Fighting Floods: Strategies for Staying Dry This Storm Season

Aug 30

Insights from the Center for Active Design Experts

From One Climate Crisis to the Next.

Following some of the hottest months in the northern hemisphere's history, it's difficult to imagine too much water could be a pressing concern. Yet with the tropical storm season underway, it’s imperative to consider yet another climate risk: flooding. While heat, our topic from July, may be the most deadly, data released by the UN in 2015 show that in the past twenty years, flooding accounted for nearly 50% of all weather-related disasters. Furthermore, as climate change intensifies, the people and properties vulnerable to flooding will continue to grow, as evidence suggests that increases in flood exposure are higher than previously estimated. Flooding can be destructive, costly, and lethal, not only for humans, but for physical assets and the built environment as a whole.

Floodwater often carries debris, bacteria, and other pollutants or toxins which can contaminate water habitats. It can also contribute to erosion, reduce water quality, and destroy land habitats. Flooding can also render significant damages to buildings of all asset types, as FEMA reports that just one inch of water can cause $25,000 of damages. On a larger scale, floods are estimated to decrease employment in communities by an average of 4%, and as a consequence of reduced economic activity during recovery, evidence indicates disaster recovery assistance often declines, resulting in cumulative community losses of up to eight figures.

Beyond the damage flooding inflicts on the built environment, it can also have detrimental consequences on human health. Flooding can negatively impact physical and mental health, as well as exacerbate and expand social inequalities. Flooding can lead to a spike in respiratory related illnesses, as the increased dampness can proliferate mold growth indoors. Flood water itself can also carry pathogens, raw sewage, and other hazardous substances, which can result in the spread of water-borne disease, flu-like symptoms, or gastrointestinal-related illnesses among those exposed. Mental health can also be impacted by flooding, as one post-disaster analysis found that the possibility of serious mental illness was 1.5 times higher in flood victims than in unaffected respondents. These findings are corroborated by other studies, which find an association between flooding and elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among victims.

Staying Dry.

While the consequences of floods may feel daunting and inevitable, there are strategies and initiatives that can make all of us, and our communities, more resilient against rising waters. First, a number of new and exciting databases are available online for citizens and asset managers to gain a better understanding of the flood risks of their homes and businesses (see Flood Factor, which Fitwel uses to capture flood risk). Locating homes and businesses outside of flood zones is the number one way to protect not only your physical assets, but also your physical and mental health as it pertains to flooding. As we’ve seen with fire risk, there may come a time when physical assets within flood zones become uninsurable due to the financial costs of reconstruction, making a comprehensive risk understanding imperative. However, as flood zones continue to expand, there are many buildings, businesses, and families that cannot relocate. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help mitigate the risk of flooding and its harmful effects.

AMRO Sevilla (rendering), Spain | Image Courtesy of AMRO Partners

From a physical building perspective, preparation and investment are key components of flood risk and damage reduction. An adapted building structure is one that has taken precautionary measures to protect against flooding, such as securing the building’s foundation (ensuring the building has an especially stable foundation) or waterproofing and sealing cellar walls. Similarly, interior adaptation strategies include utilizing waterproof materials, sealing any below ground or ground-level walls, and moving all utility and electrical equipment to higher stories. In one study, flood adapted use and adapted interior fittings were found to reduce the damage ratio for buildings by 46% and 53%, respectively. Other initiatives that support flood protection on a smaller scale include installing a sewage water backup system and developing a maintenance plan for gutters, downspouts, and splash pads. On a larger scale, stormwater management infrastructure can also support flood and damage reduction. While typically requiring a larger-scale investment, stormwater management infrastructure such as retention ponds, rain barrels, rain gardens, bioswales, and cisterns can help reduce stormwater accumulation on site. The installation of permeable pavement as well as blue or green roofs can help absorb stormwater.

The Sunset, West Hollywood, CA | Image Courtesy of Kilroy Realty

A Call for Climate Resilience.

From tropical storms to raging wildfires and relentless heat waves, we are constantly reminded of the dangers of climate change. Climate resilience is also a key theme of the Fitwel v3 update. Within the v3 Standard, which is applicable across various asset types, users will see how Fitwel addresses both physical climate resilience as well as occupant preparedness for emergencies and disasters. Below is a list of the 19 strategies in the Fitwel Standard that touch on climate resilience and preparedness:

Ambient Air Quality Assessment Protocol
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Brownfield Remediation Plan
Certified First Responders
Communication Plan
Emergency Address Notification
Emergency Preparedness Plan
Fire-Prone Zones
Flood-Prone Zones
Hazardous Waste Management Plan

Hazardous Waste Transportation and Storage Protocol
Heat Island Mitigation
Idle Reduction
Open Space Preservation
Safe Shelter
Safety Training Plan
Stormwater Management Plan
Street Trees
Support Biodiversity

Rockaway Boardwalks, New York | Image Courtesy of WXY Studio

As the world around us shifts, from climbing temperatures to rising sea levels, we must adapt our environments to better support health and well-being. Protecting both physical assets and the communities that occupy them from the harmful impacts of flooding is just one vital way to build resilience. And, the Fitwel v3 update, available for preview on the Help Center, includes many more, which together can support climate change resilience and preparedness at scale to not only reduce economic risks and vulnerabilities, but also save lives and livelihoods.

Article contributed by Grace Dickinson, MPH, MUP, Fitwel Ambassador, Associate, Applied Research, the Center for Active Design

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