New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Lincoln County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Lincoln County, Arkansas 

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-085

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Lincoln County, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Lincoln County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 5 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 5 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.

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. 

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 16:57:12

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Lincoln County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Desha County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Desha County, Arkansas 

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-086

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Desha County, Arkansas homeowners, business and residential renters, and business owners who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before new flood insurance rate maps go into effect.

The new Desha County flood maps become effective on Tuesday, June 19 giving those who haven’t purchased flood insurance yet, time to get the best possible premiums to protect their property from potential flooding.

“While many people are required by mortgage and lending companies to have flood insurance, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) strongly recommend that everyone have flood insurance,” said Acting Region 6 Administrator Tony Robinson. “The reason is simple: You don’t have to be in a mapped floodplain to flood.”

Current policy holders and those planning to purchase NFIP protection are strongly encouraged to contact their insurance agent or company to ensure that they have adequate coverage for building and contents that accounts for new flood risk data.

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to June 19 may be able to grandfather the current flood zone, saving money on flood insurance. For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, whether you are eligible for grandfathering, and the Preferred Risk Policy extension, or to locate an agent in your area, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Anyone who hasn’t had a chance to participate in local flood insurance meetings or to review the new flood maps is encouraged to contact their floodplain administrator who is most likely located at City Hall or the local courthouse.    

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. 

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 16:54:32

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Desha County, Arkansas

New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida 

Maps become effective May 16, 2012 for Collier County, including unincorporated Collier County, Everglades City, Marco Island and Naples

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-014

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — New flood insurance rate maps go into effect for Collier County, Fla. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk of flooding, and they’re used to help determine flood insurance requirements.

Collier County, Fla. property owners and renters who do not have flood insurance are encouraged to buy coverage now to get the best possible premiums before the new maps go into effect.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Even people living outside of high-risk areas can experience flooding, which is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. That’s why everyone, regardless of their flood zone, should take steps to financially protect themselves from a disaster which affects far too many communities each year. The primary way to do that is by purchasing flood insurance. It’s available at affordable rates through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Those who purchase flood insurance prior to the May 16, 2012 effective date of the new maps may be able to obtain a preferred risk policy or be grandfathered into the current flood zone, thereby saving money on flood insurance. It’s important that people talk with an insurance agent to see what options are available to them.

Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance policies don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. NFIP policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agents who people already deal with for other property insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put people in touch with another agent. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

The new flood maps were produced through a partnership between Collier County and FEMA. They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data and the latest science available have been applied to make the maps more accurate, with the ultimate goal of protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Additionally, flood risks change over time due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors — which is why it’s important that maps are updated periodically.

If you have questions about where your property is located on the new flood insurance rate maps, contact your local floodplain manager.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 11:40:15

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New Flood Maps Show Updated Flood Risks in Collier County, Florida

Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close 

Release Date: May 4, 2012
Release Number: 4059-062

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The state and federal Disaster Recovery Center in Logan County, operating from the Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department at 2270 Mud Fork Road in Logan, will close Friday, May 11, at noon, according to officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Since its opening March 24, more than 650 people have visited the Disaster Recovery Center to check on the status of their FEMA applications, SBA loans or to seek additional information from program experts. The disaster period focuses on the floods of March 15-31. As of May 1, more than 760 residents in Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties have registered for FEMA assistance. More than $2.25 million has been approved to help applicants with their recovery efforts.

The DRC closing will not affect disaster survivors’ ability to register for federal assistance in recovering from any damages sustained during the storms and floods of February 29 through March 5 and the floods of March 15 through March 31.

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free registration line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week.

“The process is fast and simple,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell. “If you are unsure that you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility.”

Registration is also available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From any web-enabled smartphone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585.

Deadlines for registering with FEMA are May 15 for those affected by the storms and floods of February 29-March 5 and May 21 for those affected by the floods of March 15-31.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 04-May-2012 09:47:03

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Logan County Disaster Recovery Center to Close

FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Fire in Jeff Davis County, Texas

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FEMA Approves Fire Management Assistance Grant for Fire in Jeff Davis County, Texas

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for May 3

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for May 3 

Release Date: April 30, 2012
Release Number: 4059-059

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON W.Va. — Mingo County residents who suffered losses from recent flooding will be able to learn more about disaster assistance programs at a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 3, at the Dingess Elementary School, 101 Schoolhouse Road in Dingess. Mingo County was added to the federal major-disaster declaration for Individual and Households Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on April 20.

A previously scheduled meeting at the location was postponed because of severe weather conditions that arose on April 26.

“Residents of Mingo County are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the flooding of March 15 through March 31,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said.

The town hall meeting will be hosted by FEMA, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Mingo County Emergency Management Agency. FEMA disaster-assistance experts and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about the available assistance programs.

Residents should register for FEMA assistance by calling FEMA’s 800 HelpLine number 800-621-3362 or apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov before they attend Thursday night’s meeting. Those unsure if they might be eligible for assistance should register with FEMA to find out whether they qualify.

Some registrants might receive an SBA disaster-loan application in the mail. It is important that the application be completed even if no loan is wanted. The information is needed to determine what additional help might be available, and no one is required to accept an SBA loan.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 30-Apr-2012 15:41:24

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Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for May 3

FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia

FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia 

Release Date: April 27, 2012
Release Number: 4059-052

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — Sometimes it’s unwise to challenge Mother Nature. As West Virginians know all too well, in many areas of the state flash floods are frequent visitors, and an increasing number of homeowners have decided to seek higher ground.

One family in Stollings saw its two-story house inundated time and again by the nearby Guyandotte River. Flood insurance paid for most of the repeated repairs and cleanups, but no policy can make up for the stress of being repeatedly flooded. And as the disasters continue, a vulnerable house inevitably becomes worth less and less.

The Logan County Commission had determined that the flash flooding of 2004 caused enormous damage to many homes in the Stollings neighborhood, and several homeowners chose to take advantage of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “buyout” process under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. After the flood of May, 2007, the family also decided it was time to move and accepted the county’s buyout offer.

These projects are normal real-estate transactions. Homeowners are paid fair market value for their homes as calculated before the damage occurred. Once the property is purchased, the structures are removed and the property becomes public open space or green space. It can never be developed or sold to private parties. It can be used as a public park, can be leased for agricultural use, but no structures of any kind can be erected thereon.

The Buyout program is completely voluntary on the part of the property owner and the community. Buyout, or “acquisition,” projects are administered by the state and local communities, be they towns or counties. While FEMA shoulders 75 percent of the costs, it does not buy houses directly from the property owners.

The property owners do not apply to the state for buyouts, but the community may sponsor applications on their behalf. Those applications are prepared by the communities with the input of homeowners whose properties have suffered heavy damage. The applications are completed after the state has advised the community of any state priorities or special restrictions. The state and community work together to identify where buyouts would make the most sense.

The state then submits whatever applications they deem appropriate for action for FEMA’s review, which ensures the rules are being followed, the environment is protected and the buyouts would be a cost-effective use of funds.

If and when FEMA approves the purchase, the community begins to acquire the property. The actual transaction is done by the community or the county. FEMA warns that the process is not quick. The whole buyout process from the day of the disaster to the property settlement can take up to two years.

The family in Stollings has now moved to safer ground. The house is gone and the property is an empty, grassy open space. When the floods hit Logan County in March of this year, this property had no house left to damage or destroy, and the open spaces where houses once sat helped reduce flooding downstream.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 27-Apr-2012 09:20:15

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FEMA Home Buyouts Pay Off In West Virginia

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for April 26

Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for April 26 

Release Date: April 24, 2012
Release Number: 4061-048

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides

CHARLESTON W.Va. — Mingo County residents who suffered losses from recent flooding will be able to learn more about disaster assistance programs at a Town Hall Meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 26, at the Dingess Elementary School, 101 Schoolhouse Road in Dingess. Mingo County was added to the federal major-disaster declaration for Individual and Households Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on April 20.

“Residents of Mingo County are now eligible to receive federal assistance to help affected individuals, families and businesses recover from losses sustained in the flooding of March 15 through March 31,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said.

The town hall meeting will be hosted by FEMA, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Mingo County Emergency Management Agency. FEMA disaster-assistance experts and representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available to answer questions about the available assistance programs.

Residents should register for FEMA assistance by calling FEMA’s 800 HelpLine number 800-621-3362 or apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov before they attend Thursday night’s meeting. Those unsure if they might be eligible for assistance should register with FEMA to find out whether they qualify.

Some registrants might receive an SBA disaster-loan application in the mail. It is important that the application be completed even if no loan is wanted. The information is needed to determine what additional help might be available, and no one is required to accept an SBA loan.

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.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 24-Apr-2012 14:36:33

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Mingo County Town Hall Meeting Set for April 26

Federal Disaster Aid In Kentucky Tops $18 Million

Federal Disaster Aid In Kentucky Tops $18 Million 

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4057-061

» More Information on Kentucky Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Total federal disaster assistance approved for Kentucky survivors of the tornadoes and damaging storms of Feb. 29 – March 3 now stands at more than $18.6 million.

To date:

  • Close to 5,300 Kentuckians in 21 designated counties have contacted FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance.
  • Over $8.7 million has been approved for Individual Assistance grants, including housing assistance, short-term rental assistance, home repair costs and other needs assistance.
  • Nearly $1.8 million of the Individual Assistance grants was for Other Needs Assistance, including payments for such eligible disaster-related items as medical and dental expenses, and lost personal possessions.
  • More than 2,580 homes sustained damages. Of those, more than 280 were destroyed.
  • Nearly 3,200 inspections of damaged properties have been conducted.
  • More than $9.9 million in low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses has been approved by the Small Business Administration.
  • FEMA Public Assistance has obligated more than $55,000 for repair projects in eligible counties.

Kentucky counties eligible for help from FEMA’s Public Assistance program are Adair, Ballard, Bath, Grant, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Pendleton, Trimble and Wolfe.

Public Assistance is available on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, utilities, schools, and similar facilities. Public Assistance is also available to certain private nonprofit agencies and organizations.

Commonwealth counties eligible for Individual Assistance are Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe.

Individual Assistance for homeowners and renters can include grants to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

Kentucky Emergency Management and FEMA encourage Kentuckians to make sure their friends, neighbors and family members have registered with FEMA for federal disaster assistance by the federal disaster assistance registration deadline of May 7.

Disaster officials stress the importance of returning the Small Business Administration loan application survivors may have received as part of their registration package. Completion of the application provides information that may determine eligibility for further federal disaster assistance. The deadline to apply for property damage SBA loans also is May 7. The deadline to apply for economic injury SBA loans is Dec. 6

Due to a steady decrease of activity, SBA’s Business Recovery Center located in Johnson County, Kentucky closed April 19. SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Morgan County will cease operations on Friday, April 27, at the close of business. All Commonwealth-FEMA disaster recovery centers are now closed as well.

There are three ways to register with FEMA or to contact FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or register using a tablet or Smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov. Help is available in many languages.

Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day.

Kentucky Emergency Management urges anyone who has storm damage to their residence or other property to document the damage by photographing or videoing it and to maintain a list of any repairs and keep repair receipts. If survivors have not done so, they should report the damage and location to their county emergency manager.

Free crisis counseling, supported by a grant from FEMA to the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board, is available to Kentuckians who suffer from stress, anxiety or depression as a result of the recent storms and flooding. Persons who need this assistance and live in Johnson, Magoffin, or Martin County call 800-422-1060; residents of Bath, Lawrence, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Rowan, or Wolfe counties call 800-562-8909; citizens in Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Kenton, or Pendleton County call 859-331-3292; and in Laurel County, call 888-640-9335.

The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides Commonwealth, local governments and certain private nonprofits with grants to improve the ability of public facilities to withstand future disasters. Additional information on the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program in Kentucky can be accessed at: http://kyem.ky.gov/recovery/Pages/HazardMitigation.aspx

More disaster-specific information can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov.

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.

Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 16:37:17

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Federal Disaster Aid In Kentucky Tops $18 Million

Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA 

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Release Number: 4059-029

» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, And Lanslides
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Mudslides, And Landslides

CHARLESTON, W. Va. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is reminding those affected by the recent storms and floods they have only a short time left to register for possible assistance.

For residents in Lincoln, Marion and Wayne counties the deadline is May 15. For those in Logan County the deadline is May 21. Assistance is available for homeowners, renters and businesses of any size.

“You absolutely must register with FEMA as the first step in getting help,” FEMA’s Charleston-based Federal Coordinating Officer Deanne Criswell said. “Even if you have been talking to, or signed up with, state or county or local folks, that doesn’t get you registered with FEMA.”

People seeking help need only phone FEMA’s toll-free Help Line at 800-621-3362 to speak to a representative and supply some basic information. Operators are standing by from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week, Criswell said. “The process is fast and simple. Even if you are unsure if you qualify, call FEMA and let us determine your eligibility. ”

Registrations can also be made online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. From a cell phone or other PDA, the address is m.fema.gov. Those with hearing or speech disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.

Applicants should be ready to supply FEMA with current contact information (mailing address, phone number, e-mail address or that of a friend or relative who is in touch with the applicant), a Social Security number of any household member, the address of the damaged property, a brief description of the problems and, if appropriate, any information about insurance coverage one might or might not have. The FEMA representative may ask for some other data, like the number of people residing in the property and the family’s gross annual income. All this information is critical to the process and will be kept in strict confidence by FEMA, Criswell said.

After registering with FEMA, applicants will be given a case number so they can follow the progress of their applications and to use when speaking to other FEMA personnel. To check on the status of one’s application, call the FEMA Help Line or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. This information will be available 24 hours after initially registering with FEMA.

Disaster Recovery Centers are now operating from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Saturdays at these locations:

Lincoln County
Duval Fire Company
5237 Straightfork Road
Griffithsville, WV

Logan County
Verdunville Volunteer Fire Department
Rte. 5, 2270 Mud Fork Road
Logan, WV

The centers are staffed with disaster-recovery experts from the state and FEMA to provide information and guidance for applicants to navigate through the recovery process.

Also on hand at the Disaster Recovery Centers are representatives from the Small Business Administration, SBA spokesman Jose Vejarano said. These personnel can explain the low-interest loan packages available to individuals, private nonprofits and businesses of any size. The loans are for the repair or replacement of real estate and/or personal property damaged by the storms and related flooding, he said. People who register with FEMA may be sent a disaster loan application from the SBA. No one is obligated to take out a loan, according to the SBA, but filling out the application is essential for potentially qualifying for further assistance.

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.

Last Modified: Monday, 16-Apr-2012 16:52:59

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Time is Running Out to Register With FEMA

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