Evacuation Plans require detailed hydrologic analyses for determining the rate of rise of floodwaters for various rainfall or snowmelt events. When used in conjunction with flood warning systems, this measure can provide significant loss of life avoidance and flood damage reduction benefits. Evacuation planning should consider vertical evacuation as well as the traditional horizontal evacuation. This measures should only be implemented when there is signification response and action time available for floodplain occupants to evacuate. Rally points as well as evacuation routes should be thoughtfully planned and communicated to the public.

Flood Emergency Preparedness Plans Local officials are encouraged to develop and maintain a flood emergency preparedness plan (FEPP) that identifies hazards, risks and vulnerabilities, and encourages the development of local mitigation. The FEPP should include the community’s response to flooding, location of evacuation centers, evacuation routes, and flood recovery processes.

Floodplain Mapping is a nonphysical nonstructural measure identifies flood risk, whether in the form of a map which portrays flood boundaries, or as an inundation map illustrating the depth of flooding, this measure is a significant tool when addressing flood risk.

Land Use Regulations are effective tools in reducing flood risk and flood damage. The principles of these tools are based in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which requires minimum standards of floodplain regulation. 

Risk Communication  develops and uses educational tools such as presentations, workshops, hand-outs, and pamphlets to communicated flood risk and flood risk reduction measures to government entities and floodplain occupants in an effort to reduce the consequences associated with flooding.

Zoning is also beneficial in reducing flood risk. A community may determine that certain areas are too hazardous for human habitation and restrict development from occurring. Other areas may be determined to be risk free. This is a long-term investment tool for alleviating flood risk.

Flood Insurance provides insurance to assist in recovery from a flood event

Dry Flood Proofing involves sealing building walls with waterproofing compounds, impermeable sheeting, or other materials to prevent the entry of floodwaters into damageable structures. Dry flood proofing is applicable in areas of shallow, low velocity flooding.

Elevation involves raising the buildings in place so that the structure sees a reduction in frequency and/or depth of flooding during high-water events. Elevation can be done on fill, foundation walls, piers, piles, posts or columns. Selection of proper elevation method depends on flood characteristics such as flood depth or velocity.

Relocation involves moving the structure to another location away from flood hazards. Relocation is the most dependable method of protection and provides the benefit of use of the evacuated floodplain.

Wet Flood Proofing measures allows floodwater to enter the structure, vulnerable items such as utilities appliances and furnaces are relocated or waterproofed to higher locations. By allowing floodwater to enter the structure hydrostatic forces on the inside and outside of the structure can be equalized reducing the risk of structural damage.

Flood Warning Systems alert inhabitants in flood prone areas of impending high water. Depending on the type of warning system and advance time inhabitants have the opportunity to evacuate damageable property and themselves from the flood prone area.