2 million Gulf Coast residents were forced from their homes by Hurricane Gustav in August 2008. While the storm was unable to land, it did cause damage to homes and New Orleans’ levees.
Three years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, the focus on New Orleans should remind Americans that they need to be prepared for natural disasters. The rise of natural disasters is alarming. While politicians are putting more police on the streets in an effort to curb crime, few see the rewards from enhanced disaster preparedness. Research by Stanford Graduate School of Business (Loyola Marymount University) found that constituents are more interested in politicians who respond to natural catastrophes than those who spend money on safer infrastructure.
However, when disaster strikes, an infrastructure that is capable of handling it can save more lives than any emergency response team. Good roads and buildings make it easier to evacuate and assist in rescue efforts. Communities can avoid billions in damage by building for hurricane force winds, earthquakes, and floods.
Builders have the ability to raise flood plains buildings and add storm shelters or basements for tornado-prone homes. High winds can cause roofs to be removed by being anchored to the foundations of buildings.
Some states recognize that homes must be built to withstand the elements. Florida’s building code was created to protect homes from 100-mph winds. What materials are used by Floridian builders to build strong homes. Concrete masonry is used in 85 percent of single-family homes in Florida.
Concrete masonry buildings can resist mold, moisture, mildew and fire, as well as hurricane-force winds. This helps to protect communities against structural damage from natural disasters.
Contact the National Concrete Masonry Association for more information www.ncma.org.
