High Water Mark Event Addresses Past, Future of Flood Risk

PHILADELPHIA – On Thursday, June 23, 2016 the City of Richmond, Virginia unveiled a High Water Mark at Pony Pasture Rapids Park. The marks, also established at Brown’s Island and Great Shiplock Park, show areas where flood water has risen in the past in an effort to raise awareness of flooding and encourage individuals to consider their risk.  

“Whether it is a hurricane or a flood, it only takes one storm to significantly impact our communities,” stated FEMA Region III Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “The High Water Mark campaign highlights for us that by being prepared for these events, we can reduce their impact on us and make our communities safer for all.”

The High Water Mark Campaign represents a partnership between FEMA’s High Water Mark Campaign program, the Region III office, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, the Virginia Silver Jackets, and others to encourage flood awareness and steps individuals, families, and communities should take to protect themselves against future flooding events.

“Flooding is the most prevalent natural disaster in Virginia and we know that many are under-insured against floods,” said VDEM State Coordinator Dr. Jeffrey Stern. “Our goal is to increase preparedness in flood-prone communities. These signs are a constant reminder that major flooding can occur in the Commonwealth and should prompt individuals and businesses to take action, obtain flood insurance and prepare.”

The High Water Mark Campaign is a part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which seeks to increase local communities’ awareness of flooding and flood risks. In addition to signs marking historic flood levels, the campaign seeks to promote continued education and awareness of flooding and to encourage communities to take steps to mitigate their risks. FloodSmart.gov has information on risk and insurance options to help individuals make the best decision for them and their families.

FEMA and VDEM encourage individuals, families and communities to prepare for disasters and take steps to protect themselves from hazards such as floods. More information on the High Water Mark Campaign may be found at http://www.fema.gov/high-water-mark-initiative.

Visit Ready.gov and www.vaemergency.gov for information on flooding and other hazards as well as preparedness information.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

# # #

View original article:

High Water Mark Event Addresses Past, Future of Flood Risk

City of Leon Valley, Texas, Unveiling High Water Mark, Announcing Initiative Targeting Local Flood Risk

DENTON, Texas – In October of 1998, the City of Leon Valley was devastated by flooding. On January 9, 2016, officials will unveil a High Water Mark in that city. They will also announce the start of a new initiative reminding residents of the community’s flood risks. Mayor Chris Riley will unveil the High Water Mark at Raymond Rimkus Park at 9:00 a.m.

The High Water Mark Initiative places a permanent High Water Mark on the Raymond Rimkus Park Walking Path. It encourages local residents and businesses to learn about their flood risks. They are also encouraged to make emergency plans and put together disaster supply kits. The initiative was based on tools and strategies developed by FEMA and eight other Federal agencies.

Floods are the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States. Someone with a 30 year mortgage has a 26 percent chance of flooding. That’s more than twice the chance of a fire.

Visit www.leonvalleytexas.gov or call 210-684-1391 to learn more about this initiative and use the “Cost of Flooding” tool at https://www.FloodSmart.gov to see how much damage flooding can do to your home, inch by inch.

                                                                  ###

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 us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/femaregion6, and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

This article:  

City of Leon Valley, Texas, Unveiling High Water Mark, Announcing Initiative Targeting Local Flood Risk