FEMA Flood Mitigation Best Practices

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) showcases two Mitigation Best Practices stories that include FloodBreak passive automatic flood barriers in their updated Floodproofing Non-Residential Buildings publication – FEMA P-936. The publication shows how others have taken action to reduce or prevent future damage from disasters like flooding and states their recommendation to use passive measures whenever possible when floodproofing.  The two hospitals are:

  • Columbus Regional Hospital, IN – Flood mitigation best practices story
  • Lourdes Hospital, NY – Flood mitigation best practices story
  • Rosenberg Library, Galveston TX –  FEMA flood mitigation best practices story not included in the publication
Columbus Regional Hospital – Columbus, IN

Columbus Regional Hospital was inundated by an unprecedented flash flood in 2008 that forced evacuation and resulted in $180 million in damages. Columbus Regional Hospital swamped by unexpected flash flood

As a critical lifeline entity, FEMA and Columbus Regional Hospital determined that passive flood mitigation measures should be installed since relocation was not financially practicable. A flood barrier system encircling the hospital was deemed the most cost effective and reasonable solution.  A 2,400 foot floodwall was built two feet higher than the 100-year flood elevation and includes 15 passive FloodBreak floodgates at all entry points, which allow unimpeded access by vehicles and pedestrians unless a flood event happens. FloodBreak Automatic Floodgates provide permanent, flood protection, 24/7, but blend into the hospital architectural environment.
FloodBreak Vehicle Gate protects the entrance to Columbus Regional Hospital as part of a flood mitigation project
FloodBreak Vehicle Gate is integrated into the floodwall protecting the hospital from future floods

Lourdes Hospital – Binghamton, NY

Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton NY was devastated by a flood in 2006 but the FEMA funded flood mitigation project protected the hospital from the historic 2011 Flood.  A flood wall with passive floodgates provided the flood control necessary to keep the hospital open.
A FEMA funded floodwall and FloodBreak floodgates saved Lourdes Hospital from catastrophic flooding and allowed the facility to stay opena and service the community
FloodBreak floodgates help protect the hospital from the 500 year flood that devastated much of the Binghamton NY area

Rosenberg Library – Galveston, TX

The historic Rosenberg Library located in Galveston, Texas, a barrier island 50 miles south of Houston, Historic Rosenberg Library protected by FloodBreak Automatic Floodgatewas severely damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008 but now is fully restored and protected from future storms thanks to flood mitigation funds from FEMA, the state of Texas and library patrons. Two FloodBreak passive automatic flood barriers, hidden beneath vestibule carpeting,  protect the entrances to the lower level.
Rosenberg Library protected by hidden passive flood barrier