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
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
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
Protecting Manufactured Homes from Floods and Other Hazards
Homeowner's Guide to Retrofitting
Protecting Building Utility Systems from Flood Damage
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
Floods BFE: Know your base Flood Elevation
Other Links
American Red Cross: Flood Safety Checklist
Polygon: Essential Guide to Flood Planning and Preparation