Volunteering to Help Our Communities

Many architects have responded to dozens of severe hazard events nationwide and internationally through the work of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program.

The AIA Disaster Assistance Program supports a nationwide network of architects who help communities mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. It provides training, support, and resources for architects through AIA chapters.
 
Specifically, the program’s work has led to the establishment of disaster assistance programs in all 50 states, Good Samaritan liability coverage in 40 states, and architects in more than 35 states and territories trained in AIA’s Safety Assessment Program. Disaster and resilience education is regularly provided at the AIA National Conference; on AIA’s online education platform, AIAU, and throughout the country through AIA chapters.

Architects volunteering pre- and post-disaster exemplify AIA’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, Canon II, which states that “Members should promote and serve the public interest in their personal and professional activities.” The program also reflects AIA’s commitment to create safe, secure, and resilient communities.

Disaster Assistance Committee
This committee helps steer AIA Delaware's Disaster Assistance Program. 

​Download our Committee information sheet (PDF).

Safety Assessment Program

​The American Institute of Architects (AIA) adopted and adapted California’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Safety Assessment Program (SAP) as the official AIA all-hazards post-disaster training.

Program Details
This all-hazards, training course teaches participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water and includes the SAP Building Evaluator Manual.
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Target Audience
All building industry professionals are welcome to attend.  In addition, certain licensed practitioners will be eligible to perform post-disaster assessments after successfully completing this SAP training as certified Building Evaluators:
  • Licensed architects
  • Registered civil, structural or geotechnical engineers
  • Certified building inspectors
PHOTO CREDIT:  AIA Illinois Disaster Response Team performs building safety assessments after an EF 4 tornado struck Washington, Illinois in 2013.