The Advantages of Passive Flood Barrier Systems
Passive flood barriers deploy automatically without human intervention or power and provide permanent, always ready flood protection regardless of when the flood comes.
Automatic deployment is especially critical during flash flooding or quick onset flood events with limited warning time. Active flood barriers, particularly demountable systems like flood panels, flood logs and inflatables, require advance warning to mobilize personnel to transport the flood protection equipment from storage, deliver it to the vulnerable openings and correctly set up the system. Once the flooding starts, it is not possible to deploy active flood barrier systems.
Benefits of Passive Flood BarRier Systems
- Permanently installed providing 24/7 flood protection.
- Reduced flood risk by eliminating human intervention, a major reason for deployment failure.
- No requirement for electricity or other power source.
- Facility personnel can attend to other important tasks.
- Flood barriers do not need to be deployed in advance, minimizing disruption to facility operations until an actual event.
- Access is reopened after the floodwater recedes – no need to wait for personnel to remove flood equipment.
- In its guidance for floodproofing of non-residential buildings, FEMA recommends passive intervention whenever possible.
The True Cost of Flood protection
Passive flood control can be a larger initial investment than active measures, but the long-term cost of maintenance, annual emergency preparedness training and susceptibility to damage and vandalism for stored active systems negates any year one savings. Combined with the risk inherent with reliance on human intervention, the advantage of passive flood protection is clear.
FloodBreak Passive Flood Barriers represent a revolutionary change in flood control. Fully passive automatic, FloodBreak’s minimal mechanical complexity, proven real-world performance, and flexible deployment profile make it the preferred solution for engineers and construction consultants focused on dependable flood protection for their clients.
