Even if your house is elevated above the floodwaters, other damages can occur during severe weather. Retrofitting your home with Individual Mitigation Measures (IMM) can limit the potential for future storm damages. The OCD-DRU HMGP program can provide up to $7,500 for Individual Mitigation Measures. The $7,500 capped amount is over and above the elevation or reconstruction maximum of $100,000 Approved IMM activities include, but are not necessarily limited to: Installing window protection Installing hurricane straps/clips Bolting walls to foundation Strengthening doors Anchoring propane tank/heating fuel tank Elevating electrical panel, HVAC unit, washer/dryer, furnace and/or water heater Program Eligibility A homeowner must meet the following criteria to be considered for the OCD-DRU HMGP award: The property must be cleared by FEMA for environmental and historic preservation impact Homeowner is an eligible participant in the Road Home program Note: Even if a homeowner received a zero award letter from Road Home, that homeowner may still be eligible for money through the OCD-DRU Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Homeowner selected Road Home Option 1 – Keep their home Homeowner still owns the home that was eligible for Road Home benefits or has acquired the home along with an assignment of Road Home rights Note: Assignment of Rights is only applicable to Elevation or IMM activities The structure is located in a FEMA-designated ABFE or the mitigation activity is deemed cost beneficial according to FEMA guidelines Homeowner agrees to comply with all Hazard Mitigation Grant Program regulations as set forth by OCD-DRU, GOHSEP & FEMA Installing Window Protection All photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter. The OCD-DRU HMGP can provide funds for such items up to a maximum of $7,500 for this and all other IMMs combined. Most people know about storm shutters, but security window film is an option, too. This clear or shaded laminate film adheres to window glass and makes the glass act much like an automobile windshield: It will shatter if struck hard enough, but the film holds the broken glass in place and keeps the wind and rain out. Window film protection is generally less expensive than storm shutters, too. Whether buying shutters (traditional, Bahaman style, accordion, awning, colonial, or manual or motorized roll-down) or security window film, these products should be designed and tested to withstand hurricane winds and impact loads. Documentation to that effect is required from the manufacturer. Replacing the window assembly is not an eligible expense. Installing Hurricane Straps and Clips All photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter. Hurricane straps or clips are steel joints that brace and secure your roof to the walls of your home. They are available in several types that fit most construction methods and can be installed from the interior, the exterior, or during re-roofing. The materials used should have the maximum uplift and shear capacity available, and should be installed in compliance with manufacturer’s specifications and the locally International Residential Code. The OCD-DRU HMGP can provide funds for such items up to a maximum of $7,500 for this and all other IMMs combined. Bolting Walls to Foundation All photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter. Standard methods of achieving this strengthening include installing anchor bolts that tie the wall framing to the floor system, installing anchor bolts that tie the wall framing to the foundation (wood walls with concrete foundations), and installing anchor bolts from the floor system to the foundation. All installation and retrofits must be done in accordance with local building code requirements. The OCD-DRU HMGP can provide funds for on such items up to a maximum of $7,500 for this and all other IMMs combined. Strengthening Doors All photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter. To strengthen and secure doors, remember these mitigation principles: Metal door frames are stronger than conventional wood frames Sliding doors should be mounted securely in the frame, and the frame attached securely to the wall Exterior doors should be made of solid wood or metal – doors that open outward are the safest All door and framing materials/construction activities should adhere to local building code requirements The OCD-DRU HMGP can provide funds for such items, up to a maximum of $7,500 for this and all other IMMs combined. Anchoring Propane Tank/Heating Fuel Tank All photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter. FEMA mitigation specialists strongly urge homeowners to make sure any fuel tanks are solidly anchored. An inexpensive way to secure a horizontal outside propane tank is to install four ground anchors connected across the top of the tank with metal straps. A vertical tank can be secured with two ground anchors. The ground anchors and straps used to secure these tanks are the same products required by building codes to tie down mobile homes. These products are available from suppliers and installers that service the manufactured housing industry. The OCD-DRU HMGP can provide funds for such items, up to a maximum of $7,500 for this and all other IMMs combined. Elevating Electrical Panel, HVAC Unit, Washer/Dryer, Furnace and/or Water Heater All photos courtesy of LSU AgCenter. Raising these items above the recognized local flood plain is an important mitigation measure that you should seriously consider, if needed. Remember these principles: The main electric panel board should be at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation for your home. The panel board height is regulated by code. For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. Other options are moving the washer and dryer to a higher floor, or building a floodwall around the appliances. The furnace and water heater can be placed on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation, enclosed by a floodwall or moved to a higher floor. Furnaces that operate horizontally can be suspended from ceiling joists if the joists are strong enough to hold the weight. Outside air conditioning compressors, heat pumps or package units can be placed on a base of masonry, concrete or elevated in some other way that is allowed by the building codes. The OCD-DRU HMGP can reimburse your expenditures on such items, up to a maximum of $7,500 for this and all other IMMs combined. How do I get started? What should be my first step to get IMM or any HMGP funds? Call OCD-DRU toll free at 1 877-824-8312. We’ll assist you to fill out the required Voluntary Participation Agreement (VPA) and answer any additional questions you may have about the program. Back to Top of Page
Installing window protection Installing hurricane straps/clips Bolting walls to foundation Strengthening doors Anchoring propane tank/heating fuel tank Elevating electrical panel, HVAC unit, washer/dryer, furnace and/or water heater
Metal door frames are stronger than conventional wood frames Sliding doors should be mounted securely in the frame, and the frame attached securely to the wall Exterior doors should be made of solid wood or metal – doors that open outward are the safest All door and framing materials/construction activities should adhere to local building code requirements
The main electric panel board should be at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation for your home. The panel board height is regulated by code. For protection against shallow flood waters, the washer and dryer can sometimes be elevated on masonry or pressure-treated lumber at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation. Other options are moving the washer and dryer to a higher floor, or building a floodwall around the appliances. The furnace and water heater can be placed on masonry blocks or concrete at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation, enclosed by a floodwall or moved to a higher floor. Furnaces that operate horizontally can be suspended from ceiling joists if the joists are strong enough to hold the weight. Outside air conditioning compressors, heat pumps or package units can be placed on a base of masonry, concrete or elevated in some other way that is allowed by the building codes.