After the storm surge from Hurricane Sandy flooded their house with 5 feet of water, the homeowners made the decision to elevate their house above the new flood level of 12 feet determined by New York State and FEMA. Workers install a section of a helical pile. The piles will be set at a depth of 21 feet. Steel reinforced concrete pillars will then be set on top of the piles to support the house.. K.C.Wilsey/FEMA