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Oklahomans Encouraged to Rebuild Safer, Stronger

OKLAHOMA CITY – In recovering from the recent severe weather and tornadoes Oklahomans have an opportunity to rebuild smarter, safer and stronger homes and businesses using “Flood Smart” building techniques. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following recommendations when repairing or rebuilding flood-damaged properties:

• Electrical-system components should be raised to the community’s freeboard requirement above the base flood elevation in order to prevent future flood problems. Heating-fuel tanks, oil or propane, should be secured strongly enough to prevent any movement. Backflow valves may be needed on washing-machine drain lines, laundry sinks and sewer connections. If floors and walls have to be replaced, use materials resistant to water damage.
• If a dwelling is substantially damaged, make sure that the lowest floor of the structure is elevated above the base flood elevation. To determine what that elevation is, ask the local building department or call FEMA at 800-621-3362 and get directed to the proper source.
• Always remember to contact your local code officials to obtain all necessary permits before any repairs or new construction take place.
• Elevate water heaters, furnaces and appliances (such as washers and dryers), especially if they are located in a basement. Place them on a pressure-treated wood or masonry base at least 12 inches above floor level.
• Electrical panel boxes, circuit breakers, wall switches and wall outlets should be at least one foot above the 100-year flood level. Some basement or first-floor electrical systems may even be moved to a higher floor. Indoor and outdoor fuel tanks should be anchored by non-corrosive metal straps or pressure-treated wood to prevent them from turning over or floating away.
• Leaky roofs and foundation cracks let water into a home more readily. This weakens a structure and provides an ideal habitat for mold. If wet spots appear on the ceiling or cracks appear in a foundation, fix them immediately.
• If gutters and drainage systems are blocked by leaves or debris, water can overflow and quickly flood a home or yard. Check all gutters and drainage systems regularly for leaves and nests.
• Sump pumps remove water from a structure and can be an excellent defense against flooding – unless they’re powered by electricity and the power is out. Battery-powered sump pumps are a relatively inexpensive solution. Be sure to purchase a backup battery as well.
• Install a backflow valve, check valve, drain plug or standpipe. These measures ensure sewage only flows one way – out of the home.
• Oklahoma residents interested in placing a manufactured home on their property should work with local code officials to make sure the installation meets Oklahoma Department of Labor and floodplain regulations.

FEMA publications on mitigating flood damage are available online at www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/floodplain/publications.shtm. The series includes topics like Above the Flood: Elevating Your Flood-prone House, Repairing Your Flood Damaged Home, Design Guidelines for Flood Damage Reduction, Answers to Questions about Substantially Damaged Buildings and many more.

For more information on building safer, visit www.fema.gov/rebuild/smart_strong.shtm

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Oklahomans Encouraged to Rebuild Safer, Stronger

Federal Disaster Aid to Local Governments Helping Rebuild Arkansas Communities

NORTH LITTL ROCK — Federal officials today estimated more than $6 million in disaster assistance will help fund local governments’ storm recovery from this spring’s severe weather.

That funding is in addition to nearly $2 million in federal disaster assistance to date that has helped individuals, families and businesses repair property and replace essential possessions.

When disaster strikes, the first response is to ensure personal and family safety and then address the loss of property and possessions. The federal Individual Assistance program responds to these urgent needs of individuals and business owners.

Public Assistance is another essential element of disaster response. The PA program benefits everyone – neighborhoods, cities and states, as well as certain private nonprofit organizations.

PA dollars:

clean up the community and repair bridges
put water systems and utilities back in order
repair hospitals and emergency services
rebuild libraries and replace damaged books
rebuild schools and universities and
restore damaged public parks so families can enjoy them again.

PA provides a minimum of 75 percent of the cost to repair or replace disaster-damaged infrastructure.

FEMA estimates the federal share of more than $1.8 million will help reimburse local governments for the emergency work and debris removal that took place in the storm’s immediate aftermath. Other PA projects are now being developed and approved by local, state, and federal officials. The estimated cost when complete is more than $4.1 million.

“Public Assistance grants support the work that helps an entire community recover,” said FEMA’s Federal Coordinating Officer Nancy M. Casper. “These are federal tax dollars coming back to Arkansas to rebuild taxpayer-funded infrastructure.”

Public Assistance grant recipients can include:

state agencies
local and county governments
private nonprofit organizations that own or operate facilities that provide essential government-type services

Recovery officials are currently working with more than 65 applicants to develop specifications and costs for about 75 projects in the 28 counties eligible for disaster assistance.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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Federal Disaster Aid to Local Governments Helping Rebuild Arkansas Communities

FEMA Offers Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding After Disaster

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – FEMA offers a wide range of free resources for Arkansas homeowners who are either rebuilding after the spring storms or preparing for the next time disaster strikes.

FEMA maintains an extensive online library, including bilingual and multimedia resources, which describe the measures contractors or do-it-yourselfers can take to reduce risks to property. FEMA publications can be viewed online and downloaded to any computer.

For rebuilding information, go to www.fema.gov and click on “Plan, Prepare and Mitigate.” There are numerous links to resources and topics including “Protecting Homes,” “Protecting Your Business” and “Safe, Strong and Protected Homes and Communities.” There are also links to information about disaster preparedness.

The decision to rebuild stronger, safer and smarter may save lives and property in a future disaster.

http://www.fema.gov/protect-your-property – offers a comprehensive overview of available publications to help protect your home or business against hazards including earthquakes, fire, flood, high winds and others.

http://www.fema.gov/small-business-toolkit/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster – provides links to resources for protecting your community, your business and places of worship, and offers helpful links like these:

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FEMA Offers Resources for Property Owners Rebuilding After Disaster

What to Expect from a FEMA Inspection

After you register for assistance, an inspector from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will call you for an appointment to inspect your damaged property.

Q. Why is the inspector there?
A. Verifying disaster damage is part of the process to establish the amount and type of damage you suffered. The inspectors have construction backgrounds and are fully qualified to do the job.

Q. How do I know the Inspector is from FEMA?
A. You should ask to see the inspector’s identification. All FEMA housing inspectors will have a FEMA badge displayed. Also, each disaster survivor is provided a unique FEMA registration number when they register for assistance. The inspector will know your FEMA registration number.

If you have concerns with the legitimacy of a FEMA housing inspector, you should contact your local law enforcement as they will be able to validate their identification.

Q. What does the inspector look for?
A. The inspector determines whether the house is livable by checking the structure, including heating, plumbing, electrical, flooring, wallboard, and foundation.

Q. How about personal property?
A. Damage to major appliances – washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove – is assessed. Other serious needs such as clothing lost or damaged in the disaster are surveyed.

Q. Do I need to have any paperwork on hand?
A. Some evidence that the property is your usual residence or evidence that you own the property will be required. It might be a recent utility bill, mortgage payment record, or rent receipts.

Q. Will I find out the results of the inspection?
A. If you are eligible for assistance, you will receive a check in the mail. You will be notified by letter if you are not eligible. You have 60 days to appeal the decision, and the appeal process is outlined in the letter.

Q. What other inspections should I expect?
A. Depending on the types of assistance for which you may be eligible, your losses may be verified by FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and your local building inspector’s office.

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What to Expect from a FEMA Inspection

Hamilton County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

ATLANTA–Newly revised digital flood insurance rate maps for Hamilton County, TN; will be available for residents to review at a public open house on April 13. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides the residents of Hamilton County and its municipalities the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Residents can meet one-on-one with a variety of specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more.

The April 13^th open house will be held between 4-7 p.m. at:

Development Resource Center Room 1A

1250 Market St.

Chattanooga, TN 37402

The new maps were produced through a partnership among Hamilton County, the state of Tennessee, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They are more precise than older maps because better flood hazard and risk data make the maps more accurate. The ultimate goal is protecting property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Over time, flood risks change due to construction and development, environmental changes, floodplain widening or shifting, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house. All who attend can meet with specialists to ask questions and learn more about flood risk and hazard mitigation within their communities. Residents may also visit their local community’s permitting and development office to view the maps in person, or call their local floodplain manager with questions about where their property is located on the preliminary flood maps.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ insurance policies typically don’t cover flood damage, so flood insurance is an important consideration for everyone. Flood insurance policies can be purchased from any state licensed property and casualty insurance agent Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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Hamilton County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

Flood Map Meeting to Take Place in Paulsboro on March 26, 2015

EATONTOWN, N.J. – Gloucester County residents and property owners will be able ask questions and obtain information on their property’s flood hazard risk at an Open House scheduled to take place in Paulsboro on Thursday, March 26 at the Paulsboro Fire House, 1502 Swedesboro Ave. from 4 to 8 p.m.

During the past year and a half, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II office has released updates to the flood hazard maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), for New Jersey’s coastal communities. The FIRMs identify areas of flood risk in these coastal communities.

Community and county officials in Gloucester County have arranged for the Flood Risk Open House to assist residents and property owners with questions and concerns regarding flood hazards and flood insurance rate maps.

If you think you may be in a flood zone, or already know you are, feel free to attend the open house between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. No formal presentation will be made and no appointment is necessary.

The preliminary flood hazard maps that will be shared at the Open House are an update of the existing FIRMs. These preliminary FIRMs and the associated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) provide the basis for flood risk education and floodplain management measures. Each community is required to adopt updated maps to continue participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes flood insurance available to the community.

Insurance companies use FIRMs to determine flood insurance rates for buildings, and lenders utilize this information to determine flood insurance requirements. Residents and property owners in these areas are encouraged to learn more about their flood risk and the updates shown on the preliminary flood hazard maps by entering their property’s address in the “What’s my BFE?” tool at www.region2coastal.com.

Using interactive flood hazard maps at this Open House, representatives from the State, County, FEMA and their mapping partners will be available to answer flood risk and insurance questions and explain the preliminary flood hazard maps. Residents are encouraged to bring their elevation certificates and/or flood insurance policies to the event in order to get the best information about how their flood insurance rates may change as a result of the new preliminary flood maps and legislative reforms.

The Open Houses will cover flood hazard and FIRM map information only. No information will be available concerning outstanding insurance claims or disaster-related recovery efforts.

Please plan to attend this event if your property is currently mapped within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), newly mapped into an SFHA, or if you are unsure of your flood risk and/or you have any questions on flood insurance. If you cannot attend or want to learn more about your flood risk, please refer to the Preliminary FIRMs which are available on the FEMA Map Service Center website, https://msc.fema.gov/portal, call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627) or call your local flood plain administrator or building official.

If you are in a high-risk flood zone, known as the SFHA, you may be required by your lender to carry flood insurance. FEMA staff will be available at the Open House to talk about these changes.

Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. It is vital for property owners to understand their risk and taking advantage of tools and programs available to them. Property owners can take action by purchasing flood insurance and implementing mitigation actions to help reduce future flooding impacts.

For additional information on flood hazard risk and the mapping process, please visit www.region2coastal.com

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, 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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Flood Map Meeting to Take Place in Paulsboro on March 26, 2015

Flood Map Meeting To Take Place in Hillsborough, NJ March 19

EATONTOWN, NJ – Somerset County residents and property owners will be able to ask questions and obtain information on their property’s flood hazard risk at an Open House scheduled to take place in Hillsborough on Thursday, March 19 at the Somerset County Training Facility, 402 Roycefield Road.

Community and county officials in Somerset County have arranged for the Flood Risk Open House to assist residents and property owners with questions and concerns regarding flood hazards and flood insurance rate maps.

If you think you may be in a flood zone, or already know you are, feel free to attend the open house at any time between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. No formal presentation will be made and no appointment is necessary.

Using interactive flood hazard maps at this Open House, representatives from the State, County, FEMA and their mapping partners, will be available to answer flood risk and insurance questions, and explain the preliminary flood hazard maps. Residents are encouraged to bring their elevation certificates and/or flood insurance policies to the event in order to get the best information about how their flood insurance rates may change as a result of the new preliminary flood maps and legislative reforms.

The Open Houses will cover flood hazard and FIRM map information only. No information will

be available concerning outstanding insurance claims or disaster-related recovery efforts.

If you are in a high-risk flood zone, known as the SFHA, you may be required by your lender to carry flood insurance. FEMA staff will be available at the Open House to talk about these changes.

For additional information on flood hazard risk and the mapping process, please visit www.region2coastal.com

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

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Flood Map Meeting To Take Place in Hillsborough, NJ March 19

Sarasota County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

ATLANTA–Preliminary flood insurance rate maps for Sarasota County, Fla., can be reviewed at three public open houses during the week of January 19, 2015. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open houses provide homeowners, business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors, and insurance agents in Sarasota County and its municipalities with the opportunity to see the preliminary maps, learn about their risk of flooding, and ask questions about what the new maps will mean for their property. Specialists will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, development permits and more.

The open houses will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. The open house dates and locations are:

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Bayfront Community Center

803 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Venice Community Center

326 Nokomis Ave S, Venice, FL 34285

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Morgan Family Center

6207 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL 34291

Residents may also visit their local community’s office to view the maps in person, or call their local floodplain administrator with questions about where their property is located on the preliminary maps.

The new maps were produced through a partnership among Sarasota County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (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. The ultimate goal is to protect property owners and the community from the risks associated with flooding. Flood risks also 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.

Flood maps are being updated for communities across the country. This is a collaborative process, and FEMA works closely with local communities to incorporate the latest and most accurate information into the maps so that they better reflect the risk that communities face.

Sarasota County’s preliminary maps have not yet been officially adopted and will become effective after a public comment period. This period allows property owners to submit comments and appeals, if they can provide any better technical information about their property. Specialists will be available at the open houses to address questions that residents may have about this process. Once all comments are received and resolved, Sarasota County may adopt the maps.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on properties that are located in areas at high risk of flooding. People living outside of high-risk areas can also 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 protect themselves financially from a disaster which affects 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 FEMA.

Standard homeowners’, business owners’, and renters’ 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 agent who people already deal with for other property insurance needs. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local insurance agent.

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Sarasota County Residents Invited to See Preliminary Flood Maps

FEMA Housing Inspectors Contacting Flood Survivors

WARREN, Mich. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that more than 400 housing inspectors are in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland counties reaching out to Michigan homeowners and renters who have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.

These FEMA inspectors are scheduling appointments with registered applicants to document the extent of damage to thousands of properties, but do not determine whether a particular applicant qualifies for FEMA assistance.

Inspectors will make multiple attempts to contact an applicant and set an appointment for the inspection. Residents who have not received a call from an inspector within one week of registering should call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

Homeowners must be able to verify their identity and provide proof of ownership of the property. Renters can show occupancy proof with a driver’s license or a recent utility bill.

Within a few days after the inspection, applicants will be notified by letter, text or email alert to advise them of the decision about their claim. Applicants appealing a decision may do so in writing within 60 days of the decision.

Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant’s Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.

FEMA’s contracted housing inspectors carry FEMA identification and are thoroughly trained. These inspectors use specialized software to ensure every resident receives the same inspection for consideration.

Experienced inspectors re-visit a random sample of applicants to assess the quality and content of the inspection performed.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via a smart phone or Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users may call 800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow 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.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222
EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

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FEMA Housing Inspectors Contacting Flood Survivors

FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

WARREN, Mich. – Residents who want to reduce the risk of property damage from storms, floods and other potential hazards have the opportunity to meet with hazard mitigation specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mitigation specialists will be available in:

Macomb County
Lowe’s Home Improvement
31140 Van Dyke Ave.
Warren, MI 48093
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 21

Wayne County
Wal-Mart Supercenter
7555 Telegraph Road
Taylor, MI 48180
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays through Oct. 19

Ace Hardware Store
8544 McGraw Ave.
Detroit, MI 48210
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Sundays Oct. 9-22

Home Depot
18700 Meyers Road
Detroit, MI 48235
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Thursdays from Oct. 10-22

Residents can get free publications to help them protect their properties against storms and flooding. Mitigation measures may help protect electrical systems, furnaces and other appliances.

FEMA mitigation specialists will provide registration assistance for disaster applications and offer flood insurance information.

Residents can register at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smart phone or other Web-enabled device at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 1-800-621-3362. TTY users may call
1-800-462-7585. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EDT seven days a week until further notice.

FEMA is providing mitigation information in coordination with the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management Homeland Security Division, and Wayne County Emergency Management. Publications will be available in English and Spanish.

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FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow 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.

English: http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4195

Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/4195

FEMA News Desk: (586) 574-4222

EMHSD contact: Ron Leix (517) 336-6464

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FEMA Offers Free Home Repair Advice

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