KAMM Updates

Kentucky Watches, Warnings or Advisories – Weather Alerts  Follow the alerts, link here.

 

KAMM 2021 Virtual Conference 

Unmasking Mitigation

September 21 – 23, Annual Conference

September 20, Preconference Presentations and KAMM Committee meetings.

Link to our 2021 Conference Overview webpage.  ET

Please Complete a Conference Evaluation

Link to the 2021 KAMM Conference Evaluation

 

KAMM Nature Based Solutions Webinars Recap

KAMM Nature Based Solutions Webinars hosted by KAMM in partnership with EPA Region IV, Kentucky Emergency Management and the University of Kentucky Martin School, Kentucky Division of Water, and The Nature Conservancy. 

Webinar Recap Link – Nature-based Solutions Webinar Series Recap, including presentations and resources.  

 

FEMA Grant Opportunities

 

FEMA Announces New Interim Policy for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs

August 27, 2021

A new interim FEMA policy requires certain structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas to conform to higher flood elevation standards if they use Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant funds.

FEMA published the Partial Implementation of the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs (FEMA Policy FP-206-21-0003) to better align with Executive Order 14030 Climate-Related Financial Risk, which aims to strengthen resiliency nationwide. This new standard is in the fiscal year 2021 notices of funding opportunity for the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) programs.

In addition to BRIC and FMA, it also applies to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for any major disaster declared on or after Aug. 27 and assistance authorized for all 59 COVID-19 disaster declarations.  In addition, the interim policy applies to HMGP Post Fire for any Fire Mitigation Assistance Grant declarations issued on or after Aug. 27. 

The interim policy partially implements the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard by requiring higher flood elevations established by the Freeboard Value Approach for certain actions such as elevation, dry floodproofing and mitigation reconstruction in the Special Flood Hazard Area.  The Freeboard Value Approach is the Base Flood Elevation plus two feet.  Under the interim policy, FEMA does not require the partial implementation Freeboard Value Approach if using it would cause the project to be unable to meet applicable program cost-effectiveness requirements.

FEMA anticipates this approach will ensure communities affected by future flood disasters are less vulnerable to the loss of life and property and reduce the effects of a changing environment.

Link to the documents: 

 

 

Training/Webinar Opportunities

Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Course Available

Local Hazard Mitigation Planning (2021) now updated  

The two-day local mitigation planning course can be delivered in-person or virtually and is hosted by the Emergency Management Institute. The training covers the fundamentals of mitigation planning requirements for communities.

This training is intended for local community officials, emergency managers, planners, planning consultants and other individuals or sectors who are involved in hazard mitigation planning.  After completing the training, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the requirements for hazard mitigation planning process
  • Engage community members in the mitigation planning process
  • Assess risks and develop effective mitigation strategies
  • Learn the elements of plan review, approval, and update cycle
  • Learn about mitigation planning funding sources

Partners interested in attending or having FEMA conduct an in-person delivery of this course or other training should review the factsheet and contact the appropriate Regional Training Manager using the contact information on this webpage.

For more information on additional planning courses, please visit FEMA’s Mitigation Planning Training webpage.

 

 

Basically CDBG Online Curriculum Now Available

Whether you are new to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program or just need a refresher on key topics, this new online training curriculum is for you!

This Basically CDBG Online curriculum provides a suite of information and tools to help CDBG grantees understand basic CDBG requirements and drill down into more nuanced issues related to the administration and implementation of the program.

Available 24/7 on the HUD Exchange, the 12-module curriculum utilizes multiple training modalities to reinforce learning, including:

  • Recorded training sessions, webinars, and animations
  • Links to helpful resources such as manuals, toolkits, and regulations
  • Project profiles and case studies
  • Quizzes

The self-paced curriculum covers a range of topics including:

  • History, Mission, and Overview
  • Planning
  • National Objectives and Eligible Activities
  • Housing and Other Real Property Activities
  • Public Facilities and Improvements
  • Public Services
  • Economic Development and Section 108
  • Other Eligible Activities
  • Other Federal Requirements
  • Financial Management
  • IDIS and CDBG
  • Performance Measurement, Monitoring, and Reporting

Explore Basically CDBG Online Today – https://hudexchange.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=87d7c8afc03ba69ee70d865b9&id=f8114a78cb&e=5d1511d298

 

Risk Rating 2.0 Training Opportunities

FEMA is conducting a webinar series to introduce the new flood insurance rating system known as Risk Rating 2.0, Equity in Action. This is a four-part series of briefings offered on a rotating schedule that will introduce the fundamentals of Risk Rating 2.0 and the details of the rating methodology. Up to 8 ASFPM CFM CECs are available by attending all four parts.

The four training sessions are: 

  • RR 2.0 Fundamentals
  • Rating methodology 1—Premium calculation variables
  • Rating methodology 2—Mitigation Credits and other variables
  • Rating Methodology 3—Transition of policies, use cases, and rating examples

It is recommended, but not required, that you take the training sessions in the order listed above. 

When: Every Wednesday through Nov 3, 2021  Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm ET

Where: You can attend these webinars at (https://fema.zoomgov.com/j/16112089704 Meeting ID: 161-1208-9704; Passcode: 127630). 

There is no registration requirement for these training sessions, but the room size is limited to the first 350 participants for each session.  If you are unable to attend a session, please try again with the next offering of that session.  

Schedule of training sessions 

  • Oct 20: Methodology 1, Premium calculation variables
  • Oct 27: Methodology 2, Mitigation Credits and other variables
  • Nov 3: Methodology 3, Transition of policies, use cases, and examples

Additional sessions may be added if needed.

More information about RR 2.0 can be found at the FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 website Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action | FEMA.gov    https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance/risk-rating 

 

Tapping into Federal Funding:  Leveraging HUD Loans for Innovative Water Infrastructure Investments

Update Webinar and Materials are now posted on the Leveraging HUD Loans for Innovative Water Infrastructure Investments Webinar page.

Part of WaterNow’s ongoing Tap into Resilience series, this webinar explored how local leaders can leverage HUD loans for innovative water infrastructure investments.  WaterNow’s Tap into Resilience initiative provides water leaders the resources they need to invest in affordable, climate resilient solutions to meet a broad range of water management challenges.

This webinar featured one of these investment options – HUD’s Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program.  This federal loan program can be used to address community resilience projects aimed at benefiting low- and moderate-income communities and for organizations looking to improve water systems.  Eligible projects include waterfront fortification, green infrastructure improvements, and water infrastructure improvements.

Speakers:

  • Seema Thomas, Deputy Director, Financial Management Division, HUD
  • Erik Pechuekonis, CPD Specialist, HUD Representative from Mount Vernon, WA
  • Marty Dubroff, CPD Specialist, HUD
  • Esco Bell, Public Works Director, City of Mount Vernon, WA
  • Caroline Koch, Water Policy Director, WaterNow Alliance

Watch the webinar and download the materials  – Leveraging HUD Loans for Innovative Water Infrastructure Investments Webinar page.

 

Webinar: Where and How We Build: Using Land Use and Building Codes to Increase Resilience

Plans, policies and regulations govern where and how we build.  This webinar outlines the essential role that land use planning and building codes play in reducing disaster risk.  Watch the Webinar.

 

CRS Webinars and EMI courses

Link to our CRS webpage for detailed schedule  http://www.kymitigation.org/crs-webinars/ 

 

Program Updates and Releases

New CRS Resources for Substantial Damage Plan (SDP)

Doing substantial damage determinations (SDP), especially in the chaos after an event, is not an easy task.  But the work must be done.  Failure means residents will be flooded again and damage will occur again.  Having a plan and following a strategy will make the job easier and recovery quicker.  The perfect time to develop a plan for substantial damage is before a flood or other natural hazard event occurs.

Six new resource documents are now available to help communities with the SDP process.

For more info, link to New Resources for Substantial Damage Plan (SDP)

 

CRS Credit for Stormwater Management Guide

Objective – One of the biggest problems of floodplain management in urbanizing areas is the increase in peak flow and total volume of runoff caused by development within a watershed.  As forests, fields, and farms are covered by impermeable surfaces like streets, rooftops, and parking lots, more rain runs off at a faster rate.  When an area is urbanized, the rate of runoff can increase five-fold or more if proper mitigation is not provided.

This problem is compounded by changes in the surface drainage system.  Stormwater runoff travels faster on streets and in storm drains than it does across forests or fields, or in natural channels.  As a result, flooding is more frequent and more severe after development, channels begin to erode, water quality is diminished, and riparian habitat is lost.

Efforts to reduce the impact of increased runoff resulting from new development or increases in impervious surface in redeveloping a site are known as “stormwater management”.  Stormwater management also encompasses many aspects of water quality, and includes efforts to reduce erosion and the entry of sediment and pollutants into receiving streams.

Among the objectives of the CRS are flood damage reduction and the protection of natural processes such as water quality and habitat for endangered species.  These objectives are addressed by the elements in this CRS activity. 

CRS Credit for Stormwater Management is a full 27-page guide, including examples, to help communities tailor their stormwater management and watershed management programs in ways that reduce flood losses, protect natural processes, and earn CRS credit. 

This 2020 edition provides background on the creditable management techniques, discusses the legal aspects of such management, and describes various ways to document the creditable activities. 

Link to the CRS Credit for Stormwater Management.

 

The New FEMA Building Sciences Resource Library

FEMA is excited to announce the launch of its new resource library dedicated to building science. The new library contains all available materials that focus on creating disaster-resistant communities.  New functionality empowers users with enhanced search capabilities.  Users can now use combinations of the following to get the information you need.  A list of links featured below will open the new library by hazard:

 

FEMA Updates Flood Insurance Manual

Sept. 1, 2021

FEMA released the updated edition of the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Flood Insurance Manual, one month before it’s effective date.

The manual presents guidance for FEMA’s new rating methodology, known as Risk Rating 2.0 – Equity in Action. The manual updates existing NFIP underwriting policies and processes to enable effective and consistent program implementation of the new rating methodology. Risk Rating 2.0 provides more accurate flood insurance premiums, better communicates flood risk to individuals and promotes action to mitigate against flooding.

By leveraging industry best practices and current technology, FEMA can deliver rates that are equitable, easier to understand, more accountable to policyholders and taxpayers and better reflect a property’s unique flood risk.  FEMA will roll out the rates to the new methodology in a two-phase approach.

In Phase I, new NFIP policies beginning Oct. 1 will be subject to the new rating methodology and existing policyholders eligible for renewal will be able to take advantage of immediate decreases in their premiums.

In Phase II, all remaining policies renewing on or after April 1, 2022 will be subject to the new rating methodology. 

To complement the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual, FEMA released an Industry Transition Memorandum. The memo explains how transitioning from the legacy rating plan to the new methodology will occur and provides business, data and information technology guidance for NFIP insurers and vendors on how to accomplish that transition

 

Promoting Nature-Based Hazard Mitigation through FEMA Mitigation Grants

 May 2021

FEMA is now embracing nature-based solutions as viable and preferred hazard mitigation solutions and has expressed a specific interest in funding them through Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grants.  Yet, significant administrative challenges remain for securing funding for nature-based projects.

To support the momentum for investing in nature-based projects, The Nature Conservancy worked with AECOM, an engineering firm, to develop a new guidebook titled “Promoting Nature-Based Hazard  Mitigation through FEMA Mitigation Grants.”

Spanning 55 pages, the guidebook is intended for stakeholders pursuing FEMA HMA grants for nature-based solutions to mitigate risks associated with flooding (riverine and coastal) and wildfire.  To give users a better understanding of how HMA grants are a viable funding source for nature -based solutions to hazard mitigation, the report provides an overview of selecting appropriate nature-based solutions for a given hazard and location, FEMA HMA requirements, and how to maximize benefits for a given project.  It also provides brief explanations of FEMA HMA funding pathways while encouraging users to take advantage of FEMA’s guidance documents that go into greater detail on the grant programs.

Whether pursuing the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program or Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program for pre-disaster funding or the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for post-disaster recovery funding, the report notes the importance of having early communication with the State Hazard Mitigation Officer and the state agency’s grants team to develop consensus on project approach.

Although nature-based solutions can mitigate many hazard types, linking the appropriate solution with the appropriate grant program depends on several variables.  These include applying for the most appropriate HMA grant for the project site, selecting the most effective hazard mitigation technique, quantifying the benefits offered by the proposed nature-based solutions, and refining the project approach and strategy to maximize grant funding success.

Primary considerations include:

  • FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Programs – Is the need for a mitigation project driven by pre‑disaster preparation or an immediate post-disaster response?
  • Mitigation Techniques – Is the primary hazard affecting the project site coastal flooding, urban flooding, or wildfire? Based on the project site characteristics, what is the most effective nature-based solution?
  • Quantifying Benefits – How to best quantify the benefits of nature-based solutions using the FEMA benefit-cost analysis (BCA) tool and capture additional ancillary benefits offered by a nature-based approach?
  • Approach & Strategy – How to maximize possible mitigation benefits, build consensus, gain stakeholders, or improve overall project impact?

The guidebook also outlines several application challenges and pitfalls and highlights real-world case studies to gain ideas from with regards to coastal flooding, riverine/urban flooding, and wildfires.

Download – Promoting Nature-Based Hazard Mitigation through FEMA Mitigation Grants

 

Community Incentives for Nature-Based Flood Solutions

A Guide to FEMA’s Community Rating System For Conservation Practitioners

2021

Nature-based solutions—such as open space protection and wetland restoration— can effectively reduce flood risk and are creditable components of the CRS. The conservation community can and should partner with municipalities to plan and design “nature-based solutions” that restore and protect natural areas, reduce flood risk and earn citizens a discount on their flood insurance rate.

Link to Community Incentives for Nature-Based Flood Solutions – A Guide to FEMA’s Community Rating System For Conservation Practitioners.

 

Comparing National Flood Insurance Program requirements and “Higher Standards” in Building Codes

2021

FEMA has released two technical fact sheets summarizing the flood-resistant provisions of the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, that are “higher standards” and that are more specific than National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.

Building Code Requirements That Exceed or Are More Specific Than the National Flood Insurance Program (2021)

Significant Building Code Requirements That Exceed or Are More Specific Than the National Flood Insurance Program (2021)

These fact sheets summarize the flood-resistant provisions of the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, that are “higher standards” and that are more specific than National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements.

The first fact sheet provides a detailed comparison of NFIP and the I-Code “higher standards”.  The second fact sheet provides a summary comparison of the NFIP and more significant I-Code “higher standards”.

This fact sheet summarizes the flood-resistant provisions of the 2021 I-Codes and ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction.  The provisions listed have “higher standards” and are more specific than NFIP requirements.

A table in the document compares NFIP building and structure requirements to the flood-resistant provisions of the 2021 I-Codes and the ASCE referenced standards.

The table’s left column summarizes the NFIP requirements for buildings and structures cited in Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations Part 60 for land management and use.  The table’s right column summarizes the provisions of the I-Codes and referenced standards that are either “higher standards” or more specific than the corresponding NFIP requirement.

The primary codes and standards referenced in the fact sheet’s table are the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction.

 

FEMA Releases the Building Codes Toolkit for Building Owners and Occupants

July 2021

FEMA’s Building Science Branch is proud to announce the release of the updated Building Codes Toolkit is intended to provide building owners and occupants with knowledge that will allow them to better understand the importance of building codes, as well as how to go about incorporating building codes into their own building or structure.

The toolkit includes new materials as well as updates to many sections from the 2014 edition.  They are:

  • Building Codes 101
  • History of Building Codes
  • Checklist to Acquire a Building Permit
  • Checklist to Ask Your General Contractor
  • Role of the Insurance Industry
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Resources

The toolkit can be read as one publication or can be read as separate documents to give readers information specific to their needs.  Step-by-step guidance and background information about building codes are provided to help readers make informed decisions.

Readers will learn the importance of building codes and how to use them in building designs.  It includes checklists and a notes section so users can track their learning progress.

This toolkit is meant to encourage more people to adopt and support building codes and standards.  Areas that adopt building codes become safer and stronger against natural hazards, resulting in less damage, lower costs and fewer deaths and injuries caused by the disaster.  The FEMA Building Codes Toolkit can help building owners and occupants become one step closer to living in an area that is safer and stronger against natural hazards.

For additional information on building codes, visit the FEMA Building Science Branch website.

 

FEMA’s New Disaster Recovery Grant Policy for Code Enforcement and Administration

FEMA implemented a new disaster recovery grant policy under the Public Assistance program, “Building Code and Floodplain Management Administration and Enforcement.” 

This new policy offers building officials and communities an effective way to access resources needed to effectively administer and enforce building codes and floodplain management ordinances for up to 180 days following a major disaster declaration. The goals of the new policy are to increase the overall speed of recovery and enhance compliance with state and local building codes and floodplain management ordinances.

The policy was established by Section 1206 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, which made several important policy and regulatory changes to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

 

FEMA Releases Policy and Building Code Decision Tree – Navigating Building Damage within the Public Assistance Grant Program

March 29, 2021

The new FEMA Policy and Building Code Decision Tree: Navigating Building Damage within the Public Assistance Grant Program guides FEMA staff, FEMA Public Assistance (PA) grant applicants, or their representatives, hazard mitigation officers, and others through the process of making determinations and decisions related to substantial structural and substantial damage.

As “substantial structural damage” and “substantial damage” are two conditions that require a building to improve beyond its pre-damage state, FEMA Public Assistance (PA) policy allows improvement of a damaged building through replacement when the cost of repair would exceed 50% of the replacement cost.

This document has been developed to guide FEMA staff, PA grant applicants or their representatives through the process of making these determinations and decisions.

Download the decision tree.

 

FEMA Updates the Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide

May 26, 2021

FEMA has updated the “FEMA Individual Assistance Program Policy Guide,” a comprehensive guide for all FEMA Individual Assistance programs. The updated guide reiterates FEMA’s commitment to increasing the equitable execution of our programs.

The Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide, version 1.1, includes several changes that incorporate additional assistance for disaster survivors, as authorized in the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018, aligns policy to current processing guidance and addresses lessons learned from recent disasters and demonstrates FEMA’s commitment to providing assistance to under-served communities.

As mandated by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, FEMA’s Individuals and Housing Program and Other Needs Assistance program now have separate maximum funding amounts to prevent survivors having to make tough decisions about the kind of help they need most. 

Major updates to the guide include:

  • Clarifying assistance available to applicants residing in non-traditional housing.
  • Delegating authority for rental assistance rate increases.
  • Detailing new authorization and eligibility criteria for Critical Needs Assistance.
  • Updating the real property verified loss threshold for direct housing referral criteria to $12 per square foot, from the previous $17,000 threshold, to capture a wider range of survivor circumstances regardless of event type, location, or size of their dwelling.
  • Separate financial assistance maximum award amounts for Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance.
  • Updated Multi-Family Lease and Repair property eligibility requirements.
  • Specific disaster-damaged accessibility items covered under Home Repair or Personal Property Assistance are not limited to a financial maximum award. This means a survivor who lost their wheelchair would not have to decide between their critical equipment and housing repairs.
  • Increases to the Group Flood Insurance Policy coverage and premium.
  • Waiver authority for debts meeting specific criteria.

The guide provides a comprehensive policy resource for all stakeholders engaged in post-disaster recovery and can be found online at FEMA.gov. This version applies to all disasters declared on or after May 26, 2021 and will supersede the previous version of the IAPPG published in March 2019.

 

FEMA Funding to Make Homes More Durable

June 11, 2021

The additional funds for mitigation measures are subject to the Stafford Act limit for Housing Assistance, which is $36,000 for FY2021. 

As part of its commitment to make communities stronger and more resilient, FEMA is providing mitigation assistance to homeowners under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) for several hazard mitigation measures.  The additional funding will help eligible homeowners in areas covered by Presidential Disaster Declarations repair their homes in ways that will reduce the likelihood of future disaster damage.

Applicants who are approved for IHP assistance for home repairs may receive additional funds for select mitigation measures. In addition to the funds they need to repair their roof, eligible homeowners may also receive money above the cost of basic repairs to make their roof more resistant to high winds or flood damage. 

For example, applicants are able to install asphalt shingles designed to withstand wind speeds up to 116 miles per hour to help increase a roof’s durability.  For non-shingle roofs, applicants may use the additional funds for design and installation techniques that can improve the roof’s performance against risks for their specific geographic area.  Homeowners may also be found eligible for funds to elevate their water heater, furnace, or electrical panel.

The mitigation measures are limited and will only be provided for specific components that were present and functional prior to the disaster and were damaged by the disaster.

This additional assistance will be available for all Presidential Disaster Declarations occurring on or after May 26, 2021.

 

Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit

May 2021

EPA posted a Cyanotoxins Preparedness and Response Toolkit (CPRT) online. The CPRT will help EPA’s state and tribal partners prepare for potential harmful algal blooms in freshwater bodies and respond to protect public health.  Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) can cause fouling of beaches and shorelines, economic and aesthetic losses, taste and odor problems in drinking water, and direct risks to human, fish, and animal health.  The CPRT includes:

  • A template to develop Cyanobacteria/Cyanotoxins Management Plans, including worksheets and checklists to assist before and during a bloom event.
  • Frequently Asked Questions on cyanoHABs, drinking water health advisories, and EPA’s Recommended Recreational Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin.
  • Links to key tools relevant to the development of management plans and effective communication during cyanotoxin events.
  • A cyanoHABs incident response questionnaire to use when a cyanotoxins event is suspected or confirmed.
  • A post-incident technical support questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the response.

The resources in the toolkit can be completed electronically, downloaded, and shared.  The CPRT does not cover long-term management actions or the control and mitigation of cyanoHABs.

To learn more about cyanoHABs, visit EPA’s website at: https://www.epa.gov/cyanohabs/cyanotoxins-preparedness-and-response-toolkit-cprt.

 

Earthquake Mitigation Activities Dashboard is Live!

The “FEMA NEHRP State Assistance Grant Program: A History of Mitigation Activities” dashboard was recently released to provide the public an overview of how grant money is spent. The activities detailed in the dashboard support local earthquake safety, mitigation, and resilience activities. 

The FEMA NEHRP State Assistance Grant Program makes funding available through annual, non-competitive grants for individual states and territories, and competitive grants to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The purpose is to support the establishment of earthquake hazards reduction programs and the implementation of earthquake safety, mitigation, and resilience activities at the regional, state, and local level. 

The data detailed in the dashboard will be useful for the public to learn more about the earthquake mitigation activities completed over the country in the last several years and to assist State Earthquake Program Managers for ideas as they respond to the Individual State Earthquake Assistance (ISEA) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).  

For more information on FEMA’s NEHRP Program please visit: https://www.fema.gov/national-earthquake-hazards-reduction-program.

 

FEMA Releases Shelter-in-Place Guidance

May 25, 2021

FEMA released fema_shelter-in-place_guidance_5-25-2021 for 10 hazards and three building types.  

The pictograms provide clear, visual guidance to the public on shelter-in-place actions, classified by hazard and building type, to ensure the public takes effective protective actions when instructed to shelter-in-place during emergencies.

The guidance provides recommended interior locations for specific hazards, additional actions for protection and the recommended duration for staying sheltered-in-place.

The ten hazards are:

  • Active shooter.
  • Chemical hazard.
  • Earthquake.
  • Flooding/flash flooding.
  • Hurricane.
  • Nuclear/radiological hazards.
  • Pandemic.
  • Thunderstorm.
  • Tornado and winter storm.

The three types of buildings are:

  • Manufactured or mobile home.
  • One- or two-story buildings.
  • Multistory buildings.

The shelter-in-place pictograms can be used by community partners in multiple communication channels, such as posters, websites, just-in-time social media posts and emergency managers for Integrated Public Alert & Warning System messages

 

 

New HMA Fact Sheet: Summary of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs

March 23, 2021

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Division has published a new fact sheet entitled, Summary of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Programs, that:

  • Provides an overview of HMA grant programs;
  • Discusses the authorities under which the programs operate;            
  • Explains who is eligible to apply, and how to apply for HMA grants;
  • Summarizes cost share requirements; and
  • Shares information about how applications for HMA grants are evaluated.

 

 

Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance

June 22, 2021

FEMA released the Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance while at the Disaster Field Office to educate folks about flood insurance.

Link to the 2-page Fact Sheet Myths and Facts About Flood Insurance DR-4595

 

FEMA Releases Updated NFIP Technical Bulletin 3 and 6 that Focus on Dry Floodproofing

January 27, 2021

FEMA Technical Bulletins (TBs) provide guidance about how to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) minimum floodplain management requirements for building performance.  The TBs are primarily for use by state and local officials responsible for interpreting and enforcing building codes and NFIP regulations.  They are also helpful to design professionals, builders and homeowners.

The updated TBs will include information from the latest International Codes® (I-Codes®) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Standards.  They will also have information about best practices and input from stakeholders about a variety of issues.  The TBs added the updates to improve usability, credibility and streamline content.

To download the Technical Bulletins, link to TB 3 and 6. 

 

NFIP Technical Bulletin 3

Requirements for the Design and Certification of Dry Floodproofed Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Accordance with the NFIP

TB 3 provides guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofing of non-residential and non-residential portions of mixed-use buildings.  The current version of TB 3 was last published in April 1993.

Updates include: 

  • Discussion of the factors and planning considerations that influence the decision-making process when determining the feasibility of dry floodproofing a building.
  • Step-by-step instruction regarding dry floodproofing design requirements.
  • An example about seepage calculation that illustrates how to determine if the structure can be considered substantially impermeable.
  • Instructions for the NFIP Floodproofing Certificate

 

NFIP Technical Bulletin 6

Requirements for Dry Floodproofed Below-Grade Parking Areas Under Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas in Accordance with the NFIP

TB 6 provides guidance on the NFIP requirements for the design and certification of dry floodproofed below-grade parking areas.  The current version of TB 6 was last published in April 1993.

Updates include:

  • Identification of issues specific to dry floodproofing below-grade parking areas.
  • References to TB 3 for extensive guidance on design requirements.
  • Updated discussion on design considerations such as protecting points of entry, managing internal flow of seepage and equalization of flood loads vertically in multi-level below grade parking areas.

 

FEMA Releases Addendum for the Community Rating System Manual

January 2021

FEMA recently released the Community Rating System 2021 Addendum, a companion guide for the current Coordinator’s Manual. Together, these documents establish and explain various elements of the Community Rating System program including an official description, how the program operates, and how class ratings (Class 10 to Class 1) are determined.  The documents will remain effective until a fully revised edition of the Coordinator’s Manual is issued in the future.

The program provides incentives to encourage local jurisdictions to implement floodplain management best practices that exceed the minimum community-based floodplain management requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.  In return, NFIP flood insurance policy holders can receive reductions in their flood insurance premium.

With the 2021 Addendum, FEMA incorporates three new opportunities for communities to earn credit for a reduction in NFIP policy premiums.  These include:

  • Protecting threatened and endangered species.
  • Mitigating substantial damage.
  • Promoting flood insurance.

In addition, new prerequisites allow for both new credit opportunities and simplification for communities.  These prerequisites include:

  • A plan for managing floodplain-related construction certificates (including elevation certificates) to reach Class 9.
  • The implementation of 1-foot of freeboard to reach Class 8. 

Link to the 2021 Addendum – fema_community-rating-system_coordinator-manual_addendum-2021.  Or for more information, view the  on the FEMA website. 

Frequently Asked Questions- Link to the FAQs – fema_community-rating-system_coordinator-manual_addendum-2021_FAQs

 

FEMA P-2090/NIST SP-1254 – Recommended Options for Improving the Built Environment for Post-Earthquake Reoccupancy and Functional Recovery Time

January 1, 2021

This report provides a set of options in the form of recommendations, tasks, and alternatives for improving the built environment, which have been developed and assessed by the Committee of Experts.  It describes community resilience, defines the concepts of reoccupancy and functional recovery, and explains the relationship among these three ideas.  It explains why reoccupancy and functional recovery concepts are needed, describes a target performance state, and identifies potential cost and benefits associated with implementing enhanced seismic design.

Link to the Report fema_p-2090_nist_sp-1254_functional-recovery_01-01-2021

 

FEMA P-2139: Short-Period Building Collapse Performance and Recommendations for Improving Seismic Design

December 30, 2020

FEMA P-2139, Short-Period Building Collapse Performance and Recommendations for Improving Seismic Design, is a four-part technical resource that provides the findings and conclusions related to this paradox.  The document recommends how to improve seismic design for short-period buildings.  It includes documents of a multi-year investigation of the response behavior and collapse performance of different structural systems to identify causes and develop solutions for short-period buildings.

The three studies presented in this series investigate three structural systems: wood light-frame, special reinforced masonry shear wall and steel special concentrically braced frame systems.  Based on the analyses of the select structural systems, the document recommends a new approach to model seismic collapse performance and ways to resolve the paradox.       

The recommendations aim to strengthen short period buildings across the nation by improving design, predicting collapse potential and enhancing building codes.  The four volumes consist of

Volume 1 – Overarching Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations summarizes results, conclusions and recommendations from the three-system specific studies and presents a common understanding of the seismic response and collapse performance of short-period buildings.

Volume 2 – Study of One-to-Four Story Wood Light-Frame Buildings summarizes results, conclusions and recommendations from the study of wood light-frame systems.

Volume 3 – Study of One-to-Four Story Special Reinforced Masonry Shear Wall Buildings summarizes results, conclusions and recommendations from the study of special reinforced masonry shear wall systems.

Volume 4, Study of One-to-Four Story Steel Special Concentrically Braced Frame Buildings summarizes results, conclusions, and recommendations from the study of steel special concentrically braced frame systems.

To download FEMA P-2139 and for more information on FEMA’s Earthquake and Wind Program Branch click here.

 
 
USGS Unveils Mobile Flood Tool for the Nation

The U.S. Geological Survey released a mobile tool that provides real-time information on water levels, weather, and flood forecasts all in one place. The new USGS National Water Dashboard will help inform forecasting, response, and recovery efforts for agencies such as the National Weather Service, FEMA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal, state and local agencies.

 

FEMA Mobile App Introduces New Mitigate Your Risk Section


Features in the App

  • Receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
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  • Toggle between English and Spanish.
  • Follow the FEMA blog.

Download the FEMA Mobile App.

 

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