ABSTRACT
The disaster was caused by the privately owned South Fork Dam that was not maintained properly. Enforcement and monitoring are required even on private property if infrastructure is located on it that will impact the safety of the local population. This chapter presents a case study that demonstrates why planning and zoning efforts are so critical to municipalities. With proper planning and zoning, the homes and businesses could have been located away from the flood plain. The Great Lakes storm was one of the largest storms to ever hit the Great Lakes. The chapter also presents a case study that illustrates the need to prepare for isolation in the event of a major winter storm. Stockpiles of food, medical supplies, and fuel should be kept on hand in case transportation links are cut for any length of time.
