Hazard mitigation means reducing the loss of life and property by taking measures to lessen the impact of disasters.
Why Is Mitigating Important?
As Floridians rebuild after Hurricane Ian, they can take steps to make their homes stronger. On average, every $1 spent on mitigation helps save $6 in future disaster-related repairs. Building back stronger now will prepare you and your family for future storms.
Know Your Risk
The first step is identifying what you need to protect your home from. Your local floodplain manager and emergency manager can give you information on the wind and water hazards possible in your community.
Be sure to consult with a licensed contractor and the local building department before making any structural changes to understand requirements and obtain any necessary permits.
For information on selecting contractors, disaster cleanup, flood insurance, building back stronger and safer, and other ways to reduce future risk, call a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist at 833-FEMA-4-US or 833-336-2487.
Mitigation Options
Protect your home from:
- Flooding. Elevate or floodproof heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and/or mechanical units, ductwork, electrical systems, and other utilities to protect against flood damage and reduce repair costs. For more information, read Protect Your Property From Flooding.
- Wind. Install hurricane shutters to protect windows and glass doors as a practical way to prevent damage from strong winds. Also, consider reinforcing garage and double-entry doors to prevent failure under wind pressure. Check out Protect Your Property from Severe Winds for more tips.
- Storm surge. This is the most destructive part of coastal flooding. The first step to protect your home against storm surge is identifying the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your home. You can do so by looking up your address on the National Hazard Layer. Florida has a 1-ft freeboard plus BFE, and some communities have a higher freeboard requirement. For the proper height to elevate your structure, contact your local floodplain manager. Knowing your flood elevation will help you determine how high to elevate your house, outdoor A/C units, and more. For assistance finding and understanding your flood elevation, email FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov or call 877-336-2627. Visit Protect Your Property from Storm Surge for more details.