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<br />Problems of Levees and Floodwalls <br /> <br />They can fail or be overtopped by large floods. If this happens, the <br />effect will be as if your house had no protection at all. <br /> <br />Levees in particular need to be maintained and kept at a uniform level. <br />If several houses are protected, the failure of one owner to maintain <br />his part will lower everyone's protection. <br /> <br />Floodwalls also need periodic inspection for cracks from settling, ex- <br />pansion and contraction. <br /> <br />They may be prohibited by your local building code, zoning ordinance, or <br />property covenant. <br /> <br />They could cause water problems to others. <br /> <br />There are internal drainage problems. <br /> <br />They would probably not affect regular program flood insurance premiums. <br /> <br />Closing access ways may be dependent on human intervention (see I.G., <br />below). <br /> <br />Costs <br /> <br />Materials - can be kept down if local soil is used. <br />Labor - can be kept down if done by homeowner. <br /> <br />Gate, shield or "road bump" - if access needed. <br /> <br />Internal drainage and sewer back-up measures. <br /> <br />Landscaping or decorative features to improve appearance. <br /> <br />Maintenance. <br /> <br />C. Elevation and Evacuation <br /> <br />The technology exists to jack up or elevate almost any type of building. <br />Once elevated, the flood waters simply flow underneath, causing no <br />damage. Elevation involves the following steps which should be conducted <br />by a professional contractor or building mover: <br /> <br />Disconnect plumbing and other utilities. <br /> <br />Emplace jacks and raise the building. <br /> <br />Extend the foundation walls or build piers to support <br />the buil ding. <br /> <br />7 <br />