FEMA Case Study Library

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Water Pump Protects North Little Rock Community

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR – Homes in the Rose City subdivision of North Little Rock were kept flood-free during the severe weather of Christmas 2015, thanks to a 1800-2200 gallon-per-minute water pump put in place by the city’s Public Works Department.

Water Pumps Mitigate Simonton’s Flood Problem

FORT BEND COUNTY, TX – As floodwaters ravaged the state of Texas during Memorial Day weekend 2015, the water pumps in Simonton were hard at work protecting the city.  

Water Storage Tank Seismic Retrofit

MERCER ISLAND, WA - Mercer Island in Lake Washington is a busy community with a population of 22,000 and high median income. Located east of Seattle, it is accessed only by the Interstate 90 floating bridge.

Waterfront High-Rise Survives Katrina

GULFPORT, MS – Legacy Towers stands approximately 150 feet tall on the beach facing the Gulf of Mexico. These new luxury condominiums withstood the powerful 30-foot storm surge and winds of more than 140 miles per hour when Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005.

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.