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<br />PREFACE <br />FLOOD PROOFING - How TO EVALUATE YOUR OPTIONS <br /> <br />This document has been prepared to help answer the question, "Should flood proofing be used?" It is <br />intended only as a tool to assist in making a preliminary evaluation of whether or not flood proofing is <br />appropriate and what may be the best flood proofing measure to consider. Prior to implementing any <br />flood proofing measure, the property owner should consult an experienced engineer or contractor in <br />order to conduct final evaluation and design. <br /> <br />Chapter One discusses how flood proofing can reduce flood damage to buildings and their contents. <br />The effectiveness and safety of flood proofing measures are also addressed, as well as the suitability of <br />flood proofing for various building types. <br /> <br />Chapter Two addresses factors that should be considered when contemplating flood proofing, such as <br />local building codes, high costs associated with some types of flood proofing, and the inability to flood <br />proof certain types of buildings. Potential impediments are listed as factors to consider early in the <br />process of evaluating flood proofing. Other factors may involve personal preference, such as architec- <br />tural considerations, aesthetics, inconvenience, and concern for health and safety. The chapter also <br />covers the availability of technical and financial assistance. <br /> <br />Chapter Three provides brief descriptions of various flood proofing measures and refers the reader to <br />sources providing more detail on measures suitable for the structure being evaluated. General types of <br />flood proofing included in this section are elevating the building, relocating the building, floodwalls <br />and levees, dry flood proofing, and wet flood proofing. <br /> <br />Chapter Four assesses the characteristics of flood situations. These characteristics must be taken into <br />consideration and may involve high velocity flow, rapid rate of water level rise. excessive water depth, <br />wave action, and soil types that are permeable and/or erodible. <br /> <br />Chapter Five summarizes the thought process of evaluating physical, economic, and other factors in- <br />volved in determining whether flood proofing is a viable option for a structure that has experienced <br />flood damage or has a significant potential for being flooded. <br /> <br />Appendix A presents a detailed explanation of how to evaluate flood proofing options. It includes a <br />description of how to compare the benefits of flood proofing with the costs of flood proofing using a <br />detailed economic analysis. It also discusses other factors involved in making a detailed evaluation <br />including assessment of the characteristics of the flooding, the building site, and the building itself and <br />the applicability of specific flood proofing measures. <br /> <br />Appendix B contains worksheet forms and graphs. <br /> <br />Appendix C addresses hypothetical cases and illustrates a variety of different factors that influence de- <br />cisions about whether or not to flood proof. <br />