Flooding: Mitigation
Flooding is a recurrent hazard. While it may be difficult to predict when it will happen, it is possible to predict where it is likely to happen. Indeed, some lands may not be suited for development because of the threat of flooding. It is the responsibility of local governments through their planning and zoning commissions to pursue good planning practices. People in areas that are prone to flooding should be prepared in advance by having emergency supplies and alternative evacuation plans in place. The most important advice is to stay calm and make wise decisions. Most fatalities occur from poor decision making when people try to drive through a flood or evacuate a home or building through rising floodwaters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers a checklist of flood mitigation actions targeted to public works/utilities, residences, and businesses. They include recommendations such as elevating vital electrical equipment and infrastructure above floodwater levels, elevating buildings or moving them outside the floodplain, and elevating or relocating any hazardous materials stored in buildings. From a risk management perspective, the most important thing for individuals, communities, and businesses to do is to invest in flood insurance.
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