Flood Risk and Vulnerability Analysis Project - Atlantic Climate ...

Design and Location of Facilities (NS3). The minimum design standards and location
requirements of future permanent building structures within flood prone areas should be
established, as well as the minimum design standards for structural stormwater runoff
management and flood protection practices. Having these minimum standards and
requirements can reduce flooding impacts, as well as help mitigate sources of flooding.
Building Codes (NS4). Specific building codes should be established for permanent
structures to be built in areas permitted by flood plain zoning and regulation, as well as
flood prone areas. These codes will establish minimum requirements to minimize life and
property losses due to flooding. Building codes also take into account historical
experience. However as climate change occurs, they may need additional analysis to
assess their current and future effectiveness.
Information and Education (NS5). Government has the responsibility, from a public
safety perspective, to inform all flood plain property owners and residents of the risks
that exist in the flood plain, as well as the steps they can take to minimize loss of life and
property. The Provincial flood plain mapping program is an element of this strategy.
Information and education should be an ongoing program, to address future changes in
flood risks and communities. The existing flood risk mapping studies and relevant
material are publically available today on the Department of Environment and
Conservation website 31 .
Disaster Preparedness (NS6). This type of planning is also a government public safety
responsibility. Governments should review their vulnerabilities to flooding (and other
disasters), and identify the roles and responsibilities of local officials, responders, and
the public to protect life and property.
Post Flood Recovery (NS7). Governments should have in place adequate plans to
respond to flooding events. These plans would include roles and responsibilities of
government agencies and officials, access to flooded areas, rescue and recovery of
citizens, damage assessment, and dedicated funding to support these activities.
Another element of this strategy is data collection. Documented evidence of flooding and
resulting impacts has proved invaluable for this assessment.
6.3.2 Property Acquisition
The Provincial government is in the process of updating old and undertaking new flood risk
mapping. As flood risk mapping occurs, the Province should consider gathering specific data on
those properties that have experienced high flood damages or repetitive loss. The Province
should also consider its role in assisting communities through the process of buying out flood
prone properties to reduce future losses.
31 http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env
TA1112733 page 146