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<br />Mitigation Strategy Report <br />FEMA-1134-DR-NC <br /> <br />State of North Carolina <br />Division of Emergency Management <br /> <br />. Multi-Hazard Mitigation Issues <br /> <br />. Enforcement of Construction Codes <br /> <br />When properly enforced, building codes provide one of the most effective forms of hazard mitigation. <br />North Carolina adopted a state-wide building code in 1936. In 1978, the State adopted the Standard <br />Building Code (SBC). These codes are reviewed annually and amendments are made as new <br />requirements and materials are introduced. They include design provisions to reduce damages from <br />natural hazards. <br /> <br />The North Carolina Building Codes are administered at the local level by county or municipal inspectors. <br />These inspectors must be certified by the State. The DOl, in conjunction with EM, should review the <br />current codes addressing development in the floodplain to ensure consistency with FEMA regulations. <br />EM and FEMA have conducted joint technical assistance visits along the coast and in riverine <br />communities to discuss building codes and their relevance to hazard mitigation and recovery. EM <br />should continue technical assistance efforts among local governments, emphasizing the current <br />opportunity to push for stronger fiood ordinances and building codes and standards. <br /> <br />Often during reconstruction, the local building inspectors face pressure to relax applicable codes and <br />standards. Adherence to existing codes and standards is essential to maintain public safety and promote <br />an effective local mitigation program. In order to increase compliance, the general public must first <br />develop an appreciation for the purposes that these codes and standards serve. A publicity campaign <br />with this objective in mind should be initiated by both State and local communities. In addition, public <br />officials should become more aware of the role of construction codes in hazard mitigation planning. <br />The State and FEMA will be conducting hazard mitigation workshops and training sessions. Professional <br />trade groups, developers, and local governments are encouraged to attend. <br /> <br />. Public Facilities & Infrastructure <br /> <br />Flooding throughout the disaster area caused extensive damage to public facilities, including those <br />owned by quasi-governmental, not-for-profit organizations. Highways and utility systems became <br />unusable and significant hardship was experienced by the public. Mitigation provisions under Section <br />406 of the Stafford Act are being implemented to repair many of these facilities. <br /> <br />Numerous waste water treatment plants were temporarily shut down because of flooding. Lift stations <br />and piping systems were also damaged. To prevent sewer system infiltration by storm water, <br />communities should consider flood proofing manholes and lift stations, elevating sewage access ports, <br />and installing backflow preventor valves. The State has recently mandated the installation of generator <br />electrical interfaces for new waste water lift stations. <br /> <br />Water supply and distribution systems were also damaged by the flooding. One example is the water <br />mains located along North Topsail Beach which were undermined and broken due to storm surge. <br />Consequently, many residents were without water for several months. Coastal communities should <br />determine if there are less vulnerable locations to place pipes or whether increasing pipe burial depths <br />would minimize the erosion related impacts. Significant damage to water systems were not limited to <br />coastal areas. For example, Orange County Water & Sewer Authority sustained damages in excess of <br />$415,000. <br /> <br />Government buildings and public highways also received significant flood damage. Nearly 500 <br />government structures were damaged throughout the declared disaster area. Approximately 800 <br />sections of public highways were made impassable due to rapidly moving water and fallen trees. <br />County and State road departments and EM are evaluating this situation to determine the most <br />appropriate mitigation measures available. An aggressive examination of all projects under Section <br />406 (Public Assistance [PAn has identified numerous possible mitigation measures. In future disasters, <br /> <br />Page 27 <br />