EXTRA, EXTRA/Taking the high ground during flooding
With hurricane season in full swing, many communities can expect to experience flood damage. To help building departments in high-risk areas minimize the effects of future floods, the Falls Church, Va.-based International Code Council (ICC) Foundation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Federal Emergency Management Agency are distributing the publication, “Reducing Flood Losses through the International Codes.” The guide encourages communities to build in lower risk areas, elevate construction above floodplains, and upgrade and modify buildings to disaster-resistant codes. It also suggests ways community officials can integrate the International Codes into their current floodplain management procedures. The guide is available free to building departments from International Code Council Chapters or may be purchased online at www.iccsafe.org/FEMAflood for $12 for ICC members or $15 for nonmembers.
