A home being elevated to reduce flood risk.
The best time to help your community address the threat of storms is before they ever happen; an ounce of prevention may be worth well more than a pound of cure.
While we can’t say that any single storm is due to a changing climate, there is evidence that the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events is increasing and that such a trend is consistent with indicators of climate change. What this means for coastal New Hampshire communities is that it makes sense to anticipate more extreme weather and its effects as a “new normal.”
We’ve split the tools in this section into eight wide categories which can also be accessed in the navigation toolbar (above). Note that there is some overlap between categories so if you can’t find what you’re looking for it may be in a related section:
- Hazard Identification, Mapping, and Vulnerability Assessment: How to determine which hazards threaten which areas. A great place to start when looking at new or expanding development and when making land-use decisions.
- Planning: We all know we have to plan, but how do we start? What resources are available? Find out here.
- Regulation and Development Standards: Nobody likes rules, but sometimes they’re necessary to protect people and property. While sometimes difficult to implement, good regulations can go a long way towards making your community a safer place.
- Mitigation: In an ideal world, existing structures wouldn’t be in harm’s way. In the real world, many are. Here’s where you can read about how to help prevent them from being harmed.
- Infrastructure: If you’re like many communities, it’s not just buildings you’re concerned with. Storms and flooding damage your roads, utilities, and other infrastructure, too. Learn how to decrease your losses.
- Emergency Services: When the next storm happens, will your community be ready to respond to make sure lives are protected? Find out the best ways to do so in this section.
- Training and Outreach: Making the best decisions for your community requires well-informed decision makers and citizens. Look here to find out how to train you and your staff, and for ways to help your residents and visitors better understand their risks, too.
- Climate Preparedness: While nobody knows for sure what the future will hold, current science suggests that the New Hampshire coast may be wetter and stormier. Here you can find some ways your community can prepare.
Not finding what you’re looking for? Try the search window to the top-right.
