A 2005 report 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 above predicted flood elevations) 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 and acquiring buildings
- Using freeboard to elevate structures above predicted floodwaters
Grant programs are available to help fund some of these mitigation techniques. See StormSmart Communities - Funding Sources for details.