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 recent study (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 existing structures out of predicted floodwaters) greatly exceeds their initial expense.

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 is a menu of some mitigation options your community may wish to consider.

Protecting Land

• Non-structural shore protection
• ONLY AS A LAST RESORT: Flood and erosion control structures

Protecting Structures

• Retrofitting existing structures
• Relocating existing structures
• Acquiring existing structures
• Using freeboard to elevate structures above predicted floodwaters