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<br />PART VII: SYSTEMS NOW BEING USED TO PROTECT HOUSES FROM FLOODWATERS <br /> <br />Introduction <br /> <br />89. Over the years, homeowners have attempted many methods of reducing <br /> <br />flood damage to homes. Probably the most popular and successful of these has <br /> <br />been to raise the structure above the flood hazard. This method is, however, <br /> <br />rarely applicable to the slab-on-grade construction which is popular today. <br /> <br />Levees and low walls have also been common, but they often fail during the <br /> <br />flood event. The poor success rate demonstrates that individuals often <br /> <br />attempt flood-resistant systems naively and lack necessary technical knowledge <br /> <br />and skills to successfully complete the complex job. <br /> <br />90. Because of the potentially large demand for flood-resistant sys- <br /> <br />tems, private firms are becoming interested in exploiting this market. This <br /> <br />interest by the private sector is a very important development in that their <br /> <br />work should rapidly expand flood-resistant technology. There are, however, <br /> <br />areas of technology in which many contractors do not have the time, money, or <br /> <br />expertise to research and develop. Also, there is little or no incentive for <br /> <br />contractors to transfer learned technology to the homeowner. <br /> <br />91. The government can be and should be a key figure in making the <br /> <br />environment of flood-resistant construction trustworthy and dependable. The <br /> <br />government can do this as follows: <br /> <br />a. The Corps of Engineers can develop a homeowner's manual which <br />presents up-to-date information about protecting homes and <br />buildings from floodwaters. There are many pitfalls to watch <br />for when making a building resistant to floodwaters. The home- <br />owner's manual can bring these pitfalls, as well as materials <br />and systems, for flood-resistant construction to the attention <br />of the public. <br /> <br />b. The homeowner's manual should be a loose-leaf publication so <br />that it can be updated as new developments are made. <br /> <br />c. Getting the public actively involved could be an invaluable <br />asset, because this communication can generate new ideas about <br />materials and systems which are effective. <br /> <br />d. Technology transfer and the education of the private sector by <br />the Corps of Engineers will be invaluable to ensure that the <br />public is protected. The technology transfer will help the <br />public to be more knowledgeable about flood protection systems <br />and will help to prevent any unscrupulous contractor from tak- <br />ing advantage of homeowners. <br /> <br />27 <br />