Advantages of Flood Barriers

1. Protects the area around a building from flooding without major changes to the building

2. Removes stress from flooding and avoids structural damage to homes or other buildings in the protected area

3. Costs less than lifting or relocating a structure in some cases

4. Allows the structure to be occupied during construction

5. Reduces the risk of flooding to the building and its contents

6. Reduces the physical, financial, and emotional stress of flood damage

Disadvantages of Flood Barriers

1. Does not meet NFIP compliance requirements for severely damaged or improved buildings

2. May fail or be inundated by large or prolonged flooding

3. Can be expensive depending on height, length, material availability, and other factors

4. Requires regular maintenance

5. Requires internal drainage

6. May affect local drainage, causing water supply problems in other areas

7. Does not reduce flood insurance premiums

8. May restrict access to the structure

9. Requires a large amount of land (only for levees)

10. Still requires evacuation during flooding

11. Closure may require warnings and human intervention

12. May violate applicable codes or regulations