ered the most common and wide- research information on disaster risks, flood in Grand Forks North works with local communities to identify and address risks to reduce the loss of life and property from a disaster. For communities at risk of (NAPSA)—Flooding is consid- spread disaster event in the United States, making it also the costliest and most devastating natural disaster to our country. The 1997 Red River Valley Dakota destroyed several businesses and homes, and severely crippled many others. Today, North Dakota residents like Tom and Phyllis Hofsommers know they don’t have to continue to be victims to floods. The Hofsommers used to spend most of their time after a flood cleaning up water in the basement of their home. In 1999, these North Dakota residents took preventative measures, like installing window well covers to keep the rain, snow, ice and debris out of their basement. Since taking these preventative measures, the Hofsommers’ basement and home has remaineddry. Nearly nine out of ten disaster events result from phenomena in which flooding is a major component. Most communities in the United States can experience some kindof flooding after spring rains, thunderstorms, or winter snow thaws. Communities partic- ularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas or near water. Once a flood strikes, it’s too late to protect your home and belongings, but identifying poten- tial flood hazards ahead of time can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of property from flood and wind damage. The first step is to determine your risk for flooding. Start by con- tacting the local emergency man- agementoffice, building department or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). You can also visit your local library to FEMA’s Project Impact: Building Disaster Resistant Communities floods, residents can protect their families and homes by taking preventative actions, including: Elevate the main breaker or fuse box. Elevate heating, ventilating and cooling equipment. Anchoror elevate fuel tanks. Install backflow valves in waste lines. Protect your well from contamination. Don’t finish off areas that maybeflooded. Store important documents and photos above floodwaters. Securely anchor manufactured homes. Promptly and properly dispose of hazardous materials. Talk to your local officials about specific actions you can take. It pays to take mitigation measures to lessen the damaging effects of disasters. Investing in mitigation steps now will help significantly reduce the amount of both structural and nonstruc- tural damage to your home and financial loss from building dam- age should a flood or flash flood occur. Instead of waiting for disasters to strike, FEMA’s Project Impact encourages people, communities and businesses to take preventative measures to reduce the poten- tially devastating effects of a disaster. For more information about becoming disaster resistant, please visit www.fema.gov/impact.
