Protecting Critical Facilities from Flood Risk Tennessee Association of Floodplain Management July 27, 2011 Roy McClure DHS/FEMA Region IV Good morning, my name is Susan Wilson, and I serve as a Senior Natural Hazards Program Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is an honor to be able to speak to you today about the National Flood Insurance Program, a unique type of property and casualty insurance coverage.

This control panel was inundated with 3 feet of floodwater (yellow arrow). Sensitive electronic equipment was damaged (Columbus Junction, IA).

This emergency generator—elevated 2 feet above the floor on a concrete base—was not directly affected by floodwaters, but was rendered ineffective because the transfer switch was mounted below the transformer and flooded during the event (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).

What is a Critical Facility? A facility that is essential for community’s vitality.

Critical Systems Electrical systems (including power, life-safety, communication, and IT equipment) Plumbing systems (including water, sanitary, and mechanical piping) Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems Specialized equipment (including conveyance, medical, and detention equipment)

What is a Critical Facility? Man-made structures and improvements: Have potential to cause serious bodily harm Have potential to cause extensive property damage If damaged, would cause disruption of vital services

What is a Critical Facility? Essential Governmental Facilities Essential facilities Transportation systems Lifeline utility systems High Potential Loss Facilities Hazardous Materials Storage Facilities

What is a Critical Facility? Impacts of even the smallest chance of flooding too great? If flooded, would add another dimension to the flood? Could the facility be evacuated without loss of life? Would essential records/services be lost? Would services by facility be disrupted? Police, Fire, EOC, Hospitals Data centers, Schools, Water Treatment Plants Sewer Treatment Plants

Governing Regulations Executive Order 11988 Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances State/Local Building Codes Coastal Zone Management Regulations Erosion and Sediment Control Special Purpose Ordinances

Factors affecting Flood Damage Channel/floodplain obstructions Erosion/Sedimentation Increased upland development Subsidence Wave/Debris impacts Failure of levees Failure of dams

Flood Loads Hydrostatic loads Hydrodynamic loads Breaking wave loads Buoyancy Hydrodynamic loads Breaking wave loads Debris impact loads Long-term erosion and local scour

Vulnerability to Flood Damage Site Damage Erosion/scour Debris/sediment removal Landscaping Fences Accessory structures Access roads Parking lots/garage Drainage facilities Collapsed fence Road damage

Vulnerability to Flood Damage Structural Damage Load-bearing walls Floors Collapse Nonstructural Damage Mold above flood level Cabinets/finishes Ruptured floor Cracked wall Collapse by scour

Vulnerability to Flood Damage Utility System Damage Displacement of equipment Elevators Corrosion Generators Tanks Water/sewer Generator elevated, but failed to operate due to submergence

Vulnerability to Flood Damage Contents Damage Furniture Computers Appliances Records Kitchen goods Vehicles Kitchen appliances and equipment displaced Medical records saturated by floodwaters

Risk Reduction in A-Zones Site Modifications Earthen fill Excavation Earthen levee Floodwall Levee Floodwall

Risk Reduction in A-Zones Elevation Considerations Slab-on-grade on fill Stem wall foundation Column foundation Crawlspace Municipal building on fill Stem wall foundation Lowest Floor ≥ (0.2% (500-year) flood elevation + FB) Column foundation

Risk Reduction in A-Zones Intended to reduce only physical damage Floodproofing Considerations Limit for flood velocities ≤ 5 fps Warning time ≥ 12 hours (w/o a warning system) At least 1 exit door for escape above the DFE Approved emergency plan, posted in 2 locations Location of panels and hardware Entity and methods of installation Schedule for maintenance Schedule for periodic practices and drills ASCE-24

Risk Reduction in V-Zones Considerations Bottom of lowest horizontal structural member of the Lowest Floor ≥ (0.2% (500-year) flood elevation + FB) Elevated on pilings or columns Free-of-obstruction below the Lowest Floor Breakaway walls an option below Lowest Floor Corrosion-resistant connections Use below LF (parking, storage, building access)

Risk Reduction in V-Zones Higher foundations than the DFE Scour and erosion Flood-borne debris Continuous load path (corrosion-resistant connections) Emergency equipment well above the DFE Use lowest elevated floor to non-critical uses not to impair critical functioning during post-flood recovery

Risk Reduction in Coastal A-Zones Breaking waves from 1.5 to 3 feet high; landward of V-Zone or open coast with no V-Zone Significantly more damage potential ASCE-24 requires V-Zone standards Floodproofing may be less feasible alternative Corrosion-resistant connections Use limitations below LF (parking, storage, and building access)

Risk Reduction in A- and V-Zones Material Considerations Flood resistant (extended contact) Non-coastal: 72 hours Coastal: 12 hours USACE Classes acceptable Class 5 Class 4 Ref.: NFIP Technical Bulletin 2

Risk Reduction for Related facilities Access roads Safety factors Floodplain and environmental impacts Drainage structures and surface design Utility installations Potable water and wastewater systems Storage tank installations Accessory structures Equipment room with water-tight door

OVERALL

Reducing Flood Losses Locate outside the 0.2 % (500-year) floodplain Elevation At least to 0.2% flood elevation Floodproofing Effective for only up to 3 to 4 feet of floodwater Good for protection of equipment In all cases, maintain dry land ingress and egress for ordinary and emergency vehicles above the 0.2% flood elevation.

Hazard Mitigation Measures Incorporate at all stages and levels of: Planning Design Maintenance Reconstruction Rehabilitation Elevated utility box

Resources National Flood Insurance Program Home page www.fema.gov/business/nfip FEMA 543 – Design Guide for Improving Critical Facility Safety from Flooding and High Winds, January 2007 Technical Bulletins 2. Association of State Floodplain Managers, Inc. www.floods.org Critical Facilities and Flood Risk Executive Order 11988 Water Resources Council -- Floodplain Management Guidelines for Implementing EO 11988, February 10, 1978 Prior to addressing the seminar’s agenda – take a moment and go over the resources that are available to attendees.

Questions? NFIP Insurance Risk Reduction Questions? NFIP Roy McClure roy.mcclure@dhs.gov 770-220-8835 Susan Wilson susan.wilson@dhs.gov 770-220-5414 P Insurance Flood Hazard