How to Prepare for Coastal Erosion: Protecting Your Property and Community

Coastal erosion is silently threatening millions of homes and billions in property value along America’s shorelines. According to NOAA, approximately 86% of U.S. East Coast beaches are experiencing erosion, with rates averaging 2-3 feet annually in many regions. For homeowners and communities in coastal areas, understanding how to prepare for coastal erosion isn’t just about property protection—it’s about preserving livelihoods, communities, and ecosystems against an accelerating natural process.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that over $500 million in coastal property is lost to erosion each year, with climate change and sea level rise intensifying these losses. As shorelines retreat and bluffs collapse, proactive preparation has become essential for coastal residents. This comprehensive guide explores practical strategies to assess your risk, implement protective measures, and develop long-term resilience against coastal erosion.

Understanding Coastal Erosion: Causes and Risk Factors

Coastal erosion occurs when wind, waves, and currents wear away beaches, bluffs, and shorelines. While erosion is a natural process that has shaped coastlines for millennia, human activities and climate change have dramatically accelerated erosion rates in many regions. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that approximately 28% of the nation’s 95,471 miles of shoreline are experiencing significant erosion, putting homes, infrastructure, and natural habitats at increasing risk.

Several factors determine your property’s vulnerability to erosion. Many homeowners we work with are surprised to learn that their erosion risk isn’t just about proximity to water, but depends on a complex interplay of geological, oceanographic, and meteorological factors:

Shoreline composition: Sandy beaches erode more quickly than rocky coastlines
Wave energy: Areas exposed to high-energy waves face faster erosion rates
Sea level rise: Higher water levels allow waves to reach further inland
Storm frequency: Hurricanes and nor’easters accelerate erosion dramatically
Human modifications: Seawalls, jetties, and dredging can alter natural sand movement
Vegetation loss: Removal of dune grasses and coastal forests reduces natural protection

Assessing Your Property’s Erosion Risk

Before implementing protective measures, it’s crucial to understand your specific erosion risk. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), homeowners in coastal areas should conduct thorough risk assessments that account for historical erosion rates, property elevation, and proximity to erosion hazard areas. Based on what we’ve seen across real-world situations, many coastal residents underestimate their vulnerability until it’s too late.

Start by gathering information about your property’s erosion history and potential future risks:

Consult local erosion rate maps: Many coastal states maintain historical erosion rate data through their geological surveys or coastal management offices
Review FEMA flood maps: Properties in VE or V zones face higher erosion risks
Examine historical aerial photographs: Compare shoreline positions over decades to visualize erosion trends
Hire a coastal geologist: Professional assessment can provide property-specific erosion projections
Contact your local Sea Grant extension: These programs often offer free or low-cost erosion risk assessments

We typically recommend starting with the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer (coast.noaa.gov/slr) and the USGS Coastal Change Hazards Portal (marine.usgs.gov/coastalchangehazardsportal) if your biggest concern is understanding your property’s risk level. These interactive tools allow you to visualize potential erosion and flooding impacts based on the best available science.

Immediate Protective Measures for At-Risk Properties

If your assessment reveals significant erosion risk, implementing protective measures becomes a priority. According to research from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, properties with appropriate erosion controls can reduce damage risk by 60-85% during coastal storms. The most effective approach combines multiple strategies tailored to your specific situation and shoreline type.

Natural (Soft) Erosion Control Methods

Natural approaches work with ecological processes rather than against them, providing erosion protection while maintaining beach access and habitat value. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association notes that these “living shoreline” techniques have gained popularity for their environmental benefits and long-term sustainability. For homeowners concerned about both protection and preservation, these approaches often provide the best balance:

Dune restoration: Rebuilding and vegetating sand dunes creates a natural buffer against waves and storm surge
Beach nourishment: Adding compatible sand to eroding beaches widens the protective buffer
Vegetation planting: Native plants with extensive root systems help stabilize soils and trap sand
Living shorelines: Combining natural elements like marsh grasses with structural components like oyster reefs
Sand fencing: Low fences that trap windblown sand to build dunes naturally

Many of the homeowners we work with are surprised to learn that natural approaches often outperform hard structures in the long term, particularly in areas with moderate erosion rates. These methods typically cost less initially and don’t cause the secondary erosion problems often associated with seawalls and bulkheads.

Structural (Hard) Erosion Control Options

In high-energy environments or areas experiencing severe erosion, structural protection may be necessary. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that properly designed hard structures can provide immediate protection, though they often come with significant costs and potential downstream impacts. For properties facing imminent threats, these approaches may be appropriate:

Seawalls: Vertical barriers designed to reflect wave energy (average cost: $150-$4,000 per linear foot)
Revetments: Sloped structures of rock or concrete that absorb wave energy
Bulkheads: Vertical walls primarily designed to retain soil rather than block waves
Groins: Structures built perpendicular to the shore to trap sand moving along the beach
Breakwaters: Offshore structures that reduce wave energy before it reaches the shore

Based on what we’ve seen across real-world use, structural approaches work best when designed by qualified coastal engineers and combined with natural elements. We typically recommend consulting with multiple experts before investing in hard structures, as improper design can accelerate erosion on neighboring properties and lead to legal liability.

Property Modifications to Increase Resilience

Beyond shoreline protection, modifying your property and structures can significantly reduce erosion vulnerability. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety estimates that elevation and structural modifications can reduce coastal property damage by up to 75% during severe events. For homeowners in erosion-prone areas, these adaptations represent smart investments in long-term resilience.

Home Elevation and Structural Improvements

Elevating structures above potential erosion and flood levels provides the most reliable protection against coastal hazards. FEMA’s coastal construction guidelines recommend several approaches that we’ve seen effectively implemented in vulnerable coastal areas:

Elevate on pilings: Raising homes on deep-driven pilings allows erosion to occur underneath without compromising structural integrity
Relocate utilities: Moving electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems above potential flood levels
Install breakaway walls: Using non-supporting walls on ground levels that detach during flooding without damaging the main structure
Strengthen foundations: Reinforcing existing foundations to better withstand undermining from erosion
Consider relocation: In severe cases, moving structures further inland may be the most cost-effective solution

Drainage and Landscape Management

Proper water management on your property can significantly reduce erosion vulnerability. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, controlling runoff can prevent the formation of gullies and bluff failures that accelerate coastal erosion. Implementing these drainage strategies helps protect both your property and the shoreline:

Install rain gardens: Designed depressions that capture and filter runoff
Use permeable surfaces: Replacing impervious driveways and patios with materials that allow water infiltration
Direct downspouts away from bluffs: Ensuring roof runoff doesn’t contribute to bluff destabilization
Maintain buffer zones: Preserving native vegetation between structures and the shoreline
Consider bioswales: Vegetated channels that slow and filter stormwater

Planning for Long-Term Coastal Change

Coastal erosion is an ongoing process that requires long-term planning and adaptation. The U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit emphasizes that communities and individuals must plan for continued shoreline change rather than expecting to permanently halt erosion. This forward-thinking approach involves multiple strategies that account for future conditions rather than just current risks.

Managed Retreat Considerations

In some highly vulnerable areas, managed retreat—the planned relocation of structures and infrastructure away from eroding shorelines—may be the most sustainable long-term solution. The Georgetown Climate Center has documented numerous successful managed retreat initiatives that have reduced risk while maintaining community cohesion. For homeowners in rapidly eroding areas, considering these options early provides more flexibility:

Buyout programs: Government-funded purchases of high-risk properties
Rolling easements: Legal mechanisms that allow shorelines to migrate naturally while compensating property owners
Structure relocation: Moving buildings to safer locations on the same property or nearby lots
Transfer of development rights: Programs allowing development rights to be sold to inland locations
Phased abandonment: Planned withdrawal from high-risk areas over time

Community-Based Approaches

Erosion often affects entire communities, making collaborative approaches more effective than individual efforts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Services Center has found that community-based erosion management yields better outcomes and more equitable solutions. Participating in these collective efforts amplifies your impact:

Join local coastal planning committees: Participate in developing shoreline management plans
Support beach and dune restoration projects: Volunteer for community-based restoration efforts
Advocate for resilient infrastructure: Encourage community investments in erosion-resistant roads, utilities, and public facilities
Form erosion response groups: Collaborate with neighbors on shared protection strategies
Participate in coastal monitoring programs: Contribute to citizen science efforts tracking erosion rates

Financial Preparation for Coastal Erosion

The financial impacts of coastal erosion can be devastating without proper preparation. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every dollar invested in erosion mitigation saves society $7 in avoided damages. For coastal property owners, financial readiness involves understanding insurance options, available assistance programs, and potential property value impacts.

Insurance Considerations

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes erosion damage, creating significant financial vulnerability for coastal residents. The National Flood Insurance Program covers some erosion-related losses, but only when directly associated with flooding events. We typically recommend a comprehensive insurance strategy that includes:

Flood insurance: Mandatory in many coastal zones and essential for erosion-related flooding
Earth movement coverage: Some specialized policies cover landslides and erosion
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage: Helps fund mitigation measures after damage
Structure valuation: Ensuring coverage reflects full replacement cost
Contents coverage: Protecting personal property from erosion-related losses

Financial Assistance Programs

Various government programs provide financial assistance for erosion mitigation and recovery. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants, for example, have funded over $15 billion in projects to reduce natural hazard risks, including coastal erosion. For homeowners facing erosion threats, these resources can help offset protection costs:

FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants: Funding for community-based mitigation projects
NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection: Assistance for erosion threatening life and property
HUD Community Development Block Grants: Funding for resilience projects in eligible communities
State coastal management programs: Many states offer grants for erosion control projects
Conservation easements: Tax benefits for preserving natural shoreline buffers

Creating Your Coastal Erosion Preparedness Plan

Developing a comprehensive preparedness plan helps coastal residents respond effectively to both gradual erosion and sudden erosion events. The American Planning Association recommends that coastal property owners create multi-layered plans that address immediate protection, long-term adaptation, and emergency response. Based on our experience helping coastal homeowners, an effective plan includes these key elements:

Immediate Action Steps

Document your property: Create a baseline with photographs, videos, and measurements of your shoreline position
Identify triggers for action: Determine specific erosion thresholds that will prompt implementation of protection measures
Consult with experts: Meet with coastal engineers, geologists, and local officials to evaluate options
Review regulations: Understand permit requirements for erosion control structures in your area
Join local erosion monitoring efforts: Participate in community-based shoreline tracking programs

Long-Term Adaptation Strategy

Develop a phased approach: Plan incremental adaptations based on erosion progression
Establish decision points: Identify conditions that would trigger major actions like structure elevation or relocation
Create a financial strategy: Budget for future protection measures and potential property modifications
Consider future use scenarios: Plan for how your property use might change with increasing erosion
Evaluate managed retreat options: Research potential pathways if protection becomes unsustainable

Emergency Response Planning

Prepare for sudden erosion events: Develop procedures for storms that may cause rapid shoreline loss
Create an evacuation plan: Establish triggers and routes for leaving during dangerous conditions
Secure important documents: Keep property deeds, insurance policies, and coastal permits accessible
Identify temporary protection measures: Have materials ready for emergency stabilization after storms
Establish communication protocols: Ensure you can receive warnings and coordinate with neighbors

Conclusion: Building Coastal Resilience for the Future

Preparing for coastal erosion requires a balanced approach that combines immediate protection with long-term adaptation. As climate change accelerates sea level rise and increases storm intensity, proactive preparation becomes increasingly critical for coastal property owners. By understanding your risk, implementing appropriate protective measures, and planning for ongoing shoreline change, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability while preserving coastal resources for future generations.

Remember that coastal erosion preparation isn’t a one-time project but an ongoing process of monitoring, adaptation, and response. The most successful coastal residents maintain flexibility in their approach, regularly reassess their strategies, and stay informed about changing conditions and emerging solutions. With thoughtful preparation and community collaboration, coastal communities can build resilience against erosion while maintaining their connection to these dynamic and valuable environments.

Want peace of mind for all your emergency preparation needs? Browse Batten’s expert-recommended emergency preparedness tools and start protecting what matters most before disaster strikes.

Sources used for this article:

Coastal Erosion: NOAA’s National Ocean Service, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/erosion.html

Sea Level Rise Viewer, NOAA Office for Coastal Management, https://coast.noaa.gov/slr/

Living Shorelines, NOAA Habitat Blueprint, https://www.habitatblueprint.noaa.gov/living-shorelines/

Coastal Construction Manual, FEMA P-55, https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/coastal-construction