The Federal Emergency Management Agency - Articles - Zimbio

FEMA Redefining Flood Hazard Zones

Mon, 18 Nov 2008 03:21:11 GMT

posted by BenjaminDona

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is using advancements in digital mapping technology to redefine the country’s flood zones. As a result, many homeowners are being required to buy flood insurance for the first time, while others who have had coverage for years are being cleared to drop their flood policies altogether.

The changes are occurring as part of a multiyear plan by FEMA to digitize its Flood Insurance Rate Maps to make them more accurate. The process began in 2003 and FEMA is projecting that 65% of the land in the country (92% of the population) will be covered by the new high-tech maps by 2010. According to FEMA officials, the accuracy of the new mapping technology has vastly improved and allows for more precise information to be used in determining special flood-hazard areas.

Since the federal government requires properties in flood zones that have federally backed FHA and VA mortgages to carry flood insurance and private mortgage companies also use the maps for flood insurance requirements on their loans, having an accurate record of the country’s flood zones is imperative. And, while some homeowners are crying foul at having their properties re-zoned into a special flood-hazard area, knowing that you’re accurately covered when the worst case scenario happens should make it easier to accept having to pay for the additional costs of carrying the insurance.

Recent areas getting their Flood Insurance Rate Maps upgraded using this new digital technology included more than 100 communities in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. For more information on special-flood hazard areas, you can visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

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Tags: FEMA, homeowner insurance, mortgages, real estate

Texans Can Appeal FEMA Decisions on Aid

Tue, 12 Nov 2008 16:52:00 GMT

posted by davet
Texas applicants who have received notice from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that they are ineligible for disaster assistance following Hurricane Ike may be able to use additional documentation to turn that "no" to a "yes."

"Every applicant has the right to appeal any decision," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman, who is overseeing the federal efforts to help Texans recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike. "When you appeal FEMA's decision, you are asking us to review your case again, and we will do that. FEMA is here to help. We want to help."

FEMA reviews all appeals and usually makes a decision within 30 days of receiving a request.

One of the best sources of help is FEMA's network of Disaster Recovery Centers. Applicants can get guidance on the appeal process at any of the 33 centers now open in Texas to support those affected by Hurricane Ike. Another option is FEMA's Helpline 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

Applicants who receive an ineligibility letter can appeal the decision if they find circumstances have changed from the time they registered. Some may have discovered additional damage to their property, or find they need housing help after all.

FEMA Completes 97% of Inspections Following Ike

Mon, 28 Oct 2008 15:48:00 GMT

posted by davet
Inspectors contracted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are making great progress toward completing inspections of Texas homes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ike. To date they have completed more than 350,000 inspections, or 97 percent of the requests submitted by homeowners and renters.

Damage inspections are free and generally take 30 to 45 minutes. They are conducted by FEMA contract inspectors who have construction and/or appraisal expertise and receive disaster-specific training. Each inspector wears official photo identification.

Inspectors document the damage but do not determine the resident's eligibility for disaster assistance. They check for damage to the building structure and its systems, major appliances and any damaged septic systems and wells. Residents should tell the inspector about other important losses such as clothing, medical equipment, tools needed for a trade and educational materials. Inspectors then relay this information to FEMA.

Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.

Applicants are reminded to keep the contact information on their applications current so an inspector can reach them. To update their information, applicants should call FEMA's Helpline, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

FEMA Ignores Mississippi After Hurricane Gustav

Sat, 28 Sep 2008 15:28:00 GMT

posted by vjack
Image via WikipediaThe Associated Press is reporting that Gov. Barbour's request for individual assistance for homeowners in Mississippi who experienced damage during Hurricane Gustav are being ignored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Mississippi residents have received no federal aid to repair hundreds of waterlogged homes from Hurricane Gustav, leaving homeowners to wonder if they have been left high and dry.

There were areas of our state which were damaged by Gustav, and it is puzzling that residents in these areas have been ignored. I wonder if this would be happening if Mississippi was not already considered to be in the bag for McCain?

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Tags: Hailey Barbour, Mississippi, politics, Hurricane Gustav, FEMA, McCain, federal aid

FEMA not immune from toxic trailer suits

Sun, 10 Nov 2008 14:56:42 GMT

posted by digitalje5u5

A federal judge has ruled that the federal government is not immune from lawsuits claiming many Gulf Coast hurricane victims were exposed to potentially dangerous fumes while living in trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt cited evidence that FEMA delayed investigating complaints about formaldehyde levels in its trailers because the agency felt it might be held legally responsible. Formaldehyde, which is used as a preservative, can cause breathing problems and is classified as a carcinogen. Judge Engelhardt said FEMA learned of the formaldehyde concerns around March 2006, several months after Hurricane Katrina hit in August of 2005, but responded by “sticking their heads in the sand” rather than ordering air-quality tests. The judge wrote in his order that:

The evidence shows that FEMA initially ignored the potential formaldehyde problem and neglected to conduct testing in fear that such testing would ‘imply’ FEMA’s ownership of the issue.

FEMA contended that the agency is immune from lawsuits when it responds to a disaster. But Judge Engelhardt said ignoring potential health problems associated with FEMA trailers wouldn’t be a “permissible exercise of policy judgment.” There are about 800 storm victims who are named Plaintiffs in the cases. The judge is being asked to certify a class action suit on behalf of thousands of people who lived in FEMA trailers after the 2005 hurricanes. So far, that request hasn’t been ruled on. The Plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages in the case. The lawsuits also accuse trailer makers of providing FEMA with shoddily-built units in a rush to meet the agency’s unprecedented demand for emergency housing. Formaldehyde levels were, on average, about five times higher than what people are exposed to in most modern homes.

Source: Associated Press