What term describes methods to reduce a building's vulnerability to flood damage?

• A. Flood proofing
• B. Storm surge mitigation
• C. Coastal armoring
• D. Sand nourishment

Answer: (A)

Flood proofing focuses on making a building resistant to floodwater through design and construction choices that keep water out or limit the damage inside. This includes elevating the lowest floors above expected flood levels, watertight or water-resistant enclosures, flood doors and seals, barriers or shields, backflow valves to prevent sewer backups, and securing utilities in protected, elevated locations. The aim is to preserve function and minimize damage during floods, for a specific structure. Other options address broader coastal protection: storm surge mitigation targets reducing surge impacts across areas rather than the vulnerability of an individual building; coastal armoring protects the shoreline from wave action but doesn’t necessarily prevent water from entering a building; sand nourishment widens beaches to absorb wave energy but isn’t focused on making a particular structure flood-resistant.