This year's spring and summer severe storms have taken a toll on homes, businesses, and communities throughout the Midwest, leaving many to muck out, clean up, repair, or rebuild.
The silver lining amid the devastation, though, is that individuals and communities can take action to better protect themselves in the future against the impacts of all kinds of weather, from tornadoes and floods to ice storms and blizzards. Those actions are known as mitigation, or disaster-resistant measures. The ideas of what can be done are endless and the costs can fit any budget.
"It's been proven time and again that mitigation works and that the impact on lives and properties can be reduced in future disasters," said Beth Freeman, FEMA Region VII Administrator in Kansas City. "Financially, the savings can be as significant as four or more dollars for every one dollar spent on mitigation. If that's not incentive enough, just think about the heartache and inconvenience that can be saved. There's no doubt that taking protective action before the next storm is worth it."
Repairing, remodeling, or building a new home or business - no matter the reason - all present perfect opportunities to incorporate mitigation measures. Residents should always check with local officials to determine what kind of permitting is required.
Consider some of these ideas:
Reinforce the roof. Use quality shingles. Ensure they are properly fastened to withstand high winds. Make sure the roof is strongly connected to the exterior walls.
Seal all exterior openings, such as holes where wires, cables and pipes enter or exit a structure (winds of 74 mph can blow water up a wall about 4 feet).
Raise electrical panel boxes and outlets. Most building codes set a minimum height requirement above ground level. When practical, go higher - 18 to 24 inches from the floor or the base flood elevation. This will save a lot of inconvenience and expense in a minimal flood. Hire a professional to do ensure proper installation.
Elevate appliances such as a washer and dryer, water heater, furnace, or air conditioner. Techniques can range from building a wooden platform of 2 x 4s and plywood (for washers/dryers, file cabinets, bookcases, etc.) to using concrete blocks for furnaces and air conditioners. Hire a professional when elevating furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioners.
Anchor propane tanks. Yes, they do float or can be tipped by floodwaters! Anchor to a large concrete slab or by running straps that are attached to ground anchors over the tank to keep it in place. Use non-corrosive metal structural supports and fasteners. Check with the fuel tank manufacturer for recommended methods.
