Presenter: Carrie Beth Lasley, UNO-CHART Research Associate

With damage done by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, more homeowners are either being required or are choosing to elevate their homes to safe heights within the floodplain. While the addition of stairs may be just a minor inconvenience to the young and healthy, stairs can pose a problem for the aging and disabled. Many homeowners will want to consider access alternatives for elevated residences and the legal and safety requirements of these features. There are several possibilities for funding assistance for homeowners who decide to implement one of these options in their homes.