Structural measures can never eliminate the risk of flooding completely. Nevertheless, because of their physical presence, they have the potential to create a false sense of security, leading to inappropriate land use in the protected areas. Non-structural measures play an important role in reducing not only the catastrophic consequences of residual risks, but also adverse impacts on the environment. Non-structural flood management measures such as land use regulations; flood forecasting and warning; and disaster prevention, preparedness and response mechanisms; have limited environmental consequences and should be considered actively as viable options, both as independent or complementary measures. (WMO 2006a)

The most important non-structural flood management measures are:

• Flood forecasting and warning
• Land use regulations
• Flood proofing
• Emergency preparedness, response and recovery
• Living with floods