Although meteorological surveys provide warnings about hurricanes and other severe storms, specific storm surge warnings are issued in coastal flooding-prone areas. In a similar vein, educating coastal communities and developing local evacuation plans can lessen the overall impact on people. These have been implemented, for example, in the Netherlands.

After the 1953 North Sea flood, the construction of dams and storm surge barriers (also known as flood barriers) became a preventative measure.

They are open and allow for free movement, but they close when a storm surge threatens the land. The major storm surge barriers in the Netherlands that are part of the Delta Works project are the Oosterscheldekering and Maeslantkering; the Thames Barrier, which safeguards London; and the Russian Saint Petersburg Dam.

The construction of floating housing communities surrounded by wetlands using structures that are held in place by vertical pylons is another modern development that is currently in use in the Netherlands.
If dikes prevent major surge intrusion, such wetlands can then be used to accommodate runoff and surges without causing damage to the structures and to protect conventional structures at slightly higher low-lying elevations.

Other delicate variation techniques can incorporate changing designs so they are raised to abstain from flooding straightforwardly, or expanding normal assurances like mangroves or hills.