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Apply for Increased Cost of Compliance Within 60 Days of Substantial Damage Letter

BATON ROUGE, La. — Request funds to make your structure safer and stronger within 60 days after your community notifies you it is substantially damaged.

If you’re rebuilding or repairing a substantially damaged home or business, your community may require you to elevate or make other changes. Substantial damage applies when the cost of restoring a structure equals or exceeds 50 percent of its pre-damage market value, but some communities have more restrictive regulations.

Your National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy may provide up to $30,000 to update your structure so it meets local floodplain management regulations. You must first submit a signed Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Proof of Loss form to your insurance company.

Provide a contractor’s estimate for the proposed ICC-eligible measures to your home or business and copies of construction permits. Your insurance company needs these to consider an ICC claim.

Structures that comply with floodplain management regulations have an enhanced ability to withstand storms and floods. Examples of ICC measures include elevation, relocation and floodproofing.

You have six years from the date of loss to complete the chosen and approved ICC measures.

Go online to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s website at www.8.dotd.la.gov/lafloods/community_contacts.aspx to find your community’s floodplain administrator or permitting official if you want to learn more about the substantial damage determination process.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may be another source of funds to make your home or business safer and stronger.

If your loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to pay for improvements that will protect your property against future damage. The funds would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan.

For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339. You may also go online to sba.gov/disaster.

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Apply for Increased Cost of Compliance Within 60 Days of Substantial Damage Letter

Flood Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Flood Insurance Rates Remain Unchanged

Arkansas Awarded More Than $2.7 Million for the Replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam

DENTON, Texas – The state of Arkansas has been awarded more than $2.7 million for the replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam in Bentonville. This comes in the aftermath of the 2011 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding.

The storms and ensuing flooding overtopped the entire length of the Bella Vista Lake Dam resulting in extensive erosion; a loss of support beneath the dam’s concrete slope cover; and damage to much of the structure’s other sections of concrete.

The funding, which is made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program, covers the demolition, removal and disposal of the original dam, as well as the materials and labor required to build the replacement dam.

To date, FEMA has obligated more than $50.1 million for the 2011 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas.

The funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of Arkansas; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

Follow FEMA Region 6 on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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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.

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Arkansas Awarded More Than $2.7 Million for the Replacement of the Bella Vista Lake Dam

Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When earthquakes occur, some of the damage happens in areas of our homes and businesses that may be nearly impossible to spot without close attention. Residents and business owners in Napa and Solano Counties continue to discover damage from the South Napa Earthquake.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge people in those counties to take time to check for any signs of potential damage and register for assistance as soon as possible.

“Earthquake damage sometimes goes unnoticed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Steve DeBlasio. “Earthquakes are different from other disasters, because damages can mimic regular wear and tear or be so subtle that they are hard to find at first. A new crack or stuck door, for example, could be the sign of a serious problem.”

Homeowners and renters in Napa and Solano Counties who had damage from the South Napa Earthquake have until Dec. 29, 2014 to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. Disaster assistance includes grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

“Every resident and business should take the necessary time to do a thorough double check for damages of their property,” said Cal OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. “It’s important for homeowners and businesses to take advantage of available federal assistance and register as soon as possible.”

Cal OES and FEMA offer the following questions and tips to help everyone spot potential damage:

Exterior Structure:
• Has the house shifted off its foundation? Has it fallen away from the foundation in any place?
• Is the structure noticeably leaning? When looked at from a distance, does it look tilted?
• Do you see severe cracks or openings between the structure and outdoor steps or porches?
• Do you experience seriously increased vibrations from passing trucks and buses?
• Do you see severe cracks in external walls or foundation?
• Are there any breaks in fence lines or other structures that might indicate nearby damage?
• Did you check for damage to ceilings, partitions, light fixtures, the roof, fuel tanks and other attachments to the main frame of the structure?

Chimneys:
• Are there cracks between the chimney and the exterior wall or the roof?
• Are there cracks in the liner?
• Did you find unexplained debris in the fireplace?

Utilities:
• Are power lines to your house noticeably sagging?
• Is your hot water heater leaning or tilted?
• Are all the water connections secure including those for pipes, toilets, faucets?

Interior:
• Are any doors and windows more difficult to open or close?
• Is the roof leaking? Is there water damage to the ceiling?
• Has the furnace shifted in any way? Are ducts and exhaust pipes connected and undamaged?
• Do you feel unexplained draftiness? Are any cracks in the walls, poorly aligned window frames or loosened exterior sidings letting in breezes?
• Has the floor separated from walls or stairwells anywhere inside the house?
• Are there cracks between walls and built-in fixtures such as lights, cupboards or bookcases?
• Does the floor feel “bouncy” or “soggy” when you walk on it?
• Have you checked crawl spaces, stairwells, basements, attics and other exposed areas for signs of damage such as exposed or cracked beams, roof leaks and foundation cracks?

Low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations that had damage or loss as a result of the South Napa Earthquake. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

To apply for disaster assistance, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. People who use 711-Relay or VRS may call 800-621-3362.

FEMA must verify damages for every application. FEMA inspectors have completed more than 2,600 inspections in Napa and Solano Counties. FEMA inspectors display photo identification badges.

Damage inspections by FEMA are free and generally take 30 to 45 minutes, and they are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction or appraisal expertise and have received disaster-specific training. Inspectors document the damage by checking the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells.

If applicants discover additional damage to their property after the inspection takes place, they can request another one by calling FEMA at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585.

Additional information on California disaster recovery is available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4193.

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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.

The Cal OES protects lives and property, builds capabilities and supports our communities for a resilient California. Cal OES achieves its mission by serving the public through effective collaboration in preparing for, protecting against, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of all hazards and threats.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money 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 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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Take Time to Check for Earthquake Damage

More Bang for the Buck – Inexpensive Disaster Rebuilding Tips

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Repairing damage after a disaster can be expensive. In cases of severe damage, the costs can be staggering.

However, many projects can be done for little or no money. Most can make a big difference in helping minimize damage from the next disaster and provide the extra bonus of lowering utility and home-maintenance costs year-round.

Here are some ideas:

Cut it short. When replacing drywall, leave a ½-inch to 1-inch gap between the bottom of the drywall sheeting and the top level of the floor. (If adding carpet be sure the gap is above the carpeted level). Cover the gap with baseboard. Cost: Free for this technique. Drywall and baseboard costs are separate. Benefit: Water won’t come in contact with the drywall in a low-level flood (this includes interior liquid spills, like in a kitchen). When water meets drywall, it wicks up into the wallboard which can lead to mold if left untreated.

Power up. Raise electrical outlets. Check first to see what local codes allow. Most don’t have restrictions on the height of an outlet above the floor. Consider moving outlets up at least 1 foot above the minimum flood level or 24 inches above floor level. Cost: Free, if done after drywall has been removed. If drywall is still in place, costs can vary. Benefit: Helps keep water from seepage or a low-level flood from infiltrating and damaging an electrical outlet, which can cause damage to an electrical system and normally requires an electrician to repair/replace.

Show your numbers. Add visible address numbers to the house exterior and to the street curb or mailbox. Though it seems like a small task, it will make a difference if there is an emergency. Large numbers are best. Cost: Most house numbers sold at home- improvement stores are 6 inches tall and cost about $2 each. Benefit: Missing or barely visible house numbers can cause dangerous delays for emergency responders. The larger the numbers, the easier they are to see at night and during bad weather.

Put on a strip: Install weather stripping on outside doors and windows to help seal out air and even water. Weather stripping should seal well when a door or window is closed. Closing the gaps can save up to 15 percent in heating and cooling costs and can help minimize the intrusion of low-level water. Cost: Weather stripping supplies and techniques range from simple to more complex but most are easily installed as do-it- yourself projects. Benefit: Relatively easy to install, effective weather seal, durable, comes in a variety of colors. Vinyl stripping holds up well and resists moisture; metal stripping (bronze, copper, stainless steel and aluminum) lasts for years. Both are affordable.

Caulk it up: Use caulk to seal all exterior openings, such as holes where wires, cables and pipes enter or exit a structure (winds of 74 mph can blow water up a wall about 4 feet). Caulk now comes in many types that are non-toxic and specifically designed for a number of different home-repair jobs. Cost: All-purpose caulk, suitable for most jobs, is less than $2 a tube; for doors and windows, less than $4 a tube. Benefit: Helps prevent heat loss around windows and doors. In severe storms, a well-sealed exterior helps keep wind-driven rain and flooding from getting inside. Some caulks are designed for use in high-moisture areas. Caulk can be used indoors or outdoors; some types can last up to 20 years.

Window well … cover it: Add a clear plastic cover over exterior window wells to help keep out debris, leaves, animals and excess water – both from the window cavity (well) and a structure’s interior. Most covers are made from a polycarbonate plastic and specially designed for window-well areas. Cost: Prices vary, depending on size and style, starting at $17 each and are available at most local home-improvement stores. Benefit: Weather resistant, generally not affected by sunlight or temperature extremes.

They are easy to install and relatively maintenance free. Many can be custom-made to fit openings of special sizes and/or shapes.

Elbow a way around: Add an elbow or drain sleeve to the bottom of downspouts to help divert water away from a structure.

Elbows can come in aluminum or flexible heavy plastic tubing and are made to fit round or square downspouts.

The flexible variety is especially good if water needs to be diverted some distance away from a structure. Cost: Aluminum elbows start at about $4 each; metal elbows run about $6 each. Flexible gutter elbows (heavy plastic tubing) range in size from 8 to 18 inches and costs start at $4. Benefits: Keeps rainwater from eroding foundations and from finding its way into crawl spaces or basements.

Block that splash: Place splash blocks directly under the lower end of a downspout to stem soil erosion and divert water away from a structure. Choose blocks large enough to handle the volume of water that could come through a downspout in a heavy rainstorm. Also, place the block high enough and at enough of an angle to divert water at least 3 feet from the foundation Cost: Plastic or fiberglass splash blocks range from $6 to $20 each. Concrete blocks average about $15 but can run as high as $45, depending on the size. Benefit: Saves damage to a structure’s foundation and helps to keep water from channeling underground (below slabs, for example) and through to the interior.

Shape up and out: Landscaping is an effective, easy way to keep overland water at bay and make a property more attractive. Add fill dirt with a binding material (like clay) around a foundation and angle away from the structure. Cover with low-growing vegetation or ornamental materials, such as shredded bark or lightweight lava rock. Avoid heavier rock or landscaping gravel (unless required for drainage) to keep it from flying around and causing damage in a high-wind event. Cost: A 2 cubic foot bag of wood bark or mulch will cost about $4. (Sometimes, communities offer free mulch after large-scale tree removal projects). The amount of bark required will depend on the coverage area. Many low-growing, spreading plants can be purchased for less than $50. Benefit: Helps keep overland flooding from reaching a foundation and leaking inside. Foliage helps hold soil in place, naturally enhances drainage and increases curb appeal.

This list is only a sampling of do-it-yourself ideas. A variety of publications are available to provide additional information. These can be found online, at your local library or any home building store.

Before beginning any project, visit your local government’s building department to determine if a project is permissible and compliant with local laws, ordinances and codes. Building officials also can advise which projects require permits, as well as any rules and regulations that will apply and any fees associated with obtaining a permit.

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FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

For more information on Alabama’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov or http://www.ema.alabama.gov/. For the joint Facebook page, go to www.facebook.com/AlabamaEMA. To receive Twitter updates: http://twitter.com/AlabamaEMA or www.twitter.com/femaregion4

More Bang for the Buck – Inexpensive Disaster Rebuilding Tips

Be Proactive About Flood Insurance

DENVER-Whether you own a home or a business, you need to be proactive when it comes to flood insurance. With heavy snowpack this year, there is strong potential for spring flooding. In addition, wildfires devastated Colorado over the last few years destroying vegetation. The burn areas are more susceptible to flooding, because there is no vegetation to absorb the moisture or slow down the flow of sediment and mud in rainstorms.

Do not delay in obtaining flood insurance coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a 30-day waiting period from the time the flood insurance policy is written and the premium is paid until it goes into effect. A policy purchased even a few weeks from now might not be in effect for spring runoff.

Know your insurance policy and what it covers. NFIP covers the structure of your building only. It is recommended that you also carry a basic NFIP policy on your contents. A basic policy covers the following:

Up to $250,000 for a home; up to $500,000 for a building.
Up to $100,000 for personal contents; up to $500,000 for business; up to $100,000 for renters.

NFIP covers ONLY the depreciated value of your household goods. It does not include replacement value.
Fine art, collectibles, jewelry, and furs up to $2,500.
NFIP does not cover such items as autos, machinery, non-household related items, such as yard tools, livestock, lawns, trees, shrubbery, fences, business supplies and equipment.

To protect yourself in the event of a flood:

Inventory your home. Assign everything a value, so that you have a starting point in case of disaster.
Document any purchases. Keep receipts in a safe flood-proof place.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners in communities that are part of the NFIP program. NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with 90 private insurance companies.

Contact an agent or your county or city floodplain administrator to find out whether your community is participating in NFIP. Your agent can advise you on whether you have adequate coverage for your home and valuables. For more information on flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov.

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Be Proactive About Flood Insurance

Talk to Local Officials Before Rebuilding Your Flood-Damaged Home

DENVER– Before beginning any repair work, property owners should contact their local building officials to find out what permits are required to repair or rebuild.

Some Colorado property owners may find that September’s flood has caused substantial damage to their home or business.

Substantial damage is defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a home or structure that has incurred substantial damage, is located in a special flood hazard area and the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s pre-event market value.

Local building officials make the determination that substantial damage has occurred.

When local officials determine a building is located in a special flood hazard area and has substantial damage, the structure must be brought into compliance under the community’s current building ordinances and regulations.

For more information on general flood insurance, contact your local floodplain administrator, the National Flood Insurance Program at 800-427-4661 or your local insurance agent. Information also is available at www.fema.gov and floodsmart.gov.

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Talk to Local Officials Before Rebuilding Your Flood-Damaged Home

Sandy survivors with home accessibility needs should contact FEMA

NEW YORK – Survivors with home accessibility needs because of Hurricane Sandy, especially older adults and people with disabilities, are encouraged to stay in touch with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA may be able to assist if elevators or electricity are not working properly, even if the structure did not sustain damage.

Residents living in buildings with non-working elevators or inaccessible common areas may be eligible for temporary rental assistance or other disaster-related assistance from FEMA. Those experiencing accessibility issues while waiting for an insurance settlement also may be eligible for assistance.

Buildings with unsafe conditions such as electrical problems in common areas, non-working elevators and hard-to-access entrances may present difficulties to residents, especially those with disabilities or health concerns that make it difficult to use the stairs.

FEMA specialists are canvassing neighborhoods impacted by Hurricane Sandy to ensure survivors with physical or mobility needs have equal access and receive equal benefits from FEMA programs. They will work on a case-by-case basis to assist survivors with access and functional needs to ensure they receive the assistance for which they are eligible.

While FEMA will continue outreach efforts, survivors are urged to call the FEMA helpline 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. Call centers are available 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. EST, seven days a week.

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Sandy survivors with home accessibility needs should contact FEMA

By Building Stronger, One Family’s Home Withstood the Storm

NEW YORK – When Thomas O’Grady decided to build a house on East Atlantic Beach, the neighborhood he grew up in, he wasn’t very happy learning that he couldn’t build his main floor because of new local building codes that would require him to elevate his home to the area base flood elevation (BFE).

BFE is the elevation of surface water resulting from a flood that has a 1 percent chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year. Despite their hesitation, the O’Gradys built four feet over the required 11 foot BFE, which conforms to the minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements as well as state and local building codes. Their decision ultimately paid off.

“My parents have lived in this neighborhood, right next door, since 1967 and we’ve never had an inch of water on our street,” said O’Grady.

However, when Hurricane Sandy made landfall in October 2012 and severely damaged many homes throughout Long Island, because their home was elevated, the O’Gradys survived the storm. Though the slow-moving storm swamped other houses in their area, the O’Grady home stayed snug and dry.

In addition to elevating their home well above the BFE, O’Grady built to other state and local codes that would enable the structure to withstand hurricane force winds. By building stronger, the family ensured that their home could withstand a disaster like Sandy. “We were upstairs during the storm and we felt the wind,” O’Grady said. But we were never worried about any serious damage from the wind.”

The storm surge came up about three feet above the water line and breached the dunes on the beach near the O’Grady home. In contrast, all their neighbors who had not elevated their homes received at least three feet of water in their living areas. As for the O’Grady house, the living area received no water at all. “The water went through the crawl space, through the flood vents and out the flood vents, so once the tide subsided, the water was gone,” O’Grady said.

When a structure is elevated and tied together with the proper hardening measures, evidence shows it survives significantly better. “They [local building officials] all know how upset I was in the beginning that I could not build that main floor, said O’Grady. Now they are all laughing at me saying, ‘Aren’t you thankful now you elevated your home?’ I sure am.”

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

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By Building Stronger, One Family’s Home Withstood the Storm

Survivors Can Take Steps Now to Rebuild

BATON ROUGE, La. – Hurricane Isaac survivors repairing their homes with an eye toward avoiding damage from future storms can take several steps now to rebuild stronger and safer.

Property owners who wish to speed up the rebuilding process do not have to wait for a complete Substantial Damage Inspection, say mitigation experts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Property owners can provide the local permitting official with a copy of an estimate from a licensed contractor to repair the structure, and a copy of a pre-disaster market value appraisal. With these documents, they can apply for a permit to make needed repairs.

“Storm survivors are anxious to get on with repairs, and we encourage them to do so,” said Patricia McArthur, Hazard Mitigation Branch Director for FEMA’s Hurricane Isaac mission in Louisiana. “The rebuilding phase of any disaster is an ideal time to plan ways to prevent or limit future damage.”

One source of funds for eligible homeowners who have flood insurance and whose homes were determined to be substantially damaged may be Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. ICC provides up to $30,000 of insurance coverage for the increased cost of compliance with their community’s floodplain management ordinance.

FEMA assistance for individuals may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and emergency home repairs to make a home habitable. Survivors could also be eligible for grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

FEMA may also assist survivors whose insurance settlements have been delayed longer than 30 days from the time they filed their claims. Any help awarded by FEMA is considered an advance and must be repaid once an insurance settlement is received. The current maximum is $31,400.

To apply for an advance, people with delayed settlements should write a letter to FEMA explaining the situation. Homeowners should include documentation from their insurance companies proving their claim was filed. If they filed by telephone, they should include their claim number, the date they applied, and estimated time before they expect to receive the settlement.

For more information on Louisiana disaster recovery, click www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. You can follow FEMA on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA. Also visit our blog at www.fema.gov/blog.

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Survivors Can Take Steps Now to Rebuild

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