Hurricane Mitigation

According to Wikipedia, Hurricane or Tropical Cyclone mitigation concerns measures taken and products designed to lower the likelihood of damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. All buildings, whether residential or commercial, are vulnerable to damage from storms. In addition to the facilities themselves being at risk, the internal contents of the structures can be damaged as result of exposure to water if the building envelope is breached, usually as a result of the strong winds associated with hurricanes and tropical storms.

In Florida, after Hurricane Andrew hit Miami in 1992, the building codes were updated to reflect what we had learned from this disaster. The engineering of all buildings was increased to help the whole building stay connected to the ground during high winds. Essentially, we have learned how to tie down an open umbrella in a windy rainstorm. In your home, this means the many metal straps and ties which are later hidden in your walls, ceiling, and floor. Roofs especially were changed by adding more nails and screws to keep them from flying away. Doors and windows are either made with impact-resistant glass or required to have coverings to keep them from being broken and letting in all the rain. When FEMA conducts surveys of the damage after hurricanes, they found that even the smallest hole in a building can let in enough rain to damage the contents. Therefore, you should recognize that roof vents, soffits or eave vents, gable vents, skylights, and even dryer and bathroom exhaust fan vents can let in wind-driven rain. Remember, knowing is half the battle. These resources can help you "fix" these problems.

Flood and Fire Protection

According to FEMA, floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.

The threat of wildland fires for people living near wildland areas or using recreational facilities in wilderness areas is real. Dry conditions at various times of the year and in various parts of the United States greatly increase the potential for wildland fires.