KAMM Updates

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

 

 

 

2020 KAMM Virtual Conference

September 22 – 23, 2020 Annual Conference

September 21, 2020 – Preconference Sessions and Workshops

 

 

Thank you for attending!  Please submit an Evaluation!  Link here.  

Certificates of Attendance – CECs will be provided.  We have preapproval from KAPA (planners) and ASFPM (CFMs). For AICP credit, link to https://www.planning.org/events/eventmulti/9204918/.

 

2020 KAMM Sponsors!!  

We love our sponsor, link here to see who is sponsoring our association.  

 

Grant Announcements and Info

Learn about Cost Share Requirements for FEMA’s HMA Grants Training

Thursday, October 29th from 2:30 – 4:00 pm EDT

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Division invites you to a webinar on Thursday, October 29th from 2:30 – 4:00 pm EDT to learn about the cost share requirements and eligible sources of funding for HMA grant programs.

This event will cover the cost share requirements for these HMA grant programs: Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA), Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC).

FEMA speakers for this event include:

  • Kayed Lakhia, FEMA HMA Deputy Division Director
  • Ryan Janda, FEMA Non-Disaster Grants Implementation Branch Chief
  • Brandon Sweezea, FEMA FMA Section Chief
  • Anna Pudlo, FEMA HMGP Section Chief
  • Camille Crain, FEMA BRIC Section Chief
  • Marty Chester, Lead Grants Management Specialist, FEMA Region VI

This event will also feature these guest speakers discussing past mitigation projects that have used a combination of grant and cost share funds:

  • Clay Lloyd, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Disaster Recovery & Special Issues (DRSI) Division Specialist; and
  • Steve Crout, CityTech Strategy Group, LLC, Founder and Principal; and Smart Cities Council, Director of Policy and Resilience Programs

Following the presentations, there will be a moderated 30-minute panel session.

Registration is limited. Can’t participate? This webinar will be recorded and posted on FEMA’s YouTube channel at a later date.

Link to Register 

 

FEMA Opens Application Period for Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants

September 2020

FEMA opened the application period for two competitive hazard mitigation grant programs totaling $660 million.

The two grant programs, the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant, or BRIC, will provide funds to states, tribes, territories and local communities for eligible mitigation activities. These programs allow for funding to be used on projects that will reduce future disaster losses and will strengthen our nation’s ability to build a culture of preparedness.

The application period will open on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and close on Jan. 29, 2021.  All applications must be submitted on the new FEMA Grants Outcome (FEMA GO) no later than 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 29. 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grants

The new BRIC grant is for pre-disaster mitigation activities and replaces FEMA’s existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation program.  This year, $500 million is available for pre-disaster mitigation activities, including a $20 million tribal set-aside.  BRIC priorities are to incentivize public infrastructure projects; projects that mitigate risk to one or more community lifelines; projects that incorporate nature-based solutions; and the adoption and enforcement of modern building codes.

Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant

The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 establishes the goal of reducing or eliminating claims under the NFIP through long-term mitigation actions. For the Flood Mitigation Assistance grant program, the agency’s funding priorities include flood mitigation planning and efforts for repetitive as well as severe repetitive loss properties.  In this application cycle, $160 million is available in Flood Mitigation Assistance grant funds.  There is a set-aside of $70 million for community flood mitigation projects.

To help grant applicants with successful submissions and a possibility of an award, FEMA developed a robust library of readily accessible program support materials for BRIC and Flood Mitigation Assistance. During the summer, FEMA hosted a series of webinars to introduce BRIC concepts and provided an overview of the Notice of Funding Opportunities. These videos as well as the transcripts are available FEMA’s website.

 

Ecosystem Service Benefits in Benefit-Cost Analysis for FEMA’s Mitigation Programs Policy

September 29, 2020 

FEMA Policy FP-108-024-02

This policy allows for ecosystem service benefits to be included in a mitigation project’s Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) regardless of the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR).  Ecosystem service benefits are positive effects provided to people by nature, such as aesthetic value, air quality, recreation space, and water filtration.

By removing the previous BCR threshold, ecosystem service benefits can be used for all project types eligible under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) and Public Assistance (PA) 406 mitigation programs that support the incorporation of ecosystem service benefits and result in the improvement of the natural environment.

Link to FEMA Ecosystem Service Benefits Policy.

 

Hazard Mitigation Applications Moves to FEMA’s New Grants Management System

FEMA’s new online grants management system is operational for hazard mitigation grant funding notices and awards. 

The system, called FEMA Grants Outcomes, or FEMA GO, is the result of a multi-year effort to modernize and transform the way FEMA conducts grants management.  The Federal Fiscal Year 2020 Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant programs will use the FEMA GO system.

FEMA GO must be used to apply for funding through FMA or the new BRIC grant programs. The legacy FMA and PDM projects will continue to reside in eGrants.

FEMA has provided FEMA GO training to staff in its 10 regional offices, and to the offices of their respective state, local community, tribes and territories.  Additional training and readily accessible program support will be published on FEMA.gov as it becomes available. 

There will also be a FEMA GO Help Desk to offer support with creating and submitting FMA and BRIC grant applications.  For more information, visit www.fema.gov/grants/guidance-tools/fema-go. 

 

Mitigation Action Portfolio

September 7, 2020

The FEMA Mitigation Action Portfolio is a resource to introduce stakeholders to the BRIC grant program. The portfolio includes an array of eligible hazard mitigation activities.

Projects highlighted in this portfolio are meant to exemplify successful hazard mitigation that also enhances a culture of preparedness and holistic disaster resilience. 

FEMA hopes these project examples inspire stakeholders to think big and bold in addressing natural hazards, while also considering additional benefits that can be achieved beyond reducing economic and human costs from disasters. 

Link to Mitigation Action Portfolio.

 

FEMA Announces Regulation Update for the FMA Grant and Mitigation Planning Programs

August 28, 2020

FEMA published for public comment in the Federal Register updates to the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program and mitigation planning regulations to synchronize the requirements enacted by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12). 

In addition, FEMA is replacing substantially similar terms and definitions in BW-12 to better align with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 2 part 200: Uniform Administrative Guidance.

This update of outdated terms and definitions also impacts FEMA’s Property Acquisition and Relocation for Open Space, mitigation planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program regulations.

Since the passage of BW-12, FEMA has implemented these updates and is in now making the changes administratively in statute.

The 60-day public comment period is open until October 27.  Visit  http://www.regulations.gov and provide comments to Docket ID: FEMA-2019-0011.

 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Webinar Recap

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) will support states, local communities, tribes and territories, as they undertake hazard mitigation projects reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. BRIC is a new FEMA pre-disaster hazard mitigation program that replaces the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program and is a result of amendments made to Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) by Section 1234 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (DRRA).

  • Week 1: Introduction to Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Program
  • Week 2: Meaning of the BRIC Name
  • Week 3: BRIC and Building Codes
  • Week 4: BRIC and Community Lifelines
  • Week 5: BRIC and Nature-Based Solutions

Videos and Presentations:  Watch the video recordings and download copies of the presentations from the sessions, as they become available.

To learn more about Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), visit https://www.fema.gov/bric.

 

Applications Open for Federal Grants to Help Restore Blighted Properties

August 21, 2020 

More than $15 million in Brownfield Grant funding has been awarded to Kentucky since 2006

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released guidance for the FY 2021 Brownfield Grant applications. These multipurpose assessment and cleanup grants are available to local governments, quasi-governmental agencies and nonprofits to help assess, clean up and reutilize brownfields – blighted, abandoned properties that may pose environmental concerns.

An estimated 8,000 brownfields exist across the commonwealth. Properties may include abandoned schools, hospitals, gas stations and dry cleaners, former factories and mine-scarred lands.

More than $15 million in competitive Brownfield Grant funding has been awarded to Kentucky since 2006. Last year’s examples of approved project sites include a former textile mill adjacent to downtown Middlesboro, a vacant three-story former bank building in Hazard, a vacant bakery site in Pineville’s downtown gateway and the former Newport Steel and Ludlow Incinerator properties in Northern Kentucky.

Once a project is approved by the EPA for funding, an environmental site assessment takes place and a plan of action is developed. The Energy and Environment Cabinet provides programs and services to help with these properties, and works with local entities to provide expert guidance and technical and site management assistance.

Information, including frequently asked questions and changes in this year’s guidance are posted on the EPA’s brownfield funding page. Grant application writing tools including checklists, sample support letters and successful grant applications can be found on the Kentucky Brownfield Redevelopment Program grant writing resources page.

Grant applications are due to the EPA by Oct. 28, 2020.

If you are interested in submitting a grant application or want to learn more about federal Brownfield Grants and state resources for properties in your community, please contact Eric.Eisiminger@ky.gov or Elizabeth.McNulty@ky.gov for more information.

 

Program Updates and Releases

Flood Insurance Rates Increase

October 1, 2020

On Oct. 1, FEMA announced key changes for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to begin on April 1, 2021.  These changes include updated rate increases to comply with the premium rate caps established by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (HFIAA).   

Beginning on April 1, 2021, policy renewal premiums will increase an average of 10.2%.  These amounts do not include the HFIAA Surcharge, or any additional policy fees.  Nearly 80% of NFIP policyholders pay a full-risk rate and will not experience this rate increase. 

In addition to the rate increases, revisions to the NFIP “Flood Insurance Manual,” which is updated twice a year, went into effect on Oct. 1. FEMA incorporated the NFIP program changes published in April 2020 into this edition. 

Link to April 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022, Program Changes

 

FEMA Adjusts Consumer Price Index for 2021

October 1, 2020

FEMA has provided financial guidance for all disasters declared on or after Oct. 1, 2020.  This guidance reflects the 2021 Consumer Price Index adjustment of certain indicators for the Individual Assistance and Public Assistance programs.

The index adjusted annually for inflation by the U.S. Department of Labor—has increased 1.3% for Fiscal Year 2021.  Therefore, the following FEMA program amounts have been changed:

  • The maximum amount of assistance for both housing assistance and other needs assistance under the Individuals and Households Program is $36,000.
  • The statewide per capita impact indicator under the Public Assistance program is $1.55.
  • The countywide per capita indicator under the Public Assistance program is $3.89.
  • The maximum amount of small project grants under the Public Assistance program is $132,800.
  • The minimum amount for project worksheets under the Public Assistance program is $3,320.

The increases remain in effect for the next 12 months.  For more information visit the FEMA website

 

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.
  • Share real-time notifications with loved ones via text, email and social media.
  • Learn emergency safety tips for over 20 types of disasters, including fires, flooding, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, volcanoes and more.
  • Locate open emergency shelters and disaster recovery centers in your area where you can talk to a FEMA representative in person.
  • Prepare for disasters with a customizable emergency kit checklist, emergency family plan, and reminders.
  • Connect with FEMA to register for disaster assistance. 
  • Toggle between English and Spanish.
  • Follow the FEMA blog.

Download the FEMA Mobile App.

 

FEMA Releases New Guidance Bulletin for Agricultural and Accessory Structures

September 17, 2020

FEMA Releases Floodplain Management Guidance

FEMA developed guidance bulletin that clarifies and refines the requirements that apply to certain agricultural structures and accessory structures located in Special Flood Hazard Areas. This guidance is a reference document for floodplain managers and those involved in regulating, planning, designing and constructing agricultural structures and accessory structures in special flood hazard areas.

Additionally, the guidance document establishes a clear, consistent process for ensuring compliance with National Flood Insurance Program design and performance standards for those structures located within the special flood hazard area.

As defined in the policy, an agricultural structure is a structure used exclusively in connection with the production, harvesting, storage, raising or drying of agricultural commodities and livestock.  In addition, an accessory structure refers to a structure that is on the same parcel of property as a principal structure and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure, such as a detached garage, carport or storage shed.

The document supports the policy “Floodplain Management Requirements for Agricultural Structures and Accessory Structures” that was signed and effective earlier this year.  

For additional information, refer to the guidance and policy available on FEMA’s website.

 

New Flood Mapping Tool Helps Officials, Residents Manage Risk Near High-Hazard Dams

August 7, 2020

Online map shows nearly 17,000 homes and businesses within dam inundation zones

Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman today announced an online mapping tool that will provide important information to local officials and first responders for developing emergency response plans for high-hazard dams.

“It’s critical that we plan and prepare for emergencies, in addition to taking every step we can to prevent them from happening in the first place,” said Gov. Beshear.  “This new tool will help our local officials and heroic first responders better serve and protect Kentucky families and businesses.”

The interactive map on the Kentucky Water Maps Portal identifies the approximate area, or inundation zone, at each of the dams assessed that is expected to be impacted in the event of a dam failure. The online tool uses satellite imagery which identifies properties, roads and geographic areas that could potentially be impacted in relation to the established FEMA flood zone.  The assessment identified nearly 3,000 business structures and almost 14,000 residences within the Commonwealth’s high-hazard dam inundation zones.

Dam-related hazard classifications (low, significant, and high) are categorized not by their physical condition but by their potential to inundate residences and businesses in the event of a dam failure.  A dam is classified as “high-hazard” when there are residences, businesses and other structures within its inundation zone that could cause loss of life or serious damage to houses, industrial or commercial buildings, important public utilities, main highways or major railroads.

“This tool will help local officials and emergency responders make informed decisions related to planning and emergency response,” Secretary Goodman said.  “It gives dam owners and public officials an online tool that they’ve never had available to them.”

Carey Johnson, Division of Water (DOW) assistant director, said the tool is the first step of an outreach strategy to promote greater dam-related risk awareness among local officials and the public and to encourage potential actions to mitigate dam-related risks.

“Not only will the data give state and local officials in Kentucky up-to-date information about risks associated with high-hazard dams in their area, it will also give the public access to the information,” Johnson said.

For more information on the inundation mapping service or upcoming webinars, please contact Carey Johnson, carey.johnson@ky.gov.

 

New Data Analysis Service on Endangered Species Offered Free to Energy Developers

July 15, 2020 

The Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) announced a new partnership between the Office of Energy Policy (OEP) and the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves (KNP) to provide a free, data analysis service to energy developers. 

The Kentucky Biological Assessment Tool (KY-BAT), developed and maintained by KNP, provides information to help projects avoid and minimize potential impacts to sensitive plants, animals and natural communities. This partnership is an important link between endangered species and renewable energy.

KNP’s natural heritage database contains over 20,000 species and rare community site-specific records.  KNP track or monitor nearly 1,000 species and ecological communities, as well as natural areas throughout the state.”

By using this data, OEP will be able to identify ecologically sensitive areas and help site energy projects appropriately.    The KY-BAT project offered through this partnership provides data services at no cost, but it is limited to 20 projects on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more about the Office of Kentucky Nature Preserves.

For more information, or to submit a project for this free data service, please contact Kenya Stump, kenya.stump@ky.gov.

 

Publications

2020 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures

FEMA P-2082 (2020 Edition)

September 2020

FEMA is pleased to announce the release of FEMA P-2082, 2020 National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures. The release of the 2020 NEHRP Provisions marks the tenth edition of this widely recognized and reputable technical resource document since its first edition in 1985.

The NEHRP Provisions have been an essential resource for improving national seismic design codes and standards, and construction practices. Changes contained in Parts 1 and 2 of the 2020 NEHRP Provisions are expected to be considered for adoption by ASCE/SEI 7-2022 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures, which will be later considered for adoption by the International Building Code 2024.

Consistent with the 2009 and 2015 editions, the 2020 NEHRP Provisions includes two volumes:

Volume 1: Part 1 Provisions and Part 2 Commentary: Part 1 Provisions provides recommended changes to the seismic requirements of ASCE/SEI 7-16, Chapters 11 to 23.  Part 2 Commentary provides a complete commentary for each chapter.  It is comprised of the new commentary to each recommended change contained in Part 1 along with the existing ASCE/SEI 7-16 commentary to unchanged sections.  Listed below are some changes in the 2020 edition

  • Revised intent of the NEHRP Provisions
  • New multiperiod response spectra (MPRS) procedures and related design criteria
  • Three added new site classes
  • Updated risk-targeted maximum considered earthquake (MCER) ground motions based on the most recent 2018 USGS National Seismic Hazard Model, MPRS and updated site classes
  • Design parameters and requirements for coupled shear wall systems
  • Alternative design procedures for rigid wall-flexible diaphragm buildings
  • Updated requirements and limitations for irregularities
  • New seismic design force equations for nonstructural components
  • A concept paper on resilience-based seismic design

Volume 2: Part 3 Resource Papers: Part 3 Resource Papers include 9 individual papers.  They provide background information for some changes in Part 1 and introduce new concepts and procedures for experimental use by the design community, researchers, and standards-development and codes-development organizations. 

You may also order a hard copy of the new Provisions for free by calling the FEMA publication warehouse number 1-800-480-2520 or by emailing femapubs@gpo.gov. 

For more information about FEMA NEHRP, click here.

 

Strengthening Medical Lifelines with Hazard Mitigation Fact Sheet

June 16, 2020 Cover photo for the document: Strengthening Medical Lifelines with Hazard Mitigation

The purpose of this fact sheet is to provide states, local communities, tribes and territories (SLTTs) with information on FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and how hazard mitigation projects can strengthen health care, medical, public health, and other critical facilities with hazard mitigation.  FEMA wants to ensure that these facilities can remain operational if impacted by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural hazards.  

This fact sheet covers how FEMA can help, who is eligible, what activities are available under HMGP, and where SLTTs can go to get assistance.

Link to:  https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/188669.

 

Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division Year In Review

June 17, 2020 Cover photo for the document: Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division Year In Review

The FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Division is located in the Mitigation Directorate of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration.  Their vision is to be a driver for resilience through partnerships and mitigation investments, and their mission is to design, build, and nurture high-performing teams that promote and deliver risk reduction programs.

This document provides an overview of the activities and accomplishments over the course of the year.  It also highlights success stories that demonstrate how the HMA Division advances the FEMA mission to building a culture of preparedness and ready the nation for catastrophic disaster through their grant programs.

Link to the HMA Year in Review

 

Saving the Rain – EPA
Green Stormwater Solutions

May 2020

Congregations can use this guide for help with constructing green stormwater management practices to enhance landscapes.  Using a stepwise approach, this guide walks readers through a comprehensive process:

  • Educate the congregation
  • Identify champions
  • Organize working groups
  • Partner with local governments
  • Identify green infrastructure opportunities at their places of worship

The document from the EPA includes information to help plan, design, and build as well as links to resources and tools for assessing and mapping areas to place green stormwater practices.

Download the green stormwater management practices guide.  

 

FEMA Releases Fourth Version of the Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide

May 27, 2020

The fourth version of the Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide will go into effect on June 1, 2020. The latest version supersedes version 3.1 and will be applicable to incidents declared on or after June 1, 2020.   

The Public Assistance Policy and Program Guide is a comprehensive program resource that combines FEMA Public Assistance policy into a single volume and provides an overview of the program implementation process with links to other publications and documents that provide additional process details.

The Fourth Edition was released in draft form with a 45-day public comment period.  The FEMA Public Assistance program received and adjudicated more than 580 public comments while drafting the final version.

Updates to the guide includes, but are not limited to:

  • Incorporation of the Public Assistance Alternative Procedures for Permanent Work Pilot Policy (FEMA Policy 104-009-7);
  • Incorporation of the Public Assistance National Delivery Model process and procedures;
  • Updates to administrative processes and eligibility of applicants, emergency work, permanent work, and cost; and,
  • Incorporation and subsequent supersession of various policies, job aids, and fact sheets.

FEMA makes updates to the guide on an annual basis when necessary and conducts a comprehensive review no less than every three years.

If you have any questions regarding this FEMA Advisory, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Division:

FEMA Advisory: Disaster Financial Management Guide

April 16, 2020

FEMA released the “Disaster Financial Management Guide” to support jurisdictions in establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices, which are critical for successful response and recovery.  The guide takes an all-hazards approach and addresses a broad range of issues and contains concepts, principles and resources applicable to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response environment.

All jurisdictions, regardless of size, need to develop and implement disaster financial management considerations and practices to track, calculate and justify the costs of an emergency; support local reimbursement reconciliation; avoid de-obligation of grant funding; and effectively fund and implement recovery projects and priorities.

The Disaster Financial Management Guide identifies the capabilities and activities necessary to prepare and successfully implement disaster financial management while maintaining fiscal responsibility throughout response and recovery operations.  This includes considerations and practices necessary to track, calculate and justify the costs of an emergency; support local reimbursement reconciliation; avoid de-obligation of grant funding; and effectively fund and implement recovery projects and priorities.  Fiscal and grant regulations are strict and apply to all jurisdictions, so it is imperative that jurisdictions have robust scalable, flexible and adaptable disaster financial management plans and processes in place pre-disaster for all types of incidents.

To view the guide and other information, visit https://www.fema.gov/plan.

 

NFIP Technical Bulletins 1 & 5

March 23, 2020

The NFIP Technical Bulletins provide guidance for complying with the NFIP’s building performance requirements and are designed to help state and local officials interpret the NFIP Regulations.  They are also a useful resource and reference for homeowners, insurance agents, building professionals and designers.

FEMA is updating the NFIP Technical Bulletins to improve their usability, credibility, and content while presenting them in a streamlined format.  Technical Bulletins 1 & 5 were last updated more than 10 years ago.  These updated editions incorporate the latest relevant codes and standards and state-of-the-art guidance and best practices.  They were developed with significant stakeholder input to help local officials meet or exceed relevant NFIP requirements.

Technical Bulletin 1, Requirements for Flood Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Enclosures (TB 1)

TB1 explains the NFIP requirements for flood openings in exterior walls and walls of enclosures below elevated buildings.  Flood openings equalize flood forces by allowing the entry and exit of floodwaters.  This Technical Bulletin describes two options for satisfying the requirements, referred to as engineered openings and non-engineered openings.  In addition to illustrating enclosures that require openings and those that do not, TB 1 covers the requirements and guidance for installation of openings.  Updates include:

  • New tables comparing NFIP opening requirements with related building code requirements;
  • Guidance on unusual configurations such as sloping sites, multiple enclosed areas, large enclosed areas, and sites with shallow flooding;
  • New guidance on above-grade enclosed areas and two-level enclosures;
  • Expanded discussion on completing the FEMA Elevation Certificate (EC) and documentation for certification of engineered openings.

Technical Bulletin 5, Free-of-Obstruction Requirements (TB 5)

TB5 describes methods for avoiding potential building and site obstructions that could divert or obstruct floodwater and waves below elevated buildings which could impose additional flood loads on foundation systems or adjacent buildings. Updates include:

  • New tables comparing NFIP free of obstruction requirements with related building code requirements;
  • New guidance on enclosed areas below elevated buildings, including louvers/lattice, above-grade enclosures, and two-level enclosures;
  • Revised guidance of below-base flood elevation building elements including mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment, ducts, tanks and fixtures and others;
  • Revised guidance of site development practices such as accessory storage structures, the use of fill and others.

For more information on FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program’s Technical Bulletins, visit: https://www.fema.gov/nfip-technical-bulletins

 

FEMA P-530, Earthquake Safety at Home

March 2, 2020

Half of all Americans live in areas subject to earthquake risk, and most Americans will travel to seismically active regions in their lifetime.  FEMA is fostering awareness of earthquake risks in the United States through the newly developed FEMA P-530, Earthquake Safety at Home. Get your copy today for free by click here.

This publication is intended to show readers why earthquakes matter where they live, and how they can “Prepare, Protect, Survive, Respond, Recover and Repair” from an earthquake.  This publication will help readers become familiar with why and where earthquakes might occur.  It discusses wide-ranging steps that readers can take to adequately prepare and protect themselves, their family, and their belongings.  These include: developing family response plans, assembling earthquake disaster supplies, securing heavy objects and furniture, retrofitting a home, and more.

During and immediately after an earthquake, guidelines for action can help keep victims safe.  The Respond section of this publication includes a post-earthquake Home Safety Checklist that can assist users in checking the safety of their home before reoccupying it.  This publication also provides recommendations for post-earthquake recovery and repair that can help individuals and families resume regular activities as quickly as possible.

 

FEMA Announces National Mitigation Investment Strategy

August 13, 2019

FEMA, in close coordination with experts across governmental agencies, academia and non-governmental organizations, released the National Mitigation Investment Strategy.  The strategy is intended to improve the coordination and effectiveness of mitigation investments, defined as risk management actions taken to avoid, reduce or transfer risks from natural hazards.  The Investment Strategy’s overarching goal is to improve the coordination and effectiveness of “mitigation investments,” defined as risk management actions taken to avoid, reduce, or transfer risks from natural hazards, including severe weather.

This document provides a national, whole-community approach to investments in mitigation activities and risk management across federal, state, local, and tribal and territorial governments, as well as the private and non-profit sectors.  Recommendations proposed in the strategy will reduce loss of life and injures, damage to property, and negative impacts to the economy and the environment, and lead the whole community in building a more resilient future.

Below are recent examples of EPA’s continued dedication and investment in mitigation strategies across the country.

  • Regional Resilience Technical Assistance – After helping three California regions take large-scale action for disaster resilience, EPA and FEMA partnered with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Association of Bay Area Governments to create a toolkit that helps regions plan for disasters by working across multiple jurisdictions and with non-governmental partners.  The Regional Resilience Toolkit provides a step-by-step process to help decision makers engage with partners and stakeholders, conduct vulnerability assessments, identify and prioritize strategies, fund projects, and evaluate results. 
  • Integrating Water Quality and Nature-Based Approaches into Hazard Mitigation Plans – EPA’s Office of Water and Office of Community Revitalization are partnering with FEMA to help states and communities integrate hazard mitigation plans and water quality plans.  Project locations include: Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Albany, New York; Huntington, West Virginia; Ashland, Oregon; State of Kentucky; Lower Meramec Valley, Missouri; Denton, Texas; Phoenix/Maricopa County, Arizona; and Mystic River in Massachusetts.  Results, to date, demonstrate the benefits of using green infrastructure for multiple community goals including hazard mitigation, water quality, and floodplain management.  Several of the communities are already seeing reduced flood insurance rates based on adoption of stormwater policies that reduce risk. 
  • Building Flood Resilience in Vermont – In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene caused significant flood damage to historic structures, homes and businesses in Vermont’s Mad River Valley.  In 2012 at Vermont’s request, EPA partnered with FEMA to identify state and local policy options to increase community flood resilience.  The state adopted several of the strategies that emerged from the workshop.  The project developed a Flood Resilience Checklist that communities can use to assess their preparedness for future flooding events. The state provided this checklist to several other Vermont communities through a follow up project, the Vermont Economic Resiliency Initiative, and the checklist is the basis for the Flood Resilience for Riverine and Coastal Communities tool offered by EPA’s Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities Program.
 
 

News Worthy of Repeating 

 

Story Map Highlights Award-Winning CTP: Kentucky Division of Water Resources

Kentucky CTP Story Map

When it comes to mapping Kentucky’s floodplains, the Kentucky Division of Water (KDOW) is a Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) with FEMA.  The CTP Program is an innovative approach to creating partnerships between FEMA and other agencies that have the interest and capability to become more active participants in the FEMA flood hazard mapping program.  

In 2018, KDOW was awarded 1st place in the CTP Recognition Program.  The Division was recognized by FEMA for excellence in Communications, Outreach and Program Management for integrating different technologies to communicate flood risk, including virtual reality and live polling during meetings, and for embracing a variety of partnerships.  KDOW’s work has been featured in a story map that is an interactive product that uses GIS maps, narrative text, images and video to showcase CTP work.

View the story map at http://arcg.is/1nqua0 to see some of the great things that the Kentucky Risk MAP team had done over the past several years.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mitigation Matters!  

Have questions, contact us at help@kymitigation.org.

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