Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems(MEP)

Structures in flood prone areas should be designed and constructed by method and practices that
minimize or eliminate flood damage to electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing
and other building utility systems.In V and A zones, and in residential and commercial properties
that are not dry floodproofed must be places above the DFE(Design Flood Elevation) and
whereever possible located on upper floors or attics.

The best way to protect MEP system is location in accessible locations above DFE.
MEP system components located below the DFE such as water meters or undergroung fuel tanks,
must be protected by water tight enclosures, protective utility shafts and anchoring.

If location or relocation to upper levels is not an available option- such as projects involvin flood
mitigation and upgrading of existing structures, MEP equipment may be suspended or placed
above the DFE on pedestals or platforms.

ELectrical System
Equipment should not be attached to or penetrate through breakaway walls
Wherever possible, equipment should be located on the sides of piles and columns from the
anticipated direction of flood flow amd wave approach.

Emergency generators are required to protect vital equipment and processes during and after a
flood event.Locate energency generators as high as possible.

At aminimum, the generator should be placed above the main electrical service equipment.
Pumbing System
Plumbing systems must be protected by elevation of system
components.Plumbing pipes that are enclosed may run through areas below the
DFE, a practical neccessity for connections to in-ground water and sewer
services.

Plumbing controls, tanks, shut-offs and vents must be loacted above the
DFE,accessible for emergency access during flood, with backflow prevention
installed on the waste water connection to prevent contamination od building
water supply or interior.

Backflow and Automatic Shut-Off Valves

Backflow valves are designed to temporarily block pipes and prevent flow into
the building. They should be installed on any pipes that leave the building or
connected to equipment or sanitary system located below the flood protection
level.

In addition to sanitary sewer and septic connections , this requirement may

include water lines, washing machine drain lines, laundry sink and sump pumps.

Fuel supply lines must be equipped with float- operated automatic shut-off
valves.