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Mitigation Strategy Report FEMA-1134-DR-NC State of North Carolina Division of Emergency Management to permanent structures, local communities who participate in the NFIP should regulate these former vehicles in accordance with existing manufactured housing reguiations. However, when a community is not participating in the NFIP, these requirements (10 not apply. Thus, the State should adopt specific and comprehensive regulatory standards discouraging the instillation of RVs in parks, particularly in SFHAs. Finally, consideration should be given to expanding current manufactured home park ordinances to include RV parks, . Unsecured Fuel Tanks & Air Conditioning Units During Hurricanes Bertha and Fran, numerous propane tanks posed a potential hazard to communities. Unanchored fuel tanks can break loose, tip over, or float and spill their hazardous contents. This may cause fires and soil contamination, as well as damage structures they encounter while floating. Increased damages can occur when tanks are driven by rapidly flowing waters along rivers or coastal surge zones. Therefore, tanks should be anchored and filled to decrease flotation tendency. The appropriate anchoring technique depends on tank size and the type of base or structure to which it is attached. EM and tank suppliers should provide technical assistance to communities and businesses regarding anchoring techniques and other safety features. Service valves should be turned off if the threat of flooding is imminent. I I I The minimum floodplain management standards of the NFIP require that in new construction or substantial improvements, all tanks must be "adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads." Structure is defined in the regulations as, "including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground." The State Agriculture Department, responsible for propane tank placement permitting, should adopt and enforce standards requiring all above ground tanks to be anchored and protected as required by current flood prevention ordinances. I I , I I I I I I I I Unsecured air conditioning compressors and exposed electrical terminals experienced extensive damage from winds and flooding, particularly along the coast. Most damaged structures had insufficiently elevated air conditioning compressors. As required in new construction, all externally mounted air conditioning compressors and other electrical devices should be elevated and secured to a level above the BFE. A simple wood frame or concrete platform with suitable anchors can be constructed or purchased for a relatively small sum of money. Moving or raising other utilities and electrical terminals should be encouraged, particularly in SFHAs. Fi~ure 13: Inappropriate and Appropriate Installation of Air Conditioning Units I I I I I I I L Page 26