FLOOD02514 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1 u.s. GeoLogical Survey Small-scale dikes can be constructed as part of an emergency preparedness plan. The sand-bag dike is protecting tbe bouses from flood damage 28 proofing can be indispensable Floodproofing is espe- cially suitable where moderate flooding with low stage, low velocity, and short duration is experienced Forecasting, Warning, and Emergency Preparedness Forecasting, warning, and emergency preparedness mea.<;- ures are integral parts of a well-balanced floodplain man- agement system For example, adequate warning allows time for the preparation of temporary floodproofing clo- sures and the evacuation of people and building contents from hazardous locations, This is, in part, a technical issue of concern to meteorologists and hydrologists and, in part, an administrative issue requiring a system of emer- gency planning, organization, communication, and public education. Relief and Rehabilitation Relief and rehabilitation are, in the first instance, not methods of reducing flood damage, but ways of dealing with damage after other measures have been insufficient Relief and rehabilitation assistance can include direct clean-up operations as well as loans, grants, and tax reduc- tions to facilitate rebuilding and relocating where neces- sary. Federal agencies are the primary source of this aid, with private support available from organizations such as the Red Cross. Rehabilitation can provide important damage mitiga- tion opportunities. When rehabilitation is necessitated by flood disaster, future flood losses can be reduced by ameliorating many of the problems that contributed to destruction. There are often strong local pressures to re- build as quickly as possible, particularly where economic livelihood Ls involved. And such pressures are justified. Yet, just as often there are long-term economic and social reasons for breaking the cycle of repeated destruction and ensuring that earlier development mistakes are not duplicated. Post-disaster rehabilitation is most effective if it re- sponds quickly to the needs of local residents but mini- mizes future destruction. This requires that redevelop- ment proceed according to sound principles of floodplain management, taking advantage of the various methods for reducing flood damage that apply to new development. Experience ha.s shown that any needed improve- ments in structural flood control devices should be seen as supplementary to the nonstructural measures now available Changes in land use, acquisition and relocation of flood-prone properties, and appropriate floodproofing protection for buildings should all be used in the re- building effort This comprehensive approach requires planning and coordination, which is properly the role of