47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

2.2 CRITICAL FACILITIES EXPOSED TOFLOODING2.2.1 EVALUATING RISK AND AVOIDINGFLOOD HAZARDSFlood hazards are very site-specific.When a flood hazard map is prepared, Even in communities with expansivelines drawn on the map appear to preciselydefine the hazard area. Land that is on locating new critical facilities in floodwaysfloodplains, it should be possible to avoidone side of the line is “in” the mapped flood and coastal areas subject to significanthazard area, while the other side of the line waves (V Zones).is “out.” Although the delineation may be anapproximation, having hazard areas shownon a map facilitates avoiding such areas to the maximum extentpractical. Where it is unavoidable, facility owners should carefullyevaluate all of the benefits and all of the costs in order to determinelong-term acceptable risks, and to develop appropriate plansfor design and construction of new facilities.Section 2.2.2 describes the damage sustained by existing buildingsexposed to flood hazards, including site damage, structuraland nonstructural building damage, destruction or impairment ofservice equipment, and loss of contents. These types of damage,along with loss of function and community service, are avoided ifcritical facilities are located away from flood hazard areas. Damageis reduced when critical facilities that must be located in floodhazard areas are built to exceed the minimum requirements.MAKING CRITICAL FACILITIES SAFE FROM Flooding2-37