Mitigation: Minimizing The Effects Of Disaster
Release Date: March 2, 2005
Release Number: 1581-001
» More Information on Arizona Severe Storms and Flooding
PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Residents of the northern and central parts of Arizona have been hard hit this winter by storms and flooding. Information learned from these disasters can help those affected and those who were not affected this time to identify steps that could be taken now to lessen the damaging effects of unavoidable emergencies in the future.
Investing in preventive measures that reduce the impacts from the next disaster is called “mitigation”. There are many types of preparedness measures that are available to everyone. For example, developing a household disaster plan is a mitigation activity.
Some other mitigation measures that residents should consider are:
- Ask insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (regular homeowner’s insurance does NOT cover flood damage).
- Avoid building in a flood plain unless you elevate and reinforce your home.
- Seal walls in basement with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage through cracks in the walls.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
- Elevate water heaters and other electronic equipment if located in the basement.
- Call your county emergency manager to see if sand bags or other measures are available in case of flooding.
If your home or belongings suffered damage in the storm or from the flood, mitigate further loss as quickly as possible. Taking mitigation steps now will help reduce the amount of structural damage to your home and financial loss from building damage should another disaster occur.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and effectively manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Thursday, 03-Mar-2005 12:53:21