This project involved retrofitting the elementary school building in the City of Lambertville, NJ, following Hurricane Floyd in 1999. The school structures include a 1-story brick classroom building and an attached “multi-purpose” building used as a gymnasium, cafeteria, and assembly area.

In 1999, with Hurricane Floyd in the weather forecast, staff and students followed the drill with sand bags and elevation, but the school was overwhelmed by the heavy rain delivered by the storm. Water depths within the school reached 24 inches as floodwaters poured into the school building through doors, windows, and heating vents. Teaching materials, books, equipment, cafeteria appliances, furniture, and photographs were destroyed.

The results of the event, in terms of both dollar cost and emotional impact, was dramatic. The insurance settlement alone was $1,000,000 (1999 dollars). Teachers and children were in tears and children were out of school for 5 days.

The first real test of the mitigation measures came in August of 2011 when Hurricane Irene slammed into New Jersey, bringing soaking rains and high winds across an already over-saturated ground.With recently installed drainage systems in place for nearby Ely Creek, plus waterproof and reinforced doors and windows, and raised heating units, coupled with overwhelming volunteer support, Lambertville’s preparation overcame previous fears.

Recently installed drainage systems for Ely Creek, plus waterproof and reinforced doors and windows, and raised heating units, coupled with overwhelming volunteer support, helped prevent damage to the school. Irene’s flash-flooding brought over 18 inches of street level flooding, but the floodwaters were unable to penetrate Lambertville’s Public School. The only water that managed to penetrate the building was a few small wet spots in one corner that were easily cleaned up by a custodian using a mop. Financial and emotional costs as a result of the storm and flooding were totally avoided.

Lambertville’s experience in mitigating a real threat to a facility critical to their identity, and working together as a community, sets an example for many other communities around the country that find themselves in similar circumstances. The community has demonstrated that recognizing the hazard, formulating a plan and persistently pursuing the assistance offered by FEMA can bring about increased safety and security for people and protect facilities vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards. The modest investment of $215,000 to mitigate a natural hazard threat yielded estimated avoided costs in excess of $1,000,000.

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William Marker owns and occupies a private dwelling situated in a low-lying area of Burlington County in the Township of Lumberton, New Jersey, on the South Branch of Rancocas Creek. A severe storm that struck central New Jersey in the summer of 2004 completely flooded his home, devastating the home and personal belongings.

Mr. Marker, using his own personal monetary resources, decided that he would proceed to elevate his home to avoid a recurrence of the experience. He has successfully completed his structural elevation project and recently survived a significant storm that severely tested the effectiveness of his project.

The Marker home and neighboring houses along the South Branch of Rancocas Creek are vulnerable to frequent flooding events. Heavy rains from passing storms contribute to the vulnerability. The home is a single-family dwelling of wood construction built on a concrete block foundation. The original structure on the site was built as a summer home in the 1950s or possibly earlier. The neighboring residential community consists of several other similar homes. All the homes are located very close to the Creek’s edge on a private non-Township road.

The event that precipitated Mr. Marker’s mitigation measures was a Presidential-declared disaster following a severe storm that hit New Jersey in July 2004. The ensuing floodwaters reached about 3 feet high in the main portion of the living area within the home. Mr. Marker stated that a searing memory for him, among many others of that event, was when he found “my refrigerator floating on its back across my kitchen.” After the flood, virtually all of the contents of his home were destroyed.

In early 2007, after assessing his situation and his options following the 2004 storm, Mr. Marker embarked on a committed effort to elevate his home to mitigate against the effects of future flood events.

His plan was to raise the home an additional 3 feet above the high water mark that had occurred in his home in the 2004 storm. His goal was to conform to, if not exceed, FEMA guidelines as outlined in FEMA’s Technical Bulletin 1-93 Openings in Foundation Walls. His standard was to elevate at least 2 feet above what was required under local ordinances. FEMA 1-93 has been replaced with FEMA Technical Bulletin 1 (August 2008), Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures. http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1579.

Elevation of the structure began in October 2007 and was completed shortly after. There have been several flooding situations in the area since completion of the elevation project and he has not suffered another loss.

The wisdom of his commitment and his tenacity in seeing the elevation project to completion paid big dividends in August 2011 when Hurricane Irene delivered torrential rains to New Jersey. Very quickly, the South Branch of Rancocas Creek was well outside and above its banks. In spite of 1.5 feet of floodwater in the vacant space below his elevated home, he suffered no significant damage.

Mr. Marker is not the only one pleased with the outcome of his mitigation measures. The neighbors intend to follow Mr. Marker’s lead by elevating their own homes.

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In 1997, following a history of floods that affected Belhaven elementary and junior high schools in Beaufort County, North Carolina, the Board of Education was faced with relocating these schools. An air quality survey confirmed that the two buildings housed airborne contaminants that posed a threat of respiratory problems to anyone entering the buildings. Given their location within the floodplain and the frequency of flooding, efforts to disinfect the buildings had been unsuccessful. County officials began the process of finding an alternative to the now condemned buildings.

The Beaufort County Board of Education applied for FEMA assistance and was encouraged to learn from FEMA officials that new buildings could be funded through a combination of Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds. FEMA would pay 75 percent of the cost, leaving 25 percent to Beaufort County’s responsibility. To qualify for FEMA assistance, Beaufort County would be required to demolish the existing schools and then relocate and rebuild on higher ground.

After 4 years of temporary housing, Belhavens elementary and junior high schools merged with Beaufort County Elementary School located in Pantego and began the 2001 school year in the newly completed Northeast Elementary School located in Pinetown, NC.

As Hurricane Irene bore down on the North Carolina coast in August 2011, it became apparent Beaufort County would likely be hit on the north side and then the wind would shift to strike the south. By 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 27th, power in the area was lost. Superintendent Dan Phipps ventured out to investigate potential damage to the other schools. While four other schools suffered substantial damage, to his relief Northeast Elementary had no apparent damage. There was no standing water, no missing siding, and no roof or window damage. Inside, the rooms had no power, but otherwise were dry and intact.

Expressing his gratitude for FEMAs assistance, Phipps said: FEMA folks have been wonderful. Mitigation, I think, is a wonderful thing to look at, where youve come from and what you want to do down the road so you dont have repeat problems, and this is a great example of that.

Phipps said he has learned that planning is important. You dont want to cry wolf and do a lot of false alarms, but you have to anticipate that every crisis is a potential disaster. You get yourself prepared for the worst case scenario. Then if it turns out not to be that bad, everyone goes home early and theyre glad they have a weekend free. But, if its like it was this time, were glad we prepared the way we did.

Unlike years past when storms flooded the Belhaven schools, this time, with the combined efforts of the community and FEMA, Belhaven students were able to continue their 2011-2012 school year without significant interruption. In addition, the land on which the Belhaven schools once sat has been transformed into a ballpark and Farmers Market for use by Belhavens citizens.

Were grateful, said Phipps speaking of the new school, I dont know if the building would have been here had it not been for the help we got from FEMA.

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Hurricane Fran overwhelmed much of eastern North Carolina with nearly 100 mph wind gusts and 8 to 10 inches of rain when it devastated the state in 1996. The storm caused an estimated $5 billion in damage in NC alone. River Bend, a town in Craven County, experienced massive flood damage so the town officials applied for Federal assistance for a project to relieve the town from future flooding.

Fran was a wake-up call for our town, said River Bend Mayor John R. Kirkland.

River Bend town officials applied to the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM) for funds from FEMAs Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to assist with the project costs. River Bends stormwater system totaled $519,709 and FEMA funded $392,501, leaving the remaining $127,208 to the state. Under HMGP, eligible states and local governments can apply and be awarded grants for up to 75 percent of total project cost to complete mitigation measures following major disaster declarations.

River Bends project consisted of improving the towns existing stormwater management system. The improvements increased the capacity of the piping system and additional pipes were placed at each site as well, allowing more volume for the stormwater to flow through the town and not back up on properties. Five locations in the town have piping improvements and the residents in these areas will have less risk of flooding during future storms. Two sets of floodgates were installed and two detention ponds to catch the water as it flows through the area. The town also elevated a main road by 2 feet so that the piping could be increased.

Hurricane Irene brought considerable rain to the U.S. in 2011 and eastern NC was once again drenched with massive downpours and strong winds. This time River Bend was prepared for the flooding. The town officials were able to open the floodgates and allow the water to flow as it rushed through the town. The residents who live in the flood-prone areas parked their vehicles on higher ground and the project was a success.

The homes in the low-lying areas of River Bend that are elevated above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and have a 2-foot freeboard did not flood during these storms. BFE is the computed height to which floodwaters are anticipated to rise during a flood. Although not required by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), freeboard is a safety factor used to express (in feet) a level of elevation above the BFE. Some communities adopt a requirement of freeboard for its residents in the high-risk areas in their Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. Nearly 8 years ago, River Bend adopted a 2-foot freeboard requirement to ensure the homes do not flood. Freeboard often results in lower premiums for NFIP policyholders since every foot above the BFE lowers a structures flood risk.

The town council will now focus on public education of stormwater management and alleviate a few identified minor problems. The council is now committed to spend $30,000 a year of the towns funds to do small mitigation measures that will fix those minor problems. In fiscal year 2012, the town anticipates creating stormwater management systems to fix another drainage problem.

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An April 2007 spring noreaster brought severe storms and subsequent inland and coastal flooding to 12 of the 21 counties of New Jersey. Noreen Sweeney, a retired U.S. Navy veteran and high school history teacher, had owned her home for only 10 months when the storm hit.

Flooding came quickly to the community Township of Rochelle Park in Bergen County, New Jersey . The evening before the storm, her home seemed high and dry. When Ms. Sweeneys dog Storm excitedly awoke her early the next morning, she stepped out of bed and found herself standing in hip-deep floodwater. The home, a one-story, slab-on-grade structure was completely flooded.

Ms. Sweeney was not the only resident inundated with floodwater and sewage backup. Several blocks in her neighborhood were inundated with 4-5 feet of contaminated, debris-filled water. As a result of this experience, she was determined to change her situation in order to mitigate any future recurrence. By utilizing a combination of Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage, her National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance settlement, a low interest Small Business (SBA) loan, and other available FEMA resources, she was able to elevate her home and replace many personal items that had been destroyed in the flood.

Ms. Sweeneys home was elevated from a Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of 43 feet to an elevation of 48 feet,7 inches above sea level. She insisted that the new elevation exceed the legally required height, a decision that would prove to be a wise one. The original slab remained as the new foundation for eight courses of cinder blocks complete with the required flood openings. An additional 18 inches of subfloor was installed, with the original house sitting securely on top.

Although located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), alongside New Jerseys Saddle River, her decision to elevate paid big dividends during and after the arrival of Hurricane Irene in August 2011. While floodwaters invaded several of her neighbors homes, she remained secure from the rising waters caused by Hurricane Irene.

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The Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMAs) Hazard Mitigation (HM) staff recently reached out to students, teachers, and the administrator of Shenendehowa High School’s Construction Systems Technology Program, located in Clifton Park, New York, to introduce practices for building safer and stronger.

For the past 20 years, the Construction Systems Technology Program has been teaching students building techniques for strong construction. A house being built this year will be retrofitted using FEMAs best practices mitigation building techniques. Among these practices are strengthening framing connections and upgrading roofing materials. Shenendehowa High School also applied for a State Farm grant to improve the design and make it stronger and safer for homeowners.

The students are also incorporating features to strengthen the house’s doors and windows to make the building structure more resistant to wind and water damage. Each year students build an entire house from the ground up. They prepare the site, create the foundation, frame the house, put up sheetrock, install most of the wiring, and initiate plumbing work. The house is built in two sections so it can be moved to the home buyer’s site.

Each completed modular home is approximately 1,200 square feet, 44 feet long, and 28 feet wide, and undergoes an inspection process. The cost of each three-bedroom, two-bath home is approximately $27,000. There are no cabinets or sinks, the wiring has to be attached, and the plumbing has to be connected to a water supply.

A bidding process is conducted annually for the completed home and the highest bidder wins. The homes are sold to offset the cost of materials, which are initially covered by the schools Technology Club. The school district pays the salaries of the teachers and provides tools and equipment. The homes are usually sold before they are completed and the potential homeowner sometimes makes minor adjustments, without affecting the design and construction integrity.

The students gain hands-on home construction experience when they learn how to build strong homes using mitigation techniques with roofing, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry methods that meet Uniform Building Code requirements.

Ken McDermith, Shenendehowa’s Academic Administrator for Construction Systems Technology said “We are delighted that FEMA techniques will enhance our students’ experience of learning to build safer and stronger.” Joe De Rubertis, a Construction Systems Technology teacher, agrees.

The Construction Systems Technology Program is one of three technological programs found only in Project Lead the Way accredited schools. Started in Clifton Park, Project Lead the Way is a non-profit organization, established in 1997 to address the shortage of domestic engineers. It has evolved into a network of schools with more than 4,500 programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 4 countries.

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Any resident from Swan Quarter, the county seat of Hyde County, North Carolina, can easily tell a story of a time the town was flooded. They can recall the massive amounts of mud, fish, snakes, and mold they found in their homes when they were allowed to re-enter. Located only a few feet above sea level, Swan Quarter experiences frequent flooding from the nearby Pamlico Sound during coastal storms and high tides. A project to control flooding was essential to prevent the town and its many surrounding croplands from joining the debris that rests at the bottom of the sound.

Swan Quarter was most severely impacted by Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Isabel was a Category 2 storm when it made landfall in eastern North Carolina, causing millions of dollars of wind and storm surge damage. The flooding greatly distressed the towns more than 800 residents as well as the fishermen and farmers that make their livelihood from the land and sea.

When Isabel came through, it put a lot of people out of business, said Hyde County Administrative Soil and Water Technician Debbie P. Cahoon.

Most of the towns services and local businesses, including the post office, grocery store, and a restaurant, were impacted by the heavy flooding of 2003 and no longer exist.

Even before Isabel, residents were contending with the consequences of repeated floodingcleaning mold and repairing their homes following the strong coastal storms that brought wind and rain. A repair shop located just across from the old courthouse has flood marks indicating each named storm that has brutally affected their once thriving town.

Floods are severely stressingboth emotionally and physically, said Hyde County Manager Mazie Smith. Everything that rests at the bottom of the river shows up inside the homes and buildings.

In 1965, a number of local, state, and federal sources began jointly sponsoring a flood control project in the Swan Quarter Watershed to reduce the flooding in the more than 7,000 acres of affected land. The project would protect the croplands that neighbor the town of Swan Quarter and prevent future flooding of the residential area.

Drafted 46 years ago, the projects original plan consisted of 17.7 miles of 6.7-foot high dikes, 2.9 miles of channel improvements, 3 pumping stations, and 16 tide gates. Immediately following plan development, the project began construction, but was halted several times due to budget constraints. In 2002, once more funding became available, revisions were made to the remaining plans and the final phase of construction was completed in June 2011. The entire project, phases one through 13, totaled $13,236,469 in combined local and federal funds.

The timing was perfect because, 2 months later, Hurricane Irene pummeled the Atlantic Coast, bringing extreme winds and storm surge. By the time Hurricane Irene hit the North Carolina coast, it was a Category 1 storm and the project constructed dikes held back the rushing waters as the storm moved on. Although the town did suffer from some flooding as the torrential rains continued, the damages were greatly reduced as compared to those the town had faced in the past.

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On August 23, 2011, at 1:51 p.m., a magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in central Virginia. The epicenter was 5 miles south/southwest of the town of Mineral, Virginia, and 38 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia. This was the largest earthquake east of the Rocky Mountains since a magnitude 5.8 event in 1944 on the New York/Ontario border and the largest earthquake in Virginia since a magnitude 5.9 event in 1897 in Giles County in western Virginia.

Although Steve Smiths home is near the epicenter, it escaped most of the damage his neighbors received: chimney damage or collapse, plaster/drywall cracking, foundation wall cracks and blowouts, brick veneer falling away, and structures shifting and separating.

Relying on his background in the construction business, Smith used construction techniques and materials that were above and beyond code requirements and normal construction techniques for this area. He also will use a new technique to retrofit the damage that did occur.

Smith used manufactured open-web steel floor joists, placed at 16 inches on center. With less mass and weight, there was less movement and therefore less damage from the earthquake. The lighter structure with stronger connections lowers the seismic force. Steels high strength and ductility make it a good material for earthquake-resistant design.

As an alternative to typical milled timber, Smith used laminated veneer lumber (LVL) as a header over door and window openings and on bearing walls. This greatly improved the structural integrity for seismic considerations. LVL is stronger than milled lumber, more uniform, and less likely to twist or bow. Smith used another successful building technique to construct his 9 foot by 20 foot porch pad: 16-gauge corrugated-steel decking covered with 6 inches of concrete reinforced with #6 ( inch) re-bar. Unlike other cracked and displaced concrete patios and porch pads in the area, Smiths pad only moved slightly, and moved as a single unit, without cracking, breaking, or collapsing.

The house did suffer some cracking in the cast-in-place concrete foundation walls. After consulting with his contractor employer, Smith decided to retrofit the foundation using carbon fiber reinforcement.

Disclaimer

The FEMA Best Practices Portfolio consists of mitigation stories submitted by individuals and communities that describe measures they have taken to reduce the loss of life and property from disasters. These Best Practices are meant to provide ideas and concepts about reducing losses and to encourage others to evaluate their own risk and consider mitigation as a long-term solution to reducing that risk. Although some stories may suggest specific applications or building techniques, they are not meant to provide technical advice about construction techniques or types of materials to use. Building codes will vary by locality; if you are making structural changes or improvements always check with your local government regarding codes that apply to your home or community. If using a contractor, be sure to use one who is licensed and bonded. For additional information on building codes and building science, visit the FEMA Library, at http://www.fema.gov/library.

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This is a story about the Audenreid Mine Drainage Tunnel, a 16,150-foot tunnel drilled by the Glen Alden Coal Company from 1928 to 1931, and long decades of unintended consequences. The purpose of the tunnel investment was to lower the local water table without the use of pumps, and allow a network of deep mine shafts to follow tilted layers of shale and sandstone in pursuit of valuable anthracite coal. The tunnel did its job, but the discharge water was acidic and loaded with fish-killing aluminum and other metals. For the next 75 years, the pollutants caused 33 miles of Catawissa Creek (near Hazelton, Pennsylvania) to be biologically dead. The polluted water continued to the Susquehanna River and on to Chesapeake Bay.

In recent years, a collaboration of government agencies, businesses, and volunteer groups have worked tirelessly toward a solution. Earlier proposals to try sealing the tunnel were considered, but rejected for a variety of reasons. Successful planning, engineering and fund raising eventually led to the design and construction of the Audenreid Tunnel Treatment System, capable of handling 9,000 gallons per minute of acid mine drainage (AMD).

The Columbia and Schuylkill County Conservation Districts and the Catawissa Creek Restoration Association began operating the completed facility in 2006. The facility includes three large concrete tanks filled with limestone rock to neutralize the acid and remove aluminum. An automatic flushing system then passes the treated water to settling ponds before eventual discharge to Catawissa Creek.

The tunnel typically discharges about 8,500 gallons per minute; however, it is a large tunnel, 12 feet wide by 9 feet high, and can discharge 300,000 gallons per minute during periods of intense rain. A severe storm in 2006 caused the face of the hillside above the outlet to come down in an avalanche of rock and debris, burying part of the treatment facility under tons of material and leaving an unstable cliff.

In the aftermath of this event, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) worked together to coordinate delivery of $1.8 million in funding for repairs. FEMA Public Assistance (PA) funding is typically used to help state and local governments repair disaster damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, etc. The work was completed by 2009 and has been tested by subsequent storms, including 2011′s Hurricane Irene and extreme rainfall during Tropical Storm Lee. Schuylkill County Natural Resource Specialist Wayne Lehman reported that, Once the flooding passed, the treatment system was able to restart. The massive repair project successfully protected the facility.

The innovative mine drainage treatment system has allowed fish to return, along with recreational tourism. In recognition of its contribution to the health and economic sustainability of Schuylkill County, the project was awarded a 2007 Governors Award for Environmental Excellence. It has also been an inspiration to others who want to take effective action to solve mine discharge pollution problems in their communities.

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When Champlain, New York residents go to River Street Park to picnic or launch their boats, they no longer find homes that were situated along the Great Chazy River. After a devastating flood in 1996, 17 properties along River Street were acquired in a joint partnership with the Village of Champlain, Clinton County, the New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYSOEM), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Before the acquisition, homes along River Street were usually flooded when the Great Chazy River spilled over its banks. Residents along the river were motivated to move out of harm’s way because they had enough of floodwaters ruining their homes, personal property, and their lives. Property owners embarked on an acquisition project with the Village, the County, FEMA, and NYSOEM. It was started in October 1997 and completed in December 1999. All of the homes were demolished and removed from the site at a cost of $538,500.

Champlain Village received a State grant to convert over 5 acres into a recreational area in 2000. A park was created with picnic tables, barbecue areas and a boat ramp. It is now used by residents for village festivals, social events, and family picnics, especially during summer months.

River Street Park is the only neighborhood park with a boat ramp and picnic facilities. Villagers hold kayaking and boating events on the Great Chazy River and launch boats from the ramp.

In August 2009, the Village commemorated its Quad Centennial Festival in the park, celebrating 400 years of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the Champlain Valley with about 400 people in attendance.

The August 2011 Village Fest was held in the park and attended by approximately 150 people. Two stones were rededicated at this festival. The first stone was originally dedicated in 1959 and honored Jehudi Ashmun, who was born in Champlain in 1794 and became the schoolmaster in 1815. Mr. Ashmun is credited with helping to fight for Negro freedom in Liberia, Africa in 1822 and establishing a democratic nation. The second stone was originally dedicated in 1938 to commemorate the founding of the Town of Champlain on March 7, 1788.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) frequently participates in the Village Festivals, which are held every 2 years at the park. The DHS helicopter is on display for visitors to explore. Champlain is approximately 3/4 mile from the United States port of entry from Canada and is the fourth largest cargo inspection facility in the northern United States.

Larry Sorrell, Village Public Works Superintendent for the past 3 years and a Village employee for over 29 years noted, “When the Great Chazy River overflows, homes that used to flood are no longer impacted and the overflow just saturates the park.” During Hurricane Irene, the park had minimal water, with only part of the road by the boat ramp having water, but no damage. Flooded homes are no longer an issue,

Acquiring these homes through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has had a positive impact on the Village. Now the Village of Champlain residents can enjoy a recreational space, without worrying about flooded homes.

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