Description
1) Floodproofing for the Future - Challenges and
Solutions
Aditya Bhagath, PE, CFM, PMP, Thornton
Tomasetti, abhagath@thorntontomasetti.com
Co-presenters: Jennifer Mahan, Thornton Tomasetti, jmahan@thorntontomasetti.com
Abstract: Dry floodproofing is often related back to guidance
provided in the FEMA TB3 and ASCE24. However, when the designer encounters
non-standard building conditions, there are very few resources available.
Thornton Tomasetti has implemented floodproofing solutions on multiple unique
and challenging projects ranging from a warehouse originally constructed in the
1890s, a mission critical hospital facility, to a science research center. This
presentation highlight a series of distinct projects where dry floodproofing
challenges were encountered and the strategies that were implemented to ensure
site-specific performance and design requirements were achieved. This presentation will arm participants with
a wide-range of tools to apply performance-based dry floodproofing techniques
to unique and challenging site-specific conditions.
2) Innovations in Flood Mitigation
Tom Little,
CFM, LIA, Floodproofing.com,
tlittle@floodproofing.com
Co-presenters: None
Abstract: This
presentation will examine the advancements in the available flood mitigation
options for residential and commercial structures. As flood risk increases, the need for
solutions that can withstand higher loads and impacts grows. We will look at a variety of product options,
going over the strict standards and testing requirements along with the
benefits of multiple solutions. The
mitigation options discussed will be perimeter systems, door and window
barriers, as well as multiple other active solutions, but there will be a
strong focus on the use of passive systems in project designs.
3) Building Flood Resistant Communities One Home at a Time
Matt Lyttle, Guidehouse, mlyttle@guidehousefederal.com
Co-presenters: Samantha Brann, FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division, samantha.brann@fema.dhs.gov
Abstract: This presentation will share simple household tips to build flood resilience one household at a time. Too often, flooding is seen as a problem for governments to solve through long-term mitigation efforts. While this is certainly needed, there is plenty that homeowners and renters can do to increase permeable surface, reduce run-off, and serve as better stewards of waterways and floodplains. Many homes can be retrofitted with emerging technologies that reduce one's flood footprint. Other activities can be accomplished with a run to a hardware store and few hours on a weekend. This session will share these simple solutions that jurisdictions can leverage to build community-buy in for flood risk reduction activities. Programs like FireWise USA and FEMA's Home Earthquake Retrofit Program are helping homeowners address other hazards - now is the time to boost community participation in flood mitigation strategies, as well. Attendees to this session will learn about low and now cost flood mitigation techniques, understand how to engage homeowners and renters through impactful outreach campaigns, and share their own successes in making residents part of the solution to reduce flooding in the United States.
Contributors
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Aditya Bhagath
Aditya Bhagath, P.E., CFM, WEDG, is an associate in Thornton Tomasetti’s Resilience team and has experience providing resilience and structural engineering consulting services on a wide variety of healthcare, retail, residential and commercial projects. His expertise includes multi-hazard climate risk and resilience assessments and adaption strategies and performance testing of installed food resilience measures. His project experience also involves structural investigations of existing buildings, including repairs and alterations to buildings, litigation support and forensic and emergency response for damaged buildings.
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Tom Little
Tom Little, CFM is Co-owner and President of Smart Vent Products Inc, Floodproofing.com, Smart Product Innovations and Risk Reduction Plus Group. Since 2004, Tom has studied the science of flood mitigation with a concentration on wet and dry floodproofing techniques, and their ability to not only protect structures against the devastating effects of flood waters, but also how these systems and approaches can reduce flood insurance costs for property owners. Taking this knowledge, Tom became a Certified Floodplain Manager and Licensed Insurance Broker to help him further lend his expertise. Today, he is proud to lead a diverse team that is passionate about creating more disaster resilient communities. The success of the Smart Vent product line helped the company see first-hand the opportunities and needs for more innovative products and services when dealing with flood disasters. Tom took this insight and was an integral part in creating Smart Product Innovations—an umbrella company specializing in flood resiliency and mitigation. This collection of companies was strategically created to focus on flood disasters, providing products and services that help with all aspects of flood mitigation and protection.
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Matt Lyttle
Matt Lyttle is a Director in the Defense and Security Segment at Guidehouse. He supports federal clients in strategy, transformation, and communications projects. Before joining Guidehouse, he was Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) staff, where he developed legislation on disaster resilience and emergency management. Matt has held several positions within FEMA’s National Preparedness Directorate, including as the Acting Deputy Director of Individual and Community Preparedness. In those roles, he designed and launched several FEMA programs aimed at building Private Sector preparedness, such as FEMA’s Ready Business program and You Are the Help Until Help Arrives. Matt is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, serving in Nicaragua and witnessing long-term effects of insufficient hazard mitigation throughout his service. He continues to build resilience in Latin America by introducing community preparedness initiatives to Bolivia, Chile, Honduras, and Mexico. He is a Security Fellow in the Truman National Security Project focusing on the intersection of climate change and national security.