I-ADAPT: A Flood Planning and Adaptation Tool

In April 2024, Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) launched the Individual Adaptation Decision and Planning Tool, or I-ADAPT. I-ADAPT is designed to help homeowners, renters, and business property owners and renters determine appropriate adaptation measures for their flood risk. 

The tool is part of Delaware’s response to more frequent flooding caused by climate change. Due to a multitude of factors, including land subsidence and glacial melt, Delaware is experiencing sea-level rise at a rate twice the global average. In addition to rising sea levels, changing precipitation patterns and increased storms put all Delawareans—not just those living on the coast—at heightened risk of experiencing flooding. With data covering the entire state, I-ADAPT was designed to better equip all Delaware residents to prepare their properties for flooding by helping them identify specialized adaptation measures. 

I-ADAPT presents users with a survey of questions about their property and infrastructure, as well as the respondent's personal preferences. Examples of questions include: 

  • What type of foundation does the primary building have?
  • What is the lowest level of the building that contains appliances?
  • What level of financial risk are you willing to accept? 

Certain responses to a question will elicit new questions (e.g., a yes to Are there other buildings or structures on the property? prompts the question, Would you like to keep/maintain these structures? )

After taking the responses into account, I-ADAPT generates two lists:

  1. Strategies the user can implement on their property right now.
  2. Strategies the user may need to implement on their property to reduce their flood risk through 2050.

The adaptation strategies are organized into the following categories: Interior, Exterior, Shoreline, Yard, and Other. Some of the suggested strategies are inexpensive and do not require permits, such as moving valuables to a higher floor. Many involve some expenses and permitting, such as extending downspouts or adding breakaway walls. Others are intensive construction projects, such as filling in the basement or elevating the first floor. Each strategy links to a two-page explainer that lays out estimated costs and benefits, expected maintenance, permitting agencies, who to contact, and additional resources. 

Upon completion of the survey, users can elect to have their adaptation recommendations sent to them via email. To protect respondents’ privacy, the survey does not save information. Therefore, if a user wants to revisit their suggested adaptation strategies but has not saved or emailed them, they must complete the survey again.

 

Publication Date: April 2024

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  • Tool (general)

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