Homes facing the wrath of floods have become a common sight, leaving families grappling with the aftermath. But what if there was a simple yet effective solution that could potentially save these homes? Enter elevation – an innovative approach that is reshaping the way we combat natural disasters, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Picture this: Amanda Devecka-Rinear and her daughter casually skipping rocks from their front yard. A serene scene on a tiny island in Stafford Township, N.J., which miraculously survived Superstorm Sandy’s fury back in 2012. Why? Because it was strategically elevated for maintenance work, proving that sometimes a few extra feet can make all the difference.
“It was elevation that saved this house,”
Amanda emphasizes, reflecting on how raising her ancestral home above sea level turned out to be a game-changer. This incident not only highlighted the importance of adapting to climate change but also underscored the critical role elevation plays in safeguarding communities against nature’s unpredictability.
The narrative of Devecka-Rinear’s family home is more than just a stroke of luck; it’s a testament to resilience and forward-thinking amidst environmental challenges. When her great-grandfather acquired the property almost a century ago, little did he know that elevating it would one day be synonymous with survival. Today, standing nearly 13 feet taller than its original position, the house stands as a beacon of hope amid rising sea levels.
As climate change continues to alter our world at an alarming pace, stories like Devecka-Rinear’s serve as inspiration for other coastal regions battling similar threats. In New Jersey post-Sandy era, homeowners embarked on a mission to elevate their properties as a shield against escalating risks posed by extreme weather events and soaring sea levels.
“Home elevation is one of those techniques you’re going to see used more and more…”
Chad Berginnis, Executive Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers affirms. The shift towards elevated homes becoming the norm rather than an exception signifies a paradigm shift in how we perceive disaster preparedness and adaptation strategies.
However, transitioning towards elevated homes comes at a cost – both financially and logistically. For Devecka-Rinear, investing over $140,000 to raise her home wasn’t just about monetary implications; it was about securing her family’s future amidst uncertainties lurking beyond every storm cloud.
The road towards elevating homes isn’t without its hurdles; navigating through funding challenges and bureaucratic delays often tests homeowners’ patience and financial capabilities. While some receive aid promptly post-disasters like Superstorm Sandy, others find themselves grappling with red tape and monetary burdens before witnessing tangible progress in safeguarding their abodes.
Moreover,
“…the cost of elevation is similar to the cost of a home…”
Tracy Kijewski-Correa from Notre Dame University warns about the potential economic strain faced by families weighing their options between elevating or relocating post-calamity.
Despite these challenges, communities like Stafford Township stand as shining examples of proactive measures taken towards fortifying against future calamities. Embracing initiatives beyond mere home elevations such as upgrading infrastructure and reinforcing essential services underscores the holistic approach required for true resilience-building efforts.
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