High Winds

Review and update nuisance ordinances to minimize the chance of damage from leaning or dead trees, loose debris and construction sites during abnormally high wind conditions. Ensure support and stability requirements in the local version of the building code achieve appropriate wind loading standards. Create a map of detours and educate the public on alternative access points and the evacuation plan. Ensure drafted communications include instructions on preparing to be temporarily stranded. Consider opportunities to add multi-modal transportation options (e.g., walking, biking, transit, rail) to areas isolated by threats. Consider how multi-modal transportation options can serve as an additional Harden existing 911 centers to withstand strong winds or build a backup 911 center where operations can be transferred in the event the main 911 center is inoperable. Plan to relocate critical facilities in high-risk areas using a frame in line with their expansion or refurbishment cycles. Enhance emergency communication capabilities and evacuation strategies, routes and safety zones. Identify and plan for the use of municipal and county facilities (e.g., library, community buildings) as temporary shelter from storms or as cooling centers. Consider partnering with area nonprofits and Coordinate with regional transit providers to identify alternative routes and stops if normal infrastructure is damaged or closed as a result of extreme events. Require that public facilities have open or deep foundations to avoid erosion and scour and to resist higher wind speeds. Provide emergency service staff information about where vulnerable populations are located. Partner with banks to increase household emergency savings accounts. Purchase backup generators for the water infrastructure system to provide a sustained minimal level of water services in the event of a catastrophic power loss. Beyond strengthening existing systems, increase system redundancy to protect critical infrastructure from power outages. Encourage homeowner association policies to clean up debris before expected wind events (e.g., hurricanes). Review and improve codes/ordinances to minimize chance of damage (e.g,leaning (or dead) trees, debris, construction job sites). Locate funds to replant established trees, which offer stormwater management as well as cooling benefits during hot weather, after extreme weather disasters. Create agreements with AirBnB and other home share platforms to educate guests on hazards and emergency exit strategies. Provide budget billing and deferred payment plans for families impacted by extreme events. Retrofit water and wastewater plants to withstand Category 5 storms. Browse all strategies