Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your

How much time and effort is spent on collecting data depends on the time
and resources available. However, the planning process should not be delayed
while waiting for more data just so you can develop a highly detailed problem
description. It’s more important to get moving.
The problem description
should include a map or maps of
EXAMPLE FLOOD PROBLEM MAP
the area of concern, which can be
updated as more information
comes in. It should also have a
discussion of the impacts of
flooding. The following should be
mentioned:
The number, types, and
locations of buildings
affected by the base flood
The type of damage
expected (are the
buildings washed away or
do they just get wet)
Roads, bridges, and
transportation facilities
closed during a flood
Critical facilities affected
(e.g., hospitals damaged
or isolated)
Areas of repetitive
flooding
Flood protection measures
in effect or under
construction
What happened in past floods
Undeveloped areas and wetlands that can provide “natural and beneficial
functions.”
Other hazards
A good plan should integrate consideration of other hazards besides flooding.
They can be natural hazards, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, ice
storms, drought, and wildfire; and “technological” hazards, such as releases from
nuclear power plants and hazardous materials spills.
Most of these hazards are not site specific. However, some technological
hazard sites may be in the floodplain. When they are flooded, the danger and
damage caused by a flood is greatly increased. The local and county emergency
management office has more information on these hazards and what is being done
to protect people from them.
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