Alaska Storm Shelter Code 2020 Adoption Info
• Effective Dates: January 1, 2020 – Present (varies by jurisdiction)
• Adopts with Amendments: Based on ICC 500-2014 (Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters) with Alaska-specific modifications.
• Authority: Enforced by local building departments, Alaska Department of Public Safety, and the Alaska State Fire Marshal.
State Profile
|
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
State |
Alaska |
|
Population (2023) |
~730,000 |
|
Climate Zones |
Cold, Very Cold, Sub-Arctic |
|
Storm Shelter Code |
Based on ICC 500-2014 with Alaska-specific amendments |
|
Adoption Authority |
Local jurisdictions enforce storm shelter requirements |
Certification & Compliance Requirements
|
Certification |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Storm Shelter Structural Design |
Must withstand hurricane-force winds and seismic activity. |
|
Occupant Load & Space Requirements |
Minimum 5 square feet per person in shelters. |
|
Ventilation & Air Quality |
Must provide fresh air intake and exhaust. |
|
Emergency Power Requirements |
Backup generators or battery-powered lighting required. |
Key Requirements Under the 2020 Alaska Storm Shelter Code
|
Category |
Alaska Storm Shelter Code 2020 Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Wind Load Resistance |
Shelters must withstand up to 250 mph winds. |
|
Seismic Load Resistance |
Must comply with IBC seismic design requirements. |
|
Flood-Resistant Construction |
Required for shelters in flood-prone areas. |
|
Fire Safety Requirements |
Must include fire-rated materials and smoke detection. |
|
Ventilation & Air Exchange |
Minimum air changes per hour required for occupied spaces. |
|
ADA Accessibility |
Must have accessible entrances and seating. |
Safety & Maintenance Requirements
|
Category |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
Annual Inspection |
Required for all public and community shelters. |
|
Structural Load Testing |
Must be tested every 5 years to verify integrity. |
|
Emergency Exit Requirements |
Must have at least two exits for escape. |
|
Sanitation Facilities |
Required for shelters used for more than 2 hours. |
Model Code Safety & Compliance Potential
|
Category |
Potential Benefits |
|---|---|
|
Storm Damage Reduction |
Protects lives and property during extreme weather. |
|
Seismic Safety Improvements |
Ensures shelters can withstand earthquakes. |
|
Emergency Preparedness Compliance |
Helps communities comply with FEMA shelter standards. |
|
Increased Public Safety |
Reduces risk during severe weather events. |
Resources for Compliance
|
Resource |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Alaska Department of Public Safety |
Regulates storm shelter construction and inspections. |
|
Local Building Departments |
Handle permitting and inspections for storm shelters. |
|
FEMA P-361 Guidelines |
Provides best practices for storm shelter design. |
|
ICC 500-2014 Standard |
Defines structural and operational requirements for shelters. |
Background and Compliance Process
|
Category |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Background |
The 2020 Alaska Storm Shelter Code ensures communities have safe, reliable shelters for extreme weather and seismic events. |
|
State-Owned/Funded Shelters |
All state-funded storm shelters must comply with ICC 500-2014. |
|
Adoption Process |
Code adoption is implemented through local jurisdictions with state oversight. |
|
Enforcement Process |
Compliance is verified through structural inspections and occupancy permits. |
|
Compliance Process |
Shelter owners must submit structural reports and maintenance logs annually. |
Shelter Safety Requirements by Type
|
Shelter Type |
Key Code Requirements |
|---|---|
|
Residential Safe Rooms |
Must have reinforced walls and ceilings, ventilation, and emergency access. |
|
Community Storm Shelters |
Require backup power, water supply, and ADA-compliant entry. |
|
School & Public Facility Shelters |
Must accommodate large groups with proper fire-rated materials. |
|
Commercial Storm Shelters |
Require fire suppression and emergency communications. |
How to Achieve Compliance
1. Assessment Phase:
• Conduct structural load analysis and site feasibility study.
• Identify occupant load and emergency power requirements.
2. Design & Planning:
• Submit storm shelter design plans for approval by the local building department.
• Include wind resistance calculations and emergency access plans.
3. Installation & Inspection:
• Construct shelters with fire-resistant materials, ventilation systems, and emergency exits.
• Schedule structural and fire safety inspections before occupancy.
4. Final Certification:
• Submit compliance documentation to local authorities.
• Obtain final shelter safety permit approval before use.
Why Alaska’s 2020 Storm Shelter Code Matters
✔ Protects residents from extreme weather
✔ Ensures shelters meet seismic and wind resistance standards
✔ Improves emergency preparedness for communities
✔ Reduces long-term costs by requiring durable construction
For official compliance guidelines, visit the Alaska Department of Public Safety website.
Final Thoughts
The 2020 Alaska Storm Shelter Code ensures safe, structurally sound shelters for extreme weather and seismic events. Community leaders, builders, and property owners benefit from improved public safety, lower storm damage risks, and enhanced emergency preparedness.
Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.