Safety Assessment Program Training - February 23, 2013

On Saturday, February 23, the AIA Disaster Assistance Committee, in partnership with the Baltimore Chapter of Architecture for Humanity, is holding a Building Evaluator Training for Maryland architects.

Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or building code officials, this course will certify attendees as Building Evaluators in the California Safety Assessment Program (SAP). The program is managed by Cal EMA with cooperation from professional organizations, including the AIA. It utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers and architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. SAP is known as the preferred training standard of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program, which provides leadership, advocacy, and training to architects who are interested in volunteering their professional skills in times of crisis. This workshop will teach participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water. It also teaches the appropriate protocol for coordinating with emergency managers to limit professional liability. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to consistently and safely assess structures for habitability and will receive a Building Evaluator license from the state of California.

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the important role the AIA, its member architects and associated building professionals play in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
  Accurately conduct a post-disaster rapid building assessment and complete appropriate damage assessment forms.
• Demonstrate understanding of the Applied Technology Council’s ATC-20 and ATC-45 damage assessment training.
• Earn accreditation as a Building Evaluator in the California Safety Assessment Program

While only licensed professionals can earn the accreditation as a Building Evaluator through this program, we encourage non-licensed individuals to still participate if they have a strong interest in this field. Just like an unregistered architect cannot sign off on a drawing, a non-licensed professional cannot sign off on a post-disaster report, however they can aid others in the process.

The course material cost per attendee is to be determined. Lunch and refreshments will be served as part of the program and AIA CEU credits will be available.

More details to come soon!