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Design Standards for Disaster Preparedness and Planning 1. It is appropriate to assess the risks by conducting a potential hazards survey of your property and create a list of potential hazards. Inspect the following as part of your survey: a. Inspect the yard for water run-off, soil erosion, and ponding water. b. Inspect trees for damage at the roots and trunk as well as dead or damaged limbs. c. Inspect other landscaping to ensure it is not too close to the foundation which can cause cracking, movement, and/or excessive moisture. d. Inspect foundations, crawl spaces, and basements for movement, cracks, and water penetration. e. Inspect roofs, gutters, and chimneys. Maintain clear gutters to avoid water back-up and roof damage. Install a chimney cap to deter water. Ensure that mortar joints are stable on chimneys. 2. It is appropriate to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize high risk situations. 3. It is appropriate to implement a plan and take corrective action to minimize affects: a. Correct drainage issues that cause water issues in the yard. b. Consult with a registered arborist to identify potential tree hazards and take corrective action to remove dead limbs. c. Do not plant new shrubbery or landscaping too close to the foundation. Either prune or move existing shrubbery so that it is at least 24 inches from foundation walls. d. Take corrective actions to stabilize foundations and prevent water penetration. In the case of crawl spaces or basements, install a sump pump to quickly remove water should it infiltrate the space. (Note, this is of little help if the power is out). e. Ensure your roof shingles and flashing are in good condition. Maintain clean gutters. Ensure the chimney is sound and that the cap is in place. 4. It is appropriate to install storm doors and windows provided they do not obscure the character-defining elements in order to protect doors and windows from severe or damaging weather and to provide an additional thermal layer for energy efficiency. Please see the chapter on doors and windows for additional information. 5. In the case of an emergency, life safety is the priority. Temporary measures do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness, however, damage must be documented as well as any interim measures for consideration. An after-the-fact COA is required in emergency situations and must be submitted within 30 days of the disaster and before a COA for the permanent repairs.
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