OPTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

Transcription

1 OPTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION ACTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION Hazard Identify sites where stream and rain gages need to be added or upgraded and coordinate installation requests Implement or expand rainfall observer program, utilizing volunteers Track and record high water marks following a flood Create a GIS map of National Insurance Program policies, claims and losses, including repetitive losses Provide additional means of access into single-entry neighborhoods and gated communities in order to prevent residents from becoming trapped in a hazardous area during a flood Add or maintain thick vegetation on public lands along river banks Adopt wetlands development regulations Develop a land acquisition program in flood hazard areas Undertake a comprehensive study of flood risk and reduction alternatives, with the assistance of the US Army Corps of Engineers Implement a Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance for new development Identify floodprone and repetitive loss properties through the Texas Water Development Board Identify potential flood-prone properties for acquisition and relocation through the Texas Water Development Board Implement a program for clearing debris from bridges, drains and culverts Clear deposits on riverbanks, particularly near aerial lines Clean and repair stormwater drains Encourage plain/crs Coordinators to become CFM's Establish an inspection and maintenance program for all dams Increase freeboard requirements for permitting structures in the SFHA Create and/or implement a model, web-based permitting system for use on a voluntary basis by local governments Acquire, reuse, and preserve open spaces adjacent to floodplain areas Adopt a no-rise" in BFE in the 100-year floodplain Adopt ASFPM's "No Adverse Impact" policy to mitigate local flooding Utilize erosion/sedimentation controls during construction Establish and manage riparian buffers along area waterways Implement a zero discharge" policy for stormwater in subdivision platting Include on-site sediment retention as a development requirement Increase tree-planting requirements to reduce stormwater runoff SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 1

2 Develop a protection program to limit amount of impervious cover in conjunction with new development Install signs prohibiting dumping in streams, ditches, waterways and floodplain areas Update local flood ordinance to prohibit granting of variance in SFHA Implement incentive programs for prohibiting or limiting development in floodplains Require a watershed analysis for proposed dams and reservoirs Promote the principles of "No Adverse Impact" as promoted by the Association of State plain Managers Cross-train building inspectors in floodplain management requirements Develop an erosion protection program for erosion prone areas Join the National Insurance Program (NFIP) Join the Community Rating System program or increase a community's rating under the CRS program. Undertake an initiative to increase the number of flood insurance policies. Maintain records of Elevation Certificates (E.C.) issued for all new / improved buildings in SFHA's and make available for public access Participate in NFIP's Community Rating System/increase local rating Implement a flood awareness program by providing FEMA/NFIP materials to mortgage lenders, real estate agents and insurance agents and place them in local libraries Develop a program to encourage local businesses and community groups to support postdisaster flood mitigation projects through funding and volunteer initiatives Require completed Elevation Certificates at pre and post-construction for buildings located in the SFHA to ensure elevation requirements are met Store books, manuals, permits, and other critical government records on the upper floor (s) and/or on shelves above the base flood elevation of the library and records building Use impact fees to help fund public hazard mitigation projects related to land development (e.g. increased runoff) Work with neighboring communities to establish common watershed planning directives Develop dam failure modeling capability Require additional freeboard and increase runoff requirements in Drainage Criteria Manual Ensure inspectors are adequately trained in Elevation Certificate requirements in SFHAs Provide guidance and training to assist local governments on buyouts Identify repetitive loss properties for future Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 2

3 Implement a voluntary buyout program for repetitive flood properties Include "cumulative damage" provisions in local floodplain management ordinances Equip sewer manholes with watertight covers and inflow guards Raise electrical components of sewage lift stations above BFE Require and inspect standard tie-downs of propane tanks Advertise and promote the availability of flood insurance and availability of the Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) Annually distribute flood protection/nfip pamphlets to owners of flood prone property Conduct workshops for local lending agencies, insurance agents, surveyors and title companies to promote availability of/and an understanding of flood insurance purchase Create a web-based GIS map locating all low water crossings in the area Distribute flood insurance handouts with all permit applications Educate community on the dangers of low water crossings through the installation of warning signs and promotion of "Turn Around, Don't Drown" Program. Educate policyholders/area insurance agents regarding ICC availability Notify repetitive loss property owners of FMA funding availability Provide how-to information to residents for installing backflow valves to prevent reverseflow floods proof sewage treatment plants in flood hazard/low-lying areas Increase capacity/add stormwater detention/retention basins Increase dimensions of drainage culverts in areas prone to flooding and/or with drainage problems (specify locations) Install flood warning/telemetry system to sewage lift stations Minimize impact of flooding by installing berms, levees when appropriate Provide incentives for porous surface pavements in lieu of impervious pavement in conjunction with development/renovation projects Raise area bridges above current BFE levels Raise manhole openings using alternative methods Build earthen dike/elevate emergency vehicle access road around flood-threatened critical facilities Protect public and private cemeteries with grassy berms/knolls Develop a "green growth" incentive program to encourage residents to plant grassy swales and roadside rain gardens in lieu of curb/gutter Retain and maintain natural vegetation in stormwater channels Implement stream restoration/channelization program to ensure adequate drainage/diversion of stormwater SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 3

4 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM Prepare and advertise the local emergency evacuation plan, such as escape routes, in coordination with Dept. of Transportation Maintain natural environmental features as wind buffers Develop an ordinance that will limit aerial extensions to water, sewer, gas and electrical lines Develop architectural design standards for optimal wind conveyance Update public community facilities to include severe weather action plans and designated tornado shelter areas Implement a tree trimming program that routinely clears tree limbs hanging in right-of-way Survey and remove hazardous trees from drainage systems Require "safe rooms" to be added when constructing new schools, daycares, rest homes and critical care facilities Build safe room shelters at mobile home parks so that all park residents can reach shelter in less than five minutes Develop an ordinance defining the standard for tie-downs of mobile homes Require manufactured housing be securely anchored to permanent foundations Inspect manufactured homes to ensure proper elevation, tie-downs, and foundations Strengthen building codes to mandate the use of steel connectors in new and existing construction Provide proper design criteria for tornado safe rooms Secure traffic lights and traffic controls from high wind damage Hire a building inspector to inspect and enforce building codes Purchase NOAA All Hazards radios for early warning and post-event information and place in area schools/businesses/critical facilities Achieve certification by the National Weather Service as a "StormReady" community Require roofing products that bear the UL 2218 hail-resistant product listing Provide standards for burial of electrical, telephone, cable lines and other utilities WILDFIRE Adopt routine fire hydrant maintenance Conduct public education program on fire risks and wildland fire mitigation, with the assistance of the Texas Forest Service. Evaluate access and road conditions for response vehicles and formulate options to improve access Provide additional means of access into single-entry neighborhoods and gated communities in order to prevent residents from becoming trapped in a hazardous area during a wildfire SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 4

5 s s Work with state and local agencies to determine locations to reduce fuel on public and private lands Install a network of dry hydrants in stock ponds, creeks, and small lakes to increase the supply of water for fire protection Develop a Community Protection Plan (CWPP) Create a wildfire recovery plan, including soil erosion control, vegetative recovery Create an evacuation plan, including livestock Cut firebreaks into public wooded areas according to risk factors Allow no vegetation or fire-resistant landscaping in easements Remove downed trees and fire fuels that increase fire risk Start an annual forest fuels cleanup program Restrict hillside development in wildfire areas Revise fire code to limit hotel room occupancy to ensure timely evacuation of crowded or tall structures Require large sideyards between adjacent buildings in residential and commercial areas Implement density and setback requirements for structures located in wildfire hazard areas Establish and implement burning standards in your community Properly train firefighters in brush/forest firefighting Adopt construction regulations for fire-resistant roofing materials, smoke alarm systems, sprinkler systems, cisterns, escape roads, fuels management requirements, and boxing of Adopt regulations requiring fire-resistant roofing materials when re-roofing Prohibit wooden shingles on roofs in areas prone to wildfires Require fire extinguishers for all homes and businesses Install fire danger rating/burn ban signs Organize a volunteer corps for chipping crews and to help homeowners assess defensible space Purchase a community utility trailer for brush removal Implement a community education program regarding fire dangers for identified risk areas Distribute pamphlets through neighborhood associations or insert flyers in water bills to make residents aware of wildfire hazard areas and fire protection measures for homes and yards WINTER STORMS Bury utility lines to prevent ice build-up Research alternate sources for farmers of additional feed and adequate shelter for livestock SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 5

6 s s Ensure adequate supply of snow and ice removal equipment and supplies Implement a tree trimming program that routinely clears tree limbs hanging in right-of-way MULTIPLE HAZARDS (The following are examples that cover multiple hazards; however, communities must identify and list only one specific hazard on the action form). Dam Failure, Severe Thunderstorm, Severe Thunderstorm, Winter Storm Assess needs for the county s emergency response services Obtain certification of communities by the National Weather Service as "Storm Ready" communities. Dam Failure, Hurricane Develop alternative evacuation routes/plans and designate emergency thoroughfares, particularly in areas with limited capacity Dam Failure, Terrorism, Hazardous Material Release, Pipeline Failure, Pandemic Improve emergency management radio coverage and reception Dam Failure,Hurricane Improve outdated Emergency Operations Center technological capabilities for monitoring, recording, and responding to disasters Dam Failure,,,, Dam Failure, Hurricane Dam Failure, Hurricane Dam Failure,, Harden critical facilities (list specific facilities within the mitigation action) Implement and coordinate Emergency Paging System Implement and enhance an area-wide telephone Emergency Notification System ("Reverse 911") Provide additional means of access into single-entry neighborhoods SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 6

7 Dam Failure,,, Hurricane, Dam Failure, Severe Thunderstorm, Winter Storm Dam Failure,,, Severe Dam Failure Dam Failure,,, Drought, Severe Thunderstorm Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Develop Mutual Aid Agreements with area communities Protect and maintain natural landform mitigation features such as riverbanks, wetlands, dunes Acquire safe sites for public facilities (schools, police/fire stations, etc.) Acquire, conserve and utilize easements to prevent development of known hazard areas Assess public housing units in high-hazard areas Provide tax incentives for development of low-hazard land parcels Routinely track community vulnerability (e.g. exposure in known hazard areas) Add minimum residential street width criteria to development ordinance to accommodate sizeable rescue vehicles Enhance code enforcement and inspection services Dam Failure, Drought,, Thunderstorm, Adopt density controls SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 7

8 Dam Failure, Drought,, Thunderstorm, Dam Failure, Drought,, Thunderstorm, Dam Failure, Drought,, Thunderstorm, Assess use performance/impact zoning to set risk-based standards for land development Establish "agricultural use districts" in zoning ordinance to limit densities in known hazard areas Establish procedure to utilize overlay zones for requiring mitigation techniques in highhazard districts Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Thunderstorm Dam Failure,,, Dam Failure,,, Severe Thunderstorm, Winter Storm Implement on-site retention basin program in conjunction with development to address excessive stormwater / firefighting water source Incorporate higher standards for hazard resistance in local application of the building code Join the Community Rating System program or increase a community's rating under the CRS program. Increase the local BCEGS classification through higher building code standards and enforcement practices Limit development and increase density requirements within hazard areas Limit government expenditures for roads and other infrastructure in high-hazard areas to discourage development in these areas Implement and encourage the use of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHs) through NOAA SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 8

9 Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure, Drought,, Mandate specific retrofitting of new facilities within hazard areas for persons with special needs / mobility concerns Prohibit animal shelters in known hazard areas Provide incentives for clustering residential lots outside hazard areas in subdivision design and development Require conditional/special use permits for the development of known hazard areas Require real estate disclosure about past and present hazards Strengthen zoning ordinance to encourage higher densities only outside of known hazards areas Update subdivision codes for a higher level of ingress and egress Adopt smart growth initiatives. Incorporate a formal hazard mitigation plan in long-term community development planning activities Establish a "green infrastructure" program for parks, nature preserves, greenbelts, etc. SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 9

10 Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Thunderstorm, Dam Failure,, Thunderstorm, Drought,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Establish uniform emergency response procedures with the operators of critical facilities Implement a back-up plan for storing public records and digital copies offsite in a nonhazard area Work with state and federal agencies to maintain up-to-date hazard data, maps, etc. Adopt a landscape ordinance (selection and planting guidelines) Adopt a business exchange program - expanded development rights for increased mitigation efforts Match federal funds that fund private mitigation practices Offer tree pruning education classes to reduce debris caused by limbs Recruit local financial institutions to participate in "good neighbor" lending that promotes sound mitigation practices Trim trees along electric power lines SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 10

11 Dam Failure,, Distribute pamphlets/info regarding the SBA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Loan Program Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Dam Failure,, Purchase NOAA All Hazards radios for early warning and post-event information and place in area schools/businesses/critical facilities utilizing public and private partnership funding Establish a user-friendly database for local residents to access resources for mitigation purposes Regularly apprise local governing bodies of new mitigation measures Retrofit police, fire, EMS facilities to hazard-resistant levels Install quick-connect emergency generator hook-ups for critical facilities OTHER OPTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION The following examples are regulatory tools, which a community may consider as a mitigation action. If any of the following are chosen, please list the specific natural hazard that the regulatory action addresses. Building code Zoning ordinance Subdivision ordinance or regulations Special purpose ordinances - floodplain management Special purpose ordinances - stormwater management Special purpose ordinances - hillside or steep slope SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 11

12 Special purpose ordinances - wildfire Special purpose ordinances - hazard setback Growth management, also known as anti-sprawl or smart growth Site plan review requirements Post-disaster recovery ordinance Real estate disclosure requirements SAMPLE MITIGATION ACTIONS 12