In North Carolina, the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has issued new guidance for the installation of FEMA’s transportable temporary housing units (TTHUs), assisting North Carolinians displaced by Hurricane Helene. State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor emphasized the necessity of this guidance to provide safe, adequate shelter for families affected by the natural disaster. The guidance, as reported by OSFM's press release, addresses the challenges FEMA contractors face, such as nonuniform geographical conditions and issues complying with the North Carolina State Building Code, particularly in relation to utility service connections and foundational requirements.
The OSFM's guidance aims to quickly, and safely, house individuals in need. According to the released information, engineers at the OSFM developed alternative methods for foundational setups and external utility connections. These solutions aim to rapidly and safely to overcome common installation roadblocks that FEMA contractors encounter in the field. The implementation of such guidance is expected to enable faster installation of the TTHUs while ensuring safety and compliance with the code.
The emergency rule containing this guidance is currently under review by the Codifier of Rules at the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings. Previously, the OSFM, in coordination with the North Carolina Building Code Council, had taken emergency actions to establish minimum requirements for onsite constructed temporary shelters. The recent steps further the OSFM's commitment to providing timely assistance to those affected by the hurricane.
With the holiday season underway, the OSFM's proactive measures bear particular significance. "OSFM has again taken prompt action to remove impediments to installing FEMA’s TTHUs so that families in North Carolina displaced by Hurricane Helene can be provided with safe and warm shelter this holiday season," stated Taylor in the press release. This approach underlines their dedication to helping the community during a time when warmth and shelter are most crucial.
Moreover, the OSFM will continue to work closely with local inspectors and FEMA representatives to ensure that the TTHUs are installed correctly, offering a semblance of stability for those who've been bereft of their homes. The creation of these strategies highlights the agency's broader commitment to fostering security and comfort for North Carolinians during trying times.
