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After The Storm: How Hazards Impact Your Community

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In the Aftermath: Where do we go from here?

There is destruction everywhere. Steel I beams stand twisted, and large trees are uprooted. Public services and utilities are out, and property damage is widespread. Boats, cars, personal affects, and even strongly built structures like homes and businesses were not immune to wind, water, and flooding damage. As the flood waters rush across the land, contaminants are carried into nearby streams, rivers, bays, and beaches. Fish kills are reported.

Is Mitigation Part of the Bigger Picture of Disaster Recovery?

As the community begins the process of damage assessment, response, and recovery, it must also take action to prevent or lessen damage in the future. Now is the time for mitigation. What areas were hardest hit? Can we limit similar destruction in the future by changing development patterns? Are there areas where repetitive losses have already occurred? Can we locate businesses and homes further from harm’s way?

As communities clean up and rebuild, there is a unique opportunity to learn from the recent disaster. By looking for ways to lessen potential risks, evaluating hard-hit areas, and working together, communities can rebuild in a manner that benefits all.

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