Disasters in the United States result in billions of dollars in damage and disrupt millions of lives each year. While different areas are susceptible to different types of disasters, all communities can take steps to be more resilient and prepared to begin a comprehensive, whole-community recovery effort immediately after a disaster strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) works to ensure that communities have the tools needed to make informed decisions to reduce risks and vulnerabilities and to effectively respond and recover. While the Hampton Roads area did not receive a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew, a month of rain prior to the tropical storm’s landfall led to devastating damage across the region from tidal, riverine, and stormwater flooding. With an unusually high number of flooded structures well outside of the mapped floodplain, Hurricane Matthew provides a fascinating case study of the diversity of communities impacted, the varying capacity of local officials, and the complexities of navigating federal programs after a disaster. This training highlights the case study of Hurricane Matthew and its impacts on the Hampton Roads area and the Commonwealth at large. It is designed to provide planners with a better understanding of how to address flood risk through a variety of tools and resources, and how to engage stakeholders and utilize best practices to address both pre-and post-disaster recovery challenges.
RSVP by emailing Madelyne Adams at madelyna@bcdcog.com
Madelyne Adams, GIS Planner
madelynea@bcdcog.com