In Utah, we know that earthquake preparedness is a top priority. Whether it’s reinforcing our homes or knowing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” being ready can make all the difference. This February, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering two free, high-value web-based training courses through the National Earthquake Technical Assistance Program (NETAP) to help our community better evaluate building safety following a disaster.
These courses are designed for building officials, engineers, architects, emergency managers, and any interested individuals looking to gain technical expertise in post-earthquake safety.
Course Offerings
ATC-20: Post-earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings
- Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. MST
- Description: Learn the procedures for rapid and detailed evaluation of earthquake-damaged buildings. Participants will practice assessing risk and recommending proper placards: INSPECTED (Green), LIMITED ENTRY (Yellow), or UNSAFE (Red).
- Bonus: Attendees who complete the training are eligible for a free hard copy of the ATC-20-1 Field Manual.
FEMA P-2055: Post-disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance
- Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. MST
- Description: This course provides an overview of existing procedures for safety evaluations, focusing on structural integrity and habitability. It covers best practices for planning and managing safety evaluation programs before and after a disaster.
Why Attend?
- Expert Instruction: Both sessions will be led by Ed Huston of Huston Structural Engineering.
- Professional Development: Participants who attend the full duration of a training will receive Professional Development Unit (PDU) certificates.
- Interactive Learning: These Zoom-based sessions include examples that allow attendees to evaluate real-world damage conditions.
Participants are highly encouraged to sign up for both sessions to get a comprehensive understanding of post-disaster safety. For more information on these and other NETAP programs, visit the FEMA NETAP website.