Building Seismic Safety Program
Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) Process
All non-exempt buildings are screened using the FEMA 154 Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) inspection process. The RVS, completed in about an hour on-site, by a trained structural engineer, produces a score for the building which is indicative of the building's ability to provide life-safety performance during the earthquake anticipated for the site. All RVS inspections are coordinated through the Regional Seismic Safety Contacts and the Area Offices. The nonreimbursable cost of performing the RVS is funded by the Program. Although the focus is on Reclamation-owned buildings, the Program has also applied the exemption criteria and completed all RVS inspections for Reclamation-leased buildings and will transmit the results, which includes the identification of leased buildings with poor anticipated seismic performance, to the Regions and Area Offices.