The Word Is Mitigate 

Release Date: May 28, 2003
Release Number: 1464-39

» More Information on Tennessee Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding

Nashville, TN -- If your home or business was damaged in the storm disaster that hit Tennessee in May the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests things to do in rebuilding to minimize damage in a future storm.

FEMA offers free technical advice on construction and rebuilding techniques to make property safer and less vulnerable to violent weather events. In some cases, federal financial assistance may be available under FEMA's hazard mitigation program. Those who live in flood hazard areas also should ask their local emergency manager about the availability of a buyout program that could enable them to sell and relocate.

"FEMA's long-term policy for disaster recovery stresses hazard mitigation to make communities more disaster resistant," said Michael Bolch, head of federal recovery operations in Tennessee. "We use the lessons of one disaster to prevent similar damage in the next."

FEMA encourages property owners in flood hazard areas to consider elevating furnaces, pumps, water heaters, circuit breakers and other essential equipment above expected flood levels. FEMA also recommends fastening wall and roof components together as a single unit for strength when rebuilding after flood or tornado damage.

Reconstruction is also an opportunity to incorporate fortified spaces called safe rooms that provide life-saving shelter from approaching storms. Plans for such rooms in various types of structures are available from FEMA.

"There's no better time to include mitigation than when you are rebuilding or repairing a damaged property," said John D. White, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. "Not only is it much less expensive, but the incentive to act on safety is strong because the image of the disaster is fresh."

To obtain a FEMA publication to guide you through a mitigation project, call toll-free 1-800-480-2520 and ask for copies of publications 320, 312 and 361.

Last Modified: Thursday, 29-May-2003 08:58:14