When disaster strikes, communities come together to provide hot meals, water, first aid and other items. Tax law provisions are in place that may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from a disaster, especially when the federal government declares the location a major disaster area. However, what happens when property is damaged or destroyed? It must be rebuilt.

Rebuilding can be costly and time-consuming, especially when using traditional, purpose-built structures and raw materials, which take time to ship and even more time to assemble. In the wake of a natural disaster, this is not an efficient use of time or resources and it slows individuals’ and businesses’ efforts to get back on their feet.

However, there is a new and innovative solution to this problem that saves time and money: modular construction.

Building Blocks for Natural Disaster Recovery

A recent innovative technology, building block construction systems are an adept solution to providing aid in natural disasters. Building block systems offer a versatile, reusable building platform that can be constructed—and infinitely reconfigured and re-purposed—in a fraction of the time, effort and cost of traditional construction.

Traditionally, the interior building process requires multiple contract teams working together to construct interior partitions and shelter after a storm. Often times, the need for modifications or changes pops up, and the processes and communication can become disconnected, creating a challenge in providing the comfort and aid intended for disaster victims.

Modular construction allows disaster relief and nonprofit organizations to rethink how they can play a part and make an impact during times of crisis. With the help of tools such as a screwdriver or cordless drill, anyone with a little construction knowledge can offer support and construct walls, privacy areas for families, temporary and permanent shelters without waiting for the Army Corps of Engineers or other skilled professionals, which can sometimes take weeks or even months.

Modular building block technology represents a paradigm shift in the way we think about interior construction. When aiding disaster, the technology can be used to adapt to various situations and expedite construction time, which is essential in times of tragedy.

Additionally, the blocks come flat-packed or pre-assembled and fit compactly on a palette that is delivered in a fraction of the time of other construction alternatives—and can even be easily parachuted into disaster-stricken zones.

Easy-to-assemble, modular building blocks provide communities with the tools they need to quickly construct interior walls, including pop-up medical treatment centers and privacy walls, virtually anywhere in the world.

Little previous construction experience is needed to construction the building blocks, so volunteers can be trained and come together and help each other rebuild their communities. The blocks click into place; there is little to no cutting of wood or hanging drywall and no expensive tools or special training required.

When it’s time to do the finishing work, modular building technology helps professional contractors because it plugs and plays with traditional construction and other prefabbed building alternatives. The blocks can become a part of the permanent solution or be easily removed and stored for the next deployment.

Without the need for a lot of expertise, families can get their lives back up and running and business can return to operation and production quicker than ever before. These tools help empower disaster victims and can give them a sense of hope in light of unplanned weather events.

For those looking to rebuild an office after natural disaster, modular construction allows business owners to design and build any type or size of structure needed, from desks and cubicle neighborhoods to full conference rooms and offices. This gives businesses the opportunity to help their communities get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.

Modular construction offers a realistic solution that can provide comfort and hope to those affected by natural disaster. And while it's not possible to prevent natural disasters, it's possible to be prepared.