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TAMPA—Five years after Hurricane Katrina, building codes along the Gulf Coast today are, for the most part, inadequate, according to a report from the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).

When Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, 2005,
it caused an estimated $41.1 billion in insured losses across
six states, and took an incalculable economic and social toll
on many communities. Five years later, the recovery contin-
ues and some residents in the most severely affected states
of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are still struggling.
Texas, which lucked out when Katrina came calling, is still
standing somewhat flat-footed when disaster next comes
calling.

Wanda Edwards, IBHS’ director of code development, and Candace Iskowitz, IBHS Director of Public Affairs, analyzed the quality of building codes in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, with a particular emphasis on progress since Katrina. “Building codes along the Gulf Coast today are mostly disappointing, with only Louisiana getting high marks for taking proactive steps to adopt a statewide building code,” Edwards said.

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Heavy Rain Potential Underscores Need for Emergency Plans for Texas Dams

In This Issue

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AUSTIN—The current hurricane forecast still predicts an active storm season, which may mean very heavy rains inland. Heavy ongoing downpours from tropical storms and even intense seasonal rains can produce severe stresses on Texas dams. More than 1,700 of those dams are classified as “High-Hazard Potential” (HHP) or “Significant-Hazard Potential” (SHP), meaning potential loss of life should the dam breach. Hundreds of these dams still need Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).

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SELLING STRATEGIES:

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Blueprinting for Calamity

An EAP can provide a blueprint for the prompt notification and evacuation of continued on page 4

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