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National Exercise Program Capstone Exercise 2016

WASHINGTON – This week, federal departments and agencies from across the government began the National Exercise Program Capstone Exercise 2016. This event is a biennial, national-level exercise to test the federal government’s ability to protect the American public by preparing for, preventing, mitigating against, and responding to catastrophic incidents.

Capstone 2016 is based on analysis of past exercises, national preparedness data, and perspectives from partner agencies. This data-driven approach to designing the exercise series showed a need to examine federal capabilities for preventing and protecting against a catastrophic incident, in addition to coordinating an effective response.

Capstone 2016 involves a series of five events. The exercise began with an analysis of threats originating abroad and then will transition into a domestic crisis management and emergency response exercise. This multi-component design recognizes the need for comprehensive government-wide planning and interagency operations. The exercise is national in scope with the goal of fostering coordination and building relationships prior to an incident.

Various capabilities of the federal government will be tested, which will prompt participants to prevent terrorist acts against the homeland, coordinate the response to a catastrophic incident, communicate to the American people, and continue performing essential government functions during a disaster.

Capstone 2016 examines core capabilities described in the National Preparedness Goal and examines the ability of senior federal leaders and key partners to share and act upon information to achieve common and accurate situational awareness, inform crisis action planning, and establish priorities for life-saving and life-sustaining operations in response to a credible threat.

By congressional mandate, the Capstone exercise represents the culmination of the two-year National Exercise Program cycle and is designed to educate and prepare participants for potential catastrophic events. Capstone 2016 serves as the culminating event for the 2015-2016 cycle. These exercises are facilitated by FEMA’s National Exercise Division.

Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals, families, and businesses are encouraged to take steps to be ready for disasters by learning about risks in their areas and making a plan. Visit www.ready.gov to learn easy steps on how individuals and families can prepare and take action.

For more information on these exercises, visit https://www.fema.gov/national-exercise-program.

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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 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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National Exercise Program Capstone Exercise 2016

Louisiana Disaster Survivors Have More Time to Register for Recovery Help

Baton Rouge, La. – Louisiana disaster survivors in 36 parishes have an extra 30 days – until June 13th – to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for recovery assistance.

The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) requested the extension to provide more time for Louisiana residents with disaster damage that occurred March 8 through April 8, to apply for assistance.

If you are a homeowner or a renter in one of the designated parishes you are eligible to register. Businesses may be eligible for disaster loan help from the U.S. Small Business Administration, but are not eligible for FEMA recovery grants.

The extension applies to all 36 designated parishes: Allen, Ascension, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Carroll and Winn.

Registration is quick and easy. Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Folks who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call

800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Cuando llame al 800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at getagameplan.org.

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). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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 twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at blog.fema.gov.

FEMA offers a number of free online resources for home and property owners. To get started, go to fema.gov/safer-stronger-protected-homes-communities or fema.gov/louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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 SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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Louisiana Disaster Survivors Have More Time to Register for Recovery Help

How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Some survivors, who registered for federal disaster assistance after the March storms and flooding, may have received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that says they are ineligible. However, the reason for the decision may be something that can be easily fixed, such as providing insurance documents or new contact information.

Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision.

The first step is to look at the specific reason the letter was sent. If it isn’t clear, or more information is needed, a specialist at the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711, video relay service) can help. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Information is also available online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter.

Mail appeals to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Appeals and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112.

Information on how and where to file an appeal is included with the letters and in the “Help After a Disaster” booklet, which can be downloaded at FEMA.gov/help-after-disaster.

Effective appeal letters should follow these procedures:

In the first paragraph, list the applicant’s full legal name used on the aid application, along with Social Security number and the FEMA case number. Include a personal phone number as well as a back-up phone number where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a correct mailing address.
Write an explanation of events that provides evidence to support the appeal. Summarize changes in circumstances or needs, additional damage to property discovered after the registration was filed or higher-than-anticipated costs for repairs.
Include photocopies of receipts for materials and labor as well as up to three written bids for repair work if those costs exceed the award amount. Submitting repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices is recommended.
Keep a copy of the appeal letter and supporting documentation as a record.

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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 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

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How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

Four More Texas Counties May Apply for Disaster Aid for April Storms

AUSTIN, Texas – Individuals and families in Austin, Colorado, Waller and Wharton counties can now register for assistance for the April 17-24 severe storms and floods after the Federal Emergency Management Agency granted the state’s request to add them to the disaster declaration.

They join the four counties already designated for FEMA’s individual assistance program under the April 25 federal disaster declaration: Fayette, Grimes, Harris and Parker counties.

Texans who suffered damage or losses as a result of April severe storms and flooding are encouraged to apply for assistance. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing and essential home repairs, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses.

Texans in the eight counties who sustained disaster related damage or losses can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Those who had flood or storm damage should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may be eligible for help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available for eligible survivors. SBA helps businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. Disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries.

For more information, survivors may contact SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting the SBA website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6.

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Four More Texas Counties May Apply for Disaster Aid for April Storms

Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Oak Grove, West Carroll Parish Transitions to Fixed Location for Louisiana Survivors

BATON ROUGE, La. – The mobile disaster recovery center in Oak Grove (West Carroll Parish) will transition to a fixed location beginning Wednesday, May 4.

The mobile disaster recovery center will change locations on Tuesday, May 3 at 6 p.m. and then open at the following fixed address:

West Carroll Parish School Board Building
410 Willis St.
Oak Grove, La.

After opening at its fixed location, the disaster recovery center hours will be Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Representatives from the SBA will be available at the center to meet individually with Louisiana residents and business owners who sustained damage as a result of the severe storms and flooding from March 8 through April 8. Representatives will answer questions, explain SBA’s disaster loan program, help complete loan applications and close approved disaster loans.

Louisiana disaster survivors in Oak Grove may still visit other disaster centers to meet with recovery officials. For other locations go to fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or call 800-621-3362.

Residents can still register for disaster assistance or ask questions by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice. They can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/4263. Cuando llame al 1-800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

Call the helpline to:

Ask questions about FEMA determination letters.
Learn how to appeal FEMA’s determination. All applicants have the right to appeal.
Inquire about the status of a registration.
Provide change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.
Receive information about FEMA home inspections.
Get other questions answered about federal disaster assistance.

FEMA advises applicants to have their nine-digit FEMA registration number on hand when they call. They also will be asked to verify their identity if they want access to their information.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

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.

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 https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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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Mobile Disaster Recovery Center in Oak Grove, West Carroll Parish Transitions to Fixed Location for Louisiana Survivors

FEMA Helpline Can Assist Disaster Survivors

RIDGELAND, Miss. – The disaster recovery centers operated jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are closed, but help is still available for Mississippians affected by the March floods.

The FEMA helpline can assist with appeals, answer questions, provide the status of applications and discuss the documents needed to move an application forward.

The FEMA helpline number is 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster survivors who registered via DisasterAssistance.gov may access their account and provide additional information to FEMA. For others, documents and appeal letters may be faxed to FEMA at 800-827-8112.

FEMA disaster survivor assistance teams are actively monitoring disaster survivor needs in Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Panola, Perry, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Washington counties.

Survivors with questions about the U. S. Small Business Administration disaster loan program can call 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339.

For more information on Mississippi’s flood recovery, go to fema.gov/disaster/4268 or visit the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency site at msema.org.

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The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money to help business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters rebuild and recover after a disaster. SBA low interest disaster loans repair and replace property losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or

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FEMA Helpline Can Assist Disaster Survivors

Kentucky Community Recognized for Reducing Flood Risks

ATLANTA –The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognized Louisville-Jefferson County, Ky as a premier participant in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). With additional steps the community has taken, Louisville-Jefferson County is now the first community in Kentucky, and only the second in the eastern US, to receive a CRS Class 3 rating. Jesse Munoz, FEMA Region IV mitigation division director, presented Metro Council President David Yates a plaque recognizing Louisville-Jefferson County’s achievement at the April 14 Metro Council Meeting.

The CRS rewards communities that voluntarily take steps to reduce flood risks beyond the minimum requirements of the NFIP, such as increasing flood protection and implementing preparedness and mitigation activities. As a result, property owners and renters in CRS-participating communities enjoy a reduction in flood insurance premiums.

“Louisville-Jefferson County is the only community in the commonwealth and among only a handful of communities nationwide that has achieved Class 3, which is a notably high rating,” said Gracia Szczech, regional administrator for FEMA Region IV. “I am pleased that we can recognize Louisville-Jefferson County for taking steps to make their community safer, more resilient and save their residents money.”

Policyholders in Louisville-Jefferson County first began receiving flood insurance discounts under the CRS program in 1991. Currently, there are more than 5,194 flood insurance policies in force in Louisville-Jefferson County, representing more than $880 million in flood insurance coverage. Policyholders located in the high risk areas of flooding, or Special Flood Hazard Areas, can now receive a 35 percent discount on their policy premium, which is an average savings of $505 per policy. Some policyholders in the lower risk areas are eligible for a 10 percent discount. In total, policyholders realize an annual savings of $2,054,687 because of the community’s participation in the CRS program.

For more information on the NFIP’s CRS program visit https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-rating-system. For more information about the NFIP, a program administered by FEMA, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

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Kentucky Community Recognized for Reducing Flood Risks

Storm Damage in March and April – Register Again with FEMA

AUSTIN, Texas – Residents in Parker County with losses or damage from the severe storms and flooding of April 17-24 should register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA, even if they registered with the agency following the March storms.

An April 25 federal disaster declaration made Parker County — along with Fayette, Grimes and Harris counties — eligible for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program. Parker County also was included in the March 19 disaster declaration for the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding March 7-29. Each disaster is a separate event.

Parker County survivors can register with FEMA anytime at DisasterAssistance.gov. They also can register by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

When registering, applicants will be asked for the following information:

Social Security number;
Address of the damaged primary residence;
Description of the damage;
Information about insurance coverage;
A current contact telephone number;
An address where they can receive mail; and
A bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors should register even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

Registering with FEMA is required for federal aid, even if a survivor has registered with another disaster-relief organization, such as the American Red Cross. Get answers to questions by calling the FEMA Helpline and speak with a representative.

For more information visit the Texas disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4269, Twitter @femaregion6 and @TDEM, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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Storm Damage in March and April – Register Again with FEMA

St. Tammany and Calcasieu Parish Disaster Survivors Can Get Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Centers

Baton Rouge, La. — Disaster Survivors from Caddo, St. Tammany and Calcasieu parishes who are rebuilding after the March 8 – April 8 severe storms and floods can receive free consultations with hazard mitigation advisors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The mitigation representatives will be available at Lowe’s in Slidell and Lowe’s in Sulphur from Monday, May 2 until Saturday, May 7.

The mitigation advisors will answer questions about protecting homes from future disaster-related damage, as well as offer tips and techniques to build hazard resistant homes. Most of the information and the free publications provided are geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Recovery topics to be covered include roof repair and rebuilding flooded homes.

The store locations and the hours the advisors will be available are as follows:

Lowe’s Home Improvement
39184 Natchez Drive
Slidell, La.

Advisors will be available Monday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and

Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
305 South Cities Service Highway
Sulphur, La.

Advisors will be available Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,

Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Survivors can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. They may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Cuando llame al 1-800 621-3362 (FEMA) marque el 1 y escuche las instrucciones en español.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’s www.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response at www.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information at www.gohsep.la.gov, Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

The U.S. Small Business Administration 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 .sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

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St. Tammany and Calcasieu Parish Disaster Survivors Can Get Rebuilding Tips at Local Home Improvement Centers

Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Flagler County Ready for Public Viewing

ATLANTA– Newly revised preliminary digital flood insurance rate maps for coastal areas of Flagler County, FL will be available for residents to review at a public open house at the Hammock Community Center on May 5, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Flood maps show the extent to which areas are at risk for flooding, and when updated maps become effective they are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements.

The open house provides residents of Flagler 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 specialists who will be available to talk about flood insurance, engineering, building permits and more. Home and business owners, renters, realtors, mortgage lenders, surveyors and insurance agents are encouraged to attend the open house.

The open house will be held between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The open house date and location is:

May 5

Hammock Community Center

79 Mala Compra Rd.

Palm Coast, FL 32137

The new preliminary maps were developed through a partnership among Flagler County, its municipalities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They are based on updated available modeling and data and show improved flood hazard risk better than older maps. 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, floodplains widen or shift, and other factors. Flood maps are updated periodically to reflect these changes.

By law, federally regulated or insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on buildings 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 or call 888-379-9531 for more information about flood insurance and to locate a local agent.

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Digital Preliminary Flood Maps for Coastal Areas of Flagler County Ready for Public Viewing

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