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Apply for Increased Cost of Compliance Within 60 Days of Substantial Damage Letter

BATON ROUGE, La. — Request funds to make your structure safer and stronger within 60 days after your community notifies you it is substantially damaged.

If you’re rebuilding or repairing a substantially damaged home or business, your community may require you to elevate or make other changes. Substantial damage applies when the cost of restoring a structure equals or exceeds 50 percent of its pre-damage market value, but some communities have more restrictive regulations.

Your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy may provide up to $30,000 to update your structure so it meets local floodplain management regulations. You must first submit a signed Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Proof of Loss form to your insurance company.

Provide a contractor’s estimate for the proposed ICC-eligible measures to your home or business and copies of construction permits. Your insurance company needs these to consider an ICC claim.

Structures that comply with floodplain management regulations have an enhanced ability to withstand storms and floods. Examples of ICC measures include elevation, relocation and floodproofing.

You have six years from the date of loss to complete the chosen and approved ICC measures.

Go online to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s website at www.8.dotd.la.gov/lafloods/community_contacts.aspx to find your community’s floodplain administrator or permitting official if you want to learn more about the substantial damage determination process.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be another source of funds to make your home or business safer and stronger.

If your loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to pay for improvements that will protect your property against future damage. The funds would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan.

For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. You may also go online to sba.gov/disaster.

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Apply for Increased Cost of Compliance Within 60 Days of Substantial Damage Letter

FEMA Urges Residents to Watch Out for Dangers When Returning Home & for Possible Flooding Threat

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges people dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew to stay vigilant as they begin to clean up the damage done, while others still face a serious flooding threat.

Dangers could exist for residents who are returning home in the form of debris, downed power lines and lingering floodwaters. During this process, people are urged to listen to their state, tribal and local officials and only go back when they say it’s safe. High water could be deeper than it looks and also hide ground that’s washed away. Drivers are encouraged to avoid flooded areas at all costs – turn around, don’t drown. Just two feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.

National Weather Service experts say the remnants of Matthew have moved further away from the East Coast and the storm is no longer causing direct impacts. However, significant-to-potentially record flooding could happen for several areas along and east of the I-95 corridor in the Carolinas, with river flooding persisting well into next week. An extensive and significant freshwater flood event continues to unfold as a result of 10 to 18 inches of rain, mainly from Savannah, Ga., to southeast Virginia.

“Now is the time to really pay attention and be careful – whether you are still dealing with flooding or are assessing the damage from Matthew,” said FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. “If you explicitly follow the directions from your state, tribal and local officials and use common sense to avoid dangerous situations, everyone’s recovery efforts will move along more quickly and safely.”

People who have flood insurance through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and whose property suffered flood damage are encouraged to contact their local insurance agency or company to file a flood insurance claim. When calling, they should have their policy number and a telephone number/email address where they can be reached. They can find their insurance company’s toll-free phone number here.

Anyone with additional questions about filing a claim or their NFIP policy can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 and press option “2.” For a TTY line, call 800-462-7585. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT Monday to Friday.

Shelters are open across the affected areas. Download the FEMA mobile app for shelter information, disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, in English and in Spanish. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service. The app also enables users to receive push notifications reminding them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.

After the Hurricane – Safety and Preparedness Tips as you Return to Your Home and Begin Cleaning Up

Don’t walk through flooded areas. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 for help.
Avoid standing water. It can hide dangerous toxins and chemicals.
Do not enter a flood-damaged home or building until you’re given the all clear by authorities. If you choose to enter a flood-damaged building, be extremely careful. Water can compromise the structural integrity and its foundation. Make sure the electrical system has been turned off, otherwise contact the power company or a qualified electrician.
Photograph the property damage in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.
Take steps to prevent further damage to the affected property (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.
Because mold may be a serious health risk, it’s important to remove flood-damaged objects.
When setting out debris for curbside pickup, follow the instructions of local officials.
Debris should be separated into the following six categories:
- Household garbage such as discarded food, packaging and papers.
- Construction debris such as building materials, carpeting, furniture and mattresses.
- Vegetation debris such as tree branches and leaves.
- Household hazardous waste such as batteries, paint and cleaning supplies.
- White goods such as refrigerators, washers/dryers, water heaters and air conditioners.
- Electronics such as televisions, stereo equipment and computers.
- More information on debris removal is available here.

Tips for Mosquito Control

For people living in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew, especially when it comes to flooding, mosquitos may be a problem in the coming days. Prevention is important because mosquitos carry diseases and can spread illness.

The Centers for Disease & Prevention provides critical tips for mosquito prevention:

Use insect repellant, especially Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellants, which are proven safe and effective when used as directed.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Control mosquitos inside and outside your home by:
- Using screens on winds and doors and repairing holes to keep mosquitos outside.
- Use air conditioning when available. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available, or if sleeping outdoors.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, or throw items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots or trash containers. Mosquitos lay eggs near water.
- More information can be found here.

For more information about Hurricane Matthew, including resources deployed, photos and b-roll go to: www.fema.gov/hurricane-matthew.

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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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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FEMA Urges Residents to Watch Out for Dangers When Returning Home & for Possible Flooding Threat

Begin Flood Cleanup as Soon as Possible

It’s not too early to begin cleaning up from Louisiana’s severe storms and floods that began Aug. 11.

Flood-damaged items like carpeting, bedding, furniture and other household items can be serious health hazards as well as eyesores. Here are some tips to dispose of these items safely and jumpstart your recovery:

File an Insurance Claim then Register with FEMA

Contact your insurance company and file a claim. Get your company’s contact information online at the Louisiana Department of Insurance: www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices/ActiveCompanySearch.
If you have flood insurance questions call 800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select option 2. Call center staff are available to assist with information regarding your policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery and answer other flood insurance questions. You can be transferred to your insurance carrier for additional assistance if you have further questions.
Register for federal disaster assistance. If you had severe storm or flood damage in Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington and West Feliciana parishes you may apply for FEMA help online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Survivors who use TTY may call 800-462-7585.

Start Cleaning Up Now

Mold may be a serious health risk so don’t wait for a visit from FEMA or your insurance company before you start cleaning up. FEMA inspectors and insurance claims adjusters will still be able to verify flood damage.
Because mold may be a serious health risk, it’s important to remove flood-damaged valuables from your home. Take lots of pictures before your insurance adjuster visits.
Be sure to consult with your local officials for instructions before setting out debris. If you don’t have local emergency management contact information, it can be found online at gohsep.la.gov/about/parishpa.
Place debris curbside. Debris cannot be collected on private property.
Do not prop up debris against trees and utility poles or place in the vicinity of fire hydrants and utility boxes. That makes it more difficult for cleanup crews to collect.
Debris should be separated into the following six categories:
- Household garbage such as discarded food, packaging and papers.
- Construction debris such as building materials, carpeting, furniture and mattresses.
- Vegetation debris such as tree branches and leaves.
- Household hazardous waste such as batteries, paints and cleaning supplies.
- White goods such as refrigerators, washers/dryers, water heaters and air conditioners.
- Electro nics such as televisions, stereo equipment and computers.
Go online to this link to see a graphic that explains how to sort debris:

www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/images/110554

Other tips to speed up debris collection include:
- Try to combine debris piles with your neighbors.
- Secure refrigerator and freezer doors with duct tape.
- Limit curbside household garbage to two 32-gallon containers or eight trash bags.
- Get more and tips on flood clean up, repairing, and rebuilding at www.fema.gov/Louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

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Begin Flood Cleanup as Soon as Possible

Hazard Mitigation Grant Workshop Scheduled

ATLANTA—The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will hold one workshop on June 10, 2015 to explain a hazard mitigation program that funds projects that reduce or eliminate damage from future disasters.

A portion of the federal funding made available for disaster response and recovery from the February winter storm is allocated for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The program provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation projects.

State officials will be available to answer questions and provide recovery information to workshop participants and to anyone who is interested.

The workshop is scheduled at:

Hall County Emergency Operations Center – Wednesday, June 10 from 10 am to noon, 470 Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501

Examples of HMGP projects include:

Development or improvement of warning systems that include mitigation measures;
Construction of public tornado safe rooms that meet FEMA construction guidelines;
Retrofitting methods, such as elevation in place, structure relocation, structural reinforcement for high wind and seismic events, strapping of utilities, installation of storm shutters, tie downs, and other measures;
Acquisition of property and/or relocation of homes, businesses and public facilities from hazard-prone areas;
Generators that protect a critical facility and meet all other HMGP eligibility criteria. Critical facilities may include Emergency Operation Centers, police and fire stations, hospitals, and water and sewer treatment facilities;
Wildfire mitigation, such as creating defensible space, application of ignition-resistant construction and hazardous fuel reduction;
Soil stabilization projects that protect against erosion and landslides;
Structural hazard control or protection measures, such as floodwalls, detention basins and other storm drainage upgrades; and
Development of a local Hazard Mitigation Plan that meets federal standards.

The state’s priority for the HMGP is to fund projects in the designated counties that reduce or eliminate damages to life and property resulting from severe winter storms.

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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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Hazard Mitigation Grant Workshop Scheduled

FEMA Awards $300,000 Grant to Delaware County: Hazard Mitigation funds will be used to construct two tornado safe rooms

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released an initial amount of $300,000 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Delaware County, Ohio, for the construction of two community safe rooms at the Delaware State Park. Additional federal funding will be provided based on project completion. Following the completion, the community safe rooms will be made available to the citizens of Delaware County.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The construction of these community safe rooms will protect the lives of citizens by providing secure locations to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“These community safe rooms will provide protection to campers and other park users during a tornado and severe storms. The buildings are multi-purpose and when not being used for storm protection can be used for meeting space, naturalist programs, and other similar activities” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. The overall eligible cost of this project is $800,000, with 75 percent of the approved total paid by FEMA, and the remaining 25 percent of funds provided by Delaware County and the state of Ohio.

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Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at twitter.com/craigatfema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $300,000 Grant to Delaware County: Hazard Mitigation funds will be used to construct two tornado safe rooms

FEMA Awards $368,487 Grant to the Village of Middle Point: Hazard Mitigation funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $368,487 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the village of Middle Point, Ohio, for the construction of a community safe room in the village’s new fire/EMS station. Following the completion of the project, the community safe room will be made available to the citizens of Middle Point.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said FEMA Region V acting administrator Janet Odeshoo. “The construction of this community safe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“The safe room project is a clear example of disaster prevention. The efforts of local, state and the federal government working together for the benefit of citizens is what saves lives,” said Nancy Dragani, executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the $491,316 eligible project cost. The remaining 25 percent of the funds, $122,829, will be provided by the village of Middle Point and the state of Ohio.

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Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $368,487 Grant to the Village of Middle Point: Hazard Mitigation funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

Tuckerton Restaurant Rebuilds With Improved Disability Access

LINCROFT, N.J .— When the Panini Bay Waterfront Restaurant in Tuckerton was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, owner and chef Ivar Johnson had several critical decisions to make. Chief among them was how to maintain wheelchair access for customers with disabilities while elevating the remaining structure and adding additional mitigation features.

When Sandy struck, the first floor was flooded with a foot of water, ruining the floors and walls. Waves 10 to 15 feet high destroyed the windows and damaged the mechanical equipment and duct work built underneath the original floor. The ramp and stairs leading to the restaurant were also severely damaged.

The restaurant’s main floor was elevated onto 9-foot high pylons. A new seating area was built on a raised platform and the kitchen was relocated to the center of the building. A multilevel staircase was added.

But the main feature of the rebuilt Panini Bay is the enclosed wheelchair lift outside the restaurant that transports customers up to the entrance.

Mr. Johnson stands inside the wheelchair lift to demonstrate. Panini Bay Waterfront owner and chef Ivar Johnson demonstrates the wheelchair lift.“Better price,” Johnson said when asked why he decided to go with the wheelchair lift instead of a full elevator. “And it fits the architecture of the building.”

Tuckerton had recently passed an ordinance making its base flood elevation 11 feet, “and at the time, it was an additional 3 feet on top of that,” Johnson said. Though the ordinance forced Johnson to elevate the building, he said it also allowed him to rebuild with better materials and re-do elements, particularly the plumbing, that were built improperly the first time.

The lift cost $25,000. Two people, along with a rider using a wheelchair, can fit inside comfortably. The lift has a seat, a seat belt, and an emergency phone inside. The enclosure cost an additional $12,000 and completely surrounds the lift and its mechanics. It is made out of nearly 40 3x7s and measures 14 feet from top to bottom.

Johnson found the firm that designed the lift through an architect friend. Construction took six months to complete. A short ramp leads from the ground to the chair lift. The restaurant had a wheelchair ramp before Sandy, but rebuilding it was not feasible given the height of the elevation.

“The lift gets plenty of use,” Johnson said.

Johnson admits the new design is not perfect. However, the new structure and elevation protect the restaurant, which sits on the Tuckerton Inlet, better from wind, salt water and storm surges, and the improved wheelchair access will serve the needs of the new restaurant for many years to come.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later
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 online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications

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Tuckerton Restaurant Rebuilds With Improved Disability Access

Arkansans: Things to Know About Debris Removal

Little Rock, Ark. – For many Arkansans in Faulkner County affected by the April 27 tornadoes, cleanup is well underway. That means residents may have questions regarding the types of debris that can be left at the curb for collection and how to handle debris when a homeowner hires a contractor.

DEBRIS PLACED ON RIGHT OF WAY

Tornado-related debris is eligible for pickup and disposal by the county or municipality if residents place the following types of debris on the public right-of-way in front of their property for pick-up. When placing debris at the roadside, residents should be careful not to cover or impede access to utility meters or mailboxes.

Residents opting for curbside pick-up must separate debris into six (6) categories:

Vegetative debris (tree limbs, shrubs, etc.)
Construction/Demolition debris
White goods (appliances, etc.)
E-goods (TV’s, electronics)
Household hazardous (cleaning solutions, automotive chemicals, etc.)
Normal household garbage

DEBRIS HANDLED BY CONTRACTORS

Some homeowner’s insurance policies may cover debris removal. Residents are reminded that if they choose to hire their own contractor, they should not place that debris on the right-of-way. The cost of debris disposal is typically included in the contractor’s estimates. Homeowners should review their insurance policies to determine if their policy covers debris removal.

Under no circumstances will reconstruction debris or demolition debris created by the property owner or the private contractor be pushed to the curb. The property owner, insurance company or contractor is responsible for removing and transporting all demolition and/or reconstruction debris to an approved designated landfill.

Reconstruction debris includes any construction material that must be removed from the damaged structure (shingles, portions of roofs, etc.) to bring it back to pre-disaster function.
Demolition debris includes construction material created by the physical deconstruction of the remaining portions of a disaster-damaged structure (walls, roof, flooring, slabs, outbuildings, etc.) in preparation for the construction of a new building.

OTHER THINGS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN HIRING CONTRACTORS

Watch out for:
- Phone or door-to-door solicitors who promise to speed up the insurance, disaster assistance or building-permit process.
- People who ask for large cash deposits or advance payments in full.
- Promises of large amounts of money for disaster victims.
-  FEMA/State disaster assistance funds are sent to applicants by electronic funds transfer (EFT) or through the U.S. mail ONLY!
- People going door-to-door to damaged homes or phoning survivors and claiming to be building contractors or soliciting personal information such as Social Security or bank account numbers; they could be frauds.

Those who suspect anyone of engaging in fraudulent activities should call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721. Complaints may also be made to local law enforcement agencies and through the Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-482-8982.

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Arkansans: Things to Know About Debris Removal

FEMA Awards $69,632 to City of Forest Lake: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $69,632 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the city of Forest Lake Minn., for the construction of a safe room at John Jergens Estates.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of thissafe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

“People in Forest Lake will be safer thanks to local leaders who joined with state and federal partners on this project,” said Kris Eide, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Tornado safe rooms are one way communities across the state are reducing the risk that comes with disasters. We’re encouraging more cities and counties to apply for grants that will help them protect their residents.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMAwill pay $69,632, or 75 percent of the eligible project cost. The city of Forest Lake will contribute the remaining 25 percent, or $23,210.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $69,632 to City of Forest Lake: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

FEMA Awards $238,112 Grant to Bayfield County: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

CHICAGO – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today released $238,112 in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to Bayfield County, Wis., for the construction of a safe room at the Bayfield County Fairgrounds in Iron River.

“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program enables communities to implement critical mitigation measures to reduce the risk of loss of life and property,” said Andrew Velasquez III, regional administrator, FEMA Region V. “The construction of this safe room will protect the lives of vulnerable citizens by providing a secure location to seek shelter from tornados and other high wind events.”

Bayfield County has experienced numerous powerful storms in recent years. This safe room will be centrally located in the fairgrounds, across from the grandstand and provide shelter for up to 500 event participants and residents during a severe weather event.

“This safe room could provide life-saving protection during a destructive storm in Bayfield County,” said WEM Administrator Brian Satula. “I am pleased that federal, state and local governments are working together to help build this facility.”

HMGP provides grants to state and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures. Through HMGP, FEMA will pay $238,112 or 75 percent of the project’s total cost. Wisconsin Emergency Management Agency and Bayfield County will both contribute 12.5 percent of the funds, or $39,686 each.

Media Contact: Cassie Ringsdorf, (312) 408-4455

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FEMA Awards $238,112 Grant to Bayfield County: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds will be used to construct a tornado safe room

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