Strategy
Criticality
Cost/Complexity
Garden-Style
Low/MidRise
Access to Potable Water
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$
Low
$
Med
Access to portable water is a backup measure to ensure residents have a dependable source of water during power outage. This resiliency strategy includes having gravity-fed water tanks as electric water pumps will not work during a power outage; adopting water efficiency measures and using efficient toilets, shower and faucet to reduce the amount of water used; sealing all leaks; connecting water pump to the emergency backup generator and adding emergency water faucet, which is a bypass valve that allows the building to bypass the pumps and supply water to lower floors. Rainwater can also be stored in enclosed water tanks or barrels to be used as grey water.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Backup Power to Critical Systems
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
During a power outage it is important to have a back-up power system in place for residential buildings with high occupancy allowances. In a high rise residential building, a backup power generator can be vital and lifesaving during a power outage by providing power to critical equipment such as the elevator and fire-suppression pump. Therefore, in cases where the residents are sheltered in place during a power outage caused by flood or a storm, it is recommended that a generator be provided above Design Flood Elevation (DFE) to power essential functions such as: emergency outlets to charge cell phones and computers, water-booster pumps to deliver potable water to upper floors, fans and pumps for heating systems, etc. On-site energy generation, storage & islandability is an important factor to consider. Use of solar panels and energy storage can provide emergency power to critical systems during an outage.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Backwater Valves
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$
Low
$
Low
A backwater valve is a moderately economical retrofit that can prevent significant problems from sewer line failure by blocking reverse flow from entering the building through wastewater pipes. A backwater valve should be installed in any building that has a sewer connection below the highest manhole cover on the sewer system, specifically, if the building is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Clearing Debris on Site
Moderate
No
No
Yes
No
No
$
Med
$
Med
When possible, clean site or neighboring area of debris that may become airborne during a high wind event. Understand state/city mandated requirements for disposal of debris after a hurricane.
Resources for Action
Enterprise Green Communities
Green Communities Criteria
The Standard for Sustainable Futures
EGC
Community Resilience
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$
Med
$
Med
Coming together with other housing organizations can help you identify local and shared resources, pool information about equipment and infrastructure pricing and the best ways to get residents involved. To start a multi-organizational learning group, identify a facilitator and make a list of potential members. Actions of an effective collaboration include: developing a group mission statement; effective planning and consistency of group meetings; capacity building of group’s connection to the community; developing a communication platform easily accessible to group members; and dedicated funding.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Community Resilience Spaces
Moderate
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$
Med
$
Med
Community spaces play a vital role in building resilience – getting residents involved and connected to each other. A designated community resilience space can be the location for relief efforts during an emergency. Resilience spaces could be located in an existing multi-purpose area such as a dining or activity room, where residents will feel comfortable taking shelter or receiving emergency services. When setting up a resilience space: put together a plan; provide backup power; store emergency supplies; provide multiple communication options; provide access to potable water; have access to functioning toilets; provide emergency food supplies and cooking equipment; and have designated information boards.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Community Ties
Moderate
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Residents who know one another will be more likely to turn to each other for support during an emergency. This becomes especially critical if they shelter in place. Develop infrastructure to support community engagement and interaction. Set aside common space for posting information, convening meetings and hosting parties and other group activities.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Disaster Recovery
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$
Low
$
Low
Dealing with the immediate and prolonged aftermath of a natural disaster can be one of the most difficult phases of recovery. This strategy focuses on what to do during the emergency and how to manage early response for your building or organization and tenants so that your process of long-term recovery will be a foundation for future resilience. For detailed information, please see the Keep Safe - A Guide for Resilient Housing Design in Island Communities.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Ready to Respond Business Continuity Toolkit
Business Continuity Toolkit
Emergency Preparedness for Affordable Housing Organizations
R2R
Distributed Heating and Cooling
Low
No
No
No
Yes
No
$$
Low
$$
Med
Installation of distributed heating and cooling systems throughout a building lowers energy cost and minimizes flood damage. This strategy works well in high performance buildings maintaining a livable temperate during power outages. During extreme heat, this strategy also saves energy by allowing residents to meet power usage requirements.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Dry Floodproofing
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
Dry floodproofing involves completely sealing the exterior of a building to reduce the potential for flood damage by reducing the probability that the building interior will be inundated. The purpose of dry floodproofing a building is to make it watertight to floods of limited duration and depth. Effective dry floodproofing requires a design by a qualified engineer and an operations and maintenance plan. The hydrostatic pressure of floodwaters places enormous stress on the structure of a dry floodproofed building, so it is not suitable for buildings with wood frames or which share party walls.
Resources for Action
Elevated Living Space
Critical
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$$$
Hi
$$$
Hi
Explore foodproofing measures and use sump pumps in low lying areas. If possible repurpose living space that is below Design Flood Elevation (DFE) or using them for non-residential purposes can minimize damage to electrical and mechanical equipment along with livable space during a flood. Some examples of repurposing spaces below DFE includes, converting the space into parking garage, storage, entryways etc.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Elevated Mechanical and Electrical Equipment
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$$$
Med
$$$
Med
Elevating mechanical and electrical equipment above the base flood elevation reduces the risk that the equipment will be damaged or destroyed in the event floodwaters enter the lowest level of the building and increases the likelihood that the building will remain operational even if the building floods. Critical equipment can be elevated in place by moving it off the floor to a wall or by moving it onto a platform and out of harm’s way. Equipment that is replaced as a result of elevating it should be replaced with an energy efficient alternative. Engage an engineer or contractor with experience designing and specifying efficient equipment.
Resources for Action
Emergency Lighting
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$
Low
$
Low
Emergency lighting refers to usage of natural and battery powered lighting to keep public spaces well-lit during a black-out. This include using battery powered lights, solar powered outdoor lights and allowing day-light into stairwells and corridors.
Resources for Action
Emergency Management Manual
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$
Low
$
Low
An organization which has a clear, well-rehearsed emergency plan will better manage a more coordinated, effective response. Organizations should first assess the hazards buildings are vulnerable to and develop an appropriate emergency plan that considers building protection, resident engagement, and business continuality. Organizations should host training exercises to test their emergency plan and practice communication and coordination among staff members at least once a year, which may include a simulated emergency event, emphasizing the importance of emergency planning and allowing staff to practice their roles.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Ready to Respond Business Continuity Toolkit
Business Continuity Toolkit
Emergency Preparedness for Affordable Housing Organizations
R2R
Energy and Resilience Audit
Low
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$
Med
$
Med
The goal of Energy and Resilience Audit is to assist property owner and managers to understand how their building maybe venerable to natural and man-made disasters and suggest ways to reduce potential impact of these hazards. Homeowners/managers can utilize specific multifamily tools and resources set forth by The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) can that help alleviate lender and building owner uncertainty about energy upgrade results. Additionally, DOE resources has the ability to directly retrofit many of the nation’s multifamily properties through its deployment programs. Using DOE affiliated multifamily resources means that contractors, trainers, and program managers will have the resources and experience to complete retrofits following industry best practices.
Resources for Action
Enhanced Ventilation, Healthy Air Quality
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Med
$
Med
Research has shown that heathy homes promotes good physical and mental health. As such, healthy housing should be encouraged across the board. It is recommended that enhanced ventilation methods are used for multifamily housing through installation of appropriately sized roof fans and shaft to sealing for increased airflow from dwellings along those ventilation shafts. Increased ventilations rates can result in reduced relative humidity, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Also, install or replace carbon monoxide (CO) monitors.
Resources for Action
Envelope Efficiency (insulation, air leakage)
Low
No
No
No
Yes
No
$$$
Hi
$$$
Hi
Envelope efficiency can reduce heating and cooling load in buildings resulting in lower utility bills and increasing a building’s “passive survivability” during a power outage. Energy efficiency measures include an adequately insulated roof and walls, energy-efficient windows, sealing air leaks and reduction urban heat island effect through increased vegetation and albedo roofs.
Resources for Action
Evacuation Routes, Shelter Plans, and Flash Flood Response
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
$
Low
$
Low
Having an evacuation plan in place before an event occurs can help avoid confusion and prevent injuries and property damage. A thorough evacuation plan should include: conditions that will activate the plan, chain of command, emergency functions and who will perform them, specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, procedures for accounting for tenants and personnel, customers and visitors, equipment for personnel, and review the plan with staff.
Resources for Action
Ready to Respond Business Continuity Toolkit
Business Continuity Toolkit
Emergency Preparedness for Affordable Housing Organizations
R2R
Foundation Reinforcement
Critical
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$$
Hi
$$
Hi
A strong building begins with the construction of an adequate foundation. The building and site should be designed and constructed with materials and principles that maximize a building’s resistance to climate change hazards, as well as a building’s overall longevity. In addition, building owners should install impact resistant glazing or impact resistant shutters, and have the envelope checked for compliance with code. The International Code Council Code (I-Codes) and the building standards of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) require that a foundation must be designed to prevent floatation, collapse, and lateral movement. Please consult with a licensed building professional to determine foundation needs for your building.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Hazardous Site Conditions
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Med
$
Med
Uneven surfaces and broken steps are trip and fall hazards and should be repaired for safety during routine and emergency use. Entry safety lighting should be maintained in good condition. Adequate pathway lighting helps reduce the risk of trips and falls on exterior pathways. Wayfinding includes signage indicating exit locations, the location of fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other emergency supplies. In addition to code- required exit signs, add wayfinding maps and reflective strips on the edge of stairs and ramps to enable safe egress from the building. To improve energy efficiency, swap out existing non-LED exit signs with low wattage LED signs. Install battery-powered emergency egress lighting if not currently in place.
Hurricane Resistant Building Envelope (including windows and shutters)
Critical
No
No
Yes
No
No
$
Med
$
Med
Hurricane resistance includes, installing impact resistant glazing, replacing windows and doors with ones that are rated for impact, as well as installing impact resistant shutters for doors windows and garage openings and strategies for other aspects of the envelope.
Resources for Action
Improved Load Path
Critical
No
No
Yes
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
Improved or upgraded load path refers to strengthening connections between roof, walls and foundation of a buildings. This mitigation strategy helps prevent damage to a structure, its contents and minimizes injuries to residents. This strategy includes; anchoring base or sill plates to the foundation, safeguarding a continuous load path from the roof to the wall with metal anchors and anchoring the walls to the foundation, sheathing the walls with plywood or OSB to prevent penetration from debris and strengthen walls against lateral winds, etc.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Increase the Albedo of Roofs and Pavement (make more reflective)
Low
No
No
No
Yes
No
$$
Low
$$
Low
Albedo refers to the reflectivity of a surface. Lighter colors reflect (rather than absorb) more sunlight. Having white roofs and light color pavements will reduce a building’s heat absorption.
Resources for Action
Integrated Pest Management Plan
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Integrated pest management combines safe, effective, non-toxic means of preventing pests from becoming established in buildings and controlling and eliminating pests when they do enter buildings. Integrated pest management is an holistic approach that protects human health and well-being by avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals. Engage an integrated pest management firm to develop an integrated pest management plan to reduce pest infestations and to minimize the use of toxic chemicals in the treatment of pest infestations.
Resources for Action
Lead Paint Abatement
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in the body. While everyone is at risk of lead poisoning, children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead. Lead abatement is an activity designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards. Abatement is sometimes ordered by a state or local government, and can involve specialized techniques not typical of most residential contractors. Contaminated soil under eaves may become exposed, subjecting residents and staffs to potential contact with hazards such as lead. Test soil for lead and cap soil with other landscaping, or remove and replace contaminated soil with clean soil if lead contamination is found. EPA requires individuals and firms who perform abatement projects in pre-1978 target housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified and follow specific work practices.
Replace lead service lines. Determine whether a lead service line (LSL) connects the drinking water main under the street with the building. To determine if the service line is lead, contact the utility company for guidance and inspect the line where it enters the property. See www.lslr-collaborative.org/intro-to-lsl-replacement.html for additional guidance. If an LSL is present, replace it before or while replacing the water heater. Follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) /American Water Works Association (AWWA) C810-17 Standard when replacing the LSL. Full LSL replacement evolves elimination of lead pipe from a water main up to the interior plumbing of the building.
Resources for Action
Enterprise Green Communities
Green Communities Criteria
The Standard for Sustainable Futures
EGC
Mold Remediation
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Look for changes on color and/or texture on the surface of the materials. Molds show usually as dark sets of rounded spots, although they can take other shapes and colors. Note however that not all stains caused by humidity are always mold. Molds are often confused with efflorescence, discolorations and substance infiltrations.
Additionally, interior relative humidity levels above 60% are often uncomfortable and can create the conditions for growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and other biological allergens. The more energy efficient a building, the greater the need to manage its moisture flow. Often, the heating and cooling system cannot sufficiently manage a building’s temperature and moisture levels throughout the year—traditional systems are designed to manage temperature only, and they run less frequently in energy efficient homes. Supplemental dehumidification is often needed to manage the property’s moisture loads, particularly in cooling-dominated climates.
Have a professional remediate and find the source. Mold growth can lead to asthma and other respiratory impairments, therefore, moldy materials should be removed and replaced with mold-resistant materials. When possible, identify the source of moisture and remediate. Use materials that have durable, cleanable surfaces throughout bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Materials installed in these rooms should not be prone to deterioration due to moisture intrusion or encourage the growth of mold.
Use moisture-resistant backing materials such as cement board, fiber cement board, or equivalent per ASTM #D 6329 or ASTM #D 3273 behind tub/shower enclosures. Projects using a one-piece fiberglass tub/shower enclosure are exempt from this requirement.
Resources for Action
Noise Abatement
Moderate
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Med
$
Med
Impact noise and airborne sound transmission between dwelling units has been a leading complaint in multifamily real estate since its inception. With an influx of buildings designed with lightweight construction, impact noise and airborne sound transmission has become common and often results in reduced focus and increased sleep disturbance, annoyance, agitation, and stress.
Resources for Action
Pandemic/ COVID-19
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Multifamily housing building owners and operators can utilize a seven-step Risk Management Plan for Buildings from the AIA to assess hazard impacts, apply architectural and engineering strategies, and reduce the risk of virus transmission in buildings. Duration of exposure and proximity of individuals are key elements to analyzing the risk associated with each of the six space types. Research and public health data for COVID-19 should also be considered and regularly monitored. Multifamily entry, circulation, service, and even lobby spaces typically have a lower risk of transmission despite the high frequency of use because occupants do not usually spend extended time in these spaces. Amenity spaces are typically utilized for longer time periods, such as for meals, games, celebrations, and other activities involving multiple residents and visitors, making these spaces higher risk for transmission.
Properly Vented Equipment
Moderate
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Properly vent appliances and equipment to prevent combustion by-products such as carbon monoxide (CO) from entering the breathing space. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and deadly. Other appliances should be vented to remove lint or dust as these can lead to respiratory diseases and other health impairments.
If possible do not use natural draft combustion equipment. Only use direct vent/sealed combustion equipment or when possible, avoid combustion equipment entirely. Ensure proper mechanical ventilation where possible and when combustion equipment is used.
For each dwelling unit, in full accordance with ASHRAE 62.2-2010, install:
- A local mechanical exhaust system in each bathroom
- A local mechanical exhaust system in each kitchen
- A whole-house mechanical ventilation system
Verify and ensure that these dwelling unit ventilation system flow rates are either within +/- 15 CFM or +/- 15% of design value.
Resources for Action
Reduce Thermal Heat Transfer
Moderate
No
No
No
Yes
No
$$
Low
$$
Low
Materials and orientation of homes on a site impact the indoor temperature of a living space. Reflective surfaces and shading prevent heat gain directly from sun while insulation slows heat transfer from the outside building surfaces through walls and roof toward the cooler interior environment. This strategy focuses on slowing down heat transfer to reduce dependence on cooling systems and maintain a habitable indoor temperature, year-round, after a storm, or during power outages.
Resources for Action
Reinforce Site with Vegetation
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
$
Low
$
Low
Reinforcing a site with vegetation such as trees, shrubs, and grasses is the leading component in green infrastructure and can serve as a protection element against several hazards. Trees reduce energy use by shading a building to decrease demand for air conditioning, assist with stormwater management and reduce urban heat island effect. Further benefits of vegetation include: soil stabilization; restoration of local ecosystems, shading and wind breaks, air and water quality enhancement, and can be a potential source of food or medicine. When reinforcing a site with vegetation, an organization must first identify soil type and properties, then choose and plant vegetation appropriate to the region, and lastly implement resilient site scaping through strategies such as green roofs or xeriscaping. Incorporate these strategies with berms, bioswales, and other storm water management techniques when possible.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Remove Stone Ballast From Roof
Moderate
No
No
Yes
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
Numerous studies of post-hurricane damage specifically cite roof gravel as a significant source of damaging debris. Both low-rise and high-rise gravel roof systems with and without significant parapets have been documented as a primary source of window breakage and subsequent water penetration and roof system loss from internal pressurization. FEMA 490 (2005) refers to roofing aggregate as a major cause of window breakage, including essential facilities. Remove stone ballast from the roof.
Resources for Action
Resident Safety and Security
Critical
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
The best approach to residential security should be a comprehensive one. This should involve management, residents, and other key participants to identify and address problems of crime and vandalism confronting the building and its residents. Coordination is essential, in terms of both the involvement of key participants and the various potential corrective measures. A comprehensive approach should aim for short-term as well as long-term action and, where critical problems exist, should include appropriate emergency measures.
- Survey your property through the eyes of safety and security.
- Partner with police and join any crime free multi-housing programs.
- Ensure locks and other access restricting measures are in good working order.
- Ensure landscaping is performed in a way as to not impede visibility for surveillance.
- Ensure adequate lighting. Make cost-effective exterior and interior safety upgrades.
- Collect feedback from and involve your residents and on-site team as the eyes and ears of the community.
Resources for Action
Resilient Elevators
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
There are two types of resilient elevators: hydraulic and holeless hydraulic elevators. The main feature of a resilient elevator is that its motors are placed above the design flood elevation to reduce flood/water related damage. A resilient elevator will have a reinforced shaft below the Design Flood Elevation and a sump pump installed in the elevator pit. Program elevator controls to return the car to a flood safe floor in the event of flooding, shut down all but one elevator in the event of a power outage, and install flood alarms in pits.
Resources for Action
Roof Reinforcement
Critical
No
No
Yes
No
No
$$
Hi
$$
Hi
A roof is part of the Main Wind Force Resisting System (MWFRS). It is held by the walls and the foundation, and maintains a continuous load path by transferring wind loads from wind-facing walls into parallel structural walls on the sides, and down to the foundation. A roof must be properly anchored to resist wind loads and hold building equipment, have drainage to prevent rainwater ponding, and be leak-free and crack-free, as any holes may compromise its structural integrity. Please consult with a licensed building professional to determine construction needs for your building.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Ready to Respond Business Continuity Toolkit
Business Continuity Toolkit
Emergency Preparedness for Affordable Housing Organizations
R2R
Rooftop Equipment Preparation
Moderate
No
No
Yes
No
No
$
Med
$
Med
Properly secure or relocate equipment prior to a storm. Utilize a qualified architect or engineer to perform a wind vulnerability assessment. Damaged equipment can impair the operation of the facility, and the equipment can detach and become damaging wind-borne debris. In addition, water can enter the facility where equipment was displaced or damaged. The most common problems typically relate to inadequate equipment anchorage, inadequate strength of the equipment itself, and corrosion of equipment and connectors.
Resources for Action
Ready to Respond Business Continuity Toolkit
Business Continuity Toolkit
Emergency Preparedness for Affordable Housing Organizations
R2R
Safeguard Fuel Storage and Mechanical Equipment
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$
Med
$
Med
Unanchored fuel tanks can be easily moved by flood waters, posing serious threats to people, property, public safety, and the environments. Remove cooling equipment, HRV, ERV, etc. from the roof or engineer their anchorage for high velocity wind. One way to anchor a fuel tank is to attach it to a large concrete slab whose weight is great enough to resist the force of flood waters and can be used for all tanks above ground, both inside and outside of the property. An outside tank may also be anchored to the concrete slab by running straps over it and tightening them using turnbuckles.
Resources for Action
Site Perimeter Floodproofing
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
Site perimeter flood proofing encompasses installing physical barriers that can help prevent floodwater from reaching the building and does not require any modification to the building. These protective barriers can be temporary or permanent. Examples of temporary barriers include; sandbags, water-inflated tube systems, panelized systems installed into foundation slots, etc. Flood walls and berms can be used as permanent barriers.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Solar Energy Backup and Storage
Low
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$$
Med
$$
Med
Consider battery storage. Backup energy systems offer buildings the ability to power essential equipment when the electrical grid is not available, even at night. There are a couple options when considering battery type and each have their advantages and disadvantages. Either way, bot allow the building to operate critical systems in the event of a prolonged outage. It is recommended to size the storage to the sum of the critical loads of the building, such as potable water systems, emergency lighting, and targeted heating/air-conditioning to ensure coverage during an outage.
Solar Photovoltaic
Low
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$$
Med
$$
Med
Consider adding solar PV. A photovoltaic module (PV), also known as a solar panel is a technology that converts sunlight into electrical energy. There are three different PV modules available, which vary in material composition, internal structure as well as cost. Consider using solar panels with battery as backup power. Begin with a smaller array and battery backup exclusively to power up critical equipment or as backup during power interruptions. Panels can be mounted on the ground, on the building, or on a pole system. If installed on the roof, it is important to have a structural engineer determine if the roof can support the additional weight of the panels. When considering solar panels, ensure that they are mounted to withstand extreme wind conditions to avoid detachment and catastrophic loss.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Solar Thermal
Low
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$$
Med
$$
Med
Consider solar thermal systems. A solar thermal collector is a device that transfers radiation from the sun to heat water for household use. It is typically located on the roof and must have access to the plumbing system. Water is pumped to the roof, heated, and then stored in a storage tank. This allows supplemental water heating during normal operating conditions as well as access to hot water in times of electrical outages. At a minimum, consider sizing the system as an emergency backup to a common area. It is important to have a structural engineer determine is the roof can support the additional weight of the system.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Structural Assessment and Prioritization
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
$$
Hi
$$
Hi
The condition of a building’s structure depends on continuous monitoring and frequent maintenance. This strategy focuses on how to evaluate a structure by identifying points of weakness and implementing solutions.
- Be aware of the following conditions: cracks and fissures, exposed interior rebar and corrosion, loose or rusted joints, and condition in fastening of windows, doors, and other apertures.
- Consult with a building professional (can be a contractor, engineer, or architect) to get the most thorough inspection possible.
- Have a structural assessment performed and ensure adherence to the 40 year certification process.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Sump Pumps
Critical
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$
Low
$
Low
Sump pumps are submersible pumps set in sump pits and designed to remove water from the lowest point in a building as water accumulates during minor or moderate flood events. Sumps are typically built in sump basins in basement floors but can also be incorporated into slab-on-grade floors and elevator pits. Sump pumps are designed for intermittent use. Chronic water problems require repairing the drainage system in addition to or in lieu of installing a pump.
Resources for Action
Surface Storm Water Management
Moderate
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
According to EPA “Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality”. Containment and infiltration are the two most popular approaches to onsite stormwater management. Bioswales, green roofs and dry wells are example of containment, they retain water and release them slowly. Pervious surfaces, rain gardens, and increased vegetation infiltrate water into the soil below. If possible, regrading the area and changing surfaces to be more pervious can help redirect and manage the water.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Trash Enclosure Maintenance
Moderate
No
No
No
No
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Trash enclosures may harbor and support pests that carry disease or cause damage to the facility. Trash bins may also become dislodged and create hazards during heavy flooding conditions. Maintaining Trash enclosers and securing trash containers helps prevent these outcomes.
Vehicle Protection
Moderate
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
$
Low
$
Low
Ensuring that the residents have mobility after a natural disaster is crucial to ensure that residents are able to get vital supplies and return to work, especially for LMI communities. Keeping that in mind a vehicle protection plan should be in place. Building portfolio owners should work with local authorities to have information ready to distribute to tenants on where to move vehicles to be safe and, if appropriate, provide transportation back to residences before the flooding event and back to the safe storage after the event.
Resources for Action
Ready to Respond Business Continuity Toolkit
Business Continuity Toolkit
Emergency Preparedness for Affordable Housing Organizations
R2R
Wall Reinforcement
Critical
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
$$
Hi
$$
Hi
Strong walls enable the foundation and roof to function together as a resilient structural system. The building should be designed and constructed with materials and principles that maximize a building’s resistance to climate change hazards, as well as a building’s overall longevity. Please consult with a licensed building professional to determine construction needs for your building.
Resources for Action
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
KeepSafe Guide
Keep Safe
A Guide For Resilient Housing Design In Island Communities
KS
Water Consumption and Energy Use Reduction
Moderate
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
$
Low
$
Low
Building energy and water utility tracking and benchmarking allows the building operator to identify spikes in usage that may be related to maintenance concerns and to understand the highest usage and cost utilities for which to target building upgrades. Benchmarking tools available include WegoWise, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, and EnergyScoreCards. Consider having an energy and water use analysis performed on the building to highlight specific areas for improvement.
Resources for Action
Multifamily Strategies Guide
Strategies for Multifamily Building Resilience
MF
Wet Floodproofing
Moderate
No
Yes
No
No
No
$$
Med
$$
Med
FEMA defines wet floodproofing as “permanent or temporary measures applied to a structure or its contents that prevent or provide resistance to damage from flooding while allowing floodwaters to enter the structure or area. Generally, this includes properly anchoring the structure, using flood resistant materials below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), protection of mechanical and utility equipment, and use of openings or breakaway walls.”
- Have existing flood vents checked for proper sizing and operation.
- Use waterproof or resistant paint at ground level when performing maintenance.
Resources for Action
Window Shading
Moderate
No
No
No
Yes
No
$
Low
$
Low
Window shading, films, and awnings can help reduce the amount of heat that enters the building during extreme heat events. Ensure that material is installed to resist extreme winds.
Resources for Action