Flood Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged

BATON ROUGE, La. – Despite the worst flooding in recent Louisiana history, flood insurance continues to be available to homeowners, renters and businesses at the pre-flood price. Widespread flood losses in Louisiana will not cause flood insurance rates to rise above scheduled annual increases, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The August flooding does not trigger remapping of flood zones, or changes in base flood elevations. That includes the remapping efforts that have been in process for several years in six of the designated parishes. Revisions of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and Base Flood Elevations (BFE) in those parishes will continue, based on data compiled prior to the latest flood.

However, if your home or business was substantially damaged and you are rebuilding, you may need to mitigate your structures (elevate, etc.) to come into compliance with your community floodplain ordinance. It is crucial that you contact your local floodplain administrator to ensure you are in compliance and obtaining the proper building permits.

Properties located in a floodplain that have federally backed mortgages are required by law to be properly insured against known hazards, such as flooding.

Properties that were not required to have flood insurance by the mortgage lender prior to the floods may not be required to carry it when they are rebuilt. It is important to understand that even if the lender is not requiring flood insurance, it is still available to purchase.

The NFIP offers two types of coverage — building and contents. Keep in mind that your mortgage lender may only require you to purchase flood insurance for the structure. Building coverage will include the structure and attached items such as the electrical system and permanent flooring. Contents coverage will cover items such as personal belongings and furniture for an additional premium.

To find your approximate flood insurance costs and the hazard level of your area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov and enter the property address. An interactive display demonstrates the cost of flood damage by inches or feet of water that enters the house.

For an actual quote on a specific property, you should contact your insurance agent. Policies can be written by authorized insurance agencies; they are underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program administered by FEMA.

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Flood Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged

After the Flood: What Texans Need to Do to Prepare For the Next Disaster

AUSTIN, Texas – So, you and your family survived the big storm.

The water has been pumped out of your basement. Your walls and floors are dry. Your roof seems to be intact. Your electrical appliances are working fine. And your flood-soaked refuse has been removed to the landfill. You are grateful it’s all over. But is it really? Ask yourself, “Are my house and property ready for the next big one? Will my family be safe the next time we flood?”

Mitigation experts at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say there is no better time than now for homeowners to start thinking about what can be done to prepare for the next flood.

For the big jobs, homeowners will want to hire a reputable licensed contractor. FEMA mitigation officials suggest getting bids from two or three contractors. And ask for references. Many other repairs may be easy work for handy do-it-yourselfers. Tasks like relocating basement or first floor electrical equipment and appliances, however, may require the help of a professional.

Start with the main circuit breaker or fuse box. Move it up to at least 12 inches above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) for your home or building. Your insurance agent or local flood plain administrator will be able to tell you what that number is.

Check with your local building department. If the electrical code allows, raise electrical outlets and switches above flood level.                                                                                                                                

If you need to replace a flood-damaged furnace, water heater or air conditioner, have the new one installed on a higher floor. If your air conditioner or heat pump is outdoors, install it on a raised platform. Place washers and dryers on blocks, making sure they will not vibrate off the blocks during use. A 1- or 2-foot waterproof floodwall around appliances will protect them from shallow flooding.

More do-it-yourself tips for repairing flood-damaged buildings:

  • Walls. If the wallboard and insulation were removed, wash and disinfect the exposed vertical wooden studs, and the horizontal wooden sills at their base. If rebuilding, consider metal studs and sills as they are less damaged by water than wooden ones.

  • Wallboard. If you install the wall board horizontally (4 feet high), you’ll only have to replace half the wall if the next flood is less than 4 feet deep. Leave the wall open 1 inch above the sill. The baseboards will hide the gap, and all you have to do after the next flood is remove the baseboard and the wall cavity will drain freely and air will circulate better.

  • Floors. Particle board or plywood fall apart when wet for lengthy periods. Floor joists and some wood floors regain their shape when naturally dried. Use screws or screw nails on floors and stairs to minimize warping. Completely dry subflooring before laying new flooring or carpeting. Renail, then sand or place a new underlayment for a new floor.

  • Paints. Completely dry the surface before painting. This may take several weeks, but paint will peel if applied over a damp surface. Coat concrete surfaces with penetrating sealer for easier future cleanup.

  • Windows and Doors. When appropriate, replace flood damaged windows with vinyl or metal framed windows. Hollow core or polysty­rene foam filled metal doors are water resistant.

Despite all that you have done, natural disasters are unpredictable, and even the best preparations may not hold up in the next flood.

The first step in moving on after a flood is getting rid of damaged or destroyed personal property that can’t or should not be saved. FEMA mitigation experts tell flood survivors to always throw out flood-dirtied cosmetics, medicines, stuffed animals, baby toys and food that may be spoiled. It’s also a good idea to get rid of mattresses, pillows, rugs, books and other paper products. Should you throw away this or that? Good advice from one FEMA mitigation specialist: If you have to ask, throw it away.

Next, dry out your house – lower the humidity. Open doors and windows to let fresh air circulate. Open closet and cabinet doors; remove drawers from their cabinets. Run dehumidifiers and fans. Give your housed plenty of time to dry. The rule of thumb is, if it takes one week for visible moisture to disappear, it will take at least another week for unseen parts to dry.

Alternatively, you may want to turn the job over to a flooding and storm damage professional. Go online to search “water damage restoration” or “dehumidifying.”

For more ideas on reducing flood loss, view FEMA’s booklet, “Protecting Your Home and Family From Flood Damage,” at https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/21471  .

Texas homeowners and renters who have registered for disaster assistance with FEMA are encouraged by recovery officials to “stay in touch.” Applicants changing their address or phone numbers should update that information with FEMA. Missing or erroneous information could result in delays getting a home inspection or in receiving assistance.

Survivors with questions regarding their application for disaster assistance, or a pending appeal, should visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.fema.gov/disaster/4245, Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem.                            

                                                   
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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).

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. 

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

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After the Flood: What Texans Need to Do to Prepare For the Next Disaster

Texas Receives Federal Funding for Repairs & Debris Removal Following the 2013 Floods

DENTON, Texas – More than $465,000 was recently awarded to the state of Texas from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for repairs to two lift stations; multiple sewer manhole covers; a city of Austin water supply pipe; and the removal of more than 40,000 cubic yards of debris in the aftermath of the 2013 Halloween flooding.

The damage from the flooding includes:

  • Multiple components inside the lift stations including motors, pumps, starter and control panels, a wet well and an electric generator;
  • 60 feet of a city of Austin water supply pipe, which was washed away; and
  • Six sewer manholes, as well as the structure surrounding the manholes.

The Public Assistance funding totaling $326,028 pays for the repair and replacement of the components inside the lift stations and the elevation of electrical panels. It also pays for the replacement of the washed away section of the water supply pipe; repairs to the manhole covers; and mitigation measures to protect the structures against future damage. The funding awarded represents a 75 percent federal cost share.

he Public Assistance funding for debris removal totaling $139,776 represents an 80 percent federal cost share. It was made possible by FEMA’s Debris Removal Pilot Program, which offers incentives on a sliding scale for the speedy removal of disaster-related debris. To date, FEMA has obligated more than $1 million for Austin’s debris removal after the 2013 floods.  

To learn more about FEMA’s Debris Removal Pilot Program visit https://www.fema.gov/alternative-procedures.  FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Texas; the state then forwards the grant to the eligible applicant.                                                            

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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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov
 

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Texas Receives Federal Funding for Repairs & Debris Removal Following the 2013 Floods

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Thunderstorms and lightning are in the forecast for much of New England this week. To be safe from dangerous lightning follow this simple rule: When thunder roars, go indoors.

Lightning kills an average of 55-60 people a year in the U.S. But 90 percent of those who are struck survive, often with permanent neurological disabilities. Eighty percent of lightning fatalities occur among men who were fishing, boating, golfing, biking, or working outdoors.

To be safe remember the 30/30 rule:  If you see lightning and cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Immediately move to safe shelter: a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay in the safe shelter at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.

Indoor Lightning Safety

  1. Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
  2. Stay away from plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets.
  3. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
  4. Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.

 Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips

  1. If you are in a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
  2. In an open area go to a low place such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods.
  3. On open water get to land and find shelter immediately.
  4. Never lie flat on the ground.
  5. Never shelter under an isolated tree.
  6. Get away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
  7. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)

To find out more and for resources to help teachers, communities, organizations and families stay safe from lightning dangers, go to www.ready.gov/thunderstorms-lightning or www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

 

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When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Protect Against Future Storm Damage

AURORA, Ill. – As thousands of structures in Illinois are being rebuilt or repaired due to damage from this spring’s severe weather, state and federal emergency management officials are urging homeowners and business owners to take steps that will minimize damage from future storms.

“We know that disasters of this kind will occur again, but Illinoisans do not need to continue experiencing the same losses,” said W. Michael Moore, the federal official in charge of disaster recovery. “In addition to gaining a safe, more damage-resistant home or business, strengthening a structure might someday save a life. It also could enhance a property’s value and save money by reducing insurance premiums.”

Illinoisans living in flood-prone houses are encouraged to raise electrical components as well as ventilating and cooling equipment above potential flood levels. Electrical system components, including fuse and breaker boxes, meters, switches, and outlets are easily damaged by floodwater. If inundated for even a short period, an electrician or the local municipal building department should be consulted.

“There is no better time to do this than when your home is being repaired and the disaster is fresh on your mind,” added Moore.

Rebuilding to make structure more disaster resistant is called hazard mitigation.

Homeowners and business owners should discuss with their contractors the following hazard mitigation measures:

  • Installation of appropriate roof bracing.
  • Installation of storm shutters.
  • Bolting walls to the foundation.
  • Installation of masonry ties, which help to secure brick walls to the wood structure.
  • Elevating basement furnaces.
  • Replacement of a weak garage door, which can create entry for wind that can easily lift an unstrapped roof.
  • Elevating the entire structure above potential flood levels.

Information on how to help protect your home is available free at any of the FEMA/state Disaster Recovery Centers, or at one of the Mitigation Outreach events at home improvement stores.

Individuals and families living in one of the designated counties for Individual Assistance may be eligible for help if the damage occurred between April 16 and May 5. They should register with FEMA to begin the process.

They can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. For more information visit the Illinois Disaster website www.fema.gov/disaster/4116.

The deadline to register for FEMA disaster assistance is Tuesday, July 9.

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 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: 571-408-1835

 

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Protect Against Future Storm Damage

Reminder: Disaster Recovery Center hours altered Saturday due to severe winter weather

NEW YORK – Because of a winter storm warning issued for the New York area, all Disaster Recovery Centers will remain closed Saturday, Feb. 9. The Federal Emergency Management Agency takes this action out of concern for the safety and well-being of Hurricane Sandy survivors who might be planning to visit a recovery center.

The FEMA Helpline will remain open for normal operations. Hurricane Sandy survivors who have questions can still call  800-621-3362 (7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services are available) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice. Disaster Recovery Centers will re-open at 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 11.

Residents or visitors should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings.

Now is the time to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods. More information on how to prepare for severe weather is available at www.Ready.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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Reminder: Disaster Recovery Center hours altered Saturday due to severe winter weather

FEMA Urges New England Residents to Prepare Now For Severe Winter Weather

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges citizens and visitors to the Northeast or New England states to prepare now for an intense and potentially dangerous winter storm forecast for the area.

FEMA’s partner, the National Weather Service, is warning of a major winter storm and blizzard for areas of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. Areas of Vermont and Maine are also under winter storm warnings.

Blizzard conditions are extremely hazardous for travel and include sustained winds or frequent wind gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater, reduced visibility, and considerable snowfall and blowing snow. This snow will be wet and heavy and could lead to downed trees and power lines. Accompanying winds with this storm will be from the Northeast at 40-50 mph for many areas, with a potential for wind gusts up to 75 mph on Cape Cod and the offshore islands. Coastal flooding is possible along the Maine and Massachusetts coastlines and beach erosion is anticipated across the entire region.

Residents or visitors to these areas should follow guidance issued by emergency officials and check with their local weather forecast office or www.weather.gov for the latest information, including additional watches and warnings. Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are currently being sent directly to many cell phones on participating wireless carrier networks. These alerts are sent by public safety officials such as the National Weather Service and are designed to get your attention and provide brief, critical instructions to warn about imminent threats like severe weather. More information on WEAs is available at www.Ready.gov.

Now is the time for residents and visitors to the area to prepare for intense cold, limited travel options, and the possible loss of electrical power. Prepare an emergency kit for your home and car with supplies such as a NOAA weather radio, plenty of clean water, and non-perishable foods.  

Special items such as adequate clothing, warm boots and blankets to keep you warm, snow shovels and snow removal equipment, rock salt, flares, a cell phone charger, and a sleeping bag can save your life if you become stranded on the roads during a winter storm. Learn which items to include in an emergency kit at www.Ready.gov/build-a-kit.

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 Urges New England Residents to Prepare Now For Severe Winter Weather