APPENDIX C: MITIGATION ALTERNATIVES
Books and pamphlets on hazard mitigation can be given to libraries, and many of these can be obtained for free from state and federal agencies. Libraries also have their own public information campaigns with displays, lectures and other projects, which can augment the activities of the local government. Today, websites are commonly used as research tools. They provide fast access to a wealth of public and private sites for information. Through links to other websites, there is almost no limit to the amount of up to date information that can be accessed on the Internet. In addition to online floodplain maps, websites can link to information for homeowners on how to retrofit for floods or a website about floods for children. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAZARD INFORMATION Residents and business owners that are aware of the potential hazards can take steps to avoid problems or reduce their exposure to flooding. Communities can easily provide map information from FEMA's FIRMs and Flood Insurance Studies. They may also assist residents in submitting requests for map amendments and revisions when they are needed to show that a building is located outside the mapped floodplain. Some communities supplement what is shown on the FIRM with information on additional hazards, flooding outside mapped areas and zoning. When the map information is provided, community staff can explain insurance, property protection measures and mitigation options that are available to property owners. They should also remind inquirers that being outside the mapped floodplain is no guarantee that a property will never flood. PROPERTY PROTECTION ASSISTANCE While general information provided by outreach projects or the library is beneficial, most property owners do not feel ready to retrofit their buildings without more specific guidance. Local building department staffs are experts in construction. They can provide free advice, not necessarily to design a protection measure, but to steer the owner onto the right track. Building or public works department staffs can provide the following types of assistance: • Visit properties and offer protection suggestions • Recommend or identify qualified or licensed contractors A Program for Public Information (PPI) is a document that receives CRS credit. It is a review of local conditions, local public information needs, and a recommended plan of activities. A PPI consists of the following parts, which are incorporated into this plan: • The local flood hazard • The property protection measures appropriate for the flood hazard • Flood safety measures appropriate for the local situation • The public information activities currently being implemented within the community, including those being carried out by non-government agencies • Goals for the community's public information program • Inspect homes for anchoring of roofing and the home to the foundation • Explain when building permits are needed for home improvements. PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM
• The outreach projects that will be done each year to reach the goals • The process that will be followed to monitor and evaluate the projects
WSP June 2024 Page C.18
Wake County, NC Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
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