FLOOD04083

• County: Statewide
• Community: State of North Carolina
• Basin: Statewide
• Title: Hazard Mitigation Successes in the State of North Carolina
• Date: 1/1/1999
• Prepared By: North Carolina Department of Crime Control & Public Safety -Emergency Management
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Flood Mitigation/Flood Warning/Watershed Restoration

March 17, 1999

. Take a more holistic approach to risk assessment and risk reduction. guided by
the principles of sustainable development. It \-vill serve as a clearinghouse of
multi-disciplinary expertise [Q help communities develop and implement
mitigation policies. programs. and strategies. As mitigation and sustainable
development become higher priorities for state agencies and the university
S~lstem. the foundation can be a vehicle to transfer knmvledge and lessons
learned

. Capitalize on its non-profit status by' forming partnerships with other organiza-
tions to further leverage available resources and expertise to meet the goals
that are outlined in the strategic plan. One of the Foundation's strengths is its
flexibility' to enter into agreements. It can be a central point of contact for
federal agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations that ....vish to
undertake v....orkshops, research projects, media events, and other activities of
interest to all.

. Carry out an expanded public information and education program to reach a
broader audience \vith products and services that are developed by the
foundation and its partners. A multi-jurisdictional task involved the creation of
a public information strategy for flood and hurricane mitigacion. It v,iil]
identify coordinated programs to better inform residents. absentee property
O\vners, and visitors about how they can protect themselves and their property
before and during hurricanes and coastal storms.

. Work with universities and non~profjt organizations, such as The Nature
Conservancy and the [nstirute for Business and Home Safety, to build on and
expand existing mitigation programs. In the process. the foundation \.vill
broaden its constituency to channel resources and expertise to communities
throughout the state.

. Continue to emphasize training for building design and construction trade
groups in an ongoing effort to improve ne\\' construction and retrofitting
opportunities, The foundation \-vill expand its training schedule, emphasizing
ne....v construction techniques and materials to encourage property owners to
retrofit.

. Intensify efforts to develop and market mitigation incentives through its
partners. For a voluntary program to be effective, homem.vners and business
mvners must perceive the risk, understand the short- and long.term benefits of
mitigation, and be motivated to cake action. Incentives playa key role in
promoting mitigation tools in coastal communities and across the state. To
stimulate hazard-resistant design and construction practices, natural resources
protection, and wise land use, the foundation is pursuing a range of mitigation
incentives. Incentives include increased property resale value, reduced
business interruption, discounted construction loans. 100ver rates on retrofit
loans, discounted property taxes, discounted permit fees, and reduced rates or
deductibles for homeo\'mer's insurance.

In summary, the Blue Sky is positioned to become a catalyst in a statewide initia-
tive to reduce the impact of natural hazards on homes and businesses across the
state, While the foundation is still largely in the conceptual stage of development,
it has considerable potential. As Eric Tolben, Director NCEMD stated:

"Blue Sky can become a platform for the delive,}' of innovotive programs and
services to a carefully targeted audience, I think eventual(y it [Blue Sky] will
redefine how mitigation is approached in our state, There are resources and
expertise that con be leveraged through Blue Sky. particularlY in the private
sector and the research community,"

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Part Two: Mitigation Success Stories