Mitigation Assessment Team Best Practices

Highlighted below are descriptions of several best practices - implemented by individuals, businesses, and local governments - that have helped reduce damage and loss due to natural hazards. Although each story involves a different mitigation technique, all of the stories demonstrate how responsible planning can reduce losses.

FEMA has developed a searchable Best Practices and Case Studies Portfolio that contains a wealth of information about successful mitigation efforts.

Mitigation Meant Peace of Mind for Perdido Key, Florida, Family

Built in 2003 to comply with Florida building code requirements, the Palmer's two-story home was built using energy-efficient insulated concrete forms. The Palmers live on Escambia County's wispy-thin barrier island in Florida's panhandle. They were awestruck as they watched on television two powerful hurricanes, Charley and Frances in 2004, cut destructive paths coast-to-coast through south central Florida. Eight days later, their awe became incredulity as yet another Hurricane Ivan with 137 mile per hour (mph) winds took dead aim on their new 4,000-square-foot island home overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

“We returned two days after the storm. Our home was dry and intact, and the generator was still on. Needless to say I was relieved, but I never did really worry,” said Palmer. ”Although my wife and I had taken precautions to mitigate against major damage, windborne debris from neighboring houses caused minor damage to the front porch and two roof panels on the main roof.”

To read the full story, visit Mitigation Meant Peace of Mind for Perdido Key, Florida, Family.

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Surfside Beach Strengthens Municipal Buildings: Resisting Hurricane Disaster with Retrofitting

At only a half a mile from the beach and 25 feet above sea level, the most critical government buildings in Surfside Beach have always been in grave danger during hurricanes. However, when Hurricane Charley (2004) made landfall near Surfside Beach, those buildings sustained no damage. The mitigation project included retrofitting eight critical facilities with storm shutters to protect window openings, hardening roof structures to withstand hurricane wind forces, providing additional wall strengthening, hardening overhead doors to protect against the impact of flying debris, and providing stiffening to horizontal supports (bar joists) where needed.

To read the full story, visit Surfside Beach Strengthens Municipal Buildings: Resisting Hurricane Disaster with Retrofitting

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Richmond, Virginia, Restaurant Stays High and Dry

When the owners of a new Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar franchise considered opening in the historic Shockoe Bottom entertainment district, they knew the area was prone to flooding. The owners had decided to build up the floor 5 feet and elevate the fuse boxes, hot water heater, and air conditioner compressor. The new restaurant opened a little more than a year before Tropical Storm Gaston came on August 30, 2004. But Buffalo Wild Wings sustained only minor water damage and was ready to reopen in 4 days. The initial investment of $130,000 protected over a million dollars in capital and untold revenue.

To read the full story, visit Richmond, Virginia, Restaurant Stays High and Dry

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Brooke County Couple Move Out of Flood Path

The Dixon family has struggled against nature's awesome power twice. Hurricane Frances (2004) caused Buffalo Creek to overflow and reach their porch. Two weeks later, Hurricane Ivan caused floodwater to lift their mobile home off its foundation, overturn it, and leave it in shambles a quarter mile downstream. Fortunately, the Dixons were registered with FEMA and received a housing assistance grant under FEMA's Individual and Household Program. The Dixons used this money to purchase a used mobile home and relocated it on higher ground across the road.

To read the full story, visit Brooke County Couple Move Out of Flood Path

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Lessons Learned in Grand View Area of Hampton, Virginia: Keeping Home Safe with Modifications

Matina Howarth always thought hurricanes needed to be taken seriously, having lived in New England as a child when Hurricane Bob (1991) hit. After she and her husband bought a waterfront home already in compliance with the city's floodplain regulations under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), they had a large rock bulkhead installed on their waterfront embankment. Upon Hurricane Isabel's (2003) approach as a Category 5 storm, the Howarths followed the evacuation order for the area. Upon return, they found their home, for the most part, unscathed. The only damage outside was to a fence and an aboveground pool. The garage had no water in it, but the first floor living room carpet was wet. The structure of the home was intact.

To read the full story, visit Lessons Learned in Grand View Area of Hampton, Virginia: Keeping Home Safe with Modifications

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Last Modified: Friday, 14-Sep-2007 11:05:14 EDT