FEMA Case Study Library

Browse case study reports and best practice articles from across FEMA's areas of expertise. You can search by title or keywords, select additional content filters, or jump to a collection.

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Wayne Gibb's Home Elevation Taking the Initiative

FORESTVILLE, CA - Wayne Gibb lives on a quiet street about a quarter of a mile from the banks of the Russian River.

Weather Radio Distribution Ensuring Adequate Hazard Warning

WAYNE COUNTY, MI - Located in southeastern Michigan, Wayne County frequently experiences severe weather and tornadoes. In 1997, a dangerous tornado moved through parts of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs of Highland Park and Hamtramck injuring 90 persons.

Weathering the Storm In More Ways Than One

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – For the last 25 years, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, has consistently ranked among the top two cancer care hospitals in the nation, according to a survey published by U.S. News & World Report.

Wet Floodproofing Reduces Damage to Popular Beach Restaurant

KEY WEST, FL - The Duval Beach Club sits on the only natural stretch of beach in Key West. In 2005, it was hit by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma. Thanks to the mitigation efforts initiated by the restaurant’s owner, Fred Tillman, worries about flood damage have been reduced.

When Enough is Really Enough

VILLA GROVE, IL - Located along the Embarras River, Villa Grove, a small town of only 2,553 residents, is prone to flash floods as well as river flooding. The Jordan Slough and the Embarrass River are of significant relevance.

When It Rains, It Pours: Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup

CHICAGO, IL - Looking out the window as one flies into O'Hare airport, a sea of rooftops fills the Chicago landscape. And off those rooftops, much rain does run - straight into the city's sewer system.

When It Rains, Plan for Damage

DUNCAN, OK - The year 2007 went into the history books as the sixth wettest for Duncan, Oklahoma. Residents saw five major floods with three of them greater than 100-year flood event. The flood on June 28 resulted in a sewer main failure.

When the Waters Rise, Flood Insurance Speeds Recovery

LILBURN, GA – Still recovering from a historic drought that began in 2006, few Georgia residents have had flash flooding on their mind, let alone flood insurance.

Wilcox Pond Culvert Upgrade Preventing Roadway Overtopping

BIDDEFORD, ME - During large rain events, West Street, a major road in Biddeford, has had to be shut down. The area of West Street by the Wilcox Pond outflow culvert overtops during these events causing washout and structural damage to the road bed.

Wildfire Mitigation Tested in Orange County, CA

ORANGE COUNTY, CA - On the morning of Sunday, March 11, 2007, fire erupted at Windy Ridge along the 241 Toll Road in Orange County. The area, known for its brush covered hills, canyons and deep ravines, was a tinderbox and the fire fanned by the Santa Ana winds spread rapidly.