StormSmart Mitigation and Shore Protection

Research shows the truth in the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A 2005 report (PDF, 251 KB) by the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Council shows that every $1 spent on flood mitigation saves society $4. The protective value of many proactive measures (such as elevating buildings out of predicted floodwaters) greatly exceeds their initial expense.

Hazard mitigation activities focus on breaking the cycle of disaster (damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage); protect citizens; and reduce or eliminate damage to public and private property.

Below are some hazard mitigation options your community may wish to consider to protect property.

• Non-structural shore protection
• Maintaining seawalls and other structures
• Retrofitting buildings
• Relocating buildings
• Acquiring buildings
• Using freeboard to elevate structures above predicted floodwaters