Tag Archive for: FEMA

LOMA Fact Sheet for Homeowners

FEMA has created an easy guide that helps homeowners understand the process for Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) and Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). This factsheet provides clear instructions on who’s eligible to apply, what should be included in an application, and what happens after you receive a determination letter. CTPs and other mapping partners are encouraged to use this at community meetings such as Open Houses.

 

The guide can be found on FEMA.gov here: https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/172215.

Higher Standards: The Value of Floodplain Management

The logo of the National Flood Insurance Program.

View in FEMA Multimedia Library

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S., causing millions of dollars of damages each year. Floodplain management can help communities reduce losses, protect valuable economic and natural resources, and, more importantly, save lives. Learn how communities can reduce the physical and financial impacts of future flooding through floodplain management.

Video by Juanita Thompson – Aug 15, 2018

Why More Homeowners Should Buy Flood Insurance

CBS News has an article on the need for flood insurance in the wake of devastating Texas Flooding. Read the full article here.

FEMA launches NFIP Call Center Pilot Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on June 15 launched a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) call center pilot program to serve and support policyholders with the servicing of their claims. Flood insurance claims can be complicated, and policyholders may have questions in the days and weeks following a disaster. The NFIP call center is reachable at 1-800-621-3362, and will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (CDT) Monday through Friday. Specialists will be available to assist policyholders with the servicing of their claims, provide general information regarding their policies, and/or offer technical assistance to aid in recovery. For those who prefer to put their concerns in writing, a “Request for Support” form is posted here, which can be filled out and emailed or faxed to 540-504-2360. Call center staff will be able to answer questions, including questions such as “How do I file a flood insurance claim? What type of documentation is needed? Can I still obtain disaster assistance even though I have a flood policy?” as well as more complicated insurance questions about the extent of coverage and policy ratings. The call center also will be open to disaster survivors who have general questions about the NFIP. Have the following information available when calling: contact information (name, telephone number, email address if applicable); policy number; address of damaged property; and name of flood insurance carrier. The NFIP call center pilot program is part of FEMA’s ongoing commitment to effective, long-term improvements to the NFIP.

FEMA NFHL and Stay Dry Data

FEMA has released new NFHL and Stay Dry Data for use in Google Earth. Data is available to download here or from FEMA’s site directly. Instructions on using the data within Google Earth can be found here.

4 Things to Know About Flood Insurance

4 Things to know about flood insurance

  1. Not all surcharges are created equal.
  2. Premiums can really skyrocket…
  3. …unless you’re prepared.
  4. Deductibles just got bigger.

Federal Flood Risk Mngt Listening Sessions

Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Implementation: Reminder: Register for Upcoming Listening Sessions; Comment Period Extended

Please join FEMA and federal partners for Listening Sessions on the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Implementation. These sessions continue to provide the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and provide feedback on how federal agencies implement the Standard.

FEMA, on behalf of the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group (MitFLG), published a draft version of Implementing Guidelines that remains open for comment. Recently the comment period was extended until May 6, 2015. The MitFLG, a collection of federal agencies with programs and authorities designed to mitigate the impacts of disasters on communities, is accepting written comments through the Federal Register process from those unable to attend the public meetings and will also host a virtual listening session. A revised Federal Register Notice will be published in the near future highlighting the comment extension.

Listening Sessions

• March 24, 2015
9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. (ET)
George Mason University
Johnson Center (Blg #30)
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

• Webinar:
March 25, 2015
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (ET)
Register for the Webinar

• March 27, 2015
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Jerome Greene Hall
Columbia Law School – Room 104
435 West 116th Street (corner of Amsterdam Avenue)
New York, New York 10027

Due to space constraints of the facilities, seating may be limited. To reserve a seat in advance, please provide a request via email in advance of the session with the contact information of the participant (including name, mailing address, and e-mail address), and the meeting to be attended to FEMA-FFRMS@fema.dhs.gov and include the subject/attention line: Reservation Request for FFRMS. For anyone attending the meetings who is hearing or visually impaired, or who requires special assistance or accommodations, please also contact FEMA-FFRMS@fema.dhs.gov.

Background:
On January 30, the President issued an Executive Order, “Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard and a Process for Further Soliciting and Considering Stakeholder Input.” Future federal investments in, and affecting floodplains, will be required to meet the level of resilience established in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard. This includes projects where federal funds are used to build new structures and facilities, or to rebuild those that have been damaged. These projects make sure that buildings are constructed to withstand the impacts of flooding, improve the resilience of communities, and protect federal investments.

The Standard requires agencies to consider the best available, actionable science of both current and future risk when taxpayer dollars are used to build or rebuild in floodplains. On average, more people die annually from flooding than any other natural hazard. Further, the costs borne by the federal government are more than any other hazard. Water-related disasters account for approximately 85% of all disaster declarations.

The MitFLG will revise the draft Implementing Guidelines, based on input received through the Listening Sessions and comments, and provide recommendations to the Water Resources Council.

The Water Resources Council will, after considering the recommendations of the MitFLG, issue amended guidelines to federal agencies on the implementation of the Standard. Agencies will not issue or amend existing regulations or program procedures until the Water Resources Council issues amended guidelines that are informed by stakeholder input.

FEMA and the MitFLG look forward to your participation and input in the process as part of the work towards reducing flood risk, increasing resilience, cutting future economic losses, and potentially saving lives.

EMI E278 CRS Course

March 16 deadline is approaching for the upcoming E278 CRS course in Emmitsburg, MD. Full details available here. Course dates are April 27-30, 2015.

NM Awarded FEMA Grant for Flood Mapping Activities

Agencies in Arkansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma have been awarded more than $1.2 million in non-disaster hazard mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

These grants are part of FEMA’s Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) program and pay for efforts to maintain up-to-date flood hazard maps and other flood hazard information.

The cities and agencies that received the grants include:

• The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission – $200,000;
• The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission – $62,173;
• The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission – $638,418;
• The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management – $50,000;
• The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management – $149,000; and
• The University of New Mexico – $150,000.

The CTP Program is an innovative approach to creating partnerships between FEMA and participating National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) communities, regional agencies, state agencies, Tribal Nations and universities that have the interest and capability to become more active participants in the FEMA flood hazard mapping program. Fundable activities include program management, base map acquisition, scoping and outreach.

http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2014/10/08/arkansas-new-mexico-and-oklahoma-agencies-receive-more-12-million-fema

Presidential Disaster Declaration

President Obama has declared a disaster for New Mexico as a result of the flooding and storms from July 27-August 5, 2014. Check the links below for more information.

http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2014/10/06/president-declares-disaster-new-mexico

http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2014/10/06/federal-aid-programs-state-new-mexico-declaration

http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2014/10/06/president-declares-disaster-new-mexico