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Portable Document Format (PDF)?

PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format." PDF is a file format created by Adobe that lets you view and print a file exactly as the author designed it, without needing to have the same application or fonts used to create the file. Since its introduction in 1993, PDF has become an Internet standard for electronic distribution that faithfully preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with fonts, colors, images, and layout.

Many documents on the Multihazard Information Platform are published using Adobe's® Portable Document Format (PDF). In order to comply with Section 508 Regulations, many of the PDF documents available on the Multihazard Information Platform require the most recent version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. To display or print these documents, you must download the free Acrobat® Reader. The Acrobat® Reader allows you to view, navigate, and print PDF documents.

All PDF documents on the FEMA Web site are characterized by the following or similar graphic icon (PDF icon). This icon is usually placed next to the document link. If you prefer, you can use online conversion tools to obtain the document in text format.

If you are having difficulty viewing a PDF document on the Hazard Information Exchange, please try the following:

  • Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat® Reader.
  • Save the file to your computer before viewing.
    • For Netscape users, right-click on the link, and select "Save As" from the pop-up menu.
    • For Internet Explorer users, right-click on the link, and select "Save Target As" from the pop-up menu.
  • Be patient -- occasionally PDF documents have large file sizes and may take longer to download/view than other pages online. Depending on your internet connection, download times will vary.

For more information, troubleshooting problems when downloading or installing Acrobat Reader, please visit the Adobe Web site.

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