Building Codes

Activity Book
Welcome to our 

Building Codes 

Activity Book 

FEMA has created this activity book to help you learn more about how building codes help 

protect our communities against natural hazards. By using natural hazard-resistant building 

codes, communities are better prepared for events such as earthquakes, storms, floods, or fires. 

This book includes several pages of activities and learning for you to complete. We hope you 

enjoy this activity book! 
“Did you know that floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, 

and tornadoes are called natural hazards?” 

“These hazards can harm not only people, but 

homes and buildings too!” 

“That sounds scary!” 
Find the Higher Ground! 

Follow the trail through the maze to avoid the hazards, 

just like you would to find higher ground during a flood. 
“How can we stay safe?” “I know! We can use building codes to 

help build safe homes and buildings 

to stop floods, earthquakes, and 

windstorms from creating a disaster in 

our town.” 

Building to code is the best thing we 

can do. For example, in school, getting 

a C is passing, but getting an A is even 

better. Even though building codes 

don’t have grades, it is still better to 

go above and beyond, like getting 

an A! When we build homes that are 

strong enough to take on natural 

hazards, it makes our buildings safer. 
Connect the Dots 

With a pen, pencil or marker, connect all the dots. 

Next, imagine what the connected dots could be! What object or scene appears? 

Describe the image and name it. 
“If we build using the building code, we can 

save lives! Our community will be better 

protected against natural hazards.” 

“What about a tornado?” 

“Storm shelters can be built to 

provide a safe place during 

tornadoes and hurricanes.” 
I Spy Natural Hazards 

How many of each hazard icon can you find? 
“What kinds of things can we 

do to build safe structures 

to protect us against natural 

hazards?” 

“Well, building codes tell us to have 

strong connections between the roof 

and walls to help during a hurricane. 

Ties make sure that your roof and 

walls are bound together super 

tightly.” 
Find the hidden object 

Ruler 

Sandwich 

Book 

Pizza 

Chocolate 

Muffin 

Boot 

Mailbox 
“You can also build high 

off the ground to help 

during a flood.” 
 

Word Scramble 

Unscramble these words about building codes. 

liignudb decos __________________________________________________ 

artnual arzadsh __________________________________________________ 

olsfdo __________________________________________________ 

eaahtesruqk __________________________________________________ 

scnruaeihr __________________________________________________ 

ncolova __________________________________________________ 

ontcuotnica __________________________________________________ 

Earthquakes Floods Natural Hazards Building Codes 

Construction Volcano Tornadoes Hurricanes 
“In areas with earthquakes, 

engineers and architects think 

about strength, layout and other 

important design tools to protect 

us against earthquakes.” 
Natural Hazard 

Word Search 

LANDSLIDE 

STORM 

FLOOD 

TORNADO 

HURRICANE 

TSUNAMI 

BLIZZARD 

VOLCANO 

LIGHTNING 

EARTHQUAKE 

Find and circle the words that are 

hidden in the grid. The words may 

be hidden in any direction. 
“Hopefully, communities will use 

building codes to be safe and 

better protected from natural 

hazards!” 
Finish the Picture 

Which pieces below complete the picture? 
Glossary 

Building Code 

Building codes are sets of rules for the design, 

construction, alteration, and maintenance of 

structures. 

Earthquake 

A sudden, violent shaking of the ground 

caused by the movement of giant plates in the 

Earth’s crust. 

Flood 

An overflow of water onto normally dry land, 

or when heavy rain creates ponding areas. 

Hurricane 

An extremely large, powerful, and destructive 

storm with strong winds. 

Natural Hazards 

Natural events that can cause great damage. 

Tornado 

A dangerous rotating column of air touching 

the ground, usually attached to the base of a 

thunderstorm. 
Scan for more FEMA Building Science 

Resources and Information: 

www.fema.gov