floodproof
Survives rising waters
Floodproof describes something designed or modified to resist flood damage.
A floodproof building might have elevated electrical systems, waterproof barriers, or sealed lower floors.
The verb means to make something resistant to flooding: We floodproofed the basement after the last storm.
The term appears in insurance policies, building codes, and real estate listings.
River flood barrier
- dikeWall against flooding
- embankmentRaised earth structure
- damWater-holding barrier
- bermRaised strip alongside roads
seawall · retaining wall · sandbag · bulkhead · revetment · gabion · earthwork · breakwater
Able to withstand use
- robustStrong and durable
- watertightPrevents liquid from passing
- imperviousUnable to be affected
- reinforcedMade more resistant
resistant · sturdy · submersible · amphibious · buoyant · sealed · weatherproof · corrosion-resistant
Fitting to new conditions
- sea-level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
- extreme weatherUnusual, dangerous atmospheric events
- hurricaneViolent tropical windstorm
- typhoonWestern Pacific hurricane
monsoon · storm surge · precipitation · climate change · watershed · runoff · inundation · deluge
Height above reference point
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- pilingsEmbedded structural columns
- stiltsPoles raising walkers higher
- retrofittingUpdating existing with new
anchoring · sealants · reinforcement · waterproofing · freeboard · sump pump · moisture barrier · caulking
Waterproof breathable fabric membrane
- neopreneSynthetic rubber polymer
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
- polyurethaneVersatile synthetic resin compound
- siliconeFlexible synthetic polymer
rubberized · tarpaulin · galvanized · stainless steel · concrete · epoxy · bitumen · HDPE
Removal from danger
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- warning systemDetection and notification apparatus
- preparednessState of being equipped
- escape routePlanned exit path
shelter · rescue · drills · insurance · hazard zone · FEMA · early warning · emergency kit
levee
River flood barrier
- dikeWall against flooding
- embankmentRaised earth structure
- damWater-holding barrier
berm · seawall · retaining wall · sandbag · bulkhead · revetment · gabion · earthwork · breakwater · sluice
durable
Able to withstand use
- robustStrong and durable
- watertightPrevents liquid from passing
- imperviousUnable to be affected
reinforced · resistant · sturdy · submersible · amphibious · buoyant · sealed · weatherproof · corrosion-resistant · impact-resistant
adaptation
Fitting to new conditions
- sea-level riseIncreasing ocean surface height
- extreme weatherUnusual, dangerous atmospheric events
- hurricaneViolent tropical windstorm
typhoon · monsoon · storm surge · precipitation · climate change · watershed · runoff · inundation · deluge · cyclone
elevation
Height above reference point
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- pilingsEmbedded structural columns
- stiltsPoles raising walkers higher
retrofitting · anchoring · sealants · reinforcement · waterproofing · freeboard · sump pump · moisture barrier · caulking · flashing
Gore-Tex
Waterproof breathable fabric membrane
- neopreneSynthetic rubber polymer
- PVCChlorinated plastic abbreviation
- polyurethaneVersatile synthetic resin compound
silicone · rubberized · tarpaulin · galvanized · stainless steel · concrete · epoxy · bitumen · HDPE · fiber-reinforced
evacuation
Removal from danger
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- warning systemDetection and notification apparatus
- preparednessState of being equipped
escape route · shelter · rescue · drills · insurance · hazard zone · FEMA · early warning · emergency kit · evacuation plan
floodproofflood-prone
Subject to overflow
floodable · unprotected · exposed · vulnerable · susceptible