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Severe Weather Safety: What You Need to Know

CHICAGO – Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere.

Spring flooding is common throughout Minnesota—whether along the Red River, Mississippi, or another one of the state’s many bodies of water. In addition, communities in Minnesota regularly face severe storms and tornadoes that leave behind costly damages for residents to recover from. Everyone should be ready for these risks.

March 2 – 8, 2014 marks the third annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week – a partnership between FEMA and NOAA to encourage all Americans to learn their weather risks and take steps to prepare.

The first step is to know your risk – understand the types of hazardous weather that can affect your community, and the impact it may have on you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Consider purchasing a NOAA weather radio to get the latest updates on severe weather in your area.

Understand the hazards for which you are at risk and then take action: Develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter before a severe weather event. Post your plan in your home where family and visitors can see it. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication—make sure to keep a kit in your car, at the office and at home, so you are protected regardless of where you may be. For a list of items to include in your emergency kit, visit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

Don’t forget to consider pets when making emergency plans, and also take into account any unique needs you or your family might have so you’re best prepared for unforeseen emergencies.

It is also important to take the time to assure you’re fully insured. Remember, homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, and there is a 30-day waiting period before a flood policy becomes effective. Contact your insurance agent to review your insurance coverage so your home is financially protected.

“Over the past several years, Minnesota has been significantly impacted by costly flooding and dangerous tornadoes,” said FEMA Region V Administrator Andrew Velasquez III. “Taking steps now to prepare will ensure you are ready if severe weather threatens your area this year.”

For even more readiness information follow FEMA Region V at twitter.com/femaregion5 and facebook.com/fema. Individuals can always find valuable severe weather preparedness information at www.ready.gov/severe-weather or download the free FEMA app, available for Android, Apple or Blackberry devices.

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

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

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Severe Weather Safety: What You Need to Know

FEMA, NOAA To Launch Third National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

LINCROFT, N.J. — The third annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, will be held March 2-8, 2014.

This year’s theme is “Be a Force of Nature: Take the Next Step.” The nationwide effort is designed to increase awareness of severe weather and encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to know their risk, prepare ahead of an event, and be an example to others wherever they may be.

Every year, people are injured or killed due to natural disasters. There were seven weather and climate disasters in the United States in 2013 that had losses of more than $1 billion. Overall, 109 people were killed in these events, which included five severe weather and tornado events, a major flood, and the drought/heat wave in the western United States.

A family emergency plan lays the groundwork for you and your family to protect itself if a disaster strikes without warning. Collect information from FEMA and your local emergency management offices and gather your family members to create your plan. After the plan is in place, you and your family should exchange contact information and make sure that it remains current. Putting together a disaster supply kit also is essential to making sure that your family has the provisions needed for each individual. Some kits may need additional items if there are seniors or infants in the house or those with access and functional needs.

The “Take the Next Step” theme has two focuses. The first is getting people to be proactive and understand their risks so they can be prepared to take the appropriate action before, during and after severe weather events. The second is to improve the way people respond to severe weather threats. NOAA service assessments and social science studies have shown that people are more likely to take preparedness measures and actions for an event if they have observed others take similar actions.

To that end, NOAA suggests that everyone not only be prepared but inspire others to do the same. NOAA’s “Be a Force of Nature” toolkit offers a variety of ways you can help spread the word among your friends and neighbors to always be prepared for severe weather. Visit ready.gov/severe-weather or noaa.gov/wrn to learn more about severe weather and to be better prepared.

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

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.

Original source –

FEMA, NOAA To Launch Third National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

Review and Update Your Insurance Policies In New Year

LINCROFT, N.J. — With a new year upon us, now is an ideal time for people to review their insurance policies. Understanding the details of what specific policies cover and what the policyholder is responsible for after a disaster is important as both clients’ needs and insurance companies’ rules change.

Insurers’ decisions and legislative changes have the biggest effect on changes in policies. Consumers should make themselves aware of possible changes in these areas and know what to look for while reviewing their policies.

What’s Covered

The first check is the most obvious: the actual coverage. Policyholders should look at the specifics of which property is covered and the type of damage that is covered. Property owners should know that floods are not covered by standard insurance policies and that separate flood insurance is available. Flood insurance is required for homes and buildings located in federally designated high risk areas with federally backed mortgages, referred to as Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Residents of communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are automatically eligible to buy flood insurance. According to www.floodsmart.gov, mortgage lenders can also require property owners in moderate to low-risk areas to purchase flood insurance.

There are two types of flood insurance coverage: Building Property and Personal Property. Building Property covers the structure, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems. Personal Property, which is purchased separately, covers furniture, portable kitchen appliances, food freezers, laundry equipment, and service vehicles such as tractors.

What’s Not Covered

Policy exclusions describe coverage limits or how coverage can be purchased separately, if possible. Property owners should know that not only is flood insurance separate from property (homeowners) insurance, but that standard policies may not cover personal items damaged by flooding. In these cases, additional contents insurance can be purchased as an add-on at an additional cost. Some policies may include coverage, but set coverage limits that will pay only a percentage of the entire loss or a specific dollar amount.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Standard Flood Insurance Program (SFIP) “only covers direct physical loss to structures by flooding,” FEMA officials said. The SFIP has very specific definitions of what a flood is and what it considers flood damage. “Earth movement” caused by flooding, such as a landslide, sinkholes and destabilization of land, is not covered by SFIP.

Structures that are elevated must be built up to Base Flood Elevation (BFE) standards as determined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). There may be coverage limitations regarding personal property in areas below the lowest elevated floor of an elevated building.

Cost Impact of Biggert-Waters

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 extends and reforms the NFIP for five years by adjusting rate subsidies and premium rates. Approximately 20 percent of NFIP policies pay subsidized premiums, and the 5 percent of those policyholders with subsidized policies for non-primary residences and businesses will see a 25 percent annual increase immediately. A Reserve Fund assessment charge will be added to the 80 percent of policies that pay full-risk premiums. Un-elevated properties constructed in a SFHA before a community adopted its initial FIRMs will be affected most by rate changes. Congress is still debating the implementation of Biggert-Waters.

Other Conditions

The General Conditions section informs the consumer and the insurer of their responsibilities, including fraud, policy cancellation, subrogation (in this case, the insurer’s right to claim damages caused by a third party) and payment plans. Policies also have a section that offers guidance on the steps to take when damage or loss occurs. It includes notifying the insurer as soon as practically possible, notifying the police (if appropriate or necessary) and taking steps to protect property from further damage.

“FEMA’s top priority is to provide assistance to those in need as quickly as possible, while also meeting our requirements under the law,” FEMA press secretary Dan Watson said. “To do this, FEMA works with its private sector, write-your-own insurance (WYO) company partners who sell flood insurance under their own names and are responsible for the adjustment of their policy holders’ claims.”

Policyholders should speak with their insurance agent or representative if they have any questions about coverage. For further assistance with Sandy-related flood insurance cases in New Jersey and New York, call the NFIP hotline at 1-877-287-9804. Comprehensive information about NFIP, Biggert-Waters and flood insurance in general can be found at www.floodsmart.gov.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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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Review and Update Your Insurance Policies In New Year

FEMA and Partners Exercising Earthquake Scenarios

BOTHELL, Wash. – Why is there so much activity right now at the FEMA Region 10 office in Bothell?

Partners from the American Red Cross to the Bonneville Power Administration to the U.S. Army, and many others, are joining FEMA for what is known as a table-top exercise, planning for a larger full-scale exercise in March.

A table-top is an exercise in which field and logistics movements are “simulated” – not actually performed – while planning and decision-making proceed as if they are. A similar scenario will play out in late March when many of the same partners participate in a full-scale exercise with real field and logistical activity.

The table-top brings more than 100 people to the Region 10 Response Coordination Center in Bothell through Thursday.

The scenario involves a magnitude 9.2 earthquake and resulting tsunami. Such a quake would be the second strongest in known history, and the largest in known U.S. history. In fact, that largest-ever U.S. quake inspired the scenario; the upcoming full-scale “Alaska Shield” exercise coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964.

The scenario projects the loss of hundreds of lives. Also, it has thousands displaced in an Alaska winter with no power or heat and possibly tens of thousands of buildings damaged. Other problems would include loss of communications and how to moving relief commodities to survivors despite destroyed roads and bridges.

Region 10 Administrator Ken Murphy said of the table-top, “This exercise is important for all of us to work with all of our partners leading up to Alaska Shield, and to make sure that all of our systems are working together smoothly and seamlessly.”

FEMA regularly tests procedures and practices in this way, together with local, state, tribes, and other federal agencies.

Follow the Alaska Shield Exercise at #Akshield and FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion10, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

News Desk: 425-487-4610

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FEMA and Partners Exercising Earthquake Scenarios

Tornado Survivors Have Until Jan. 25 to Visit East Peoria Disaster Recovery Center: FEMA Helpline remains available seven days a week to assist…

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois tornado survivors have until 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, to visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Festival of Lights Building on East Washington Street in East Peoria.

After that date, survivors of the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes can still get help by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362). Survivors who use TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Survivors can also call the helpline to register with FEMA before the Jan. 27 registration deadline. Other ways to register include online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by downloading the FEMA app or going to m.FEMA.gov. Survivors must register before the deadline to be eligible for possible grants and SBA low-interest disaster loans for temporary rental assistance, home repair and rebuilding, replacement of lost personal items, and other disaster-related expenses. Assistance will continue after Jan. 27, but applicants must register by that date to be considered.

Applicants should contact FEMA by calling the helpline if they have any questions or if they change their mailing address, phone number or email address, receive an insurance settlement or discover additional damage.

East Peoria Recovery Center Closes for MLK Day

The center will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It will reopen at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. 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. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Tornado Survivors Have Until Jan. 25 to Visit East Peoria Disaster Recovery Center: FEMA Helpline remains available seven days a week to assist…

Many Good Reasons to Apply to SBA

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nov. 17 tornado survivors who fail to return completed Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan applications may be saying no to federal assistance.

Some survivors may be counting on a future insurance settlement to cover all the costs of rebuilding. Maybe they don’t want a disaster loan or fear they cannot afford one. Or maybe they need assistance completing the SBA disaster loan application.

But there are good reasons for FEMA applicants who have been contacted by SBA to submit a completed disaster loan application by the Monday, Jan. 27 deadline.

SBA offers disaster loans to tornado-affected homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations for physical damage in the following Illinois counties: Champaign, Douglas, Fayette, Grundy, Jasper, LaSalle, Massac, Pope, Tazewell, Vermilion, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, Will and Woodford.

Economic injury disaster loans are available to provide working capital to eligible small businesses and non-profit organizations located in the counties listed above and the adjacent counties.

Some of the top reasons for submitting an SBA application by the deadline include:

A future insurance settlement may fall short. Survivors may find out they are underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace a damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application on time, survivors may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of a home up to $200,000. The loan balance will be reduced by a survivor’s insurance settlement. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan may be lost if they wait until after the application deadline.
SBA can help renters repair or replace disaster damaged personal property. Renters, as well as homeowners, may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, appliances, damaged vehicles.
By submitting an SBA loan application, survivors keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. SBA may refer applicants who do not qualify for a loan to FEMA for grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses, among other serious disaster-related needs. But if survivors do not submit their disaster loan applications, the assistance process may stop. Survivors are not required to accept a loan offer.

For more information, homeowners and renters may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 TTY or visit SBA.gov/Disaster. Survivors can complete disaster loan applications online at https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA/.

For the latest information on Illinois’ recovery from the Nov. 17 storms, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4157. Follow FEMA online at twitter.com/femaregion5, facebook.com/fema and youtube.com/fema. The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of funding for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For information about SBA programs, applicants may call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Many Good Reasons to Apply to SBA

Two Weeks Remain to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While nearly $12 million in federal disaster assistance has been approved for Nov. 17 Illinois tornado survivors, the deadline to register for help is approaching.

Survivors must register by Monday, Jan. 27 to be considered for federal disaster assistance.

No applications can be accepted after the deadline, but FEMA will continue to approve disaster assistance for eligible survivors who applied in time.

The FEMA helpline 800-621-FEMA (3362) will remain operational after Jan. 27 for survivors who have questions about the status of their applications or letters they may receive from FEMA.

FEMA continues working throughout Illinois to ensure survivors do not lose eligible grants. This includes:

Face-to-face help at the Disaster Recovery Center in East Peoria at the Festival of Lights Building and the Disaster Recovery Center in Brookport at the Brookport Library. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams providing one-to-one help in affected areas.
FEMA voluntary agency liaison specialists working with community- and faith-based organizations to identify and provide assistance to survivors.

Federal disaster assistance may be available for the following:

Temporary housing for homeowners and renters.
Home repairs.
Other serious disaster-related expenses for homeowners and renters not met by insurance or other assistance programs.
Low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration that may cover losses for homeowners, renters and business owners not fully compensated by insurance.

Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or with a smartphone or tablet by visiting m.fema.gov. They can also register and get questions answered over the phone by calling FEMA’s helpline, 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center to register and check the status of a FEMA application. Survivors who use a TTY can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA News Desk: 217-522-2080

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Two Weeks Remain to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance

FEMA Aids Mental Health Groups during Sandy

LINCROFT, N.J. — When a disaster strikes, the damage is not limited to property and nature. The fallout from severe storms and flooding can cause significant emotional stress on top of the physical and financial demands of dealing with the aftermath. Since Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey in October 2013, the counselors and volunteers of New Jersey Hope and Healing have been helping affected residents cope.

New Jersey Hope and Healing is coordinated by the Disaster and Terrorism Branch of the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The organization provides advice and resources to victims of disasters who may be suffering mental and emotional distress.

After the storm hit, FEMA approved a grant of nearly $2 million for the Disaster and Terrorism Branch of New Jersey DHS, which sent mental health teams to shelters statewide at the beginning of the disaster and also sent specialists to FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.

“During a disaster everyone reacts differently – you can never judge yourself based on anyone else’s reaction,” said Adrienne Fessler Belli, NJDHS Disaster and Terrorism Branch Director. “Our program will be able to help individuals at any stage of recovery from this disaster.”
The organization continues to conduct outreach programs and events to raise awareness of stress management and help direct residents seeking help to the appropriate services. These services will come to an end in February 2014. Recently, NJHH launched the Sandy Wave Riders program, a support group for families and caregivers impacted by Sandy, in several counties. The Sunnyside Up program put counselors in 16 Ocean County diners and restaurants to offer emotional support, referrals and resources.

New Jersey Hope and Healing has partnered with other health and assistance organizations, including the Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention, NJHelps.org, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the VA Veterans Hotline, New Jersey Mental Health Cares, the National Foundation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the New Jersey Housing Resource Center.
The New Jersey Disaster Mental Health Hope and Healing Helpline is open from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week at 877-294-4357 or TTY (Text Telephone) 877-294-4356. All calls are confidential. The organization has materials in English and Spanish, downloadable from www.disastermentalhealthnj.com or www.mhanj.org/new-jersey-hope-and-healing/. Events and photos can be found on the NJHH Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NJHopeandHealing.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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

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FEMA Aids Mental Health Groups during Sandy

Illinois Tornado Recovery News: Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

Springfield, Ill. – This capsule of recent disaster recovery information is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Don’t let misinformation keep you from registering for disaster assistance.

Sometimes unexpected, uninsured expenses arise weeks or even months after a disaster. For example, you might identify additional damage to your home in the spring when temperatures rise and contractors are able to conduct a more comprehensive inspection. If your insurance settlement is delayed, you may qualify for temporary rental assistance if your home is uninhabitable. Or you may exhaust the additional living expenses provided by your insurance company. FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster assistance may help cover some of these expenses.

Registering with FEMA is quick and easy. You should register even if you have insurance and regardless of your income level or the level of damage your home sustained. Register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, with a mobile device by using the FEMA app or going to m.fema.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). People who are deaf or hard of hearing and use a TTY can call 800-462-7585.

SBA low-interest disaster loans are a major recovery funding source for Illinois.

If you apply for assistance with FEMA and are referred to the SBA, it’s important to submit a low-interest disaster loan application to assure that the federal disaster recovery process continues. You are not obligated to accept a loan, but failure to complete and submit the application may stop the FEMA grant process. Homeowners may be eligible for loans up to $200,000 for repairs. Homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. For businesses, loans are available up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate, and other business assets. Eligible small businesses and non-profits can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

You can apply online at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela. For additional information about SBA low-interest disaster loans, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339, emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visiting sba.gov/disaster.

Rental assistance is available if you have been displaced as a result of the storms.

If you are making repairs to or rebuilding your home, you may be eligible for assistance from FEMA to cover temporary rental expenses if your home is uninhabitable – but you must register with FEMA to be considered. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center if you have questions or need help finding a rental property. You can also go Nestrent.com or IlHousingSearch.org to identify available rental properties.

FEMA decision letters are not the end of the line for disaster assistance.

After registering with FEMA, you will receive a letter explaining the status of your application. The letter may state that you’re ineligible for assistance, but this isn’t necessarily a final decision. It is important to read the entire letter carefully because it states exactly what needs to be submitted for potential federal assistance. If you have insurance, you must submit all of your insurance information for FEMA to review your eligibility. Sending your insurance declaration page is not sufficient. You need to submit actual insurance settlement information. If you are unsure of how to obtain this document, contact your insurance company, call the FEMA helpline (800-621-FEMA) or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Insurance documents will be reviewed, then an inspector may arrange a visit to the damaged home or apartment to determine if there are uninsured, eligible losses. Federal disaster assistance may assist in covering some expenses not covered by insurance. You can appeal FEMA’s decision. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. More information is available by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by taking the letter to a Disaster Recovery Center. You can locate the nearest center by going to fema.gov/drclocator.

Help is available to repair damaged vehicles.

If you had a vehicle damaged or destroyed in one of the counties affected by the Nov. 17 Illinois tornadoes, you may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Even if you are not a resident of one of the designated counties, you may still be eligible for this assistance if you were working or visiting one of the counties. You must register with FEMA to be considered for eligibility. In addition to FEMA assistance, homeowners and renters may be eligible to borrow up to $40,000 through SBA’s low-interest disaster loan program to repair or replace personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Illinois recovery photos and videos available

Visit fema.gov/disasters/4157 to access FEMA’s online library of photos and videos documenting response and recovery efforts to the Nov. 17 storms and tornadoes in Illinois. The page also includes updated information and important messages regarding Illinois’ recovery.

NEWS DESK: 217-522-2080

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Excerpt from:

Illinois Tornado Recovery News: Capsule of Illinois tornado recovery news for weekly newspapers

Seventeen New Jersey Communities are Recognized for Reducing their Flood Risk through the Community Rating System

LINCROFT, N.J. — Seventeen New Jersey municipalities will be recognized for reducing their flood hazard risk through the Community Rating System in awards ceremonies today and Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Today’s ceremony at 10 a.m. the Long Beach Township Courtroom will honor Bay Head, Beach Haven, Berkeley Township, Hazlet, Lavallette, Long Beach Township, Mantoloking, Middletown Township and Stafford Township. Wednesday’s ceremony at 12:30 p.m. at Sea Isle City Elementary School will honor Avalon, Cape May, Cape May Point, Longport, Margate, Ocean City, Sea Isle City and Upper Township.

The Community Rating System (CRS) is a program administered by FEMA that provides lower insurance premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program. Communities can apply to participate in the CRS, and residents of participating communities pay lower premium reduction rates based on the implementation of floodplain management policies.

Communities earn points toward their rating based on 18 creditable activities in four categories: Public Information, Mapping and Regulations, Flood Damage Reduction and Flood Preparedness. For towns participating in the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in 5 percent increments. Premium reductions are in the form of CRS Classes, similar to the classifications used for fire insurance. A Class 1 community (the highest level of compliance) would receive a 45% premium reduction.

Ten New Jersey municipalities (Sea Isle City, Avalon, Beach Haven, Bedminster, Brigantine, Long Beach Township, Longport, Mantoloking, Pompton Lakes and Stafford Township) are in Class 5, the highest level currently in the state. The 61 communities in the program have saved a total of $17 million.

Participating communities have better organized and more formal local flood programs, which can be evaluated against a nationally recognized benchmark. The discounted premiums give communities incentive to maintain its programs. Residents are reminded that their towns are working to protect them from flooding and will become more knowledgeable and interested in supporting and improving flood protection measures.

Learn more about the NFIP’s CRS program at http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm.

http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4086/updates/sandy-one-year-later

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

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Seventeen New Jersey Communities are Recognized for Reducing their Flood Risk through the Community Rating System

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