Water conservation management is often an overlooked tool for disaster reduction planning.

 Good landscaping can include the collection of water to irrigate and buffer from excessive storm runoff.  Landscaping can reduce runoff from floods and storm surges by as much as 50%.

Water conserving devices in homes can also reduce costs and excess runoff.  Water collection systems from lime coated roofs can supply emergency drinking water after during a disaster.

Filtrating storm water through plantings and soil will both prevent erosion and reduce the flow in storm and sewer lines thus reducing the likelihood of problems from flooding in a disaster.

                  The Bermuda Model

Bermuda offers one model for both managing water resources more sustainably as well as reducing disaster risks.

A typical Bermudian roof: stepped slates mortared in place and painted white, allow the best opportunity to catch the rain for the fresh water supply.

Bermuda roofs not only collect water but are found to be hurricane resistant as well.

Traditional Bermudian are usually hip roofs, one of the more wind-resistant roof styles.  They are built with a framework of cedar wood beams and lathes, which are covered with limestone tiles about 1 inch thick and 12-18 inches square, joined togehter by mortar.  The tiles are then covered with cement coating, then whitewashed using lime or paint.

This all results in a very strong, heavy and monolithic roof, sealed from the elements and difficult for wind to penetrate.