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sufficiently outweigh the cost of flood control works to economicaily justify th is approach. Other factors than economics, such as public safety, setting of precedents for encroachment into the floodplain, public responsibility for maintenance and operation of flood control facilities, and the potential benefits of leaving floodplain lands In their natural state (water quality. wildlife habitat, open space, and recreation) should be considered. If the costs of such projects are too great to build immediately, flood insurance and a program of flood forecasting, warning, and evacuation may be interim options to reduce the burden on residents of the community. Floodproofing Floodproofing is the implementation of techniques for preventing or reduc- ing flood damage to the structure and contents of a building or groups of buildings located in a floodplain, Although it is more simply and economicaily applied to new construction, floodproofing is also applicable to existing structures. It is not a cure for ail flood problems, but it can reduce flood damages. Floodprooflng Is usually applied through building codes or permits and through floodplain regulations. In addition to ailowing the occupation of certain floodplain lands, floodproof- Ing has some other benefits: it ailows structures which are sited in floodplains to remain usable in times of floods; it can supplement protection afforded by a flood control project; it may enhance the availability of flood Insurance; it offers an additional tool to deal with flood risks; it offers an individual an opportunity to solve flooding problems without the coilective action of the community, Under the NFIP, floodproofing which meets FEMA's requirements can change a structure's flood insurance rating because it reduces the risk of damage to the structure from flooding. Not all fioodproofing options are acceptabie to FEMA for changing a structure's flood insurance rating. Even if the insurance rating cannot be changed, however, a property owner will experience the floodproofing benefits of reduced risk of damage to the struc- ture and its contents. FLOODPROOFING OPTIONS BY CATEGORY OF CONSTRUCTION New Construction a) Site planning b) Elevation on fill or pilings Residential c) No basements d) Roadbed protection of driveways and and streets a) Site planning b) Elevation on fill or pilings c) Diking d) 100% impermeable basements Commercial and e) Sewer adjustment Industrial f) Roadbed protection of driveways and streets g) Proper anchorage h) Timber and material treatment i) Structural design Existing Construction a) Elevating structure b) Diking c) Permanent closure Residential d) Temporary removal e) Seepage control f) Sewer adjustment g) Underpinning and anchoring a) All above residential techniques b) Openings protected c) Interior protected Commercial and d) Fire protection Industrial e) Appliance protection f) Utility adjustments g) Proper salvage h) Deliberateflooding of specified portions of buildings i) Reorganized use of property