Thirty-seven regional architects, engineers, and building inspectors participated in Post-disaster Safety-Assessment Program (SAP) training this past Saturday, June 9 in Norfolk.
SAP training provides architects and other building professionals with the knowledge to provide evaluations of facilities and buildings in the aftermath of a disaster. With the beginning of Virginia’s hurricane season, this training will benefit communities across the state in the event of a natural disaster. Attendees earned a Cal-OES registration ID card and are now certified volunteer building safety evaluators.
Architects frequently volunteer with state and local jurisdictions to help determine the safety and habitability of homes and small businesses when emergency management and building departments are overwhelmed, which has been the case in the wake of recent hurricanes. This benefits communities by reducing temporary shelter needs and supporting services when residents are cleared to safely return home. Architects provide this service pro bono as part of their membership in the AIA and its Code of Ethics.
AIA Virginia is exploring hosting 2nd SAP training at Architecture Exchange East this November in Richmond.