FEMA has updated their bible on construction in coastal areas, the Coastal Construction Manual. Like the bible, it’s no pamphlet: this version comes in at 253 pages and a hefty 33MB. But if you’re involved in any sort of construction in coastal areas (including deciding where it should happen), you already know that you need […]
Tag Archives | research
What Do People Know About Flood Risk and How Do They Want to Learn More?
Posted on October 5, 2011
Most of the general public (69%) doesn’t believe that they are at risk of flooding, though most (68%) local official know many are wrong to feel so safe. The public wants to hear about flood risk from municipal/county officials (47% want the mayor, 32% the floodplain manager)—unfortunately, nearly half (45%) report that they “never” do. […]
EPA Announces $3 Million in Grants to Improve Health of Gulf
Posted on August 17, 2011
A new Gulf-Based funding announcement in from the EPA: Gulf of Mexico Regional Partnerships Request for Proposals (RFP) 2011 On, August 16, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the release of the Gulf of Mexico Regional Partnerships RFP 2011. The RFP is posted on the Gulf of Mexico Program’s website at: http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/, and at: […]
Not Mapped in the Flood Zone, Not at Storm Surge Risk? Not so Fast.
Posted on May 5, 2011
A new report looking at the risk of homes exposed to hurricane-driven storm surge damage in ten major urban areas along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts finds that the majority of homes in those communities that are in designated surge zones are not included in local flood zones. In Virginia Beach, for example, 87 percent […]
Survey: How Resilient is Your Community?
Posted on April 30, 2011
At the request of a number of sponsoring federal agencies, the National Academies are conducting a study on increasing national resilience to hazards and disasters. The goal is to provide actionable recommendations and guidance on the best approaches to reduce adverse impacts from hazards and disasters. They are asking for help to find out more […]
Trying to Drive Climate Change Adaptation? Focus on Social, not Environmental Vision
Posted on April 21, 2011
Like most of us, I’d like to think that getting people the best information will drive them to make the right decisions. Certainly that’s been a big drive behind StormSmart Coasts. Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that things aren’t that simple. It’s easy to find examples in our own lives of knowing better but still making […]
New Research on the Benefits and Detriments of Coastal Armoring
Posted on March 4, 2011
A new paper looking at structural shore protection in Massachusetts and Hawaii finds a few things to like, and a lot to cause consternation. Among the benefits: Stabilizes the upland Protects infrastructure Maintains property values for some . . . And the detriments: Source sediment impoundment resulting in increased erosion of the fronting and adjacent […]
Best Practices for Effective Hurricane Communication
Posted on December 6, 2010
Louisiana State University has released a great brochure on best practices for communicating about hurricane risks. It’s short, simple, and it makes sense. Here’s the meat of it, broken down by audience: GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Be Proactive in Educating the Public: Gaining compliance during a hurricane requires year-round efforts. Waiting until the storms hit invites disaster. […]
Quick Proof that Building Codes Work [video]
Posted on October 27, 2010
The Institute for Business and Home Safety built a proper hurricane making machine, then constructed two homes in front of it. One was built to standard building codes, the other to their “Fortified for Safer Living” code. They turned the hurricane on and, well, you can see the results. Wow. Show this the next time […]
New Details on the $500 Million BP Independent Research Initiative
Posted on September 30, 2010
A new press release yesterday from BP, outlining how the committed $500 million will be distributed (here in its entirety): BP and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance Announce Implementation of BP’s $500 Million Independent Research Initiative HOUSTON – BP and the Gulf of Mexico Alliance today announced plans for the implementation of BP’s $500 million […]