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~ EFFECTIVENESS The only method of flood proofing that will ensure complete safety from flood damage is relocating the building to a site outside of the flood plain. When buildings are not re- moved from the flood plain, flood waters may rise to an elevation that overcomes flood proofing measures causing even greater damages than would have been caused without flood proofing. Unless a building is relocated out of the flood plain, the building will still be exposed to some potential flood damage even if flood proofed. ~ SAFETY Even after flood proofing, a building in a flood-prone location will still be subject to flooding if floodwaters overtop the flood proofing measures or if failure of the system occurs. Property owners must keep this in mind in order to avoid a false sense of security. No one should remain in a flood proofed building during a flood. This is hazardous and life-threatening. High velocity flows, waves, or other conditions can cause floodwaters to suddenly overtop the flood proofing leaving occupants little or no time or ability to vacate the building and flooded areas. In addi- tion, rising flood waters may inundate all over-land means of escape. 8 BUILDING TYPES " Some types of buildings are more suitable for flood proofing than others. The appropriate ,......, flood proofing methods will depend on the construction material of the building, such as brick or wood frame, and the nature of the building's design, such as the number of floors, basements, slab foundations. or crawl spaces. It is essential to know the type of construction of the building when analyzing potential flood proofing methods. A building totally unsuitable for one flood proofing method may be effectively flood proofed by another method. A variety of flood proofing options should be considered before concluding if a building is a candidate for flood proofing. Houses with basements, for example, generally provide a greater challenge to successful flood proofing. 2