National Flood Insurance Program Probation for Bowers, DE

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Town of Bowers, DE, is scheduled to be placed on probationary status with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) on November 21, 2013, unless the Town remedies all of the identified corrective actions prior to that date.  The NFIP is a federally backed program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The program provides flood insurance coverage to residents of communities that agree to participate by adopting and enforcing adequate floodplain management ordinances and practices.

After working with the Town for three years to obtain compliance with the minimum requirements of the program, FEMA sent notification to Town officials that unless the identified remedial measures are taken, the Community will be placed on probation for floodplain management violations and program deficiencies.

The deficiencies cited in the Town of Bowers notifications include failure to manage floodplain development in accordance with the Town’s floodplain program, and failure to obtain and maintain compliance documentation for all floodplain development.  Direct violations of the community’s flood damage prevention ordinance include failure to implement enforcement procedures to mitigate all suspected or known violations.  Due to these identified deficiencies, FEMA is required to initiate the probation process pursuant to Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations §59.24.

These program deficiencies came to light after a Community Assistance Visit (CAV) on March 25, 2010.  A CAV is a dual purpose meeting where a community is able to receive technical assistance related to the NFIP, and FEMA is able to assess the community’s enforcement of its floodplain management regulations.  Since the 2010 CAV, FEMA has provided technical assistance on numerous occasions to the Town of Bowers regarding the floodplain management violations and program deficiencies.

Property owners will still be able to purchase and renew flood insurance coverage during the probationary period, but a $50 surcharge will be added to any policy sold or renewed in the community for the next year beginning on November 21, 2013.  There are currently 123 flood insurance policies in the Town.

If the Town fails to make adequate progress during the first six months of the NFIP probation, or by May 21, 2014, the Town could be suspended from the program.  The result of suspension is the loss of federally-backed flood insurance in the community, meaning that residents will not be able to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies after the suspension occurs. 

Additionally, if a flood disaster occurs in a suspended community, most types of federal disaster assistance for structures within the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), including federal assistance to individuals and households is not available.  Furthermore, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 prohibits federal agencies from making grants, loans, or guarantees for the acquisition or construction of structures located in a SFHA.

FEMA remains committed to working with the officials of Bowers to help the Town achieve a good standing in the NFIP.

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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

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National Flood Insurance Program Probation for Bowers, DE

FEMA Lends A Hand To Vermonters During National Food Drive

WILLISTON, Vt. – As the Federal Emergency Management Agency marks more than two years in Vermont assisting disaster survivors, its staff are working to help fight hunger in the state as well.

 

The fifth annual Feds Feed Families campaign is a national project of federal employees who help collect food and non-perishable items for those in need, and this year FEMA employees in Vermont are helping to replenish the shelves of the Vermont Foodbank.

 

“FEMA has had a presence in Vermont since the spring 2011 floods,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Mark Landry, the head of FEMA’s Vermont operations. “Through Irene, and now through this summer’s flooding we have been working to assist Vermonters. Donating food through the Feds Feed Families effort is a natural extension of that work.”

 

So far, employees at FEMA’s Joint Field Office in Williston have contributed 530 pounds of food and non-perishable items to the Vermont Foodbank as part of Feds Feed Families.

 

The United State Department of Agriculture is leading this year’s Feds Feed Families campaign, which officially began on June 1 and will run through August 28, 2013.

 

All federal agencies, including field components, are asked to participate in the campaign. The field agencies typically share their collections with local food banks.

 

Since 2009, federal workers have donated and collected 15.2 million pounds of food and other non-perishable items to support families across America.

 

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders and 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 Lends A Hand To Vermonters During National Food Drive

Federal Disaster Aid for Illinois Public Assistance at $1.5 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Federal assistance continues to flow to Illinois as the state recovers from storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5. About $1.5 million has now been obligated to help state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations recover.

 

This federal assistance will reimburse for debris removal, and materials—including gravel and sandbags—equipment, and overtime used in responding to the spring’s severe weather event.

FEMA’s Public Assistance is a reimbursement program that helps communities deal with the financial burdens imposed by a disaster. Federal reimbursement is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration.  Thus far, more than 631 requests for Public Assistance have been submitted.

Counties designated for public assistance are: Adams, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Crawford, DuPage, Fulton, Green, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Kendall, Knox, Lake, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Stark, Tazewell, Warren, Will, and Woodford.

 

Registration has ended for FEMA Individual Assistance with 97, 286 registrations. To date, $155 million has been disbursed to individuals and families for their recovery. The Small Business Administration has approved $62.9 in disaster loans.

 

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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Federal Disaster Aid for Illinois Public Assistance at $1.5 Million

Kansas Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damaged Homes and Businesses

Kansas City, Mo – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM) offers safety tips to residents returning to check on flood damaged property and encourages them to file flood insurance claims.

Potential health/safety hazards after a disaster include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to power homes or clean-up equipment; electrocution from stepping into water charged by live electric wires; infections to cuts or scrapes that come into contact with surfaces contaminated by floodwater; chemical hazards from spills or storage tank breaks, respiratory and heat-related illnesses; and the worsening of chronic illness from overexertion.

For some, flooding continues to be a concern, if a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. If in your vehicle, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies (see below).

BEWARE OF Hazards

  • First, check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
  • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.

File your Flood Insurance Claim

  • Call your insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached.
  • Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • List damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, supply receipts for those lost items to the adjuster. Officials may require disposal of damaged items. If so, try to keep a swatch or other sample of the items for the adjuster.

Clean Up

  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with non-ammonia detergents, soap, or commercial cleaner and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
  • Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. An air conditioner can also be used to start the drying-out process.
  • Help damaged walls dry out. If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard. Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
  • Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Flooding Resources for Kansans include:

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Contact your local building inspections or planning office or county clerk’s office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure. If you can’t find a local contact, call your state NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at www.floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.

BE FLOODSMART: More severe weather could be on the way, so prepare today!

  • Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater. Most deaths in floods occur when people try to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.

To file a flood insurance claim or learn more about purchasing flood insurance to protect your property, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419.

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Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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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Kansas Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damaged Homes and Businesses

Missouri Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damanged Homes and Businesses

Kansas City, Mo –The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers safety tips to residents returning to check on flood damaged property and encourages them to file flood insurance claims.

Potential health/safety hazards after a disaster include carbon monoxide poisoning from generators used to power homes or clean-up equipment; electrocution from stepping into water charged by live electric wires; infections to cuts or scrapes that come into contact with surfaces contaminated by floodwater; chemical hazards from spills or storage tank breaks, respiratory and heat-related illnesses; and the worsening of chronic illness from overexertion.

For some, flooding continues to be a concern, if a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. If in your vehicle, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies (see below).

BEWARE OF Hazards

  • First, check for damage. Check for structural damage before re-entering your home. Contact professionals immediately if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric or sewer lines.
  • Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Boil water until authorities declare the water supply safe to drink.

File your Flood Insurance Claim

  • Call your insurance agent who handles your flood insurance to file a claim. Have the following information with you when you place your call: (1) the name of your insurance company (your agent may write policies for more than one company); (2) your policy number; and (3) a telephone number/e-mail address where you can be reached. 
  • Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. If necessary, place these items outside the home. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (e.g., cut swatches from carpeting) to prepare your repair estimate.
  • List damaged or lost items and include their age and value where possible. If possible, supply receipts for those lost items to the adjuster. Officials may require disposal of damaged items. If so, try to keep a swatch or other sample of the items for the adjuster.

 Clean Up

  • Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold. Wet carpeting, furniture, bedding and other items holding moisture can develop mold within 24 to 48 hours. During the first 48 hours, you can help control mold growth by cleaning with non-ammonia detergents, soap, or commercial cleaner and disinfecting with a 10 percent bleach solution (1-1/2 cups of bleach in a gallon of water). Then dry and monitor for several days. If any mold develops, throw the item away.
  • Thoroughly dry out the building’s interior. Portable dehumidifiers are useful, and rental costs may be covered under your flood policy. An air conditioner can also be used to start the drying-out process.
  • Help damaged walls dry out. If the walls are damaged, take photographs of the baseboard. Then remove the baseboard.  Knock small holes at floor level in the drywall, between the wall studs. This will let moisture trapped behind the drywall seep out.
  • Have your furnace checked for damage. Your water heater may work, but if the floodwater covered part of, or the entire tank, the insulation between the walls may be damaged. Obtain an estimate to replace the damaged furnace and water heater.

Flooding Resources for Missourians include:

  • http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_after.shtm – is a link to FEMA-recommended steps that should be taken immediately after a flood.
  • http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.asp#cleanup – is a site maintained by the Center for Disease Control with helpful information on health/safety concerns that can result following a flood.
  • http://www.211helps.org/ – United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies. Information about local services, by zip code, is available online. Where 2-1-1 phone service is not available, dial 1-800-427-4626, or TTY 866-385-6525.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  • Contact your local building inspections or planning office or county clerk’s office to get more information on local building requirements before repairing your structure. If you can’t find a local contact, call your state NFIP coordinator. Contact information can be found at www.floods.org/statepocs/stcoor.asp.

BE FLOODSMART: More severe weather could be on the way, so prepare today!

  • Stay informed. Monitor local weather forecasts, watches, and warnings.
  • Don’t drive through floodwater. Most deaths in floods occur when people try to drive through flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
  • Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.

To file a flood insurance claim or learn more about purchasing flood insurance to protect your property, visit FloodSmart.gov, or call 1-800-427-2419. 

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Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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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Missouri Residents Urged to Use Caution When Returning to Flood Damanged Homes and Businesses

Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $151 Million

AURORA, Ill. – Registration with FEMA has ended for individuals and households but federal assistance continues to flow to Illinois as the state recovers from storms and flooding that occurred April 16 through May 5. More than $151 million has now been distributed among more than 61,000 individuals and households.

The latest summary of federal assistance includes:

  • More than $151 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households;
  • Of that amount, more than $130 million has been approved for housing assistance, including temporary rental assistance and home repair costs;
  • More than $21 million has been approved to cover other essential disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses and damaged personal possessions;
  • More than 90,000 home inspections have been completed to confirm disaster damage;
  • More than $59 million in loans to homeowners, renters or business owners has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Registration for disaster assistance for individuals and families of 35 counties affected by the disaster ended yesterday, Aug. 8.

Officials ask applicants to stay in touch with FEMA to track a claim or to keep contact information up to date. To ask questions about your claim, or to update contact information, call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Residents can also check online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 800-621–3362. All phone lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 at the Helpline if in need of assistance in other languages. 

In addition to assisting individuals and families, FEMA is helping state, local governments, and certain types of private nonprofit organizations recover from the flooding event. This arm of FEMA assistance, Public Assistance (PA), is a reimbursement program that helps communities deal with the financial burdens imposed by a disaster. The federal share of PA is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration.  Thus far, more than 620 requests for Public Assistance have been submitted.

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.twitter.com/femaregion5, 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.  

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Media Contact: 571-408-1835

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Federal Disaster Aid to Illinois Residents Tops $151 Million

President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Wisconsin to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides during the period of June 20-28, 2013.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, flooding, and mudslides in Ashland, Bayfield, Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Richland, St. Croix, and Vernon counties and the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in Bayfield County.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Warren J. Riley has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Riley said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Follow FEMA online at 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. 

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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President Declares Disaster for Wisconsin

Federal Dollars At Work: Fema Is Helping To Restore New Jersey

LINCROFT, N.J. — When Superstorm Sandy barreled through New Jersey last October, she left behind the kind of wreckage often dreamed up by Hollywood for big-screen disaster films.

The largest tropical storm ever to form in the mid-Atlantic basin tore up utility lines, flooded sewage treatment facilities, disrupted transportation links, downed trees, washed out roads and bridges and pushed hundreds of shorefront homes into the ocean.

Wide swaths of the state were without power for weeks. Traffic signals were down. Phone lines were out. Train, bus and ferry services were out of commission.

Recovery efforts began immediately, and nine months later, the work of rebuilding and restoring is still under way.

In dozens of New Jersey communities, dredges, cranes, utility trucks and construction crews are now familiar parts of the landscape.

And as the recovery progresses, the costs mount. 

A disaster of this magnitude could potentially bankrupt the budgets of many of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities and result in unprecedented tax increases for property owners.

But thanks to the support of the state and federal government, New Jersey taxpayers don’t have to bear the enormous costs of this catastrophe alone.

As authorized under the Stafford Act, when a major disaster such as Superstorm Sandy occurs anywhere in the United States, the governor of an impacted state may determine that the nature and extent of the emergency exceeds the state’s ability to respond effectively and ask the president to declare a disaster.

A governor’s request is relayed to the president through the regional office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the governor has established that the state has taken appropriate action under state law and has executed its emergency plan.

The provisions of the Stafford Act also apply to the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and tribal nations.

Once a governor makes a request for federal assistance, state and federal officials conduct a Preliminary Damage Assessment to estimate the extent of the disaster and its impact on individuals and public facilities.

Once made, that declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, to mobilize its resources to assist the state in recovery.

FEMA assistance is tailored to the character of the disaster. Assistance may include outreach to individuals and families through FEMA’s Housing and Other Needs program, and Public Assistance, which provides supplemental Federal disaster grants for distribution by the state to eligible applicants such as local governments and certain private nonprofits.

These grants can be applied to the cost of disaster-related debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair, replacement, or restoration of publicly-owned facilities as well as those of eligible nonprofits such as medical, educational, utility, emergency and custodial care agencies.

The Public Assistance Program also provides grant assistance to eligible applicants for hazard mitigation measures designed to reduce the risk of damage in a future disaster.

The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost for emergency measures and permanent restoration. When the cost of disaster recovery exceeds a certain amount, as it has in New Jersey following Superstorm Sandy, the federal government may increase the federal cost-share to 90 percent.

FEMA awards its grants to the state of New Jersey, which distributes federal eligible funding to the applicants. FEMA provides 90 percent of the cost of eligible projects. The remaining 10 percent of eligible costs is borne by state and local government.

To date, nearly $800 million in federal grants has been disbursed by FEMA’s Public Assistance division to pay for the cost of emergency response, debris removal, dredging, replenishment of engineered beaches eroded by Sandy, reconstruction of public boardwalks and streets, restoration of sewage treatment facilities and rebuilding of taxpayer-supported infrastructure.

Among the projects presently under way is the replacement of the Belmar boardwalk, which is funded by a $9.2 million FEMA grant, $26.1 million to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for the repair of one of the largest wastewater treatment facilities in the nation, $17.3 million for the reconstruction of the Atlantic Highlands Marina and $2.2 million for costs involved in the restoration of sand and dune grass on Strathmere Beach in Upper Township.

So while the name “FEMA” doesn’t appear on construction vehicles or worksites, FEMA dollars are hard at work in New Jersey, supporting the state in their mission to rebuild and restore the quality of life that makes New Jersey and the Jersey Shore the place that more than 8.8 million people choose to call home.

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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Federal Dollars At Work: Fema Is Helping To Restore New Jersey

Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With several areas throughout Kansas and Missouri experiencing bouts of late-summer flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is urging residents to stay informed about the potential hazards of flooding.

Floods, especially flash floods, kill more people each year than any other weather phenomenon. This recent spate of severe weather-related events across the Midwestern states serves as a pointed reminder just how dangerous floods can be and how important it is to stay abreast of weather warnings, understand flood terms, and take action by monitoring, listening, preparing and acting accordingly.

Beth Freeman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region VII urges residents to be constantly aware of their environment and any potential for flooding. “There’s no doubt that when people are aware of the dangers and power of flooding, they can take measures to lessen the exposure to danger for themselves and family members,” Freeman said. “When you’re driving and you see the road ahead is flooded, be safe. It’s best to ‘turn around, don’t drown.’ FEMA is monitoring the situation and is on standby to help states if assistance is requested.”

While floods are the most common hazard in the United States, not all floods are alike. Floods typically occur when too much rain falls or snow melts too quickly. While some floods develop slowly, flash floods develop suddenly. 

One of the most dangerous elements of a flood is floodwaters covering roadways, and motorists are urged to never attempt driving through them.  About 60 percent of all flood deaths result from people trying to cross flooded roads in vehicles when the moving water sweeps them away.

While flood risks can indeed be a formidable threat, there are simple steps citizens can take today to reduce their risk to all types of floods. 

If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to your radio or television for information.
  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood that could affect you, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
  • Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should:

  • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
  • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Unplug electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Take essential documents (http://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family)

If you must leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk in areas where the water is not moving. Use a pole or stick to make sure the ground continues in front of you.
  • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and your vehicle can be quickly swept away.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
  • A foot of water will float many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.

Additional tips to consider:

  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a helpful resource before, during and after disasters. Keeping this number and an up-to-date family communication plan handy is a must-do when preparing for emergencies.
  • Keep emergency supplies on hand, such as non-perishable food, medicine, maps, a flashlight and first-aid kit.
  • Use extreme caution when returning to flood damaged homes or businesses.

Become familiar with the terms that are used to identify flooding hazards:

  • Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  • Flash Flood Watch: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
  • Flash Flood Warning: Rapid rises on streams and rivers are occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

The National Weather Service is the official source for weather watches and warnings.

For more information on flood safety tips and information, visit www.ready.gov/floods or the Spanish-language web site www.listo.gov.

For information on how to obtain a flood insurance policy, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

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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Midwestern Residents Urged to be Aware of Flood Dangers

California To Receive FEMA Funding For The Falls Fire In Riverside County

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 California combat the Falls Fire currently burning in Riverside County.

On August 5, 2013, the state of California submitted a request for a fire management assistance declaration for the Falls Fire. The authorization of that request makes FEMA funding available to reimburse 75 percent of the eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 1,050 primary residence homes in and around the City of Lake Elsinore, the community of Lakeland Village, and the gated community of Rancho Capistrano.  The State of California has further reported that the fire at one point burned in excess of 1,200 acres of federal, state and private land.

The President’s Disaster Relief Fund provides funding for federal fire management grants made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible costs covered by the grant can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and demobilization activities.

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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California To Receive FEMA Funding For The Falls Fire In Riverside County

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