Mitigation for Every Community

Mitigation is a critical component of building resilient communities, extending far beyond the scope of the federal government. With the right strategies, investments in resilience can reduce the impact of disasters as well as drive significant economic savings and enhance public safety. 

During the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Building Resilience Conference, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Chuck Chaitovitz moderated a panel discussion that brought together experts including Roy Wright, CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS); Danielle Del Sol, executive director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans; and Carol Haddock, professor-in-the-practice at Rice University. Through personal experiences and innovative case studies, panelists unpacked the complex intersection of economic, strategic, and human factors in building resilient communities.  

Economic Benefits of Mitigation 

A recent report by the U.S. Chamber, U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Allstate, found that preparing for climate-related disasters is far better than focusing on recovery alone. Our study showed that for every $1 invested in disaster preparation, communities save $13 in economic costs, damages, and cleanup. 

This data underscores the financial benefits of proactive measures. For example, as Wright pointed out, fortified roofs, particularly in hurricane-prone areas, are extremely important. "Homes with fortified roofs had fewer claims and less severe claims,” he shared, as they protect against extreme wind and water intrusion. As seen in Alabama, their state-funded grant program has successfully encouraged private market participation as well without relying on federal dollars. 

Haddock added insights from her experience in Houston, discussing the necessity of modern building codes and mitigation strategies that address high-risk areas. "You want a different normal," she explained, "one that provides mitigation, safety, and reduces your risk." Haddock stressed the importance of community engagement in shaping these strategies, ensuring that they are both effective and embraced by local populations. 

Diverse Strategies and Adaptations Across Different Hazards and Environments 

Wright shared IBHS's innovative approach to wildfire mitigation, explaining their unique ability to recreate wildfire ember storms for testing at its facility. "We're not looking for the ash; we're looking for what survived," he said, highlighting the importance of understanding resilience at both the parcel and neighborhood levels. This approach allows for the replication of successful strategies in rebuilding efforts. 

Haddock reflected on Houston's experiences with various hazards, from flooding to droughts, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies. "What we saw in Hurricane Harvey, is that the human response went really well—neighbors helping neighbors," she noted, "but that's not what you want to rely on in your long-term strategy." Things like modern building codes, site-specific, regional, and large-scale projects are the best ways to identify areas of highest risk and remove that risk for future events. 

Another example of how neighborhoods can preserve historic structures while adapting to modern challenges is through landscape architecture. As Del Sol shared, in New Orleans, the Preservation Resource Center is working with residents to use landscape architecture to address flooding. By replacing concrete and impermeable surfaces with plantings or permeable pavement, it allows the ground to absorb more water during floods. While these changes have shown improvements, she acknowledged the high cost and widespread effort required will make it a long-term effort. 

The Role of Community, Culture, and Human Motivation in Resilience 

There is a significant human element to advancing resilience. As Del Sol shared, places like New Orleans carry cultural significance. "There will always be people who come back to rebuild no matter what the disaster is and that's because these places are emotionally tied to us," she explained. Historic preservation plays a big role in maintaining the unique character and quality of life that draws people back to these communities. 

Wright underscored the importance of leading with survivability when trying to motivate residents and drive community engagement and investment in resilience. “While money and the return on investment matters, at the citizen level, you got to lead with survivability,” he said. “If you're simply trying to make the math turn for someone, they'll zone out. But if you can focus on the survivability of their home, the idea that you will be coming back after the storm, that can motivate [them].”  

As Haddock shared, the key to successful mitigation strategies is to be informed by the needs and desires of the communities they aim to protect. "Mitigation has to start with community engagement and input,” she said.