The most effective flood mitigation methods are relocation and elevation, but when these methods are not feasible or cost-effective, floodproofing may be an appropriate alternative. Some emergency measures can be accomplished without expert construction assistance, and many can be used for low-level or nuisance flooding while significantly reducing losses from these types of events.
Types of Floodproofing
■ Dry floodproofing: A combination of measures that results in a structure, including the attendant utilities and equipment, being watertight with all elements substantially impermeable to the entrance of floodwater and with structural components having the capacity to resist flood loads.
■ Wet floodproofing: The use of flood-damage-resistant materials and construction techniques to minimize flood damage to areas below the flood protection level of a structure, which is intentionally allowed to flood.
■ Floodwall: Constructed barrier of flood-damage-resistant materials to keep water away from or out of a specified area. Floodwalls surround a building or area and are off-set from the exterior walls of the building.
■ Levee: Manmade barrier, usually an earthen embankment, designed and constructed in accordance with sound engineering practices to contain, control, or divert the flow of water so as to provide protection rom temporary flooding.
FEMA's guidance document for non-residential floodproofing can be found here.
Floodproofing Certificate
When non-residential buildings are floodproofed, a Floodproofing Certificate is required to be submitted to the Middletown Floodplain Manager showing that design standards are in line with FEMA accepted practices . This form is required for the floodproofing measures to be recognized for NFIP flood insurance purposes.