Table of Contents:

Lesson 1:

Welcome and Overview

As a member of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce, you are expected to be able to explain to the public:

Future risks associated with the hazard event that resulted in the disaster declaration

Mitigation measures available to improve personal safety and reduce or eliminate the risk of future damages to structures and personal property

This independent study course is part of a series of five, intended for the Hazard Mitigation disaster workforce. These courses address basic mitigation measures to reduce risk from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires, at a level appropriate for communication to the general public. For more information about the other courses, refer to the EMI website at http://training.fema.gov.

Course Overview

The goal of this course is to enable you to select the essential hazard mitigation information to communicate to members of the public following a hurricane event.

To help accomplish this goal, you will learn about:

  • Mitigation measures to protect people, property, and structures from hurricane winds, flooding, and storm surge
  • The importance of directing individuals to local building officials, engineers, and other specialists before starting repairs
  • Official FEMA information, publications, and websites that support the mitigation recommendations made to the public

Screen Features

Click on the Exit button to close this window and access the menu listing all lessons of this course. You can select any of the lessons from this menu by simply clicking on the lesson title.

Click on the Glossary button to look up key definitions and acronyms.

Click on the Help button to review guidance and troubleshooting advice regarding navigating through the course.

Track your progress by looking at the Progress bar at the top right of each screen. To see a numeric display, roll your mouse over the Progress bar area.

Follow the bolded green instructions that appear on each screen in order to proceed to the next screen or complete a Knowledge Review or Activity.

Click on the Back or the Next buttons at the top and bottom of screens to move backward or forward in the lesson. Note: If the Next button is dimmed, you must complete an activity before you can proceed in the lesson.

 

Navigating Using Your Keyboard

Below are instructions for navigating through the course using your keyboard.

Use the “Tab” key to move forward through each screen’s navigation buttons and hyperlinks, or “Shift” + “Tab” to move backwards. A box surrounds the button that is currently selected.

Press “Enter” to select a navigation button or hyperlink.

Use the arrow keys to select answers for multiple-choice review questions or self-assessment checklists. Then tab to the “Submit” button and press “Enter” to complete a Knowledge Review or Self-Assessment.

Warning: Repeatedly pressing “Tab” beyond the number of selections on the screen may cause the keyboard to lock up. Use “Ctrl” + “Tab” to deselect an element or reset to the beginning of a screen’s navigation links (most often needed for screens with animations or media).

JAWS assistive technology users can press the "Ctrl" key to quiet the screen reader while the course audio plays.

 

Receiving Credit

You may take a test on the material covered in this course to demonstrate that you have learned the information.

To receive credit:

1. Complete all of the lessons. Each lesson will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. It is important to allow enough time to complete the course in its entirety.

REMEMBER... YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ENTIRE COURSE TO RECEIVE CREDIT. If you have to leave the course, do not exit from the course or close your browser. If you exit from the course, you will need to start that lesson over again.

2. Pass the final exam. The last screen provides instructions on how to complete the final exam

 

Lesson Summary

This completes this lesson.

In this lesson, you learned:

  • What this course is about
  • How to complete this course
  • How to receive credit for this independent study course

 

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Lesson 2: Hurricane Wind Mitigation Measures

Lesson Overview

Hurricane winds exert significant force, or loads, on structures in their path.  Hurricane wind loads can cause terrific damage.  Most mitigation actions to reduce the risk of damage to structures from hurricane winds involve reinforcing or strengthening the building.

In this lesson you will learn:

  • Mitigation methods for protecting a building’s load path, roof, and breach points
  • How safe rooms protect people and property from injury during a hurricane
  • Mitigation techniques for outbuildings and trees near structures

 

At the end of this lesson you will:

  • Recognize the purpose and procedure for hardening a structure against wind damage using a continuous load path
  • Identify the design, materials, and procedures that will mitigate wind damage to roofs
  • Identify mitigation measures to secure structural breach points (windows and doors) against wind damage
  • Identify benefits and limitations of residential safe rooms
  • Identify mitigation techniques to reduce wind damages to outbuildings
  • Identify techniques to prevent damage to structures from wind-damaged trees

 

At the end of this lesson you will:

  • Recognize the purpose and procedure for hardening a structure using a continuous load path
  • Recall FEMA-recommended mitigation measures for roofs including roof design, materials, and procedures
  • Identify mitigation measures for structural breach points (windows and doors)
  • Identify benefits and limitations of residential safe rooms
  • Identify mitigation techniques for out buildings and trees near structures

Continuous load Path

In order to resist loads and reduce the risk of structural damage from these winds it is necessary to reinforce or “harden” the building. 

Hardening a building requires reinforcing the connections between the main parts of a structure, creating a continuous load path.

When all of the connections are properly reinforced, hurricane-caused loads can be effectively transferred from the affected area of the building to the ground.

The important connections are:

  • Roof to upper floor walls
  • Upper walls to lower walls
  • Lower walls to main floor
  • Main floor to foundation

Metal brackets and straps are used to strengthen these connections.  To be effective, these brackets and straps should be attached at the studs and rafters, not to the plywood sheathing.  The entire structure can be bolted to its foundation using anchor bolts along the foundation sill.

There are many types of connection brackets available.  The size and quantity of connectors is determined according to design loads and local building codes and requirements.

 

Roof Design and Construction

Roof failures are a common cause of major damage to buildings and their contents in the high winds of a hurricane.  If a roof is breached, winds can more easily damage the rest of a structures continuous load path.

There are mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce potential roof damage. 

A hip roof is sloped on all sides, resulting in a lower profile and more wind-resistant design.  Gable roofs are sloped on two sides; the high profile ends of a gable roof present large surface areas to the full force of the wind. In new construction and/or roof replacement in high-wind hazard areas, installing a hip roof increases the strength of the roof framing and its resistance to wind.

The framing at the ends of a gable roof can be braced to resist the wind and reduce the risk of roof failure.
Gable bracing often consists of 2x4s placed in an X pattern at both ends of the attic. They are secured from the top center of the end gable to the bottom of the brace of the fourth truss, and from the bottom center of the gable to the peak of the roof.

Roof sheathing, also called roof decking, refers to the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or trusses. Roof sheathing can fail during a high-wind event if not properly installed.

Nails or screws designed for roofing applications, anchored in the underlying rafter or truss according to building codes, enhance the stability of the roof sheathing.

The shingles are the first part of a roof to experience damage from high winds.  Choosing the right shingle and installing it properly is the best way to reduce the risk of wind damage.

While shingles are available in different wind speed and durability ratings, the rating systems are not standard among manufacturers. 

In general, roof shingles with longer warranties provide greater durability. 

Local building codes may provide specific installation requirements such as use of nails or screws, number of nails per shingle, or degree of overlap for shingles, but two conventional installation guidelines are:

  • Roofing nails perform better than staples or adhesives in high winds.
  • Stainless steel nails are recommended when building within 3,000 feet of salt water.

 

Breach Points

Exterior doors and windows are the weakest parts of a structure’s outer shell.  If they are broken or blown in during a hurricane, high winds can enter a structure exerting pressure on the roof and walls resulting in serious damage. 

Once the structure is breached, wind, debris, and rain can damage the interior of the structure as well as any person inside. 

A garage door is the largest potential breach point of a structure. Winds entering through a failed garage door can blow out doors, windows, walls, and the roof of the garage.

Reinforcing a garage door with metal bars and brackets helps protect the garage and its contents as well as the entire structure by increasing its resistance to high-wind pressure.

Double entry doors pose a serious risk.  Double doors of any structure can be secured with latches at both the top and bottom of the doors to prevent them from being blown in by high winds.

Windows are particularly vulnerable components on most structures. 

High winds and wind-blown debris can break unprotected windows and then enter a building.  Once inside, wind and debris can cause more damage.

Installed impact-resistant glass is intended to:

  • Avoid damage to the building
  • Reduce the likelihood that people will be hurt by broken glass and debris
  • Prevent water entry and further damage through broken windows

Impact-resistant glass is laminated with a thin film to keep the glass from shattering.  It is also sealed to its frame with structural adhesive.

Functional shutters are made of impact-resistant materials, usually wood or composite material.  They are hinged to close over the window and include a latch mechanism to hold them closed and secure against the window in high winds.

Temporary plywood covers also provide effective protection. 

These covers are secured by screws or lag bolts long enough to penetrate the wall studs around the window, not just the siding or wall covering.

Residential Safe Rooms

A residential safe room built within a secure structure can provide protection to individuals and their families from the high winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes.

  • Properly constructed residential safe rooms built to the standards of FEMA 320: Taking Shelter from the Storm, provide near absolute protection that reduces the risk of injury or death caused by the dangerous forces of extreme winds.
  • It is often possible to convert existing interior rooms into safe rooms.

Safe rooms do not offer protection from flood waters; flood evacuation instructions should always be followed.

Other Mitigation Opportunities

There are other actions to help protect people, their homes, and other structures from the high winds of a hurricane.

Trees and unattached secondary buildings, blown by high winds, can be damaged or cause damage to structures during a hurricane. Steps can be taken to minimize this possibility.

Anchoring storage sheds and other outbuildings helps prevent them from becoming flying debris.

Anchor straps similar to those used in manufactured homes can be used to anchor these buildings.

Removing all trees close enough to fall on the building reduces the risk of damage to a structure.

The distance between the building and any tree should be greater than the height of the tree when it reaches full growth.

Keeping trees pruned so wind can blow through the branches instead of the branches acting like a giant sail can help trees stay rooted.

This completes this lesson.  In this lesson you learned:

  • Mitigation methods for protecting a building’s roof, load path, and breach points from the risk of wind damage.
  • Other mitigation techniques for reducing the risk of wind damage to outbuildings and trees near structures.

 

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Lesson 3:

Hurricane Flood Mitigation Measures

Lesson Overview

Hurricanes usually bring a great deal of rain and may cause flooding and flood damage. There are several different options for mitigating risk of future flood damage. This lesson will differentiate between them and the circumstances under which one measure is preferable over another. 

They are:

  • Floodproofing
  • Structure Elevation
  • Structure Relocation
  • Property Acquisition
  • Flood Control Barriers

 

At the end of this lesson you will:

  • Identify wet and dry floodproofing measures
  • Identify mitigation measures that can meet local floodplain management requirements for residences

Floodproofing

“Floodproofing” describes mitigation measures that decrease the risk of flood damage in existing structures.  Floodproofing measures are generally designed to protect individual components of a structure, not to bring the structure into compliance with a community’s floodplain ordinance.

There are two main types of floodproofing measures:

Wet floodproofing is any measure applied to a structure and/or its contents that prevents or reduces damage from flooding while allowing flood waters to enter the structure.

Dry floodproofing is any measure to make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection to prevent floodwaters from entering.

Floodproofing measures do not bring a residential building into compliance with a community’s floodplain ordinance.

 

Wet Floodproofing

Wet floodproofing measures are typically used to protect electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (also known as HVAC), and utility components of a structure when flooding occurs.

Many of these mitigation measures involve elevating equipment above the expected flood levels.  FEMA has flood maps that indicate these anticipated levels, called Base Flood Elevations (BFE). 

The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is the anticipated elevation above mean sea level that the “base flood” is expected to reach. 

The base flood is a flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

The NFIP uses the BFE to describe the minimum elevation to which new development in a flood hazard area must be regulated. 

Flood water can easily damage electrical system components including service panels, meters, switches, and outlets.

Even if they are inundated for only short periods, electrical system components usually have to be replaced.

Short circuits in flooded systems pose an increased potential for fire. Raising electrical system components helps avoid such problems.

It makes sense to raise all components of the electrical system, including wiring, above the base flood level identified on the NFIP's Flood Insurance Rate Map for the location.

Additional elevation of electrical components above the recommended level further reduces the risk.

Licensed contractors ensure that electrical system modifications are performed correctly and according to all applicable codes.

HVAC equipment, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, can be damaged extensively if inundated by flood waters.

A good way to protect HVAC equipment is to locate it on an upper floor or in the attic rather than in the basement or lower level of a structure.

Ventilation ductwork also can be protected from flooding by locating it above the base flood level.

In addition to elevating large utilities, household appliances such as washing machines and dryers should be elevated above potential flood waters.

Outdoor utilities such as heat pumps or air conditioners can be protected by placing them on an elevated platform above the base flood elevation (BFE).

Unanchored heating oil or propane tanks can be easily moved by flood waters.  Losing these tanks results in major costs and inconvenience to their owners. If dislodged, these tanks also pose serious threats to public safety and to the environment.

An outside tank can be secured by running straps over it and attaching the straps to ground anchors.

 

Dry Floodproofing

Dry floodproofing includes measures that make a structure watertight below the level that needs flood protection.  This type of floodproofing is often used to protect non-residential structures, water supplies, and sewage systems.

Dry floodproofing may NOT be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residential structure into compliance with the community’s floodplain ordinance.

Certain types of dry floodproofing measures CAN meet requirements for non-residential and commercial structures if specific criteria are followed.

An example of a dry floodproofing measure is to apply a waterproof veneer, such as a layer of brick backed by a waterproof membrane, directly to the outside surface of an existing structure.

Flooding can cause sewage from sewer lines to back up through drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but they also create health hazards.

One way to protect against this hazard is to install backflow valves, which temporarily block drain pipes if water travels up them the wrong way. If a structure’s lowest level has a floor drain that empties to the exterior of the building, installing a floating floor-drain plug can also prevent flood waters from backing up the drain pipe and entering the structure.

Refer interested individuals to local building officials and plumbing specialists before undertaking any of these measures.

Well contamination, sewer line back up, and mold may occur in any type of flooding.

Flood waters often carry hazardous and toxic materials, including raw sewage, animal waste, oil, gasoline, solvents, and chemicals. 

If a property’s water supply comes from a well, flood waters entering that well can contaminate the groundwater and make the well water unsafe.

Wells suspected of being contaminated should be inspected by a professional.
Proper well construction will protect a well from contamination.  A licensed well-drilling contractor can inspect a well and suggest improvements such as:

  • Extending the casing at least 2 feet above the highest known flood elevation
  • Installing a sanitary seal or cover on the casing
  • Installing a backflow valve in the water line

 

Structure Elevation

Elevating a structure reduces the risk of flood damage by raising the entire building above the BFE indicated on the FEMA flood map. 

When the lowest floor of a flood-prone structure is raised to or above BFE, it will meet the minimum ordinance standards required by the NFIP for structures located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. 

Structures must be elevated by trained professionals.

Many communities have adopted even stricter standards in their floodplain ordinance and require higher elevation called “freeboard." Freeboard helps compensate for many unknown factors that can contribute to flood heights greater than those calculated in base flood elevations, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the effects of urbanization of the watershed.

 

Structure Relocation

Relocation is another flood mitigation measure that will comply with most community floodplain ordinances.
Owners can have their buildings moved by professionals to a safer place outside the Special Flood Hazard Area.

This is an expensive option but it can permanently eliminate the flooding risk to the structure.

 

Property Acquisition

A community can permanently eliminate the risk of flood damage to buildings in a floodplain by purchasing the properties from their owners and removing the structures.

Communities generally engage in “acquisition” or “buyout" projects when a grant has been awarded to provide funding.  If a community decides to pursue a property acquisition project, the land cannot be redeveloped and often is preserved as public open space, parks or recreation areas.  

 

Flood Control Barriers

Flood control barriers protect structures by deflecting the destructive forces of flood waters away from vulnerable structures.

These barriers, including levees, berms, floodwalls, and temporary barriers, may be used to create a protected area for a single structure or for multiple structures.

Barriers may not be used to bring a Substantially Damaged or Substantially Improved residence into compliance with a community’s floodplain management ordinances or laws.

When informing the public about flood control barriers, it is important to point out that this type of mitigation measure can affect local drainage, possibly creating or worsening flood problems for others. It also requires periodic maintenance to remain effective.

This completes this lesson.  In this lesson you learned about the mitigation methods for flooding that included:

  • Floodproofing (wet and dry)
  • Structure Elevation
  • Structure Relocation
  • Property Acquisition
  • Flood Control Barriers

 

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Lesson 4:

Storm Surge Mitigation Measures

Lesson Overview

A storm surge is an abnormal rise of water, generated by a storm, over and above normal tides.  Storm surge occurs when water is pushed toward the shore by the force of the storm’s winds.

A storm surge often combines with the normal tides to create a hurricane storm tide.  Wind-driven waves ride on top of this storm tide The rise in water level resulting from these circumstances can cause severe flooding and erosion in coastal areas.

Mitigation actions that will reduce the impact of storm surge waves on a structure are included in the NFIP regulations for coastal flood hazard areas known as V Zones.

In this lesson you will learn about:

  • The NFIP definition of a V Zone
  • Protecting property from damage caused by the effects of storm surge by adhering to NFIP V Zone regulations

At the end of this lesson you will:

  • Recall the definition of the area identified as a V Zone on a NFIP Flood Insurance Rate Map
  • Indicate storm surge mitigation measures included in NFIP requirements for V Zones

 

V Zones: NFIP Definition and Requirements

A “V Zone” is defined as an area on a NFIP Flood Insurance Rate Map which indicates coastal areas subject to inundation by the 1-percent-annual-chance flood event, with additional hazards associated with storm-induced waves.

Buildings in V Zones are subject to a greater hazard than buildings built in other types of floodplains.  The NFIP requires that they be elevated so that the structure’s lowest horizontal structural member is elevated to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) level or above. 

Buildings in V Zones must also be anchored to protect from the impact of waves, hurricane-force winds, and erosion.

The NFIP requires that space below the lowest floor remain free of obstruction or be constructed with open lattice work or non-supporting breakaway walls which will give way to wind and water loads without causing:

  • Collapse
  • Displacement
  • Other structural damage

A registered professional engineer or architect must certify that the design and planned methods of construction meet NFIP requirements.

The community then maintains a copy of this certification in the permit file for all structures that have been built or undergone Substantial Improvement in the V Zone.

Pile/column foundations and attached structures should be anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement due to the effects of wind and water loads acting simultaneously on all building components.

Pilings are posts driven into the ground by a pile driver and squared to form the foundation for the home.

Piling foundations should be anchored and reinforced.  The connectors reinforce the piling foundation.

V Zone foundation designs must be certified by a registered professional.

A solid dune line also will mitigate the effects of hurricane storm surge by protecting structures from ocean overwash and battering waves. 

NFIP regulations for V Zones prohibit man-made alteration of existing sand dunes and mangrove stands.  However, property owners may revegetate dunes to stabilize the sand and increase building protection

This completes this lesson.  In this lesson you learned about the mitigation methods recommended for:

  • Protecting property from storm surge damage by adhering to NFIP regulations for properties in high-hazard coastal areas, known as V Zones

 

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Lesson 5:

Official Information and Resources

Lesson Overview

Hazard Mitigation staff should anticipate questions from the public on a wide range of hurricane-related topics, from questions about building repairs, to questions about mold or even grants.

Hazard Mitigation staff have a variety of FEMA resources available to help educate the public on hurricane mitigation techniques. Other resources are intended for the enrichment of building and emergency management professionals.  Spend the time needed to become familiar with the purpose and audience for the resources and publications that are included in this lesson.

At a disaster, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach (CEO) group, in collaboration with the state, will decide which of these approved publications and resources support the Hazard Mitigation Strategy for the disaster. 

In this lesson you will learn about:

  • The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding
  • How FEMA addresses the topic of flood-related mold with the public
  • Which FEMA publications support the hurricane mitigation advice Hazard Mitigation staff provide to the general public
  • What FEMA-approved online resources are available for hurricane mitigation
  • What appropriate actions to take when advising the public

At the end of this lesson you will:

  • Identify the correct actions to take when advising the public regarding hurricane mitigation
  • Recognize the information and advice to provide regarding mold
  • Identify mitigation resources that provide information regarding the multiple hazards associated with hurricanes

Local Building Officials

 When advising members of the public about reducing the risk of future hazard damages, direct them to local building officials before beginning any repairs or rebuilding because:

  • Building codes, permits, inspection requirements, and zoning ordinances may be involved
  • A floodplain ordinance may affect rebuilding when the structure has sustained Substantial Damage
  • Building officials will reinforce the point that only licensed professionals are qualified to perform structural repair or structural mitigation work

 

Discussing Mold with the Public

There is a tremendous risk of mold growth after flooding.  Mold is a public health issue that is addressed by appropriate local state, and federal experts.

Because mold is common in flooded communities, some basic facts about mold that you can share with the public are:

  • Mold grows where there is sufficient moisture
  • Musty or earthy odors may indicate mold
  • Walls that are not completely dry may allow mold spores to grow quickly
  • Mold exposure may cause or aggravate asthma or respiratory problems in adults and children
  • Mold can cause structural damage to buildings; the longer it grows the more damage it can cause
  • Cleaning to remove the mold without fixing the moisture problem will most likely result in the mold coming back

Removing mold and mold conditions does not protect a building from mold in future hazard events. 

However, it does reduce the immediate risk of illness and additional damage from the mold conditions created by the flooding.

Decisions about the type of advice to provide to individuals dealing with mold are the responsibility of the State Health Department. 

Several federal agencies also publish information about mold:

    • Centers for Disease Control
    • Environmental Protection Agency
    • FEMA
    • U.S. Public Health Service

Hazard Mitigation staff distribute ONLY the mold publication provided by the Hazard Mitigation Community Education and Outreach group.

 

FEMA  Publications

Below are FEMA mitigation publications relevant to this hazard.  These can be accessed from the FEMA website. 

Home Builder’s Guide to Coastal Construction is a FEMA produced series of 31 fact sheets providing technical guidance and recommendations concerning the construction of coastal residential buildings.

Protecting Your Property from High Winds explains methods for securing and protecting windows, doors, roofing, garage doors, and Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) walls.

Taking Shelter from the Storm describes the safety benefits of building safe rooms, provides construction plans and estimates, and answers many frequently asked questions.

Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting: Six Ways to Protect Your House from Flooding explains the meaning of “retrofitting,” and details six retrofitting methods that protect the house from flooding including elevating, wet and dry floodproofing, relocating, floodwalls and protecting service equipment. 

The publication also provides information on financial assistance for mitigation retrofitting.

Protecting Your Property from Flooding provides information on flood-resistant building materials, dry flood proofing, raising electrical components, anchoring fuel tanks, raising HVAC equipment, protecting walls and installing sewer backflow valves.

NFIP Publications

Hazard Mitigation staff are required to distribute specified resources from the National Flood Insurance Program after a flood event.

Your immediate supervisor will let you know which of the following are appropriate in each disaster.

After the Flood: Tips from the NFIP provides advice on looking out for hazards in flooded homes, filing for flood insurance claims, and cleaning up after a flood.

Answers to Questions About the National Flood Insurance Program explains the NFIP, including coverage, claims, flood maps, and FEMA’s repetitive loss strategy.

NFIP Claims Handbook tells policyholders what to do before, during, and after a flood. Filing and appealing flood insurance claims are covered.

National Flood Insurance Program Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage: How You Can Benefit provides brief information on ICC Coverage.  If a home or business is damaged by a flood, the owner may be required to meet certain building requirements in the community to reduce future flood damage. To help with these costs, the NFIP includes Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage for all eligible properties insured under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.  This pamphlet briefly describes the benefits of ICC, how much coverage is available, the four options covered, when to file an ICC claim, and how the ICC payment is handled.

NFIP Summary of Coverage provides guidance on deductibles, what is and is not covered by flood insurance, and how items are valued at time of loss.

Tips for Filing Your Insurance Claim provides advice on:

  • What to do immediately after a disaster
  • What happens once a loss claim has been reported
  • What to do before an adjustor arrives

Other Resources

There are several websites that contain hurricane mitigation information.  Aside from official FEMA websites, there are FEMA-partner organizations that provide comprehensive, user-friendly information and guidance on hurricane mitigation.

The HM Disaster Workforce Website houses a wealth of hazard mitigation information.  It can be accessed from the internet via the Homeland Security Information Network using any computer or from the intranet using a FEMA computer.

The same information is contained in both locations, but the intranet version is behind the firewall.  You will need to have a user id and password to access either website.

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) represents building industry for members and affiliated state and local builders’ organizations.  Their website is located at www.nahb.org. 

The site includes recommended mitigation strategies for most types of natural hazards.

Another partner organization is the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).  Its mission is to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.  IBHS hosts the www.DisasterSafety.org website.

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc., known as FLASH, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting disaster safety and property loss mitigation across a variety of natural hazards, including wildfires.  Their website, FLASH.org, has preparedness and post-disaster materials that Hazard Mitigation staff or the public can easily access.

Informing the Public

When speaking with members of the public about reducing the risk of future hazard damages: 

  1. Explain the risk and the mitigation actions clearly and at a level of detail appropriate to the listener.
  2. Refer to publications/websites that reinforce or provide additional information about rebuilding or repairing to reduce future risk of damages.
  3. Do not give specific repair directions. Always direct people to local building officials when they are planning repairs or mitigation.

 
Remember that you are THE face and voice of hazard mitigation.  What you say and do makes a real difference in people’s lives!

This completes the final lesson in this course.  In this lesson you learned about:

  • The importance of directing the public to local building officials before they begin repairs or rebuilding
  • How FEMA addresses the topic of mold with the public
  • Which FEMA publications support the hurricane mitigation advice Hazard Mitigation staff provide to the general public
  • What FEMA-approved online resources are available for hurricane mitigation
  • What appropriate actions to take when advising the public

 

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