Three South Carolina Counties Added for Individual Assistance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, Oct. 25) – Homeowners and renters in three more South Carolina counties – Berkeley, Charleston and Chesterfield – are now eligible to receive Individual Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help them recover from flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew.

There are now 24 South Carolina counties eligible for federal disaster assistance. Of those counties, 23 also are eligible for 75 percent cost reimbursement for debris removal and emergency protective measures resulting from the hurricane. Additional reimbursement is available to 18 of those counties for repair or replacement of public works facilities damaged or destroyed by the hurricane and flooding, also at 75 percent of cost.

The county itself, its cities and towns and certain nonprofits that perform quasi-government functions are eligible to apply for public assistance grants.

All Public Assistance reimbursements are a benefit to taxpayers in those counties to the extent that they do not have to pay for the needed repairs and replacements through higher tax assessments.

Individual Assistance is available to homeowners and renters in these 24 counties: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Orangeburg, Sumter and Williamsburg.

The first step for individuals and households to receive assistance is to register with FEMA. There are no costs involved to receive FEMA assistance.

Disaster survivors may register in any of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
  • On the FEMA Mobile App;
  • Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA);
  • Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362;
  • People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800- 462-7585;
  • The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week; Multilingual operators are available.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Also, low-interest disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration are available for businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private nonprofits, homeowners and renters.

The grants are intended to enable repair of a dwelling to the extent necessary to be safe, sanitary and secure for the number of occupants who live there. It is not a substitute for insurance coverage.

Households that have flood insurance are not eligible for an Individual Assistance grant unless their flood insurance is not enough to match FEMA’s minimum repair standard.

Renters and homeowners with flood insurance should register with FEMA in case their insurance coverage does not provide the necessary level of repair. The registration period ends 60 days after the initial disaster declaration, but those who register remain eligible to receive benefits after registration closes.

In South Carolina, the “One SC Fund” supports and directs funds to nonprofit organizations providing disaster relief & recovery assistance. http://yourfoundation.org/community-impact/one-sc-fund-sc-flood-   relief/. Survivors in the state who need food, clothing, and shelter to call 2-1-1, and for storm clean up to call 800-451-1954.

For more information, visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at http://scemd.org/.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, economic status, or retaliation. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585(TTY/TDD).

You can  receive weather alerts, safety tips and learn about disaster resources by downloading the free FEMA App, available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Visit fema.gov/mobile-app for more information.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion4 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster- damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property.

These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at   www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Three South Carolina Counties Added for Individual Assistance

Nassau and Seminole Counties Designated for Individual Assistance

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Nassau and Seminole counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damages and losses resulting from Hurricane Matthew.

Brevard, Duval, Flagler, Indian River, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties are already designated for Individual Assistance.

Nassau County had earlier received a designation for Public Assistance. 

To be eligible for federal aid under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding beginning on October 3 must have occurred as a result of Hurricane Matthew. 

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible. If you preregistered with FEMA, you do not have to apply again. If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or

  • On the FEMA Mobile App, or by

  • Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

  • The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

  • Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).

Don’t be discouraged if you do not have access to telephone or internet service. Disaster survivor assistance specialists are helping people register for assistance in designated counties.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help.

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Nassau and Seminole Counties Designated for Individual Assistance

Evans, Liberty and Long Counties May Apply for Disaster Assistance for Matthew Damage in Georgia

ATLANTA – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Evans, Liberty and Long counties may apply for federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Matthew damage and losses in Georgia.  In addition to the three counties now eligible to apply for assistance under FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program, seven counties had already received approval to apply for assistance, including Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, McIntosh and Wayne. 

Damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred Oct. 4-15.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • Download the FEMA mobile app

  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Toll-free numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

People with disabilities are eligible to receive the same services and assistance offered to everyone in the declared disaster area, and FEMA is committed to ensuring those services are available.

Survivors requiring a reasonable accommodation (American Sign Language interpreting, braille, assistive technology equipment, etc.) may call the appropriate helpline number for support. Help is available in most languages, and information on the registration process is available in ASL at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/111546.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file an insurance claim and register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help from FEMA after their claims have been settled.

For updates on Georgia’s Hurricane Matthew response and recovery, follow @GeorgiaEMA and @FEMARegion4 on Twitter and visit gemhsa.ga.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4284.

 

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Evans, Liberty and Long Counties May Apply for Disaster Assistance for Matthew Damage in Georgia

Four Additional North Carolina Counties Now Designated for Disaster Assistance

RALEIGH, N.C. – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Craven, Martin, Tyrrell and Washington counties may apply for federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Matthew damage and losses in North Carolina.

The 23 counties already eligible to apply for assistance, under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual and Households Program, are: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Harnett, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Nash, Pender, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Wayne and Wilson.

Storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred, as a result of Hurricane Matthew, beginning on October 4.

Survivors are encouraged to register with FEMA as soon as possible.  If you have phone and/or internet access, you may register in one of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • Download the FEMA Mobile App

  • Phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call
    800-621-3362. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585.

  • The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

  • Multilingual operators are available.

For those who do not have access to telephone or internet service, don’t be discouraged.  North Carolina Emergency Management and FEMA are coming to you.  Teams of State and FEMA disaster survivor assistance specialists will soon be moving into affected communities to help people register for assistance.  Additionally, Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Edgecombe, Harnett, Nash and Wilson counties with more planned to open in the near future.

Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file their insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who may be underinsured may still receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

The latest updates on road closures can be found at ReadyNC.org or by calling 5-1-1. Residents can also get real-time traffic and weather on the ReadyNC mobile app. People or organizations that want to help ensure North Carolina recovers can visit NCdisasterrelief.org or text NCRecovers to 30306. Follow us on Facebook at NCEmergencyManagement and Twitter @NCEmergency  or @femaregion4.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Four Additional North Carolina Counties Now Designated for Disaster Assistance

North Carolina Survivors: Avoid Disaster-Related Scams and Fraud

As North Carolina residents work to recover from the recent flooding resulting from Hurricane Matthew, they should be on guard for and report suspicious activity of potential fraud and scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals who prey on survivors. The following are a few common post-disaster fraud practices:

Fraudulent phone calls or visits: Individuals claiming to be from FEMA and who do not have proper FEMA photo identification.

  • Survivors will be asked to provide their Social Security number and banking information only when registering for FEMA assistance. They should never give this information to contractors.

Fake offers of federal aid: A phone or in-person solicitor promises to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process for a fee. Other scam artists promise a disaster grant and ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.

  • Federal workers do not solicit or accept money.

  • FEMA and SBA staffers will never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or for assisting individuals fill out applications.

  • If in doubt, survivors should not give out information.

Phony housing inspectors: If home damage is visible from the street, an owner/applicant may be especially vulnerable to fraudulent housing inspectors who claim to represent FEMA or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Applicants should ALWAYS:

  • Ask to see the inspector’s identification badge. A FEMA or SBA shirt or jacket is not proof of someone’s affiliation with the government. ederal employees and contractors carry official photo identification.

  • FEMA inspectors will already have applicants’ nine digit registration number.

  • FEMA inspectors will never require banking or other personal information.

    North Carolina residents should also be aware that FEMA housing inspectors verify damage. They do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs nor do they determine your eligibility for assistance.

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    FS – North Carolina Survivors:  Avoid Disaster-Related Scams and Fraud – Page 2

    Fraudulent building contractors: Disasters also attract fraudulent contractors who offer to begin work immediately and request a cash advance payment. When hiring a contractor: 

  • Residents should only use licensed local contractors who are backed by reliable references and get written estimates from at least three contractors that include the cost of labor and materials. They should also read the fine print.

  • Residents should insist that contractors carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If he or she is not insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.

  • Don’t pay more than half the costs of repairs upfront.

Bogus pleas for post-disaster donations: Dishonest solicitors may play on the emotions of disaster survivors. These solicitations may come by phone, email, letter or face-to-face.

  • Residents should verify legitimate solicitations by asking for the charity’s exact name, street address, phone number and website address, then phone the charity directly and confirm that the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer.

  • Residents should not pay donations with cash.

  • Residents should request a receipt with the charity’s name, street address, and phone number.

Unfair Price Gouging:  North Carolina residents should also be on the lookout for price gouging by gas stations, hotels and other businesses serving disaster survivors in the state.

If you suspect someone is perpetrating fraud, call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, your local police department or the North Carolinas Fraud Hotline at 877-5-NOSCAM.

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North Carolina Survivors: Avoid Disaster-Related Scams and Fraud

Applying for Individual Assistance in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Marion and Orangeburg counties must register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be eligible for federal disaster assistance for Hurricane Matthew damages and losses in South Carolina.

Disaster survivors may register in any of the following ways:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;

  • On the FEMA Mobile App;

  • Calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA)

  • Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362

  • People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585;

  • The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week

  • Multilingual operators are available.

    Additionally, Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams will soon will be stationed in Marion and Orangeburg counties and visiting damaged neighborhoods to help people register.  Disaster Recovery Centers are planned to open in the near future in the declared counties.

Survivors should contact their insurance company to file an insurance claim. FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments. However, those without insurance or those who are underinsured may be eligible for help.

The assistance process is faster if only one person per household registers with FEMA, preferably the head of the household. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program applies only to damage to the survivor’s primary residence. Damage to secondary homes is not eligible.

The following information is needed when registering with FEMA:

  • Social Security number;

  • Address of the location where the damage occurred;

  • Current address;

  • Current telephone number;

  • Insurance information;

  • Total household annual income;

  • Routing and account number for your checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into your bank account);

  • A description of disaster-caused damage and losses.

    Assistance for eligible survivors can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and for other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or benefits from other agencies or organizations.

    Survivors who cannot afford to repay an SBA loan may be eligible for additional grant assistance. They will have to submit an SBA loan application before that can be determined.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be contacted by a FEMA-contracted housing inspector to schedule an appointment to inspect the house and determine the extent of damage. An adult must be present for the inspection. When registering, applicants should provide a contact telephone number where they always can be reached or receive messages.

Homes that remain flooded cannot be inspected until the water recedes.

FEMA assistance is limited to the amount necessary to make the home safe, sanitary and secure for the number of occupants who live there. The cost of repairing additional spaces such as family rooms, dens or extra bedrooms is not considered. Repair cost estimates are based on standard material and construction costs.

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Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 or TTY at 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow FEMA on twitter at @femaregion4. Download the FEMA app with tools and tips to keep you safe before, during, and after disasters.

Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a trained call specialist about questions you have regarding Hurricane Matthew; the service is free, confidential and available in any language. They can help direct you to resources. Call 5-1-1 for the latest road conditions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Applying for Individual Assistance in South Carolina

FEMA: $866 Million in California earthquake, fire risk-reduction grants awarded since Loma Prieta, Oakland-Berkeley Hills Fire

FEMA, Whole Community partners work to decrease earthquake, fire risks in Bay Area

OAKLAND, Calif. — This week marks the 27th anniversary of the devastating Loma Prieta earthquake that took place on October 17, 1989.  Two days later, on October 19th, marks the 25th anniversary of the Oakland-Berkeley Hills Fire that killed 25 people, destroyed more than 3,000 homes, and did an estimated $1.5 billion in damage.

Since then, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has leveraged $866 million dollars to support the state of California’s efforts to reduce the risks of catastrophic earthquake and fire.  Federal dollars are leveraged with state funds to provide typically 75% of a projects cost.  In the Bay Area, $201 million has gone to various projects with $448 Million awarded in Los Angeles County.  These funds have been used for seismic retrofit projects, fire risk reduction and flood elevation projects to protect various types of critical infrastructure, including homes, local city governments and public schools and infrastructure. 

In the City of Oakland, FEMA recently approved a $3 million dollar grant for the Safer Housing for Oakland: Soft Story Apartment Retrofit Program that will retrofit 35-50 Oakland apartment buildings.  Also in Oakland, FEMA has approved $3 million for the Earthquake- Safe Homes Program that will retrofit and install seismic safety measures in up to 300 1-4 unit homes located within the City of Oakland.   This year, FEMA also has awarded $6 million dollars in seismic retrofits to the Los Angeles Unified School District and another $4 million in flood mitigation elevations in Sonoma County.   

Examples of some of the types of projects that have been have funded include:

•           $40 million in federal grants has been awarded for city hall seismic retrofits.

•           $171 million in federal grants has been awarded in seismic retrofits of schools.

•           $7 million in federal grants has been awarded for fire-resistant roofing.

•           $83 million in federal grants has been awarded for at risk buildings in the floodplain that were elevated or purchased and converted to open space.

FEMA is only one part of the community that is engaging and developing national, regional, public, and private sector risk reduction.  Several partners throughout the state have taken the call to action through advanced preparedness methods. 

The City of Los Angeles is committed to addressing resilience by strengthening the city’s physical, social, and economic foundations. The City has adopted far-reaching strategies to develop the tools needed to rebound from disasters. Programs like Soft-Story Retrofitting, the new JUMP START 5 Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness emergency planning tool and NotifyLA making individuals and neighborhoods more resilient against earthquakes for a stronger Los Angeles.

Following the 27th and 25th Anniversaries of the Loma Prieta Earthquake and Oakland Hills Firestorm, respectively; October 20, 2016 is International ShakeOut Day when millions of people worldwide participate in local Great Shakeout Earthquake Drills, at 10:20 a.m local time. Participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups.  To take part in The Great ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to register to participate at www.ShakeOut.org. Once registered, participants receive regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.      

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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FEMA: $866 Million in California earthquake, fire risk-reduction grants awarded since Loma Prieta, Oakland-Berkeley Hills Fire

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted For Little Valley Fire

OAKLAND, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to assist the State of Nevada to combat the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.

On October 14, 2016, the State of Nevada submitted a request for a Fire Management Assistance Declaration for the Little Valley Fire burning in Washoe County.  At the time of the request, the fire was immediately threatening 150 homes in and around the community of West Washoe Valley.    Mandatory evacuations were taking place for approximately 200 people.  The fire, which also started on October 14, has burned in excess of total 700 acres of state and private land.

The Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region IX, determined that the Little Valley Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.  The State’s request was immediately approved on October 14, 2016.

Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAGs) provide federal funding for up to 75% of eligible firefighting costs.  The Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for FMAGs through FEMA to assist in fighting fires which threaten to cause major disasters.  Eligible costs covered by FMAGs can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools; materials; supplies and mobilization; and demobilization activities.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Continued here – 

FEMA Fire Management Assistance Granted For Little Valley Fire

Mayor De Blasio and FEMA Announce Plan to Revise NYC’s Flood Maps

New revision will lead to improved flood maps with both current risk and future climate conditions

New Yorkers will save tens of millions of dollars in flood insurance premiums as a result of City’s flood map appeal

NEW YORK – Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced an agreement to revise New York City’s flood maps. This is the result of the de Blasio administration’s 2015 appeal of FEMA’s flood risk calculations for New York City and the region, which mapped 35,000 more homes and buildings across the city into highest flood risk areas.

FEMA’s flood maps require homeowners in the highest flood risk areas to purchase flood insurance to cover the cost of flood damage, if they have a mortgage. Revised flood maps will provide New York City residents with more precise current flood risk data, in addition to providing a new map product reflecting future conditions that account for climate change. The innovative revisions will assist New York City in making coastlines more resilient and climate-ready, while ensuring homeowners are not required to purchase more insurance than their current flood risk requires.

“We are building a stronger, more resilient city to confront climate change. Our city needs precise flood maps that reflect real risks, both today and years from now—and we have to do that fairly. We will work closely with FEMA to ensure New Yorkers in the floodplain are prepared, and that the tools to make them more resilient, like flood insurance, remain available and affordable. We are grateful to FEMA to agreeing to this partnership,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“We have been working with Mayor de Blasio and his administration throughout the appeal process to obtain additional data from city officials in order to ensure we have the most accurate maps possible,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Jerome Hatfield. “The coastal flood risk has not been updated since 1983, and this process required proper diligence and the City’s involvement, all accomplished through our partnership.”

“We applaud the administration for adopting, and keeping in place the preliminary maps for construction permitting, which will ensure the city is more resilient in the face of stronger and more frequent storms. We are committed to working together to identify the best path forward as the coastal flood hazard analysis is completed,” said FEMA Assistant Administrator for Mitigation Michael Grimm.

NYC’s Flood Map Appeal

During FEMA’s formal 90-day appeal period in the summer of 2015, New York City officials submitted technical analyses and data that revise the flood risk depicted in the preliminary Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for New York City and the region. FEMA and City officials agreed that the information submitted during the appeal period should be utilized to revise the preliminary FIS study and preliminary FIRM. This effort will be funded by FEMA, and the City will continue to work with FEMA and provide expert input in the development of revised flood maps.

New, Future-Looking Flood Maps

In addition, FEMA and the City will work together to create a new methodology to incorporate the growing risks of climate change and sea level rise onto flood maps. This ground-breaking step will be based on the best-available science, as guided by the New York City Panel on Climate Change, and will result in a new set of flood maps for planning and building purposes that better accounts for the future risk of sea level rise and coastal storm surge. This will also protect the affordability of flood insurance, which will continue to be priced against the revised FIRMs depicting current flood risk.

“The City’s OneNYC resiliency program requires the best-available climate science and accurate flood maps,” said Daniel Zarrilli, Senior Director, Climate Policy and Program and Chief Resilience Officer, New York City Mayor’s Office. “FEMA’s decision to redraw New York City’s flood maps, and to work with us to produce innovative, climate-smart flood maps, allows us to begin separating the calculation of annual insurance premiums against current risk from the necessary long-term planning and building we need to do as a city to do adapt to rising seas and climate change.  All homeowners should consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes and families.  Thanks to FEMA for agreeing to this important partnership.”

Flood Insurance Rates / Building Code Requirements

Until the new flood maps are issued, flood insurance rates in New York City will continue to be based on the prior effective FIRMs saving coastal households tens of millions of dollars per year, in aggregate. For those outside of the highest risk areas on those maps, flood insurance will remain less expensive; both FEMA and the City encourage residents to purchase this affordable flood coverage because we know that there is flood risk outside of the highest risk areas. Until new flood maps are developed that both accurately reflect current flood risk and also provide an assessment of future climate conditions for long-term planning purposes, the city’s building code will continue to reflect the 2015 preliminary FIRMs to ensure that new buildings are better able to withstand flood risk from rising sea levels and coastal storm surge, and so that recovery from Hurricane Sandy can continue without interruption.

FloodHelpNY.org

Conveying flood risk accurately to affected residents is among FEMA and the City’s top priorities. As the maps are being revised, it is crucial that New Yorkers remain aware of their current and future flood risk. To ensure residents keep their home and finances safe, the City has launched a consumer education campaign directing residents to FloodHelpNY.org, a one-stop shop for flood risk information. Once the revised flood maps come in effect, additional extensive outreach and education programs will be provided for all communities.

Other Resources

www.nyc.gov/floodmaps

www.region2coastal.com

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Link: 

Mayor De Blasio and FEMA Announce Plan to Revise NYC’s Flood Maps

Survivors Can Help Avoid Delays in the Manufactured Housing Unit Process

BATON ROUGE, La. –Louisiana disaster survivors who are eligible for Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) can help FEMA make the process go as smoothly as possible.

If you’re eligible for an MHU, FEMA will contact you to schedule a site inspection if you want to place a unit on your property. Keep in mind the following steps to avoid slowing the process:                    

  • Be available. You must be present for a site inspection. FEMA will arrange to place an MHU on your property if the agency determines it is feasible. A FEMA representative will provide information during the inspection process so you can contact them if you have questions about the status of your MHU.
  • Contact your power company to install a second service and meter on your property. Your parish or city will then inspect the installation and notify the power company that power may be turned on. Tell the power company it is for a FEMA MHU installation.
  • Help FEMA obtain right-of-entry from your neighbors. FEMA may need permission to trench utility lines or gain access to the site.

If defects are discovered in the air-conditioner, water, lighting, toilets or other parts of the unit, FEMA must repair them before turning over the keys to you. FEMA will also arrange for safety modifications such as elevation and anchoring.

MHUs are a last resort for survivors whose primary home is uninhabitable, have uninsured housing needs, and have no practicable temporary housing options within a reasonable commuting distance.  

FEMA has expanded its services to accommodate your questions about MHUs. Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362. You may also visit their closest disaster recovery center by going online to fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

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Survivors Can Help Avoid Delays in the Manufactured Housing Unit Process

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