reporter: another key improvement is here in the city s three major canals. it allows giant gates to seal off waterways and contain purpose powerful enough to fill an olympic-sized swimming pool in four seconds. but even with the $14.5 billion worth of improvements, the tragedy of ten years ago is still very raw for those who live here. and many have take their own precautions. my house is four foot off the ground. i got a hatchet up in my attic and a life preserver. when i leave here god s going to come get me. reporter: the new storm protection system here in the big easy is designed to withstand a so-called 100-year storm. in other words, a 1% chance of happening each year. bres? casey steegal, thank you. the host of a roanoake, virginia tv station s morning