Adapting Homes for Extreme Weather: Strategies for Enhanced Residential Safety Today - Severe Climate: Measures Taken to Enhance House Resilience During Unusual Weather Conditions
In the aftermath of last year's catastrophic flooding, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, along with neighboring regions, are taking measures to fortify houses against future extreme weather events. The devastating flood, which occurred at the end of May and beginning of June 2024, claimed lives and left billions of euros in damages.
According to the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance, the estimated losses amounted to 4.1 billion euros, while the German Insurance Association (GDV) puts the insured damages at around 2 billion euros. The flood was one of the most severe in recent history in terms of insured damages. Approximately 55,000 addresses in Baden-Württemberg are at high risk of flooding, primarily in the districts of Rastatt, Main-Tauber, and Rems-Murr.
As climate change and the increased frequency of extreme weather events make the threat of catastrophic flooding more likely, homeowners can implement a combination of practical measures and appropriate insurance to reduce their risk and safeguard their properties. Architect Sven Haustein of Bausparkasse Schwäbisch Hall offers guidance on steps to take in constructing new homes and retrofitting existing ones for flood resilience.
In new constructions, Haustein advises choosing a site carefully, avoiding building near rivers, floodplains, or steep slopes. Proper landscaping, such as elevating the house or reshaping the land to facilitate drainage, can help manage water flow. Robust construction, using sturdy exterior materials and storm-resistant roofs, and securing the roof can also provide protection against wind and weather. Sealing the basement requires following guidelines based on a soil report, and light shafts and basement windows may need special protection. Efficient rainwater and wastewater management systems, such as cisterns, infiltration areas, and backflow preventers, can help prevent flooding.
Existing properties can be made more flood-resistant through various measures, according to Haustein. Retrofitting the roof may involve stabilizing older roof coverings and trusses with storm hooks and regular inspections. Installing modern windows and doors with superior protection against rain and wind and securing basement windows with flood protection elements can also help. Installing backflow preventers and landscaping using hedges, drains, or infiltration areas can keep water and wind away from the house. Smart technology, such as automatic awnings and shutters, can react to weather warnings and close independently.
Many homeowners believe their building insurance covers all eventualities, but this may not be the case. Damage from storm, hail, lightning, and water from pipes is usually covered by building or contents insurance, but separate natural hazard insurance is required for flood, landslide, snow pressure, earthquake, or avalanche damage. Flood damage from rising groundwater is typically not covered unless it mixes with surface water. Insurers in Baden-Württemberg are advocating for building bans in floodplains, and there is a discussion about mandatory insurance against flood damage.
Homeowners can reduce the likelihood and impact of flood-related damage by combining robust physical protection measures with targeted insurance. Baden-Württemberg has been successful in implementing residential mitigation strategies, such as the Sanierungsfahrplan (renovation roadmaps), which can include recommendations for flood resilience in building retrofits. Participating in local resilience programs and initiatives that may offer financial support or guidance for flood protection upgrades is also encouraged. By incorporating measures such as waterproofing devices, elevating critical utilities, and modifying landscapes, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of flood damage to their properties.
- In light of the increasing incidents of extreme weather events due to climate change, vocational training programs might consider incorporating courses on environmental science, climate-change, and weather-forecasting to aid homeowners in making informed decisions regarding flood resilience measures.
- The devastating flood in Baden-Württemberg, marked by significant insured damages, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change and implementing appropriate vocational training for various trades that can contribute to flood-resilient constructions and retrofits.
- As the importance of scientific understanding in the context of climate change and environmental science becomes increasingly apparent, EC countries, including Germany, would benefit from bolstering their vocational training programs in these areas to address the challenges brought about by climate-change and intense weather events, such as the recent flooding in Baden-Württemberg.
