels to a higher level within the building or place items up on shelves, cabinets furniture as high as possible.

Take pictures of existing conditions as you leave the building.

Lock all doors and windows.

Inspect the exterior of the building and see that any tree limbs, trash objects, furniture, planters etc., are removed or safely secured as best as possible in the time allowed.

For certain hazards, a safety zone of 30’ beyond the building permitter should be free and clear of combustible materials including trees, shrubs, vines, decks, sheds, storage. Clear gutters and consider burying electrical lines and installing non-combustible roofing and wall cladding.

Miscellaneous Preparation:

Share key contact numbers and critical data (digital and print) with all staff.

Create an emergency plan and practice that plan. That plan may include items such as evacuation routes and shelter spaces.

Assure that the alarm company has all contact numbers of all Owners and managers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors to contact in case of emergency (home phone numbers, cell phone numbers, email, etc.).

Assure that Owners and managers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors have the alarm codes and passwords.

Establish a contact chain for employees, coworkers, and staff.

Schedule routine ‘check-ins’ to keep everyone up to date.

Collect list of office collateral equipment and data that is in possession of each individual.

Other Event Preparedness Checklist:

Install HEPA filtration in the mechanical system

Install lightning and surge protection

Get knowledgeable with your community’s Alert and Notification System (ANS) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This can be broadcast via radio, television, cellular, warning sirens

Confirm the location of a local Emergency Reception Center

Stay alert and informed

Know your radius of risk (from known and acknowledged risks)

Know the hazard zones for your area (see Chapter 1)

Graphic Source: NOAA https://www.weather.gov/bgm/ pastFloodSeptember072011 September 7-8, 2011

Individual (Personal) Preparedness Checklist

The following lists are not all inclusive and may not be applicable in all situations. They are a guide to get you to think outside your circle of comfort and prepare in advance. Remember, the best prepared individuals in a disaster are those who plan ahead.

Action Items:

Compile documents i.e. medical histories, prescription lists, social security cards, birth certificates, licenses, wills, living wills, property and life insurance policies, credit card account numbers and contact info, bank account numbers and contact info, vaccine card and passport. Store items in a safe place such as lock box, bank deposit box, weatherproof binders or Ziplock bags. Make copies.

Create emergency contacts list - Document important contacts with addresses and phone numbers including work, school, daycare, social gathering places, friends’ houses, family and close relatives, business and local neighbors, healthcare providers, pharmacies, health insurance card/policies, non-911 numbers for police and fire department.

Create a wallet card and provide copies to your family

Carry identification with you when you leave your place of shelter. Identification may include a driver’s license and should include your Cal OES/SAP photo training card.

Create an emergency plan and practice that plan.

Designate two meeting places should a disaster strike when family members are apart. Make sure that all members of the family have those addresses and phone numbers.

Designate a friend or relative to act as a contact point for all family members.

Determine locations of local emergency shelters their contact phone number and addresses

Plan the travel route and alternative travel route to the shelter.

Learn and teach appropriate family members how to turn off utilities in your apartment/residence such as gas, water, and electricity.

Learn where emergency equipment is located and teach how to use items such as a fire extinguisher, escape ladder, egress routes/ windows, defibrillator

Determine where to meet along a street or at an adjacent property after a disaster

Determine safe places for specific disaster events within your home, apartment, office, place of business

Learn CPR/First Aid techniques.

Pets - Secure alternate accommodations, compile medicines, medical records, list of vaccines and shots, food and necessary equipment, leash, muzzle, carriers

If you have a personal mode of transportation, be sure it is fueled fully and a complete travel kit is included with a printed map

Maintain current immunizations

Recommended Personal Supplies:

Backpack

Supply of water (1 gallon of water per person per day)

Water purification tablets

Battery operated or hand crank radio or television, NOAA weather radio and batteries

Non-perishable food supply per person

Coolers and containers for water and washing

Blankets, pillows, cots, and chairs

First Aid Kit including medicines, prescriptions, and first aid manual, gauze, tissues

Personal Protective Equipment (gloves, masks, respirator, hand sanitizer, safety glasses, hard hat)

Flashlights, batteries, light-sticks, headlamp

Extra batteries

Electronic device cords, cables, power supplies

Tool kit basic tools such as 6 in 1 screwdriver, pliers, hammer, gloves, multi-tool Swiss army knife

Camera and peripherals (film, cables, memory cards)

Whistle/signal flare to signal for help

Tarps, plastic bags, ziploc bags, duct tape

Cleaning supplies, including mops, towels, and garbage cans, bar of soap

Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers

Backup power generator with extension cord

Fuel for vehicles, generators and other equipment

Cash, ATM cards, credit cards, proper identification

Current prescriptions

Durable, non-cotton clothing

Identification and Contact Information

Most people have identification readily handy, such as a driver’s license, but during an emergency it will be important to have additional information not just about you, but about who to contact in the event that is needed. The American Red Cross has a good template for such a card that can be printed out and kept in a wallet or with emergency supplies. This card, or something like it, should be filled out for everyone and their families involved in disaster assistance. The template is copied below. The latest version can be found at https:// www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/be-informed.html or https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/ get-help/pdfs/American-Red-Cross-Emergency-Contact-Card.pdf

Emergency Contact Card

Directions:

1. Print out a card for every member of your household.

2. Fill in all information.

3. Carry card to reference in the event of a disaster or other emergency. Side 2 of the Emergency Contact Card is displayed below.

Emergency Contact Card Emergency Contact Card

Cardholder information: Phone:

Home address:

Healthcare provider:

In an emergency, call 911 or:

Local Police:

Local Fire Department:

Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

Cardholder information: Phone:

Home address:

Healthcare provider:

In an emergency, call 911 or:

Local Police:

Local Fire Department:

Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

For more information, please visit redcross.org/prepare For more information, please visit redcross.org/prepare

Emergency Contact Card

Cardholder information: Phone:

Home address:

Healthcare provider:

In an emergency, call 911 or:

Local Police:

Local Fire Department:

Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

Emergency Contact Card

Cardholder information: Phone:

Home address:

Healthcare provider:

In an emergency, call 911 or:

Local Police:

Local Fire Department:

Poison Control: (800) 222-1222

For more information, please visit redcross.org/prepare For more information, please visit redcross.org/prepare

Disaster Responder

Preparedness Checklist

If you are trained and expecting to be involved in a disaster response, then you need to be prepared and ready to head out on short notice. Many such responders have a “go bag” at the ready, some of which are commercially packaged such as “Judy Kits” (https://judy.co/). Regardless of how it is prepared, the supplies listed in the Personal Preparedness section above are all still relevant, but additional items that will be useful in the field in the response period include the following list:

Have these things ready so you will be prepared to quickly respond:

Earplugs

Safety shoes

Rain gear

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Lip balm

Safety Assessment Supplies:

Clipboard

Field manuals ATC-20-1 and ATC-75

Waterproof paper, pen or pencils

Binoculars

Knee pads

Reflective safety vest

Caution tape

Tape measure

Professional Firm Preparedness Checklist

The following list is not all inclusive and may not be applicable in all situations. As an Architect practicing in a modern era, there are numerous forms of communication and storing and transporting data that can assist or should be considered as a backup in an emergency situation. Many of the items below can also apply to AIA Chapter offices.

Action Items:

Create an internal structure of responsibilities and roles for evacuations, office closure, communications, and safely storing property, etc.

Collect contacts for all business associates including:

Owners/partners, key business leaders

Legal Advisers

Property Owner, landlord, management company

Insurances

» Carrier

» Policy and policy numbers

» Listing of property, vehicles, equipment owned or leased

» Health, Dental, Life, Disability Policies

Bank Accounts

Bank institutions

Account holder’s names and contact

Account numbers, passwords, cards

Checks, petty cash

Information Technology

Software accounts and passwords

Access to data backup system

It may not be necessary to carry the data collected in printed format. Depending on the type and extent of emergency. Consider your risk, concern with a data breach and the following:

» Prepare a set of backup drives for the computer servers, assuring that the backup copy is made directly prior to turning the server off. Work with necessary offsite server administrators for data storage, backups, server power, website preservation and updates, etc.

» Consider providing redundancy on a cloud-based file sharing service

» Secure access to these files should be robust

» Copying files to a portable memory device, stick, jump thumb drive

Key clients, listing of upcoming meetings, calendar events, deadlines that may need to be delayed

Additional Preparedness Resources (Online)

This list is intended to provide a set of contacts that will assist you with finding a specific resource for the situation you find yourself in. This list is not all inclusive or comprehensive. Additional resources can be found in the AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook and through Federal, state, and local governments.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) – the National AIA represents more than 94,000 members acting as “the voice of the architectural profession and a resource for its members in service to society.” A number of relevant publications are available online.

• https://www.aia.org/resource-center/architects-guide-businesscontinuity

• https://www.aia.org/resource-center/safety-assessment-program

• https://www.aia.org/resource-center/hazard-mitigation-designresources

• https://classic.aia.org/resource/6299432-risk-management-planfor-buildings

American Red Cross – “the American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need.” Some of their preparedness resources can be helpful to everyone.

• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-foremergencies.html

• https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class

U.S. Government - Ready.Gov – An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, there are many free preparedness resources available.

• https://www.ready.gov/

• https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-04/familyemergency-communication-plan.pdf

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – the mission of FEMA is to support the citizens and first responders to promote that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

• https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/ fema_p-2055_post-disaster_buildingsafety_evaluation_2019.pdf

• https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/pre-disasterrecovery-planning-guide-local-governments.pdf

• https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/pre-disasterrecovery-planning-guide-for-state-governments.pdf

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nationalpreparedness/system

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) –“CDC is the nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service

organization that equitably protects the public’s health, safety & security.”

• https://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/

• https://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/prep.asp

• https://emergency.cdc.gov/hazards-specific.asp

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) – NRC was created to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.

• https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/emerg-preparedness.html

Oswego County Nuclear Preparedness (Nine Mile Point Nuclear Plant)

• https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/public_safety/ emergency_management/nuclear_preparedness.php

Wayne County Nuclear Preparedness (Shoreham Nuclear Plant)

• https://web.co.wayne.ny.us/386/Chemical-BiologicalRadiological-Nuclear

Westchester County Nuclear Preparedness (Indian River Nuclear Plant)

• https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/indian-point

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – This private, safety based organization provides training and events to help individuals prepare for disasters.

• https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Wildfire-Community-PreparednessDay

Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) – the IBHS is an independent nonprofit scientific research and communication organization that provides building safety research.

• https://disastersafety.org/business-protection/ofb-ez/

Private Insurance Companies – Many insurance companies provide information and resources to help protect people and property in the event of hazard events or disasters such as the following:

• https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights

Ready.Gov billboard promoting emergency planning to the general public

Rapid Need to Know Section Chapter 4: Response to Disasters in New York State

As an Architect you may be planning to assist your local community during a disaster event. STOP!

Design professionals shall consider the liability risk of assisting in a professional capacity if the state where a disaster occurs does not have a Good Samaritan law.

Refer to the Overview Section of the guide for specifics of the lack of such a law in New York State and the alternatives available such as the NYS CEDAR program.

Response Overview

Rapid

safety assessments

counseling are provided. In a state of emergency, architects and engineers can work together to determine the habitability of homes and businesses, preventing further harm and injury to unsuspecting residents. Formal assessment of damage can also begin with examinations of buildings, including analysis of historic properties and other structures. This stage may last up to six months. Architects, therefore, have a role to play in all the following during the response phase with actions to prevent further damage:

Get SAP trained

Community engagement Volunteer

Temporary housing

Be a known resource

Policy recommendations Be an authority

First Steps - Consider Doing This:

• Listening to your local first responders & authorities

» Evacuating if you are told to

» Sheltering in place if you are told to

• Helping yourself and your immediate family

• Implementing your emergency plan (see Chapter 3)

• Once you are safe and secure, then help your neighbors

• Once your neighbors are safe and secure then help your local community

• Taking CalOES/SAP training & keeping your certification current

Appropriate Response Actions in New York State

After a disaster has occurred, what are the proper steps for responding? What steps should a Chapter or an individual take? Here are some guidelines:

• The best practices for typical Emergency Response proceeds as follows through “The chain of command”: Local > Regional > State > National/Federal.

• The disaster declaration is a very important step in the recovery process. Through the declaration of a disaster, the closest level jurisdiction to the disaster can request disaster assistance from the next higher level of government.

• Throughout New York State many cities, and counties, have departments of emergency management who coordinate interdepartmental response efforts. Control of operations starts with the incident commander, and each succeeding level of government provides support for those locally driven priorities (also see Appendix A).

Consider NOT Doing This:

• Offering professional advice and assistance as an Architect without proper liability protection (see Introduction to this Guide & Warnings/Disclaimers)

• Traveling unnecessarily

• Crossing flood waters on foot or by vehicle

• AIA Chapters can be instrumental in maintaining and providing a list of contacts for individual AIA members to connect with to respond to immediate needs

Response Into Other States

Sometimes architects wonder about assisting in a professional capacity in another state. All of the same considerations for New York State listed above will apply in other states as well. However, if you are considering helping in a state where you aren’t currently registered, will you be considered to be practicing without a license?

Relatedly, will you be covered under an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)? All 50 states have enacted legislation to become EMAC members. Individuals sent under EMAC may have certain protections and coverages for the duration of the declared state of emergency. Authorization by the AHJ is strongly recommended to be protected against unwanted liability.

Emergency Response Process

Most emergency response is implemented starting at the local level. The emergency response process is a radiating circle of stability with the local authorities at the center. Emergency response proceeds as follows: Local then Regional then State then Federal. Through the declaration of a disaster, the closest level jurisdiction to the disaster can request disaster assistance from the next higher level of government.

In a non-localized, diffused event, the emergency manager at the NYS Office of Emergency Management will consolidate the requests of incident commanders and may provide overall direction. This is to distribute resources where they are needed most. In this case, architects and engineers may be contacted to respond to a request for assistance either from the state or local jurisdiction. Thus, architects from all over the State may be called to volunteer to another region where the help is needed most.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency charged with management and coordination of disaster response. They have established protocols for command and control of emergency response situations that carry through all the way to the local level. The Incident Command System (ICS) is the foundation of emergency management protocol throughout the country and has been since the inception of the National Response Framework and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Under ICS, the level of government closest to the disaster is always responsible for the management of the emergency response within its jurisdiction.

The following sections define specific roles and actions at each level in this Emergency Response process.

Response Level 1 - You

• Always comply with first responder’s security and safety directives

• Insure you are safe and secure in your surroundings

• Just as on an airline, take care of yourself first so that you are able to help others.

• Then, ensure your immediate family are safe and secure.

• Concentrate on ‘Life Safety’ aspects of your immediate surroundings

• Implement your emergency plan (see Chapter 5)

• Remain calm

Once you and your household are safe, then,

• Ensure your neighbors are safe and secure.

» Concentrate on ‘Life Safety’ aspects of your neighborhood surroundings

• Move steadily, there will be no quick answers or solutions.

• Lead by example

• Consider remaining local and reachable should a request for your assistance be necessary

Architects Take Note: Does your Local Component have any programs that may be a resource as you prepare for a response? As a member of local community groups, other professional or business organizations, perhaps a volunteer, are there other resources you can tap into or reference?

Image Credit: Jeffery Smith, AIA

Response Level 2 - Local

The local jurisdiction will have immediate needs for the local community that may include items such as:

• Locating adequate temporary and permanent housing

• Debris management

• Disaster assessment teams

• Opening of major roads

• Reestablishing utility services

With or without a request for assistance, individual architects can work with AIA Chapters and professional firms and consider the following:

• Implement your business and/or chapter emergency plan.

• Ensure your coworkers are safe and secure.

• Concentrate on ‘Life Safety’ aspects of your business or place of work

• Move steadily, there will be no quick answers or solutions.

• Lead by example

• Remain local and reachable should a request for your assistance be necessary

Architects Take Note: The local emergency manager may request assistance in the event of an emergency. As an Architect you can have an important and impactful role in the response and recovery process, however, you may be exposed to significant liability if you contribute or volunteer without proper authorization and indemnification. Does your local component have a team prepared to assist? Perhaps your local component has access to resources, resource materials or additional support services. If not, you can help by volunteering to support your local chapter to create or organize such a team.

Response to disasters needs to be coordinated both to be effective and to ensure the safety of all involved.

Photo Credit: Dan Horn

Photo Credit: Daniel Horn, AIA

Response Level 3 - Regional/State

The State emergency response system contacts route back to the county emergency services manager. Your AIA State component is considering establishing a chain of contact of Architects throughout the State who can be a local presence in the event of an emergency declaration should Architects services be needed and authorized. It is a goal of the roll out of this Resource Guide to reach out to local building departments, building code officials, fire marshals, hazardous material teams, utilities, public health officials and emergency managers so that they know who we are, how to contact us and how they can authorize our services. The AIA and Architects should be a known resource Statewide.

• Implement your business and/or chapter emergency plan.

• Ensure your coworkers are safe and secure.

• Concentrate on ‘Life Safety’ aspects of your business or place of work

AIANYS Disaster Assistance Committee and Coordinator - This committee can initiate the statewide regional contact system that attempts to further communicate with professionally trained Architects who may be of assistance during an emergency. This contact has access to a statewide database of CalOES/SAP trained Architects. The current contacts are listed here:

Georgi Ann Bailey, Executive Vice President, AIANYS gabailey@aianys.org

Illya Azaroff, FAIA ia.pluslab@gmail.com

Timothy Boyland, AIA tb@vb-architects.com

Response Level 4 - Federal

Federal emergency response is requested by and supportive of the State and local efforts. When a disaster overwhelms state and local communities, FEMA coordinates the responses of 26 federal agencies and the Red Cross.

All 50 states have enacted legislation to become members of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). A state can also request resources and aid from another state during an emergency. EMAC establishes a common language and universal system for providing assistance under pre-agreed terms and conditions.

Architects Take Note: As a Cal-OES/SAP trained professional and member of the CEDAR Program, you can have an important and impactful role in the response and recovery process both within New York State and beyond your state borders.

Graphic Credit: New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Map of Regional Office Locations | https://www.dhses.ny.gov/emergencymanagement-regional-offices

Who to Contact During a Response Situation

As an Architect in the 21st century, modern means of communication may be disrupted during an emergency. Your phone book may be dry, but the land and cell lines may not be functioning. Your local or State component may be trying to reach you, as may local and regional emergency management officials. Stay calm, work smart, and be alert for a call to assist. You can also reach out directly to local and/or state officials and volunteers to let them know of your availability.

This section includes a listing of contacts that may be helpful as you progress through whatever situation you may find yourself within. This is not a complete list, and you should also consult additional sections of this guide (see also Appendix A) where you will get in touch with key players and from there, they may share contact information for support services in your local area. Someone from this list may also reach out to you and/or your AIA chapter seeking assistance.

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

The AIA represents more than 94,000 members and is the voice of the architectural profession and a resource for its members in service to society.

The American Institute of Architects 1735 New York Ave NW Washington, DC 20006-5292

Phone: (800) 242-3837 | Fax: (202) 626-7547

• AIA Disaster Assistance Program: https://www.aia.org/ design-excellence/climate-action/resilience/disaster-assistanceprogram

• If your community needs support following a disaster, please contact resilience@aia.org

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

The American Society of Civil Engineers represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries. Founded in 1852, ASCE is the nation’s oldest engineering society.

ASCE stands at the forefront of a profession that plans, designs, constructs, and operates society’s economic and social engine – the built environment – while protecting and restoring the natural environment.

Through the expertise of its active membership, ASCE is a leading provider of technical and professional conferences and continuing education, the world’s largest publisher of civil

engineering content, and an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public.

The Society advances civil engineering technical specialties through nine dynamic Institutes and leads with its many professional- and public-focused programs.

• ASCE NYS Council http://www.ascenyscouncil.org/

• ASCE National: https://www.asce.org/

• ASCE Disaster Response: https://www.asce.org/topics/disasterresponse

Community Emergency Response Team(CERT)

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks.

• https://www.ready.gov/cert

• https://community.fema.gov/PreparednessCommunity/s/certfind-a-program

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)

EMAC offers assistance during governor-declared states of emergency or disaster through a responsive, straightforward system that allows states to send personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in other states. The strength of EMAC and the quality that distinguishes it from other plans and compacts lie in its governance structure; its relationship with federal agencies, national organizations, states, counties, territories, and regions; the willingness of state and response and recovery personnel to deploy; and the ability to move any resource one state wishes to utilize to assist another state. The National Guard deploy through EMAC in both State Active Duty and Title 32 to assist Member States. EMAC establishes a firm legal foundation for sharing resources between states. EMAC is implemented within the State Emergency Management Agency on behalf of the Governor of the State.

New York State Emergency Management Office 1220 Washington Avenue Building 22, Suite 101

Albany, New York 12226-2251

Phone: (518) 292-2200 | Fax: (518) 322-4982

Email: NY.StateWatchCenter@dhses.ny.gov

• https://www.emacweb.org/

Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA)

FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA’s emergency management role, is to:

1. Raise risk awareness; educate in risk reduction options; and help to take action before disasters

2. Alert, warn, and message; coordinate the Federal response; and apply and manage resources during disasters

3. Coordinate Federal recovery efforts; provide resources; and apply insight to future risk after disasters

FEMA P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Phone: 1-800-621-3362

Email: AskIA@fema.dhs.gov

• https://www.fema.gov/

• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/findassistance

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nationalpreparedness/goal

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nationalpreparedness/frameworks/response

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nationalpreparedness/plan

FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS)

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) guides all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector to work together to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from incidents.

NIMS provides stakeholders across the whole community with the shared vocabulary, systems and processes to successfully deliver the capabilities described in the National Preparedness System. NIMS defines operational systems that guide how personnel work together during incidents.

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nims

• https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/

• Email: FEMA-R2-ExternalAffairs@fema.dhs.gov

NYS Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR)

The Department of State Division of Building Standards and Codes (DBSC) CEDAR Program provides requesting communities with timely, appropriate post-disaster assistance as part of the statewide coordinated effort under the leadership of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management, and in accordance with Executive Law Article 2-B. The program’s initial disaster response focuses on

New York State Department of State Phone: (518) 473-0175

Email: CEDAR@dos.ny.gov

• https://dos.ny.gov/code-enforcement-disaster-assistanceresponse-cedar-program

NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies.

The Division accomplishes this core mission through its directorates and several cross-cutting support units including Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, Interoperable & Emergency Communications, Disaster Recovery, and Administration & Finance, which coordinate the response of State agencies in support of local government.

The women and men of DHSES are dedicated to working closely on a daily basis with all levels of government, the private sector, and volunteer organizations to improve the readiness and response capabilities of communities throughout the Empire State.

• http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/

• Region I – Counties: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk

Phone: (631) 952-6322

Email: OEMRegion1dl@dhses.ny.gov

• Region II – Counties: Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester

Phone: (845) 224-2180

Email: OEMRegion2dl@dhses.ny.gov

• Region III – Counties: Albany, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Warren, Washington

Phone: (518) 793-6646

Email: OEMRegion3dl@dhses.ny.gov

• Region IV – Counties: Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Oswego, Tioga, Tompkins

Phone: (315) 438-8907 | Fax: (315) 438-3350

Email: OEMRegion4dl@dhses.ny.gov

• Region V – Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates

Phone: (585) 371-9013

Email: OEMRegion5dl@dhses.ny.gov

Rapid Need to Know Section Chapter 5: Recovery from Disasters in New York State

As an Architect you may be planning to assist your local community during a disaster event. STOP!

Design professionals shall consider the liability risk of assisting in a professional capacity if the state where a disaster occurs does not have a Good Samaritan law.

Refer to the Overview Section of the guide for specifics of the lack of such a law in New York State and the alternatives available such as the NYS CEDAR program.

Recovery Overview

After a disaster, the recovery period can vary greatly depending on the nature of the disaster, the types of damage incurred, and the size and extent of the affected area of the community.

1

First is the short-term recovery period to assess needs and identify strategies to support people and businesses. This can last from days to weeks.

Second comes the intermediate recovery phase where interim support to people and businesses is provided over some number of weeks to months.

Finally, the long-term recovery period is focused on getting the community to a new level of “normal” over the subsequent months to years. This stage is characterized by rebuilding, with an emphasis on long-term comprehensive planning to enhance the physical fabric of the community. Regulatory changes may be necessary to mitigate the effect of future disasters.

Architects can help throughout the recovery process in all the following as part of a community-wide effort:

Detailed building assessments

Repair, rebuild, relocate

Transitional housing

Community & land-use planning

Community townhalls and workshops

Mitigation strategies

Sustainability goals

What to Do After the Crisis

Elements of a Potent Disaster Response Program

Any state or local disaster response program should include the following important aspects that need to be in place before an event occurs:

Workers’ Compensation

If an architect experiences an injury or fatality while performing pro-bono safety assessment services post-disaster; who will cover medical costs and associated expenses? A clear understanding of responsibility benefits all parties. Determine appropriate workers compensation before assessments commence.

Portability of Licensure

Architects are licensed by each individual state rather than at a national level. During a large-scale disaster, the limitations of legal practice can inhibit adequate response efforts that necessitate outside reinforcements to meet the need. Local architects may be tending to their own families, communities and business and need assistance from architects in neighboring states to fill the gap. To overcome this typical legal barrier in this critical yet temporary situation, the state architectural licensing board can advocate for policies that allow out-ofstate licensed architects to serve as “emergency workers” during a disaster declaration. Architects volunteering through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact will be subject to the policies and protocols of the state-to-state agreement.

Establishment of Professional Training Standard

Based on the State of California’s training program, the AIA Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Training educates architects, engineers, and building inspectors to evaluate the post-disaster safety and habitability of homes, buildings, and infrastructure as a Building Evaluator. This training equips architects and other design professionals to serve their local communities. (See Appendix B)

Formation of an Activation-Ready Volunteer Network

National AIA created the State Coordinator Network to dispatch trained volunteers efficiently and effectively when requested by the local building department or state emergency management agency. State-level emergency managers and the state AIA Disaster Assistance Coordinator should collaborate before a disaster to establish appropriate methods of communication and post-disaster activation.

New Dorp Beach in New York following Superstorm Sandy. Photo Credit: Tim Boyland, AIA

What Individual Licensed Design Professionals Need to Know Before Volunteering for

Field Deployment

Architects are licensed to protect public health, safety, and welfare and, as such, are an integral part of achieving community resilience in the built environment. Their work lies in the intersection of the planet, places, and people. This role is more important today than it’s ever been and if you are a licensed architect reading this and considering volunteering that is admirable, welcome, and appreciated. It is important to assess and consider several things ahead of time:

1. Consider your role both pre- and post-disaster – there are different needs and different appropriate actions to take at different points in the process. In particular, the decision to volunteer for a post-disaster deployment is a critical choice. A trained evaluator commits to applying this training in an environment that can be physically and mentally challenging. Post-disaster evaluation deployments require a commitment that demands focus.

2. Consider the importance of disaster planning in your practice. This applies for helping the public, but also for helping the firm or company to remain intact and available. The AIA has realized that an emergency-phase response was needed to provide for the security, safety, and rebuilding of AIA members’ lives and practices. This new emergency role includes a focus on fundraising while people still felt an emotional connection to the devastation. It includes the immediate gathering of information on both members and the communities they serve. It includes quickly communicating the status and needs of the architectural community to the membership so assistance can be coordinated nationwide. And it means investigating the often-shifting status of FEMA operations and initiating contact with the ESF-14 long-range recovery program.

3. Check your insurance policy, safety plans, etc. to be sure that they are in line with your interest in disaster assistance. Remember that there is no professional liability protection in New York State when volunteering unless carried out as part of the CEDAR program or similar discussed earlier.

In short, while architects are not directly needed to provide emergency assistance—and the AIA will continue to request that members and components resist the urge to travel to affected areas and focus instead on coordinating locally—clearly there are roles to be filled.

Working with Local Authorities

Licensed building experts—architects, engineers, builders, and others—are often called to assist in evaluating post-disaster conditions and later to help in restoring a community. This approach has been in place for more than 30 years since the advent of the AIA Disaster Assistance program. Volunteers should understand that the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requesting volunteers will determine the parameters for the deployment, such as:

• length of deployment

• number of volunteers needed

• required volunteer qualifications

• whether or not expenses will be reimbursed

• whether or not lodging will be provided

• whether or not meals will be provided

The AHJ may also set expectations for volunteers for the deployment, which may include the ability to:

• operate in the field for periods of 12 hours or more

• work in conditions of excessive heat, cold, humidity, and/or rain

• walk long distances and on uneven ground

• arrange travel (and pre-pay)

• share housing (in less-than-ideal quarters, such as a tent)

• subsist on limited food choices (MREs [military meal ready to eat]) potentially without the ability to address special dietary needs

• take time away from family and friends (several days to a week)

• take unpaid time away from a job (several days to a week)

• face mentally (and emotionally) demanding situations

There may be other considerations in addition to those listed above. It is always best to investigate the policies and options in a particular municipality ahead of time to be prepared for what to expect when a disaster strikes. It is also advisable to undergo some formal training to be of the most help as a volunteer. See Appendix B – Additional resources for individual architects for more information.

Recovery Action List

Do not expect an immediate change in your situation. Recovery is a slow and steady process. The authorities in charge of the recovery have certain priorities that may not exactly align with your own.

Limit unnecessary travel and communications

Send text messages, emails or use social media to contact Board members, staff, friends and family – make calls only in an emergency since phone lines are often busy after an event.

Local authorities will begin building/structure damage assessments to determine the extent of damage and to determine if the building is safe to enter and occupy. An assessment of your building should be performed before occupancy.

Before returning to your building:

Wait for authorities to give permission

Walk around the exterior to look for damage or hazardous conditions

Confirm that the buildings utilities are shut off or safely operable

Note property or structure damage by taking photographs or video

As soon as you can, notify your insurance provider(s).

If the building is unable to be re-occupied:

A key leader shall immediately notify other key leaders and follow a plan established to notify staff, tenants, and/or the Board of Directors.

A notice should be distributed to all affected parties advising them of any temporary office locations, phone numbers, and an expected date of operation.

Notification for deliveries should be made to the following: US Postal Service, UPS, Federal Express, and a notice placed on the building. Also notify neighbors so they can assist.

Notify any mortgage or loan holders for the building.

Maintain communication with your insurance company. Your local representative may be facing the same challenges as you are and communication with the corporate office or regional representative may be necessary.

ATC-20 Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessment Form

Inspection

Inspector ID:

Affiliation:

Building Description

Building name:

Address:

Building contact/phone:

Number of stories above ground:below ground:

Approx. “Footprint area” (square feet):

Number of residential units:

Number of residential units not habitable:

Evaluation

Inspection date and time:

Areas inspected: Exterior only

Dwelling

Investigate the building for the conditions below and check the appropriate column. (excluding contents) None

Observed Conditions:

Collapse, partial collapse, or building off foundation

Building or story leaning

Racking damage to walls, other structural damage

Chimney, parapet, or other falling hazard

Ground slope movement or cracking

Other (specify)

Comments:

Posting

Choose a posting based on the evaluation and team judgment. Severe conditions endangering the overall building are grounds for an Unsafe posting. Localized Severe and overall Moderate conditions may allow a Restricted Use posting. Post INSPECTED placard at main entrance. Post RESTRICTED USE and UNSAFE placards at all entrances.

INSPECTED (Green placard)

RESTRICTED USE (Yellow placard) UNSAFE (Red placard)

Record any use and entry restrictions exactly as written on placard:

Further Actions Check the boxes below only if further actions are needed.

Barricades needed in the following areas:

Detailed Evaluation recommended: Structural Geotechnical Other:

Other recommendations:

Comments:

Applied Technology Council. Find it at: https://www.atcouncil.org/placards-and-evaluation-forms

Moving from Recovery Back to Mitigation

Architects with a reconstruction/redevelopment program can envision a positive and imaginative recovery opportunity. Since local and state officials need to make long-term decisions that will affect and may even significantly alter the built environment, it is important that they are made aware of the opportunities for change. Among these are comprehensive neighborhood redesign, urban redesign, landscape redesign, preservation, appreciation of little-known assets, and utility relocation. The silver lining of a disaster is the opportunity to remedy underperforming aspects of a community.

The architectural community should visually and verbally articulate a positive potential future. Timing is important—and, based on experience gleaned from New York disasters such as 9/11, Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and those with broader impacts such as Hurricanes Ida, Fiona, and Harvey,

time is becoming increasing short. Using established positive relationships with allied professions and local community leaders, an AIA disaster assistance team should be ready to suggest changes to a community’s comprehensive plan and building codes and educate others in the community about the options available.

The timing of moving out of recovery mode and back into mitigation (see Chapter 2 of this Guide) will of course vary greatly depending on the community and the impacts of a disaster event. In fact, these two aspects may overlap and become a blend of learning from the recovery to inform the mitigation or assessing previous mitigation efforts to see how well they worked during a recovery period. In all cases, architects should be aware of the bigger picture and ways to lead the community to greater resilience in the future.

Additional Recovery Resources (Online)

American Institute of Architects (AIA)- A seven-step risk management plan is available to assist architects and clients when re-occupying buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the plan assists with assessing hazards, applying architectural or engineering strategies, and reducing risk.

• https://www.aia.org/resources/6299432-risk-managementplan-for-buildings

This document provides architects, private clients, and civic leaders a framework of strategies for reoccupying buildings and businesses that are in the process of transitioning from being fully closed to fully open.

• https://www.aia.org/resources/6292441-re-occupancyassessment-tool

American Planning Association (APA)- Planners are invited to use the APA research, education, and publication resources below to assist with post-disaster recovery work and future hazard mitigation. Check out the Climate Change Resource page for additional information.

• https://www.planning.org/resources/disaster/

Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA)- FEMA developed the Recovery and Resilience Resource Library in collaboration with our federal interagency partners to navigate the numerous programs available to the United States and its territories to help recover from a disaster.

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/ recovery-resilience-resource-library

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices set up after a disaster. We place DRCs in or near affected communities, in an area that offers equal access and resources to everyone.

• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-ofassistance/4627

The National Disaster Recovery Framework (NDRF) enables effective recovery support to disaster-impacted states, tribes, territorial and local jurisdictions. It provides a flexible structure that enables disaster recovery managers to operate in a unified and collaborative manner. The NDRF focuses on how best to restore, redevelop and revitalize the health, social, economic, natural and environmental fabric of the community and build a more resilient nation.

• https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/nationalpreparedness/frameworks/recovery

FEMA Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance

• www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_p-2055_postdisaster_buildingsafety_evaluation_2019.pdf

Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance

Report on the Current State of Practice, including Recommendations Related to Structural and Nonstructural Safety and Habitability

FEMA P-2055 / November 2019

Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance. Read more at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/ fema_p-2055_post-disaster_buildingsafety_evaluation_2019.pdf

National Park Service (NPS)- The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation & Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings provide information about how to adapt historic buildings to be more resilient to flooding risk in a manner that preserves their historic character and meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

The goal of the Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings is to provide information about how to adapt historic buildings to be more resilient to flooding risk in a manner that will preserve their historic character and that will meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.

These guidelines should be used in conjunction with the Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings that are part of “The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings” (Part 1: Preservation and Rehabilitation (PDF), Part 2 - Reconstruction and Restoration (PDF)). Like the Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, these guidelines are intended to focus primarily on historic buildings and their site and setting.

National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)- A free publication, Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings, is available from the National Trust to help building owners minimize structural and cosmetic flood damage. It contains general advice written to cover a wide variety of buildings with varying degrees of flood damage.

• Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)- NYCHA is building back safer, stronger and smarter by improving structural resiliency and infrastructure protection. NYCHA’s Recovery and Resilience Department is pushing design boundaries in building reinforcements, storm surge protection, and infrastructure upgrades

• https://www.nyc.gov/site/nycha/about/recovery-resiliency. page

NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES)- The four program areas of NYS Recovery help individuals and communities rebuild, recover, and become more resilient after a disaster. Recovery also works with FEMA and other federal partners on recovery issues and processes disaster recovery grants for repairs and/or mitigation projects.

• https://www.dhses.ny.gov/disaster-recovery

Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) -Comprised of community partners or local components of national organizations. The focus of these entities is preparedness for residents and communities during blue sky days and response and recovery supports during ongoing events. These groups work closely with and augment Emergency Management efforts.

• https://www.dhses.ny.gov/recovery-resources

Other Resources

• CDC: https://emergency.cdc.gov/bioterrorism/prep.asp

• US Department of the Interior: http://www.doi.gov/recovery

• Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-reliefand-recovery-services.html

• New York Small Business Development Center: https://www. nysbdc.org/resources/Publications/disaster-planning-guide.pdf

• New York Department of Financial Services https://www. dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/storm_ recovery_2021.pdf

Photo Credit: Photo by Christopher Briscoe on Unsplash

Examples Overview

When penning a chapter about case studies resulting from disasters in New York State there are a number of instances that remain prevalent in most people’s minds. The effects from Hurricane Sandy loom over most neighborhoods on the east coast to this day (whenever you may be reading this) and the on-going (as of the time of this authors writing) global viral outbreak has changed just about everything. More so, than these (2) disasters, the terrorist attacks from September 11th, 2001, re-shaped, changed and effected a way of life, not just in NYS but around the world. Airports revamped their entire security protocols, building departments re-wrote codes and federal aid protocols were re-drawn.

The reaction to the catastrophic events of that day have been cataloged and dissected in a myriad of other places. To learn about how the AIA and other professional organizations were part of the recovery and how those efforts affected the future of design, feel free to read some examples at the links below.

What changed for design professionals - https://www. fireengineering.com/fire-prevention-protection/9-11-codechanges/#gref

Biological Hazard Events in New York

Coronavirus: Starting in 2019 and well into 2022 much of the world’s population has and continues to be affected by a viral outbreak, the likes of which haven’t been seen or felt in our world’s history. The coronavirus changed the way we do everything, travel, school, work; it all has to be re-thought. Architects and AIANY in particular were at the forefront of the solutions and planning for the future.

Reaction: At the earliest days of the Coronavirus outbreak in NY State, AIA formed a unified task force to help develop and share resources with surrounding healthcare providers and government officials. The task force developed information databases, grouping together design professionals (architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, and contractors) that could be available as a resource for needed renovations, and any temporary installations. Additional publications, newsletters and website postings were developed so that owners and officials could understand the capabilities of the design professionals and how they could be of service.

The ability to assess the capacity of existing spaces to meet ever-changing needs of healthcare professionals was crucial. The task force was charged with developing a COVID-19

https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2008/10/saferbuildings-are-goal-new-code-changes-based-recommendationsnist-world

A key lesson from 9/11, was, oddly enough, the design professionals who were most eager to help were all met with litigation for years after the cleanup efforts at ground zero based on the lack of Good Samaritan protection in NYS. Elsewhere in this Guide, Good Samaritan legislation and the goal of having it become law in New York State is discussed. Until then, the case studies below and the AIA response offer effective examples of how public policy was changed (for the good), the tools of tomorrow were developed, and design was improved to better serve the constituents of NYS.

With the above in mind, the following sections look first at some of the general responses to certain types of hazards in New York State as well as some specific examples. This Guide is meant to be a living document, so AIA Chapters in New York State are welcome and encouraged to provide other examples of actions or programs that address the mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery of hazard events or disasters in New York State.

Rapid Response Safety Space Assessment for AIA members that included considerations for the suitability of buildings, spaces, and other sites for patient care. The assessments were developed by architects with a wide range of expertise, including healthcare facility design, urban design, public health and disaster assistance.

Mitigation Approach: Extra space has become key, the ability to move air at a moment’s notice is crucial. The need to identify spatial interventions that can mitigate infection risks among healthcare workers, patients, and communities became the top priority. AIA members in collaboration with other design professionals worked with large hospital systems to study different designs that were occurring on the fly in hospitals on the frontlines in order to identify design strategies and renovations that could help reduce infections across the world. The findings helped healthcare providers develop better “spatial literacy” by making existing invisible risks more visible (e.g., clearly marking zones where there is a high risk of infection) and creating visual aids that are applicable across other health care settings. Partnerships and studies like the one noted developed throughout the state and were typically spearheaded by AIA members.

(https://massdesigngroup.org/sites/default/files/multiplefile/2020-04/Redesigning%20Hospital%20Spaces%20on%20 the%20Fly%20to%20Protect%20Healthcare%20Workers_4.pdf)

Photo Credit: Matilda Wormwood

Earth Hazard Events in New York

New York Fires: In late August-early September 1995, a series of major brush fires swept through the pine barrens region. The first major fire incident occurred in Rocky Point but was extinguished within days of its outbreak. A larger, more catastrophic fire erupted in the Westhampton area just shortly after the Rocky Point blaze ended. The fire, aided by high winds and dry conditions, quickly spread, threatening area homes and businesses. The fire was nicknamed the “Sunrise Wildfire”, as it engulfed both sides of Sunrise Highway, the major highway

Photo Credit: Tom Reynolds

Wind Hazard Events in New York

Superstorm Sandy: This was one of the worst storms to hit the northeast as it caused damage into the billions of dollars in NY state alone. According to fast facts from CNN the storm surge in Battery Park City in Manhattan was as high as 13.88’. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers were left without power, damaged infrastructure and in need of assistance.

Reaction: The architectural community responded to this disaster in numerous ways that proved advantageous to the design community and the public. One of the many positive things that came out of the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy were design competitions, organized by architects, to develop ideas and programs that would help prepare the affected communities for an event like this in the future.

• ORLI+ was a program founded by AIA NYS member Daniel Horn with the intent of crowd sourcing the design community’s and the public’s ideas for a more resilient Long Island. The submissions included entries from over 20 countries and included design ideals the AIA community

Water Hazard Events in New York

Hurricanes: Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Lee brought record rainfall, almost 20” total in a 2-month span to the upstate New York region. The results were catastrophic as entire villages in the Catskills became uninhabitable, the Susquehanna River rose over the banks and left 95% of the Village of Owego under water.

Reaction: Once the flood waters subsided and the damage had been done, there was a need to help evaluate and re-build the remaining infrastructure, housing and businesses. Design

connecting the Hamptons region with the rest of Long Island. The fires closed down the highway and stopped railroad service, effectively cutting the Hamptons off from the rest of the island for days as firefighters from all over Long Island, the FDNY and Connecticut worked around the clock to battle the blaze.

Reaction: The Sunrise Wildfire led to changes in the way highways were planned on specifically vulnerable sections to eliminate “choke points” and ensure evacuation routes are accessible at all times.

Mitigation Approach: How we can help moving forward –Chapter 2 of this publication provides ways for AIA members to remain engaged with the surrounding community and notes potential opportunities for members to utilize their skillset to help mitigate challenges similar to the ones experienced after the Sunrise Wildfire.

utilizes every day including flood resistant wood construction raised above flood levels by taking advantage of air rights and ideas for modular construction that can be moved or fortified at the threat of a perceived Wind event.

• Rebuild by design was an initiative backed by multiple philanthropic institutions that sought to find ways to promote resilience in regions affected by Sandy. The success of the program can be noted by the over $930M awarded to the winning ideas including the East Side Coastal Resiliency project and the Living Breakwaters in Staten Island.

Mitigation Approach: Often, when planning for new structures or renovations to existing ones, the first set of questions about the proposed building is about what it will look like or how it will be used. What architects have brought to the forefront is the question of, “should it be built?” Understanding risk and the need for resiliency have becomes key questions in the preparation and siting of new structures. The ability to understand the FEMA maps and flood planning process has become crucial to master planning for any campus planned development as well as housing throughout NYS. The below flow chart shows the applicability of codes related to flooding in NYC.

professionals have a unique opportunity to be part of this process with the experience and knowledge to aid in this process.

Response: After Hurricane Irene and Lee in NYS the Department of State Division of Code Enforcement and Administration paired with over 95 volunteer design professionals to perform rapid assessments on structures in the affected counties. These assessments (over 13,000 were done in a 17-day span) helped owners apply for local and federal relief that was available to them.

Mitigation Approach: The following information summarizes some of the ongoing efforts to address flooding, especially from hurricanes, in New York State. These are examples only, with new tools and resources being developed all the time.

Photo Credit:Tim Boyland, AIA

Photo Credit: Dan Horn, Illya Azaroff

Flood Applicability in NYC Flowchart

Flowchart Credit: Tom Reynolds, PE, TYLIN Silman Structural Solutions

The procedure noted below can be used to find the flood zone and base flood elevation for your site.

Learn more at: https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/flood-hazard-mapper.page

Additional flood related resources can be found at the links below.

https://services.nyserda.ny.gov/SLR_Viewer/About

https://riskfinder.climatecentral.org/place/new-york.ny.us?comparisonType=city-neighborhood&f orecastType=NOAA2017_int_p50&level=6&unit=ft

https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/climate-resiliency/climate-resiliency.page

AIA Chapter Program Case Studies

Designed by Two Twelve for American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter (AIANY) https://www.aiany.org/membership/advocacy/ filter/post-sandy-initiative/, https://www. aianys.org/aianys-resource-library/

Case Study 1

Post Sandy Initiative (AIA New York / May 2013)

The Event Response: Six months after Superstorm Sandy ravaged the New York region, this collaborative initiative explores the issues, investigates options, and poses opportunities related to the built environment.

The Initiative had four overarching objectives:

• First, to prepare a multifaceted report illuminating options and opportunities based on the best information available in a short amount of time. The report is intended to provide policymakers with additional tools as we forge ahead in response to Sandy.

• Second, to mount an exhibition of this open-ended information so that it can be shared, discussed, and debated by design professionals, stakeholders, and recovery leaders.

• Third, to initiate public symposia and ongoing programs in the four areas covered in the report, providing a framework for continued focus on Sandy recovery.

• Fourth, to undertake continuing advocacy with relevant public, private, and institutional stakeholders, expanding the response to Sandy into efforts for a more resilient future.

The Ongoing Mitigation: The Post-Sandy Initiative is structured as the planning and design community’s response to the recent Superstorm. Initiated by the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) and the AIANY’s Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee (DfRR) in the weeks that followed the storm, and in collaboration with a wide range of other professional organizations and concerned individuals, it has been supported by the participation of a variety of local, regional, state, and national public agency participants.

Collaborating organizations:

• American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC New York)

• American Society of Landscape Architects New York Chapter (ASLA-NY)

• Citizens Housing & Planning Council (CHPC)

• New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH)

• American Planning Association New York Metro Chapter (APA-NYM)

• Regional Plan Association (RPA)

• Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY)

AIA Chapter collaborators:

• AIA New York

• AIA Brooklyn

• AIA Staten Island

• AIA Bronx

• AIA Queens

Case Study 2

SImagines: Planning for Recovery Program

Component: AIA Staten Island / April to September 2013 https://vimeo.com/67309150

The Event: Three days after Super Storm Sandy, a small group of local architects arrived at Staten Island’s Borough Hall to ask, “what can we do to assist?” The next morning, and for several days following, several Staten Island architects, members of the local AIA Chapter, walked alongside City Inspectors as the daunting task of emergency building safety assessments was begun. The City estimated that more than 19,000 buildings were located in flood zones and needed to be assessed for safety. The process of post-disaster safety assessment took weeks to accomplish.

The Response: Moved by the experiences of those first days following the storm, the soon-to-be organizers of SImagines, discussed the short term and long-term planning needs of the devastated neighborhoods. Local government, unprepared for an event such as this, was doing its best to respond to the community’s urgent needs; there was no script to follow. There was no discussion of comprehensive planning, at least not at that point. The organizers recognized that the one component of disaster recovery that was not being discussed and was unlikely to be for some time to come, was community participation in neighborhood planning. And so, they designed a program that would give voice to Staten Islanders in the reconstruction and future planning of their neighborhoods. The result, SImagines: Planning for Recovery Program.

The Recovery: The mission of SImagines was to identify an informed, unified Community Vision for the future of Staten Island’s Coastal neighborhoods and most prominent Hurricane-susceptible areas that will advise recovery, restoration, and future sustainable development. AIA Staten Island and Hunter College collaborated with the program creators to execute a series of planning and reconstruction workshops in the areas most affected by the storm.

These workshops brought Staten Island residents and community leaders together with planning professionals and recognized experts from the areas of design, planning, environmental engineering, science, sociology, finance and economics, preservation, transportation, disaster preparedness, and others, for the purpose of creating an informed, unified, vision for the Island’s most vulnerable communities and geographic areas.

The Ongoing Mitigation: The program’s recommendations served to advise other planning initiatives, such as The Governor’s NY Rising Program, The City’s Build-it-Back, and work being conducted by the Department of City Planning, with the goal of creating more resilient and sustainable coastal communities. Included among the recommendations are Impact Mitigation and Risk Reduction, Sustainable Regional Planning, Neighborhood Planning and Green Infrastructure, Site design and Coastal Zoning, New Housing Forms, Transportation Improvements and Education.

“In most cases, the desires and needs of ordinary people are hardly taken into account and asking the people who actually live and work in those communities about the strengths and weaknesses of the communities and what they would like to see is extremely important and something I believe should be replicated all around the city.”

- Jerome Krase, Ph.D. Emeritus, Brooklyn College

“SImagines: Planning for Recovery” program.

Case Study 3

QuikStart (AIA Staten Island / December 2012)

The Event: Three weeks after Superstorm Sandy, a program was announced, conceived by the office of the local Borough President, to provide valuable, propertyspecific professional resources to impacted homeowners of Staten Island, NY; SI QuikStart.

The Recovery and Mitigation Effort: SI QuikStart is a concept designed to assist residents in obtaining and understanding information about the short and long-term strategies that are being developed to guide them through the reconstruction process.

By assigning a local AIA Architect to each of the numerous households seeking help, his program provides valuable assistance to the homeowner at the beginning of the process, this is the time when more structured “hand holding” will be required to assist the owner in dealing with the plethora of information, applications and requirements that will be superimposed over the effort to reconstruct their home.

The program is not meant to fully repair damaged portions of residences. It is simply a plan to provide residents valuable information and an immediate opportunity to be re-energized and go back to their homes. Once home again, residents can independently rely on NYC Repair Program contractors to finish the balance of outstanding repairs. For homes with a greater degree of needed repairs, SI QuikStart assists in “jump-starting” the initial communication required to move toward the creation of construction documents and filing of building plans with the Department of Buildings. Finally, the Staten Island Borough President, along with the Siller Foundation raised funds to defer the initial costs to homeowners of red, yellow, and green-carded homes.

Case Study 4

Professional ‘One-on-One’ Consultations

Excerpts from a September 2012 Press Release: NEED SOME RE-BUILDING ADVICE?

MEET WITH AN ARCHITECT AT THE NYC RESTORATION CENTER

Members of the Staten Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Have Generously Agreed to Volunteer Their Time to Give Homeowners Affected by Sandy Free Consultations

Homeowners affected by Sandy can get free consultations about rebuilding or making their homes more resilient to storms with professional architects on Friday March 1 and Saturday March 2 at the NYC Restoration Center on Staten Island, the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery, City Council Members James Oddo and Vincent Ignizio and the Staten Island Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (SIAIA) announced today.

The two-day event will allow homeowners to receive one-on-one advice and information about rebuilding, retrofitting and other methods to make their properties more resilient to storms from local experts from the SIAIA. To help these architects give them the best guidance possible, homeowners should bring in photos of their homes and any relevant documents – such as damage assessments from FEMA, the Department of Buildings, or a private insurance adjuster; repair cost estimates by professional contractor; an elevation certificate to determine where the home stands in relation to the flood plain; and any recent building plans or building permits.

Homeowners are encouraged to visit the Restoration Center between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday to take advantage of this great opportunity. They can also speak with a FEMA hazard mitigation specialist flood map expert, who could look up their properties on the recently released Advisory Base Flood Elevation (ABFE) map.

Photo Credit: Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash

Case Study 5

The Rhode Island Architects and Engineers Emergency Response Task Force Preparing for devastation: The value of disaster scenario exercises

By Kenneth J. Filarski, FAIA

PUBLISHED: NOVEMBER 20, 2017 | UPDATED: JULY 10, 2018

Thanks to a training exercise called Vigilant Guard, a group of Rhode Island architects is ready for rapid response. Less than 24 hours after Rhode Island experienced coastal flooding and storm surge from Superstorm Sandy, RI AEER TF-7 received a request to deploy. With a ready responder calling list, our team was on-site and ready to proceed less than four hours after the call, owing to our tight organizational structure and specific training in both building assessment and deployment safety.

aia-ri.org/resources/aeer-tf-7/

When Superstorm Sandy crippled the town of Westerly, Rhode Island, the state’s architects were ready to respond thanks to a disaster training exercise. Photo Credit: RI Architects and Engineers Emergency Response Task Force 7, https://

Appendix A: Additional Resources for AIA

Coordinating with the Volunteer Network in New York State

AIA New York State’s disaster assistance program administration, similar to other states, is led by a member champion, known as the State Disaster Assistance Coordinator (Contact AIA New York State at aianys@aianys.org to verify the name and contact information for the current coordinator). The coordinator aids AIA Chapter staff and volunteers in leading each chapter’s disaster assistance program. Disaster assistance coordination includes maintaining rosters of potential volunteers, organizing training, and providing communication between AIA staff, state emergency management, and other governmental officials as well as outreach to allied building professionals.

Depending on the size, density, or topography, a local disaster assistance coordinator may be named to manage and build critical relationships with municipal leaders. In addition, disaster assistance coordinators are often supported by an AIA chapter’s disaster committee or other related program. For example, AIA New York’s Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee and AIA Miami’s Resilience and Adaptation Committee work year-round to train, educate, and prepare architects and allied professionals with updated hazard information and emerging practices to promote hazard mitigation and resilience.

Memorandums of Understanding

Developing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be signed between the entity providing volunteer services and the state or local AHJ will aid in establishing a set of clear expectations and methods for enabling post-disaster engagement. The AIA state disaster assistance coordinators may help develop MOUs with the AHJ to formalize the response capabilities of architects. In many ways, the MOU will reflect and formally document the five components of a typical state disaster assistance program. The MOU identifies the parties, references applicable state statutes, and identifies the roles and responsibilities of all parties in preparing for and responding to disasters. MOUs can also include allied professionals such as structural engineers and civil engineers.

• Components of a typical disaster assistance memorandum of understanding (MOU) may include the following:

• Introduction: Describes the project and applicable statutes and regulations. Identifies parties to the disaster assistance MOU.

• Purpose of the disaster assistance MOU: Describes why the disaster assistance MOU is necessary. For example: “Due to the continuing threat of disasters, natural and manmade emergencies, there is a need for a means to assist the state or local governments in assessing the safety and serviceability of buildings within their jurisdiction.”

• Roles and responsibilities of all parties: Describes the emergency management incident command system in the state and the roles and expectations of the parties, typically:

» Chain of command

» Training and qualification requirements for volunteers

» Maintaining the roster of trained, qualified volunteers

» Volunteer activation responsibility and methodology

» Tools, supplies, and equipment

» Financial reimbursement

» Food and lodging

• Other provisions: Describes other provisions that fall outside the scope of roles and responsibilities, such as how to address conflicts of interest, how to handle confidential information, how disputes will be resolved, etc. For disaster assistance, this section typically addresses:

» Liability protection

» Workers’ compensation

» Legal representation

• Designation of the representatives and administration of the disaster assistance MOU: Identifies who will sign the disaster assistance MOU, alternates for those individuals, and how the disaster assistance MOU will be amended or terminated. Determines if there is a time limitation or required renewal date for the MOU.

Activating the Volunteer Network

When a state disaster assistance program has been established and a hazard event is forecast, notifications may be sent to volunteers in advance so they can be prepared to protect their families and businesses and respond when called upon. This proactive communication minimizes confusion and the number of queries. In parallel, AIA State Disaster Coordinators contact the appropriate state or local emergency management agency to convey readiness and capabilities of the AIA State Disaster Assistance Program.

There are times when the hazard event or the disaster cannot be forecast or exceeds the level of anticipated need. This can occur on a weekend, or at night, with the expectation that the need will be filled quickly. Maintaining a roster of trained personnel, able to volunteer on short notice, is essential. The advent of NIMS resource typing underlines the importance of maintaining credentials to assure that requests for resources can be met efficiently and accurately.

It is important to understand that the management and control of any disaster begins at the lowest level of government, but all levels of government operate in concurrence with established protocols that are followed by FEMA and the emergency management agencies of the states. This established “chain of command” is integral to disaster operations. The building blocks of this protocol begin with the understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the response framework of NIMS. Deputization and direction of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is required for volunteers to operate at the disaster scene. No one should self-deploy to disaster zones.

AIA Chapter Resource Lists

AIA Chapters are the ideal entity to reach out, connect, and develop relationships to maintain contact with the appropriate agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in Disaster Assistance efforts in their Chapter area. They also already maintain contact information for all of the architects in their Chapter. Therefore, they serve as the link or liaison between individual architects and the local, regional, state, and national authorities. Listed below are some of the most current information for many of these authorities, in no particular order. Chapters should identify the relevant offices for their geographical area and establish ongoing contact before any emergency situation or disaster occurs.

American Institute of Architects Climate Action Plan (AIA)

Humanity is faced with a challenge unlike any we have previously encountered: we must take urgent action to reverse the impacts of our greenhouse gas emissions, protect our planet, and preserve life as we know it.

Climate change affects every person, every project, and every client. The impacts are all-inclusive, with no respect for borders or boundaries—and are felt first and hardest by our most vulnerable populations. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of natural resources are a direct result of increased carbon levels, threatening national security, global economies, and the health, safety, and welfare of local communities. Because more than 40% of U.S. greenhouse gases can be attributed to the building industry—during construction, embodied in concrete, metals, and polymers, and through everyday processes such as heating, cooling, and lighting—architects have the ability to lead the change our planet needs. We must take action.

As we launch forward, AIA is prioritizing and supporting urgent climate action to exponentially accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, the building industry, and the built environment by:

• declaring an urgent climate imperative for carbon reduction

• transforming the day-to-day practice of architects to achieve a zero carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment

• leveraging support of all potential partners, including peers, clients, policymakers, and the public

See: https://www.aia.org/resources/6307290-climate-action-plan

NYS Emergency Managers Directory (NYSEMA)

NYSEMA is made up of a broad range of both public and private sector emergency managers who are charged with mitigating, planning, responding and recovering from natural and man-made disasters. The core of our membership is made up of County and Municipal Emergency Management professionals from across New York State.

https://www.nysema.org/ https://www.nysema.org/links.html

Albany County Critical Incident Emergency Management

Allegany County Office of Emergency Services

Broome County Office of Emergency Services

Cattaraugus County Office of Emergency Services

Cayuga County Office of Emergency Management

Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services

Chemung County Emergency Management Office

Chenango County Office of Emergency Management

Clinton County Office of Emergency Services

Columbia County Office of Emergency Management

Cortland County Office of Fire & Emergency Management

Delaware County Office of Emergency Services

Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response

Erie County Emergency Services Department

Essex County Office of Emergency Services

Franklin County Emergency Services

Fulton County Civil Defense

Greene County Office of Emergency Services

Hamilton County Office of Emergency Services

(607) 753-5064

(607) 832-5600

(845) 486-2080 (716) 898-3696 (518) 873-3900 (518) 483-2580 (518) 736-5858 (518) 622-3643 (518) 548-6223

Herkimer County Office of Emergency Management

Jefferson County Office of Fire & Emergency Management

Lewis County Office of Emergency Management

Livingston County Office of Emergency Management

Madison County Office of Emergency Preparedness

Monroe County Emergency Management Office

Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management

Nassau County Office of Emergency Management

Niagara County Office of Emergency Services

Oneida County Emergency Services Office

Onondaga County Department of Emergency Management

Ontario County Emergency Management Office

Orange County Department of Emergency Services

Orleans County Emergency Management Office

Oswego County Office of Emergency Management

Otsego County Office of Emergency Services

Putnam County Office of Emergency Services

Rensselaer County Bureau of Public Safety

(315) 867-1212

(315) 786-2654

(315) 376-5305

(585) 243-7160

(315) 366-2789

(585) 753-3810

(518) 853-4011

(516) 573-0636

(716) 438-3171

(315) 765-2526

(315) 435-2525

(585) 396-4310

(845) 615-0479

(585) 589-4414

(315) 591-9154

(607) 547-4227

(845) 808-1800

(518) 266-7676

Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services

Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services

Schenectady County Emergency Management Office

Schoharie County Emergency Management Office

Schuyler County Office of Emergency Management

Seneca County Office of Emergency Management

St. Lawrence County Office of Emergency Services

Steuben County Office of Emergency Services

Suffolk County Fire, Rescue & Emergency Services

Sullivan County Office of Emergency Management/Homeland Security

Tioga County Office of Emergency Management

Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response

Ulster County Office of Emergency Management

Warren County Office of Emergency Services

Washington County Department of Public Safety

Wayne County Emergency Management Office

Westchester County Office of Emergency Management

Wyoming County Emergency Management Office

(845) 364-8800

(518) 885-2232

(518) 370-3113

(518) 295-2276

(607) 535-8200

(315) 539-9241

(315) 379-2240

(607) 664-2910

(631) 852-4851

(845) 807-0508

(607) 687-2023

(607) 257-3888

(845) 331-7000

(518) 761-6240

(518) 747-7520

(315) 946-5663

(914) 231-1688

(585) 786-8867

County/Municipality

Yates County Office of Emergency Management

City of Buffalo Office of Emergency Management

Cornwall Office of Emergency Management

City of Mount Vernon Office of Emergency Management

City of New Rochelle Office of Emergency Management

City of North Tonawanda Emergency Management Office

City of Norwich Emergency Management Office

City of Oneida (see Madison County)

City of Peekskill Office of Emergency Management

City of White Plains Office of Emergency Planning

City of Yonkers Office of Emergency Management/Civil Defense

New York City Office of Emergency Management

(315) 536-3000

(716) 851-5333

(845) 534-8100

(914) 665-2390

(914) 654-4343

(716) 693-2201

(607) 334-1299

(315) 736-3334

(914) 737-8000

(914) 422-6341

(914) 377-7325

(718) 422-8700

NYS Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

- Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (DSHES)

OEM coordinates emergency management services with other federal and State agencies to support county and local governments. OEM routinely assists local government, volunteer organizations, and private industry through a variety of emergency management programs. These programs involve hazard identification, loss prevention, planning, training, operational response to emergencies, technical support, and disaster recovery assistance. During disasters, OEM coordinates the emergency response of all State agencies to ensure that the most appropriate resources are dispatched to impacted areas. Since 1954, New York State has received 81 federal emergency or disaster declarations. OEM coordinated the State response and recovery efforts in all of those events, including the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

OEM’s legal foundations are in the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 and the New York State Defense Emergency Act of 1951. Article 2-B of the New York State Executive Law, enacted in 1978, created the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission and shifted emphasis from civil defense to all-hazards preparedness.

Administrative and program support are provided by OEM to the Disaster Preparedness Commission, which functions as the Governor’s policy management group for the State’s emergency management program.

Headquarters, NYS Office of Emergency Management (OEM) 1220 Washington Avenue Suite 101, Building 22 Albany, NY 12226-2251

To submit emergency requests or reports, please use New York Responds or in case of emergency contact the State Watch Center at 518-292-2200.

https://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/ https://www.dhses.ny.gov/Radiological-Emergency-Preparedness

Day-to-Day OEM Sections

State Watch Center (24/7)

Operations

Incident Management Team

OEM Logistics

Planning

Training & Exercise

Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP)

NYS Incident Management Team (IMT)

Bunker Support

GIS

Executive

Transportation Security & Emergency Preparedness (TSEP) Albany

(518) 292-2200

(518) 292-1198

(518) 301-2058

(518) 242-5299

(518) 292-2302

(518) 292-2351

(518) 292-2256

(518) 301-2058

(518) 242-5299

(518) 292-2468

(518) 292-2275

(518) 292-5116

NYS Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)

RACES is an organization of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) licensed amateur radio operators who volunteer to provide radio communications for state and local governments during times of emergency. Created in 1952 primarily to serve in civil defense emergencies, RACES provides essential communications and warning links to supplement State and local government agencies during emergencies.

RACES is organized to provide emergency communications for civil preparedness purposes only. RACES is a special part of the amateur radio service sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and is conducted by amateur radio operators using their primary station licenses or by existing RACES stations. In the event that the President invokes the War Emergency Powers Act, amateur radio operators enrolled with their local emergency management offices would become limited to certain frequencies, while all other amateur operations would be silenced.

During an emergency, RACES is operated under the direct control of the activating emergency management office, as authorized by the FCC and the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES).

https://www.dhses.ny.gov/radio-amateur-civil-emergency-service

American Red Cross

Mission Statement:

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Vision Statement:

The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that...

...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter, and hope.

...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters.

...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products.

...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and

...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Website: https://www.redcross.org/

Resource: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-foremergencies/types-of-emergencies.html

American Red Cross Regional Offices:

Central & Northern New York

Central & Northern New York – Syracuse Office

Get Directions 344 W. Genesee Street Syracuse, NY 13202 (315) 234-2200 Details

Central & Northern New York – Utica Office

Get Directions 125 Business Park Drive, Suite 110 Utica, NY 13502 (315) 733-4666

Central & Northern New York – Watertown Office

Get Directions 203 N. Hamilton Street Watertown, NY 13601 315-782-4410

Central & Northern New York – Oneida Office

Get Directions 134 Vanderbilt Ave. Oneida, NY 13421 315-363-2900

Hudson Valley

Get Directions 4 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 302 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 471-0200 Details

Northeastern New York

Northeastern New York – Albany Office

Get Directions 33 Everett Road Albany, NY 12205 (518) 458-8111 Details

Northeastern New York - Glens Falls Office

Get Directions 333 Glen Street Suite 104 Glens Falls, NY 12801 (518) 792-6545

Northeastern New York – Morrisonville Office

Get Directions 26 Emory Street P.O. Box 770 Morrisonville, NY 12962 (518) 561-7280

American Red Cross - Fort Drum

Get Directions 435A MWR Drive Fort Drum, NY 13602 315-772-6561 Details

American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC)

The American Association of Poison Control Centers is a national nonprofit organization representing each of the 55 poison control centers in the United States, the more than 1,700 professionals these centers employ, as well as other poisonrelated organizations. AAPCC’s mission is to actively advance the health care role and public health mission of its members through information, advocacy, education, and research Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)

Website: https://aapcc.org/

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Mission: “To conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being.”

DEC’s goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity, and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 625 Broadway

Albany, New York 12233-0001

Website: https://www.dec.ny.gov/ Email: contact@dec.ny.gov

Graphic Credit: “Map of All DEC Offices.” Department of Environmental Conservation, https://dec.ny.gov/about/contact-us/map-of-dec-offices

NYS Department of Health (DOH)

NYS DOH has been overseeing the health, safety, and well-being of New Yorkers since 1901 – from sanitation and vaccinations to utilizing new developments in science as critical tools in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In the face of today’s new public health challenges and evolving health care system, the Department’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers is unwavering.

Mission: We protect, improve, and promote the health, productivity and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

Vision: New Yorkers will be the healthiest people in the worldliving in communities that promote health, protected from health threats, and having access to quality, evidence-based, costeffective health services.

Values: Dedication to the Public Good, Innovation, Excellence, Integrity, Teamwork, Efficiency.

Headquarters, New York State Department of Health Corning Tower

Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237

Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/

Albany County

Albany County Department of Health

Phone: 518-447-4580

Fax: 518-447-4698

Allegany County

Allegany County Department of Health

Phone: 585-268-9250

Fax: 585-268-9264

Broome County

Broome County Health Department

Phone: 607-778-2802

Fax: 607-778-2838

Cattaraugus County

Cattaraugus County Health Department

Phone: 716-373-8050

Fax: 716-701-3737

Disease Control/Zika Questions: 716-701-3394

Cayuga County

Cayuga County Health Department

Phone: 315-253-1560

Fax: 315-253-1156

Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County Health Department

Phone: 716-753-4590

Fax: 716-753-4640

Chemung County

Chemung County Health Department

Phone: 607-737-2028

Fax: 607-737-3576

Chenango County

Chenango County Health Department

Phone: 607-337-1660

Fax: 607-337-1720

Clinton County Department of Health

Phone: 518-565-4840

Fax: 518-565-4717

Columbia County

Columbia County Department of Health

Phone: 518-828-3358

Fax: 518-828-5894

Cortland County

Cortland County Health Department

Phone: 607-753-5036

Fax: 607-753-5209

Delaware County

Delaware County Public Health Services

Phone: 607-832-5200

Fax: 607-832-6021

Dutchess County

Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health

Phone: 845-486-3432

Fax: 845-486-3448

Erie County

Erie County Department of Health

Phone: 716-858-7690

Fax: 716-858-8701

Disease Control/Zika Questions: Epidemiology: 716-858-7697

Essex County

Essex County Health Department

Phone: 518-873-3500

Fax: 518-873-3539

Franklin County

Franklin County Public Health Services

Phone: 518-481-1710

Fax: 518-483-9378

Fulton County

Fulton County Public Health Department

Phone: 518-736-5720

Fax: 518-762-1382

Genesee County Public Health Department

Phone: 585-344-2580

Fax: 585-345-3064

Greene County

Greene County Public Health Department

Phone: 518-719-3600

Fax: 518-719-3781

Hamilton County Public Health Nursing Service

Phone: 518-648-6497, 518-648-6143

Fax: 518-648-6143

Herkimer County

Herkimer County Public Health Nursing Service

Phone: 315-867-1176

Fax: 315-867-1444

Jefferson County

Jefferson County Public Health Service

Phone: 315-786-3710

Fax: 315-786-3761

Lewis County

Lewis County Public Health

Phone: 315-376-5453

Fax: 315-376-7013

Livingston County

Livingston County Department of Health

Phone: 585-243-7270

Fax: 585-243-7287

Madison County

Madison County Department of Health

Phone: 315-366-2361

Fax: 315-366-2697

Monroe County

Monroe County Department of Public Health

Phone: 585-753-2991

Fax: 585-753-5115

Montgomery County

Montgomery County Public Health Department

Phone: 518-853-3531

Fax: 518-853-8218

Nassau County

Department of Health

Phone: 516-227-9500

Fax: 516-227-9696

After Hours and Weekends Emergencies: 516-742-6154

New York City

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Phone: 347-396-4100

Fax: 347-396-4135 or 347-396-4136

Niagara County

Niagara County Department of Health

Phone: 716-439-7435

Fax: 716-439-7402

Oneida County

Oneida County Health Department

Phone: 315-798-6400

Fax: 315-266-6138

Onondaga County

Health Department

Phone: 315-435-3252

Fax: 315-435-5720

Ontario County

Ontario County Public Health

Phone: 585-396-4343

Fax: 585-396-4551

Phone: 800-299-2995

Orange County

Orange County Health Department

Phone: 845-291-2332

Fax: 845-291-2341

Orleans County

Orleans County Health Department

Phone: 585-589-3278

Fax: 585-589-2873

Oswego County

Oswego County Health Department

Phone: 315-349-3545

Fax: 315-349-3435

Otsego County

Otsego County Health Department

Phone: 607-547-4230

Fax: 607-547-4385

Putnam County

Putnam County Health Department

Phone: 845-808-1390

Fax: 845-808-1937

Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County Department of Health

Phone: 518-270-270-2655

Fax: 518-270-2638

After hours emergency line call: 518-857-4660

Rockland County

Rockland County Department of Health

Phone: 845-364-2513

Fax: 845-364-2628

Saratoga County

Saratoga County Public Health Services

Phone: 518-584-7460

Fax: 518-583-1202

Schenectady County

Schenectady County Public Health Services

Phone: 518-386-2824

Fax: 518-382-5418

Schoharie County

Schoharie County Department of Health

Phone: 518-295-8365

Fax: 518-295-8786

Schuyler County

Schuyler County Public Health Department

Phone: 607-535-8140

Fax: 607-535-8157

Seneca County

Seneca County Health Department

Phone: 315-539-1920

Fax: 315-539-9493

St. Lawrence County

St. Lawrence County Public Health Department

Phone: 315-386-2325

Fax: 315-386-2203

After Hours (On-call Nurse): 315-454-2363

Steuben County Public Health

Phone: 607-664-2438

Fax: 607-664-2166

Suffolk County

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

Phone: 631-854-0000

Fax: 631-854-0108

Sullivan County

Sullivan County Public Health Services

Phone: 845-292-5910

Fax: 845-513-2276

Tioga County

Tioga County Public Health Department

Phone: 607-687-8600

Fax: 607-223-7019

Tompkins County

Health Department

Phone: 607-274-6600

Fax: 607-274-6680

Ulster County

Ulster County Department of Health

Phone: 845-340-3150

Fax: 845-334-8337

Warren County

Warren County Health Services

Phone: 518-761-6580

Fax: 518-761-6422

Washington County

Washington County Public Health Services

Phone: 518-746-2400

Fax: 518-746-2461

Wayne County

Wayne County Public Health

Phone: 315-946-5749

Fax: 315-946-5762

Off Hours Emergency Number: 315-946-9711

Westchester County

Westchester County Department of Health

Phone: 914-813-5000

Fax: 914-813-5003

Wyoming County

Wyoming County Health Department

Phone: 585-786-8890

Fax: 585-786-3537

Yates County

Yates County Health Department

Phone: 315-536-5160

Fax: 315-536-5146

NYS Police

Established in 1917, the New York State police proudly serves, protects, and defends the people of New York, while preserving the rights and dignity of all. Integrity, respect, customer service and leadership are the foundations we continue to build upon in order to serve to the best of our abilities. The New York State Police works to ensure the safety of the state’s roadways, prevent and investigate crime, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters and provide support to other law enforcement agencies.

Website: https://troopers.ny.gov/ Email: crimetip@troopers.ny.go

Terrorism Tip Line: State residents should dial, toll-free 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697)

New York City residents dial 1-888-NYCSAFE (1-888-692-7233)

Western Regional Office 200 Air Park Drive, Suite 90 Rochester, New York 14624 585-436-2007

Central Regional Office 290 Elwood Davis Road Thruway Office Bldg, Suite 202 Liverpool, New York 13088 315-461-9002

Southern Regional Office P.O. Box 119 Hopewell Junction, New York 12533 845-227-9815

Northern Regional Office & PSB Headquarters Bldg. 22, 1220 Washington Ave. Albany, New York 12226 518-457-6554

NYS Building Standards & Codes (BSC)

The Division of Building Standards and Codes (DBSC) ensures the health, safety, and resilience of the built environment for all New Yorkers.

Headquarters, NY Department of State One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Ave, Suite 1160 Albany, NY 12231-0001

For Code Questions: Phone: (518) 474-4073 | Fax: (518) 486-4487

E-mail: codes@dos.ny.gov

Website: https://dos.ny.gov/building-standards-and-codes

Regional Offices:

Western NY: Rochester & Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central NY, Mohawk Valley, North Country (W) Counties – (315) 793-2526

Capital Region: Hudson Valley/Catskills, North Country (E) Counties – (845) 334-9768

Long Island Counties: (631) 952-4909

New York City: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/buildings/index.page

Federal

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure that:

• Americans have clean air, land, and water.

• National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information.

• Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended.

• Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy.

• All parts of society--communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments--have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks.

• Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up by potentially responsible parties and revitalized; and

• Chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.

Website: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/forms/contact-eparegion-2

Headquarters; Region 2 (NJ, NY, PR, VI)

Environmental Protection Agency

290 Broadway

New York, NY 10007-1866

Phone: (212) 637-3660; (877) 251-4575

Fax: (212) 637-3526

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was created as an independent agency by Congress in 1974 to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. The NRC regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements.

U.S. NRC Region I

2100 Renaissance Blvd., Suite 100 King of Prussia PA 19406-2713

24-Hour Ops Ctr for Emergencies: 1-301-816-5100

NRC Waste, Fraud or Abuse 1-800-233-3497 (OIG hotline)

Safety or Security Concern 1-800-695-7403

Website: https://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/region-state/region1. html

Photo Credit: Robert Harkness, Unsplash

The Need for Training

Any architect interested in supporting a Disaster Assistance effort needs to receive specialized training and education to be able to engage responsibly. While an architect’s education and experience qualifies him or her to provide a host of services for new and existing construction, volunteers responding to disaster situations require specialized training prior to deployment of post-disaster building safety evaluations.

As you will see in the following pages, there are several educational programs available to architects which will equip you in assisting your community before and after disaster events. Descriptions and links are provided for some of the more relevant programs for architects, particularly in New York State. You may also reach out to your local State AIA component, AIA New York State, or AIA National for additional course resources.

Things To Consider

• Consider getting trained and certified in one or more of these programs (listed in Part 1 of this Appendix) as soon as possible, before the next disaster occurs.

• Consider that New York State does not have a Good Samaritan Law as discussed elsewhere. Note, however, that working within some of the programs listed in this section provides liability protection just as it does for public employees. Review those details carefully. (See part 2 of this Appendix)

• Consider where the training program comes from or is offered. Local AIA Components within New York State and elsewhere may have training programs of interest.

Photo Credit: Damage to beach homes in the aftermath of hurrican Sandy, Adobe Stock, By Bob

Part 1. Training Program for Architects

Listed below are several programs worthy of consideration by architects and other design professionals who may be interested in becoming more involved in disaster assistance.

Safety Assessment Program (SAP)

Throughout this reference guide the reader may encounter the terms “SAP volunteer,” “safety assessment evaluator,” and “postdisaster safety assessment evaluator.” The terms are used to indicate a professional who has been trained and certified by a state or national program to perform evaluations that determine the structural and habitability condition of a building impacted by a disaster event.

The AIA Safety Assessment Program (SAP) utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects, and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in the aftermath of a disaster.

The SAP program is managed by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), in cooperation with professional organizations. Cal OES issues registration ID cards to all SAP Evaluators that have successfully completed the program requirements.

In 2008 AIA National collaborated with California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to adapt and adopt the California Safety Assessment Program (Cal OES SAP) as AIA’s national training standard for certification as a post-disaster building safety evaluator. The AIA SAP training is an all-hazards training for architects and other built environment professionals to perform post-disaster building safety evaluations as volunteers for mutual aid following a disaster. The training certification program is managed by Cal OES with cooperation from professional organizations such as AIA and Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC).

The Cal OES assessment program complies with the FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) protocol and NIMS. AIA Safety Assessment Program Training Initial certification by Cal OES is valid for five years from the date of the Cal OES SAP Evaluator Training or if deployed following a declared disaster, five years from the date(s) of deployment. Renewal for an additional five years is also available online at the Cal OES website.

The three safety assessment trainings offered through the Cal OES program are

• Evaluator Training: As described previously, Cal OES offers one of the original training programs, based on ATC methods and aligned with NIMS requirements. Some states and organizations have developed their own training and certification programs, which may or may not be based on the ATC method or Cal OES program.

• Coordinator Training: This training is provided by the Cal OES program and is geared toward government officials who would be coordinating post-disaster building safety evaluations. In the NIMS system, the coordinator role is known as the post-disaster building safety evaluation strike team leader. This is a separate role from AIA’s State Disaster Coordinator who is tasked with leading an AIA chapter’s Disaster Assistance Program.

• Evaluator Train-the-Trainer Program: This program, provided by Cal OES, trains instructors to offer the Cal OES SAP Training

These roles are defined by Cal OES and used in their training materials. The NIMS resource types have different names but similar functions. For instance, a Cal OES “SAP evaluator” would be known as a NIMS “post-disaster building safety evaluator.”

Credentials and qualifications of post-disaster volunteers will vary by state; however, most programs require architects and engineers to be licensed in the state where they are volunteering. Per the NIMS resource typing, trained professionals educated and working in the profession of architecture and engineering who are not yet licensed are permitted to volunteer if they are assisting under the supervision of a licensed professional. In all cases, the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) can establish minimum requirements—such as requiring licensure of all professionals involved in evaluations, or that they are employed by a state or local government. A state or local jurisdiction could limit responders to those licensed in that particular state—not providing for portability of licensure.

Graphic Credit: AIA New York State

In states with extensive contractor testing and licensing requirements, the state could choose to accept those credentials as well.

For more information see https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oesdivisions/recovery/disaster-mitigation-technical-support/technicalassistance/safety-assessment-program

Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Program

The CEDAR Program provides qualified architects in New York State with the opportunity to offer disaster assistance services under the liability protection of the program. The information below is from the CEDAR website: https://dos.ny.gov/codeenforcement-disaster-assistance-response-cedar-program#

The Department of State Division of Building Standards and Codes (BSC) Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Program provides requesting communities with timely, appropriate post-disaster assistance as part of the statewide coordinated effort under the leadership of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office of Emergency Management, and in accordance with Executive Law 2-B. The program’s initial disaster response focuses on performing Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessments of damaged structures in affected communities for use as part of the application process to request federal disaster assistance through FEMA. The CEDAR program’s long-term disaster response will provide a unified method that allows communities to access the broad range of resources available within the Department of State, and, with the cooperation of other state agencies and private partners, resources beyond the Department of State.

Who can volunteer to perform the Rapid Evaluation Safety Assessments as a member of the CEDAR program?

• Certified Code Enforcement Officials

• Certified Building Safety Inspector

• Registered Design Professionals (i.e., architects, engineers, etc.)

• Others with specialized skills, knowledge, or abilities

Step 1 – QUALIFY Complete two National Incident Management System (NIMS) prerequisite courses (ICS-700 Introduction to the National Incident Management System, and ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System) available in a classroom setting or online. You will need a FEMA Student ID Number to complete the courses:

• Student ID Registration link: https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid/register

• ICS 100 link https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview. aspx?code=IS-100.c

• ICS 700 link: https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview. aspx?code=IS-700.b

You will need to have an official transcript sent to the Codes Division to verify course completion.

Step 2 – APPLY Complete and submit the CEDAR Application

This verifies that your employer will allow you to respond to CEDAR activations, periodic drills and training exercises. You should still complete the form If you are retired or selfemployed. Write in “retired” or “self-employed” as applicable.

Step 3 – TRAIN Successfully complete the 3-hour orientation training

You will then be added to the CEDAR Team roster.

See the CEDAR Website for more information https://dos.ny.gov/ code-enforcement-disaster-assistance-response-cedar-program#

SAP Training (Tallahassee) Participant Photo – Photo Credit: Tim Boyland, AIA

Photo of CEDAR Training Group in Buffalo, NY. Photo Credit: Tim Boyland, AIA

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Programs

FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Training

A pre-requisite for the CEDAR Program in NY State, and virtually everywhere else in the US, is the completion of several FEMA training programs under the FEMA Incident Command, ICS Training Program. ICS is the organizing mechanism that develops a plan, communicates it as a series of tasks, schedules work efforts to ensure efficiency over a long duration, and allows ongoing evaluation of progress toward the final goal of recovery. Understanding of ICS is a requirement in all disaster operations and is dictated by the Stafford Act. It can be used at all levels of disasters.

While NIMS includes the following FEMA-offered courses in the post-disaster building evaluation resource types, individual state requirements vary.

• ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System

• ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

• ICS-700: National Incident Management System, an introduction

• ICS-800: National Response Framework, an introduction

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

This program, offered through FEMA, educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. FEMA and disaster experts recommend that people be prepared to survive on their own for at least three days. As the frequency and severity of disasters has increased, some experts are predicting that it may be a week or more until outside help arrives. As FEMA states, “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives.” CERT is a community preparedness program that educates individuals on local hazard risk and trains members in fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.82 This training enables CERT members to assist fellow community members post-disaster when first responders have not yet arrived.

While CERT doesn’t require any architectural expertise, it does connect architects to their communities, inform on local hazards and emergency plans, and introduce the entities architects will be cooperating with as part of the AIA State Disaster Assistance Program.

For more information on FEMA training see https://training.fema.gov/

NFPA Programs

NFPA training focuses on fire incidents, wildfire planning and response, and hazardous materials (haz-mat) and weapons of mass destruction

Find out more at https://www.nfpa.org/Education-and-Research/ Emergency-Response

Other Training

First aid, CPR, urban search, and rescue (USAR), and other specific response resources, often in specialized areas that could be involved in disasters. A good place to start for more information on this is the American Red Cross. https://www. redcross.org/take-a-class

Breezy Point, New York, USA - December 3, 2012: Hurricane Sandy impact on Oceanside Drive at Breezy Point Photo Credit: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/ ovidiuhrubaru?mediatype=photography

Part 2. Liability Coverage Commentary

Major disasters can quickly overwhelm the capacity of local officials and dedicated staff who provide medical care, emergency services, utility repairs, and building safety. Many states have extended liability protection to medical professionals and other professionals who are needed during a crisis. This liability protection allows these professionals to volunteer more readily and gives the public access to crucial services and skills during major disasters. Similarly, a number of states have adopted Good Samaritan laws intended to provide liability protection to licensed architects for voluntary services provided during a government-declared disaster.

Good Samaritan Laws: The first step in a building safety assessment mission is to determine if the state has a Good Samaritan law or equivalent and, if so, what level of liability protection it affords architects. Not all Good Samaritan laws are the same. Services, length of time, and required credentials can vary from state to state. Part of any architect’s preparation to serve in a disaster assistance role is to determine the specifics of the disaster location’s Good Samaritan law.

AIA’s model Good Samaritan law includes language to protect an architect “who voluntarily, without compensation (other than expense reimbursement) provides architectural services, or professional engineer who voluntarily, without compensation (other than expense reimbursement), provides engineering services related to a declared national, state, or local disaster … at the direction or request of or with the approval of a national, state, or local public official, law enforcement official, public safety official, or building inspection official. …” It goes on to state that the design professionals “shall not be liable for any personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other injury or loss of any nature related to the licensed architect’s or professional engineer’s acts, errors, or omissions in the performance of any architectural services (in the case of a licensed architect) or engineering services (in the case of a professional engineer) for any structure, building, facility, project utility, equipment, machine, process, piping, or other system, either publicly or privately owned.”

This does not mean that an Architect cannot be named in a lawsuit, but ultimately, even if a suit is filed, Architects are not held liable unless there is evidence of grossly negligent or willful misconduct. As of the writing of this publication, AIA knows of no lawsuits or significant injuries incurred by architects providing post-disaster safety assessments.

Several AIA chapters nationwide have pursued and achieved Good Samaritan legislation, some based on AIA’s model law, and at times in collaboration with engineers, and code officials who desire to be of service or those local agencies that benefit from the emergency services of volunteers. The AIA Good Samaritan Statute Compendium is regularly updated with a list of state laws as well as AIA’s model law.

Worker’s Compensation: Volunteers should understand that should they become injured or otherwise harmed as a result of their volunteerism, Good Samaritan legislation or other legislated professional liability protection do not typically address workers’ compensation coverage. Depending on state law and any memoranda of understanding (MOU) between state agencies and nongovernmental disaster assistance organizations or individuals, protections and benefits may or may not extend to the organizations, companies, or firms that engage the disaster responders deployed on a volunteer basis. It is important for volunteers to do their own research and to understand their risks and seek professional advice where they are uncertain. If a volunteer is deployed via and Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), it should provide that the requesting state cover the tort liability and the responding state cover the workers’ compensation liability.

Every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories have enacted workers’ compensation laws that are administered by the jurisdiction, and as such each program has its own requirements and penalties. Coverage and benefits vary widely from state to state: “coverage of volunteers can depend on whether they are considered ‘employees’ and whether state laws expressly exclude coverage for volunteers.” In general, workers’ compensation programs provide benefits to workers who are injured during the scope and course of their employment but not necessarily for volunteers deployed by those jurisdictions.

Agreements: If the individual is volunteering under the state or local AHJ, an understanding of responsibility benefits all parties and should be identified in existing state legislation or defined in an MOU or other agreement before volunteer services are rendered. In most cases, the AIA state disaster assistance coordinator will be able to provide specific information on workers’ compensation coverage.

Legal Representation: Per state legislation, disaster responders are often considered state employees for the period of their deployment and/or for the period of the declared disaster. Being considered a state employee via that enabling legislation is often the nexus for workers’ compensation eligibility and may afford the disaster responder legal representation in the event a third party commences litigation against the disaster responder for alleged misconduct and damages suffered by that third party.

Even legislation providing some measure of immunity (i.e., Good Samaritan legislation) for the disaster volunteer does not prevent a third party from commencing litigation against the disaster responder. If the state where the disaster response work is being conducted does not provide legal representation, the disaster volunteer may be faced with finding and financing their own legal defense. Volunteers should investigate the parameters of legal representation that may or may not be present in state statutes regarding legal actions brought against disaster workers and may need to seek the advice of an attorney to determine their risk.

Part 3. Portability of Licensure

During a large-scale disaster, state legal limitations on the practice of architecture may inhibit adequate response and resources. Local architects licensed in the state where the disaster occurs may not be available to volunteer, as they may be in the area affected by the disaster and themselves in need of assistance. Out of state architects who may want to volunteer face a legal challenge to volunteer because they may be deemed to be practicing architecture without a license, as architects in the United States must be licensed by each individual state. Generally, subject to individual state law definitions, evaluating building structures after a disaster event will likely be considered the practice of architecture. To overcome this legal barrier in this critical yet temporary situation, the state licensing board that governs the practice of architecture, or other relevant state agency, may adopt regulations that allow out-of-state licensed architects to serve as “emergency workers” or otherwise provide for their limited practice in the state during a disaster

declaration. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) maintains a model regulation entitled “Qualifications for Practice Under Disaster Declaration” that the state can adopt.

Out-of-state architects volunteering through EMAC will be subject to the policies and protocols of the state-to-state agreement. Article V of the compact states that “Whenever any person holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by any state party to the compact evidencing the meeting of qualifications for professional, mechanical, or other skills, and when such assistance is requested by the receiving party state, such person shall be deemed licensed, certified, or permitted by the state requesting assistance to render aid involving such skill to meet a declared emergency or disaster, subject to such limitations and conditions as the governor of the requesting state may prescribe by executive order or otherwise.”

Photo Credit: By traimakivan, Envato

This brief list of resources is intended to provide information specifically relevant to firms and businesses seeking to be prepared for disasters or to support efforts of their employees to assist in times of need. This list is not intended to be all

Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plans

The Architect’s Guide to Business Continuity https://classic.aia.org/resource/6282340-architects-guide-tobusiness-continuity

FEMA National Continuity Programs https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/continuity

American Red Cross How to Prepare for Emergencies site https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-foremergencies.html

IBHS Open for Business-EZ toolkit https://disastersafety.org/business-protection/ofb-ez/

NFPA 1600 Standard on Continuity, Emergency, and Crisis Management

https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1600-standarddevelopment/1600

inclusive or comprehensive. Additional resources can be found in the AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook, through Federal, state, and local governments, and through local community or business organizations.

Additional Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Resources

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

https://www.aia.org/resource-center/climate-action-businessplaybook

https://www.aia.org/resource-center/aia-resilient-project-processguide

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit https://toolkit.climate.gov/

FEMA P-2055 Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_p-2055_ post-disaster_buildingsafety_evaluation_2019.pdf

NIBS https://www.nibs.org/projects/natural-hazard-mitigation-saves2019-report

Photo Credit: YuriArcursPeopleimages, Envato

2024 AIANYS Disaster Assistance Resource Guide

Disaster

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents

Rapid Need to Know Section

Introduction

Purpose of this New York State Disaster Assistance Resource Guide

How to Use this Resource Guide

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Disaster Assistance

AIA National Code of Ethics

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

Individual Architects in New York State

Architectural Firms in New York State

The AIA in New York State

The 13 AIA Chapters across New York State

Overview – How To Get Involved

Understanding Liability Protection When Individual Architects Volunteer

for Disaster Assistance

What is ‘Good Sam’ Legislation?

Advocacy: The Case for Good Sam Legislation in New York State

Individual Training for Architects

New York State Department of State - Code Enforcement Disaster Assistance Response (CEDAR) Volunteers

Understanding the Disaster Assistance Process

Pursuing a Disaster-Resistant, Resilient Built Environment

Mitigation

Response

Preparedness

Recovery

How AIA Chapters Can Organize Local Disaster Assistance Programs

When Disaster Strikes

Disaster Assistance Decision Making Process

Chapter 1: Hazards Identification

In New York State

Hazards in New York State

Atmospheric Hazards in New York State

Severe Storms

Tornadoes / High Winds

Impact on Buildings

Lightning

Hail

Winter Storm Hazards / Blizzard

EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS (EAL)

Extreme Cold and Extreme Heat

Extreme Cold

EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS (EAL)

Extreme Heat

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Water Hazards in New York State

Hurricanes

Impact on Buildings

EXPECTED ANNUAL LOSS (EAL)

Coastal Erosion Hazards

Flooding (Inundation and Surge)

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Sea Level Rise (SLR)

Geologic, Seismic, and Earth Hazards in New York State

Tsunami/Seiche

Drought Stricken Earth

Earthquake

Landslide

Wildfire

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Biological and Pathogenic Hazards In New York State

Pandemics

Technological and Anthropogenic Hazards in New York State

Industrial Waste Landfills

Power Plants

Riots (Civil Disorder)

NYS Hazards Summary

Chapter 2: Mitigation to Reduce Hazard Risks in New

York State

Mitigation to Reduce Hazard Risks in New York State

Risk Reduction and Mitigation – An Ongoing Process

Collaboration with Government is the Key to Successful Mitigation and Planning

AIA Chapters and Mitigation

Internal AIA Community Engagement VS. External Community

Equitable Engagement

Individual Architects and Mitigation

Becoming a Citizen Architect