Make a Home Disaster-Ready
Part IV of a series on Hurricane Preparedness in Florida
Release Date: May 29, 2006
Release Number: LTR-06-029
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ORLANDO, Fla. -- In preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida's State Emergency Response Team (SERT) urge residents to take steps to make their homes safer. Getting a home disaster-ready is a key component for a faster recovery from a hurricane or other disaster.
Hurricanes produce two primary damaging forces: high winds and flooding. Some measures to reduce the damage resulting from water and high winds are fairly simple and inexpensive; others will require a professional contractor licensed to work in a state, county or city.
It is important to ensure that any work meets current state and local building codes. Exceeding the requirements of the building code with a "code-plus" approach to rebuilding increases the disaster resistance of a house and decreases the chance of major structural damage from wind or water. For more detailed information, homeowners should talk to a professional home builder, architect, contractor or building-supply retailer.
The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes - FLASH, Inc. - is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety, property protection and economic well being by strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and manmade disasters. Its Web site, www.flash.org, features animations that guide a homeowner or builder step-by-step through the latest tested and approved home mitigation techniques, including improvements to the roof, walls and windows; FLASH Cards, that provide disaster-safety information covering 20 topics (including hurricanes and flooding safety) and ordering information for the FLASH One-Stop Resource Guide, which provides concise information on strengthening a home.
FEMA's How To mitigation series features illustrated guides about mitigation topics. The series can be viewed, downloaded and printed by logging onto www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/howto/index or copies ordered by calling 1-800-480-2520.
Residents living in storm-damaged homes may need to evacuate should a hurricane threaten the area; riding out a hurricane in a weakened structure is dangerous. Strengthening measures still are no guarantee that a home will not be damaged or even destroyed by a hurricane. Residents should evacuate immediately if told to do so by local authorities.
The following are some general suggestions for rebuilding safer and stronger:
PROTECTING PROPERTY FROM WIND
Opening Protection
One of the most effective ways to reduce damage to a home is to install protection on the home's openings (windows, skylights and doors), such as impact-resistant windows and doors and/or storm shutters. Homeowners should purchase or make shutters for all exposed windows, glass surfaces, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. Typical types of manufactured storm shutters include wood, aluminum and steel. Shutters should be installed following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Roof Bracing
Roof failures, especially in unbraced gable roofs, are a common cause of major damage to houses and their contents in high winds. Homeowners should ensure the roof framing is braced. Check with the local building department for code requirements and with a professional about installation.
Doors
Exterior doors should be wind and impact resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering. Many houses are equipped with double-entry doors. Because double-entry doors span a wider opening than a single door, they usually are not as strong as a single door and more susceptible to wind damage. Homeowners should add a heavy-duty deadbolt or replace the existing deadbolt with a stronger one, add slide bolts at the top and bottom of the inactive door, and replace the existing hinge attachment screws, in both the doors and the door frame, with longer screws that extend further into the door's frame.
Garage Doors
Garage doors can pose problems during hurricanes because they are so large that they can wobble in high winds. Winds can pull garage doors out of their tracks or make them collapse. If garage doors fail, high winds can enter a home and blow out doors, windows, walls - even the roof. A garage door can be reinforced by strengthening the back of the door and the glider wheel tracks. Hardware and home supply stores, as well as companies that specialize in overhead door sales and installation, can advise homeowners about stronger doors and track systems.
PROTECTING PROPERTY FROM FLOODING
Flooding is the most common and costliest natural disaster and often accompanies hurricanes. Residents can inquire about the projected flood elevation for their neighborhood by contacting their local building departments, flood plain management offices or emergency management offices.
Raising Electrical System Components
Electrical system components, including service panels, meters, switches and outlets, are easily damaged by floodwater. If they are under water for even short periods, they may require replacement. The potential for fires caused by short circuits in flooded systems creates another serious problem. Raising electrical system components helps prevent such problems and ensure a quicker return home. All components of the electrical system, including the wiring, should be raised at least 12 inches above the community's base flood elevation requirement. In an existing house, this work will require the removal of some interior wall sheathing (drywall, for example). Electrical system modifications must be done by a licensed contractor, who will ensure that the work is done correctly and according to all applicable codes.
Elevating Appliances
Appliances, such as washers and dryers, should be located at least 12 inches above the community's base flood elevation requirement. Washers and dryers sometimes can be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber; such appliances also can be moved to a higher floor.
Raising HVAC
Heating, ventilating and cooling (HVAC) equipment, such as a furnace or hot water heater, can be damaged extensively if inundated by floodwaters. The amount of damage depends on the depth of the flooding and the amount of time the equipment remains under water. Exterior HVAC equipment should be elevated at least 12 inches above the community's base flood elevation requirement. A good way to protect interior HVAC equipment is to move it from the basement or lower level of the house to an upper floor or even the attic. Relocation may involve plumbing and electrical changes and requires the skills of a licensed professional contractor.
Anchor Fuel Tanks
Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by flood waters. These tanks pose serious threats to families, houses, public safety and the environment. An unanchored tank can be driven through a wall and swept downstream where it can damage other houses. When an unanchored tank in your basement is moved by flood waters, the supply line can tear free and the basement contaminated by oil. Even a buried tank can be pushed to the surface by the buoyant effect of soil saturated by water. For safety's sake, consult with local officials and licensed building professionals about the best methods of anchoring fuel tanks.
Install Sewer Backflow Valves
Flooding can cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up into houses through drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but also can create health hazards. Backflow valves are designed to block drain pipes temporarily and prevent flow into the house. Backflow valves are available in a variety of designs that range from the simple to the complex and should be installed by a licensed plumber or contractor.
Flood Insurance
Buy flood insurance to protect from flood damage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) overseen by FEMA, enables homeowners, business owners and renters to purchase federally backed flood insurance if their community participates in the program. Mortgage lenders may require prospective home buyers to purchase flood insurance if the home is located in a floodplain. It takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take effect. Insurance is easy to obtain and is sold by most insurance agents.
Residents can visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 to learn their risk of flooding, how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a National Flood Insurance Policy and about the benefits of protecting homes and property against flooding.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Jun-2006 15:18:38