In 2017, the number of floods across the United States was disastrous. Between Hurricane Harvey impacting most of the gulf coast, Hurricane Maria’s devastating effects on Puerto Rico, and the record-level high-waters in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri, floods affected millions of people and destroyed homes, businesses, and lives. [bctt tweet=”Building flood resilience is imperative in keeping people, businesses, and communities safe.” username=”HSIServicesInc”]
Enhance Flood Resilience
In many cities across the United States, flood risk is real and it is important for communities and businesses to come up with a viable disaster risk reduction plan. With these top tips for ensuring flood resilience, the impact of floods will be less, causing minimal damage, if any.
Community Hazard Mitigation Plan
Community planning and communication is key to a productive flood resilience plan. The community needs to make sure there is a comprehensive flood plan in place, along with hazard elements. This plan should cover flood and erosion-prone areas, and be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Invest In Infrastructure
Investing in infrastructure can be extremely useful in ensuring flood resilience Investments can help with dispersing flood waters, and also in preventing secondary events, such as dams bursting or levee failures. Infrastructure improvements need to be worked into the community budget for bridges, culvert, and levee repairs.
Early Warning Systems
An effective early warning system should be a top priority in ensuring flood resilience. Warning systems should be people-centered and clearly understood. These warnings help keep people safe and, early action can be a major element of disaster risk reduction.
Prepare for the Aftermath
Being prepared for a flooding disaster and its aftermath can also help limit the damage. Funding and support efforts to rebuild are essential to post-event challenges. A comprehensive plan to discourage building in flooded areas should be avoided, or the elevation should be properly built up.
Flood Preparedness
There are, with today’s technological advancements, more opportunities to predict where flooding disasters will occur. This allows industrial and commercial areas to prepare with flood protection tools, like the WIPP® (Water Inflated Property Protector), which help maximize protection during flooding events. The WIPP is the ultimate flood barrier to guard areas and properties from the devastation floods produce.
Flood Resilience Program
Floods affect more people than any other natural disaster, causing social and economic loss. On average, 250 million people globally are affected by floods each year. By following the above advice, you can help prevent and avoid tragedy.
To learn more about how you and your community can ensure flood resilience in your area, Contact Us.
