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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Voluntary Regional Planning Approach Builds Stronger Partnerships

In the mid-1990s, North Carolina was a leader in mitigation planning. In 1996, the state created a Hazard Mitigation Planning Initiative. This grew outreach, training and funding support for North Carolina’s local planning efforts. This marked a milestone for North Carolina’s efforts to improve planning in its local jurisdictions.

FEMA Mitigation Grant Helps Fortify Critical Facility in Lee County, Florida

Lee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) serves an important role in the safety of the residents of within the county. It is the warning center for both natural and man-made hazards that threaten the area and it serves as a focal point for coordination of emergency response and recovery activities.

Environmentalist Takes Steps Towards Actualizing a More Resilient, Sustainable Community in Punta Gorda, Florida

To address the issue of storm surge takes planning and strategy. Eight core initiatives— Environment, Health, Education, Energy, Technology, Transportation, Storm Safety and Fun have guided decision making at every stage of development for one Florida community.

Cape Coral, Florida Wind Retrofit Provides Security for Facility Over 30-Years Old

Gulf Coast Village, in Cape Coral Florida, in operation since 1989, is heralded as the premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Sponsored by Volunteers of America National Services, a national nonprofit faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential, the retirement community is the only CCRC in Cape Coral that offers a full continuum of care, which includes assisted living, skilled nursing, secured memory support, home health and rehabilitation services.

Fort Myers Hospital Restoration Project Performs Well During Storm

Hurricane Irma struck Florida in September 2017, causing extensive damage in many parts of the state. Hurricane Irma's 185 mph maximum winds continued for more than 37 hours — the longest any cyclone on record to maintain that intensity. Sixty-five percent of the state was without power immediately after the storm including 6.5 million homes and businesses.

Elevating Higher to Alleviate Flood Woes in Louisiana Parish

Flood water is no stranger to the residents of Lafitte, an unincorporated community in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.

Mitigation Methods Reduce Risks for Mexico Beach, Florida Residents

Although the land Paul Jackson purchased was in a low-risk zone on the community’s current flood maps, he understood the risk of living in a coastal area. With a mitigation mindset, he decided to build a resilient home and purchased a flood insurance policy to protect his investment.

Montgomery County, Texas Post-Storm Home Replacements Stand the Tests of Time and Weather Hazards

Mobile homes damaged by the winds and rain of Hurricane Ike in 2008, resulted in new homes for 54 residents of Montgomery County, Texas. Little did they know just how much that hurricane would change their lives.

The Fight to Keep His Home – Mitigation Action in the Real World – Lafitte, Louisiana

When Albert Darda bought his brick and wood frame home in 1978, he knew flooding was a possibility. A long-term resident of the Lafitte area, he has watched the slow disintegration of the Louisiana coastline over the years. Based on that fact, and his experience, he knew the only way to escape flooding was to elevate his home above future flood levels. The challenge was he also knew that only his local officials could help him access the FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) that would help him get there.

Texas Buyout Program After Hurricane Harvey Wins Praise from Flooded Property Owners

Following the catastrophic flood caused by Hurricane Harvey hitting Texas, Harris County quickly approved local funds to buy and demolish some of the worst flooded homes. This action sped up disaster recovery and reduced future flood risks.