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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Release Date: May 24, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-094

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana 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 East Baton Rouge Parish flood maps which cover portions of Zachary, Central City and the unified city and parish of East Baton Rouge 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 the Parish Government Office.

To see changes since the last FIRM visit maps.riskmap6.com/LA/EastBatonRouge/
To use the live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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: Thursday, 24-May-2012 08:51:26

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps are Effective in Cameron Parish, Louisiana

Release Date: May 23, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-093

DENTON, Texas – In six months, on Nov. 16, new flood maps for Cameron Parish will become effective. Before the maps are final, state, local and federal officials are encouraging everyone to view the maps to understand their flood risk and consider purchasing flood insurance.

Most property insurance policies do not cover the effects of a flood. Floods can place people at risk of uninsured loss to their businesses, homes and personal property if they don’t have either a private flood insurance policy or coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a voluntary protection program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the United States and only flood insurance covers these unexpected, damaging and sometimes fatal events. “Where there is rain, there could be flooding,” said FEMA Region 6 Acting Administrator Tony Robinson. “Everyone lives in a flood zone.”

To learn if your community participates in the NFIP and to review the new flood maps, please contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) who is located at the local Police Jury Office.

FEMA Map specialists and Flood Insurance experts also are available to answer questions. They can be reached by phone and online chat:

To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com
To use the live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
For more information on estimated rates for flood insurance, flood facts and to locate an agent in your area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.

FEMA encourages communities not currently participating in the NFIP to look at the benefits of joining the program. Participation in the NFIP can assure a faster recovery in the event of a devastating flood.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 23-May-2012 16:50:39

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Six Months Remain Before Flood Maps are Effective in Cameron Parish, Louisiana

New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Tom Green County, Texas

Release Date: May 17, 2012
Release Number: R6-12-090

» 2012 Region VI News Releases

DENTON, Texas — Tom Green County, Texas 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 Tom Green 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.

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 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.

To use the live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

Last Modified: Thursday, 17-May-2012 11:49:00

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks in Tom Green County, Texas

Town of Aldora Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

Town of Aldora, Ga. joins National Flood Insurance Program

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-015

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — The town of Aldora in Lamar County, Ga. is now a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means those living and working in the town can purchase federally-underwritten flood insurance.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. Standard homeowner’s, business owner’s, and renter’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so a separate flood insurance policy can provide property owners with financial protection against the devastating effects of flooding.

On May 10, 2012, Aldora joined the program and is now among nearly 21,000 communities participating in the NFIP nationwide. The NFIP does more than make flood insurance available; it also supports local communities in their efforts to reduce the risk and consequences of serious flooding. In order to participate in the program, a community must agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management regulations and ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange for these practices, flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities.

Even if you don’t live in an area at high-risk of flooding, you should still consider flood insurance because anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. People outside of high-risk areas file more than 20 percent of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.

The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency which works with nearly 90 private insurance companies to provide affordable flood insurance to property owners and renters in NFIP-participating communities. Flood insurance policies may be written by state-licensed property and casualty insurance agents.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 17:21:56

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Town of Aldora Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

Town of Denton Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

Town of Denton, N.C. joins National Flood Insurance Program

Release Date: May 16, 2012
Release Number: R4-12-016

» 2012 Region IV News Releases

ATLANTA, Ga. — The town of Denton in Davidson County, N.C. is now a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means those living and working in the town can purchase federally-underwritten flood insurance.

On May 10, 2012, Denton joined the program and is now among nearly 21,000 communities participating in the NFIP nationwide. The NFIP does more than make flood insurance available; it also supports local communities in their efforts to reduce the risk and consequences of serious flooding. In order to participate in the program, a community must agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management regulations and ordinances to reduce future flood damage. In exchange for these practices, flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners and renters in participating communities.

For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-May-2012 17:21:29

Original article:

Town of Denton Makes Flood Insurance Available to Its Residents and Property Owners

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.

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.

To see changes since the last FIRM, visit http://maps.riskmap6.com/AR/Lincoln
To use the live chat service, visit go.usa.gov/r6C. Click on the “Live Chat” icon.
To contact a FEMA Map Specialist, call 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or send an email to FEMAMapSpecialist@riskmapcds.com.

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

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New Flood Maps Show Current Risks In Lincoln County, Arkansas

May is Building Safety Month

Release Date: May 3, 2012
Release Number: R10-12-012

» 2012 Region X News Releases

SEATTLE, Wash. — When you enter a house or building, most likely you assume it is safe and was properly constructed in accordance with building codes. Fortunately, your local safety experts work hard to assure building safety and fire prevention every day. To help raise awareness of building safety, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)proudly celebrates Building Safety Month this May.

Building Safety Month is a month-long celebration of all aspects of building safety to help families, employers, and leaders understand and appreciate the best practices that keep the places where we live, work and play safe. The campaign is presented by the International Code Council and its 50,000 members worldwide, along with a diverse partnership of professionals from the building construction, design and safety community.

“Building codes are meant to protect us,” says FEMA Region 10 Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. “The more people understand and respect building codes, the better we will build and the safer our communities will be.”

In order for residents of a community to qualify for flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the community needs to maintain a minimal level of building code protection and floodplain management. If a community enforces even higher standards, they can participate in the Community Rating System (CRS) program. The CRS provides a reduction in flood insurance premium rates for property owners in communities that implement activities above and beyond the basic requirements of the NFIP. These reduced rates reflect the reduced flood risk.

Countless accidents occur in homes across the U.S. and globally where building codes are poorly understood or used improperly. Building Safety Month is an effort to help bridge these gaps and provide a broader platform to share the sphere of knowledge among architects, engineers and skilled industry veterans so that families, businesses and communities can be safe, strong and sustainable.

Last Modified: Monday, 07-May-2012 14:26:40

Original source –

May is Building Safety Month

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.

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

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

Being Alert to Fraud Helps Kentucky Recovery and All Taxpayers

Release Date: April 24, 2012
Release Number: 4057-063

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — While most people registering for help have genuine needs, the rush to get millions in disaster assistance to those affected by disasters such as the Feb. 29 – March 3 storms and tornadoes, sadly presents opportunities to defraud taxpayers.

Most cases in which possible fraud is detected are not deliberate attempts to defraud the federal government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends applicants receiving grant money keep receipts to show how funds were used.

If fraud does occur during disaster recovery, FEMA has a responsibility to take action. Fraudulent claims increase the cost of recovery, because those without disaster-related losses receive money for which they are not eligible, according to emergency management officials.

People who intentionally try to defraud the government are taking money from all of us – taxpayer money authorized for disaster relief by the president and Congress. FEMA is charged with ensuring disaster relief dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This can include prosecuting anyone making a fraudulent claim.

FEMA’s Inspector General investigates complaints of fraud, waste or abuse involving FEMA contracts, programs or personnel. It maintains a toll-free Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

Potential cases of fraud or misuse can be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for prosecution. Penalties for felony offenses can be severe.

These are some examples of complaints that typically are filed with the FEMA Office of the Inspector General:

Applicants used false names and multiple and/or fictitious addresses;
Applicants claimed losses they didn’t sustain or to which they were not entitled;
Applicants did not use FEMA money for the intended purposes;
Municipal officials used FEMA money for their own benefit;
FEMA checks were stolen; and
Applicants received duplicate payments from FEMA and their insurance companies.

Complaints also can be filed by writing to:

National Center for Disaster Fraud
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909

Last Modified: Wednesday, 25-Apr-2012 13:14:10

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Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA

Release Date: April 20, 2012
Release Number: 4057-060

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Survivors of the severe storms and tornadoes of Feb. 29 through March 3 have only two weeks remaining to register with The Federal Emergency Management Agency for federal disaster assistance. The final day to register is May 7.

Disaster officials urge everyone who suffered damage or losses from the storms to register for assistance with FEMA, including those who may have had insurance to cover some of their losses. Insurance may not cover all losses.

The May 7 deadline also is the same for those submitting disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are available to homeowners and renters as well as to private nonprofit organizations and businesses of all sizes.

Completion of the SBA loan application does not obligate an applicant to take out a loan, but the information in the application may be used to determine qualification for further federal assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in the following 21 Kentucky counties may be eligible: Bath, Campbell, Carroll, Grant, Grayson, Johnson, Kenton, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, Russell, Trimble and Wolfe.

Register with FEMA online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). Callers with speech or hearing disabilities can use TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in several languages. Smartphone or tablet users can go to m.fema.gov to register.

People who have already registered can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if they have questions or additional information to provide.
Prior to calling or registering online, residents should have:

The address of the affected property
A brief description of the damages
A current address where they receive mail
Social Security number
Insurance information including policy numbers
A phone number and an alternate phone number

Applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for these items.

The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending an e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by going online at sba.gov. Loan applications can be made online at SBA’s secure website: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. An SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) is open to assist SBA loan applicants. The center is located in West Liberty in Johnson County at the Kentucky Housing Cooperative Building until April 27.

Last Modified: Monday, 23-Apr-2012 13:19:12

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Kentuckians Have Just Two Weeks Left To Register With FEMA

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