BUILDING BACK STRONGER
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/building-back-stronger] 

Release Date: 
Mar 1, 2023 

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
[https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_protect-your-home_flooding.pdf].

 	* 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
[https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-11/fema_protect-your-property_severe-wind.pdf]
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
[https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/national-flood-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
[https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_protect-your-property-storm-surge.pdf]
for more details.