Disaster Assistance Program

Disaster Assistance Program AIAMD

AIA’s Disaster Assistance Program equips architects with the knowledge and skills to mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. As a result, architects’ disaster response processes, protocol and training are aligned with federal frameworks. Read more about AIA’s nationwide network of architects helping communities before and after a disaster.

After the incredible 2017 hurricane seasons which brought us hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, AIA President and AIA Maryland member, Carl Elefante, asked all AIA State Components to establish Disaster Assistance Committees. In April, 2018, AIA Maryland held it’s first Safety Assessment Program training to get the ball rolling in Maryland.

The Safety Assessment Program (SAP) training provides built environment professionals with the knowledge to evaluate buildings in post disaster situations. It provides architects, engineers, building officials and inspectors with the knowledge and protocol to evaluate homes, buildings and infrastructure in the aftermath of a disaster. This professional expertise is provided as a volunteer service and is based on the State of California’s training program. It has benefited numerous communities, resulting in thousands of safety evaluations and saving municipalities millions of dollars.

The SAP training is a technical training program that includes Applied Technology Council ATC-20 Post-earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings and ATC-45 Safety Evaluation of Buildings after Wind Storms and Floods. Read more

For information on our training schedule or to subscribe to our Disaster Assistance Updates, contact AIA Maryland.

Check here for updates from AIA’s Disaster Assistance Program