47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

2.5 CHECKLIST FOR BUILDINGVULNERABILITY OF FLOOD-PRONE CRITICAL FACILITIESThe Checklist for Building Vulnerability of Flood-ProneCritical Facilities (Table 2-3) is a tool that can be used tohelp assess site-specific flood hazards and building vulnerability.The checklist is useful during site selection, preliminarydesign of a new building, or when considering rehabilitation of anexisting facility. In addition to examining building design issuesthat affect vulnerability, the checklist also helps users to examinethe functionality of the critical and emergency systems upon whichmost critical facilities depend. The checklist is organized intoseparate sections, so that each section can be assigned to a subjectexpert for greater accuracy of the examination. The results shouldbe integrated into a master vulnerability assessment to guide thedesign process and the choice of appropriate mitigation measures.Table 2-3: Checklist for Building Vulnerability of Flood-Prone Critical FacilitiesVulnerability Sections Guidance ObservationsSite ConditionsIs the site located neara body of water (with orwithout a mapped floodhazard area)? Is the site in aflood hazard area shown onthe community’s map (FIRMor other adopted map)? If so,what is the flood zone?All bodies of water are subject to flooding, butnot all have been designated as a floodplain onFIRMs.Flood hazard maps usually are available forreview in local planning and permit offices.Electronic versions of the FIRMs may be availableonline at www.fema.gov. Paper maps may beordered by calling (800) 358-9616.MAKING CRITICAL FACILITIES SAFE FROM Flooding2-91