Flood Safety and Recovery

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Floods can happen anywhere, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and can occur during any season. Even the deserts of the Southwest are at risk during the late summer monsoon season. However, some areas of the country are at greater risk at certain times of the year.

Only an inch of flooding can cause catastrophic damage to homes and businesses, ruining flooring and wallboards, as well as family treasures. Severe flooding can ruin communities and cause significant loss of life from high waters, as well as from electrical shock and contaminated waters.

The International Codes, and specifically the International Residential Code (IRC) ensure homes are properly constructed to prevent against the worst of flood damage. The Code Council, FEMA and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) offer resources to help communities prepare for floods and stay safe during cleanup as well.

Resources

Reducing Flood Losses Through the International Codes: Coordinating Building Codes and Floodplain Management Regulations, (Updated for 2018 I-Codes)

Hazard-Resistant Building Code Documents 

International Code Council: Flood Cleanup (Safety and Salvaging)

International Code Council: Tips To Remember For Disaster Safety and Mitigation

International Code Council: Mold: Tips on Prevention and Control Brochure 

Above the flood: Protecting lives, homes and businesses from extreme flooding

FEMA

How to prepare for a flood 

What to do after a flood                                                                                                   

Protect Your Property from Flooding                                     

Cleaning Flooded Building Fact Sheet      

Elevating Your Flood Damaged Home to Avoid Future Damage     

Elevating Floodprone Buildings Above Minimum NFIP Requirements

Flood Map Open Houses                                                                        

FEMA Flood Maps                                  

Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards 

Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting

Protecting Building Utility Systems from Flood Damage                  

NFIP Technical Bulletins

FEMA Building Science Publications: Flood                                                     

Free Building Code Resources for all hazards   

FEMA Building Codes Save: A Nationwide Study of Loss Prevention

 

FEMA Flood Insurance

The National Flood Insurance Program

National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System

NFIP Flood Insurance Manuals and Handbooks                   

Floodsmart.gov: Before and After a Flood

                                                                        

FLASH

Flood Safety

Floods BFE: Know your base Flood Elevation

Floods: Flood proofing-wet          

 

Other Links                                               

American Red Cross: Flood Safety Checklist                    

Polygon: Essential Guide to Flood Planning and Preparation