A new study encourages state and local governments to do all they can now to minimize devastation from hurricanes.
A neighborhood of 500 structures in Holly Beach, La., was destroyed by Hurricane Rita's tidal surge in 2005. Marvin Nauman/FEMA
(MCT) — When a major hurricane strikes the Gulf Coast again — as it inevitably will — the federal government will undoubtedly respond in some manner, just as it did after hurricanes Rita and Ike. But the key word in that sentence is "after." The damage will have been done, and coastal residents will bear the brunt of the recovery.
A new study by the National Research Council reinforces that reality. It encourages state and local governments to do all they can now to minimize devastation from hurricanes instead of hoping that Washington will ride to the rescue afterward.
That makes sense. Congress is usually slow to act when disasters strike, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a spotty record — even if it has improved in recent years. Responsibility for hurricane risk is scattered among many governmental agencies, the study says, yet collectively they are doing little about protecting coasts before storms strike.
Cities, counties and states have to step up here and take the lead. Their efforts should focus on things like:
— Strong building codes. Relatively simple and inexpensive requirements like longer roofing nails, "hurricane straps" that connect roofs to frames, and anchor bolts that secure frames to concrete slabs can pay big dividends. Barring a direct strike by a Category 5 monster, they can usually keep a building standing and intact.
— Awareness of flood zones. The water surge of a hurricane often causes more damage than the wind itself. No new structures should be built in low-lying areas. People who own property in those areas now should be encouraged to relocate with buyout programs and other tax incentives.
— Beach and dune replenishment programs. Pumping sand from offshore to the shoreline is fairly cheap and effective. It may be blown away in a hurricane, but it will absorb some of a storm's energy, help preserve coastal wetlands and lessen damage inland.
These actions and others can make a big difference between a recovery that lasts weeks or months. Public officials in coastal zones should be emphasizing them now.
©2014 the Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, Texas). Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
A new study by the National Research Council reinforces that reality. It encourages state and local governments to do all they can now to minimize devastation from hurricanes instead of hoping that Washington will ride to the rescue afterward.
That makes sense. Congress is usually slow to act when disasters strike, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a spotty record — even if it has improved in recent years. Responsibility for hurricane risk is scattered among many governmental agencies, the study says, yet collectively they are doing little about protecting coasts before storms strike.
Cities, counties and states have to step up here and take the lead. Their efforts should focus on things like:
— Strong building codes. Relatively simple and inexpensive requirements like longer roofing nails, "hurricane straps" that connect roofs to frames, and anchor bolts that secure frames to concrete slabs can pay big dividends. Barring a direct strike by a Category 5 monster, they can usually keep a building standing and intact.
— Awareness of flood zones. The water surge of a hurricane often causes more damage than the wind itself. No new structures should be built in low-lying areas. People who own property in those areas now should be encouraged to relocate with buyout programs and other tax incentives.
— Beach and dune replenishment programs. Pumping sand from offshore to the shoreline is fairly cheap and effective. It may be blown away in a hurricane, but it will absorb some of a storm's energy, help preserve coastal wetlands and lessen damage inland.
These actions and others can make a big difference between a recovery that lasts weeks or months. Public officials in coastal zones should be emphasizing them now.
©2014 the Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, Texas). Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
www.emergencymanagement.com
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