Hazard 
                Mitigation 
                Field Book
                Roadways
                FEMA B-797 / May 2010
                   FEMA
        Foreword
        The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contnually strves to mprove the delvery of dsaster assstance to states and 
        local governments. Ths Hazard Mitigation Field Book (HMFB) for Roadways asssts enttes drectly affected by catastrophc events 
        and dsasters by suggestng mtgaton measures. These mtgaton measures are ntended to help n dentfyng mtgaton optons 
        and solutons for local jursdctons and can be used at any tme, and not just after a dsaster.
                                                                      
        As dsasters have grown n frequency and severty , the costs of response and recovery have escalated to unsustanable levels. 
        Oblgatons through the Federal Dsaster Relef Fund ballooned from $2.8 bllon n 992 to $34.4 bllon n 2005 due to damages 
                                                                            2
        assocated wth the 2004 and 2005 hurrcane seasons.  The most effectve way to reduce these excessve losses s through dsas-
        ter preparedness and mtgaton. To best acheve ths goal, we need to pursue two objectves:
            Break the dsaster-rebuld-dsaster cycle. Merely reparng substandard nfrastructure and elements to ther pre-dsaster 
               condton does not protect the communty from future dsaster damages or reduce long-term costs. Mtgaton mprovements 
               should always be consdered n the rebuldng process, utlzng a mult-hazard approach whenever possble.
            Ensure that communtes address natural hazards. Comprehensve plans should acknowledge all hazards that pose a rsk 
               and dentfy steps to avod these hazards altogether or ncrementally reduce a communty’s exposure to ts hazards.
        The outcome of achevng these objectves wll be more reslent and economcally sustanable communtes. Although followng and 
        mplementng the solutons n the HMFB does not guarantee FEMA fundng, an analyss by the Natonal Insttute of Buldng Scences’ 
        Multhazard Mtgaton Councl establshed that every dollar spent n damage preventon saves four dollars n future repars.
          http://maps.grda.no/go/graphc/trends-n-natural-dsasters
        2  Mitigating Misery: Land Use and Protection of Property Rights before the Next Big Flood by Edward A. Thomas & Sam Rley Medlock (2008). http://www.floods/org/PDF/ASFPM_
           Thomas&Medlock.pdf 
                                                                                                                                    HAZARD MITIGATION FIELD BOOK    
          Table of Contents                                                                                                          Safety
          Foreword .......................................................................................................          You are responsible for your personal safety at all times. 
          Purpose ........................................................................................................          Teams or individuals performing inspections may be ex-
          Methodology .................................................................................................             posed to hazards, especially following a disaster. Work 
                                                                                                                                     areas may be isolated, extreme weather conditions may 
             Step One − Project Identficaton Dagram ....................................................                         still exist, and heavy equipment may already be operating 
             Step Two − Selecton Matrx ........................................................................4                   at the work site. In addition, state and local jurisdictions 
                Explanaton of Selecton Matrx − Factors and Weghts ...............................5                               may be focusing on saving lives and response issues; 
          Case Studies ...............................................................................................8             other issues related to building science or recovery might 
                                                                                                                                     not be immediately addressed.
             County Roads Endure After Mtgaton Soluton s Implemented ....................8                                     Be aware of new safety risks created by an event. These 
             Hghway Repars are Desgned to Avod Damage .........................................22                                may include washed out roads, downed power lines, non-
             Savng Our Roads: Larger Culverts Help .....................................................25                          functioning traffic signals, eroded road surfaces, washed 
             Pond Culvert Upgrade ...............................................................................30                  out culverts and roads, high flood levels, etc.
             Mtgatng County Road 55 ........................................................................34                    At all times be careful of other motorists on the road.
          General Design Guidance .............................................................................38                    Ensure that you have taken necessary precautions. Wear 
             General Desgn Gudance − Examples ........................................................38                           appropriate personal protective equipment such as high-
             General Desgn Gudance − References .....................................................4                            visibility protective vests, eye protection, hard hats, leather 
                                                                                                                                     boots with slip resistant soles, hearing protection, insect 
          Contributors List ..........................................................................................42             repellent, and gloves. Make sure you have a map and a 
          Evaluation ...................................................................................................43           way to call for help if needed.
          Notes .........................................................................................................44          Remember: Nothing is more important than your per-
                                                                                                                                     sonal safety and your ability to safely carry out your task!
                                                                                                                                                                 HAZARD MITIGATION FIELD BOOK