KAMM Updates

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

 

KAMM Membership – 2021

Membership is $25.00 and based on the calendar year (January – December).  Link to Join KAMM.

 

KAMM 2021 Virtual Conference 

Unmasking Mitigation

September 21 – 23, Annual Conference

September 20, Preconference Presentations and KAMM Committee meetings.

KAMM Conference Registration

Conference Rate — $100 for members, $125 non-members, $125 Conference Special (conference fee plus $25 membership)

KAMM Store: Receive a $25 promo code to the KAMM Store with registration!  

Link to our 2021 Conference Overview webpage.  ET

Please Complete a Conference Evaluation

Link to the 2021 KAMM Conference Evaluation

 

Quick Links

Silent Auction Links

 

KAMM’s Summer Newsletter

Check it out, we have a lot going on.  

  • A Note from the Chair
  • A Note from the Vice Chair – Conference Updates
  • Announcing Nominations Open for KAMM Mitigation Awards
  • KAMM Regions
  • KAMM Committees
  • KAMM’s Community Mitigation Grant Fundraising
  • Kentucky Division of Water Updates
  • Nature-Based Solutions in Kentucky
  • Endangered Species in Kentucky Overview
  • CRS Program Updates
  • Grant Funding and Resources
  • Program Updates and Releases
  • Earthquake Program Updates and Releases
  • Thanks 2020 KAMM Conference Sponsors!

Link to the KAMM Newsletter Summer 2021

 

Nature Based Solutions (NBS) – Hazard Mitigation Post-Webinar Survey

In partnership with EPA, The Nature Conservancy, University of Kentucky, and Kentucky Division of Water, Kentucky Association of Mitigation Managers (KAMM) hosted a series of 2-hour webinars during July/August and we would like your feedback on the webinars.

The goal of this short question survey, is to gather participant feedback so we can continue to better serve our diverse stakeholder interests that are critical to green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, water quality management and hazard mitigation.  

Link to the Post-Webinar Survey.  

 

 

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

Announcement of DR-4497 Mitigation Funding

KYEM is pleased to announce the availability of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding as a result of DR-4497 the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning January 20, 2020 and continuing, which affected all 120 counties

Link to the DR4497_NOFA_2021.pdf.

To be considered for funding, the Mitigation Actions Forms (MAF) must be submitted in the Community Hazard Assessment and Mitigation Planning System (CHAMPS) by Friday, October 15, 2021. 

CHAMPS can be accessed at this website address:  https://kyem.ky.gov/recovery/Pages/CHAMPS.aspx

Have questions, contact – Geni Jo Brawner, State Hazard Mitigation Officer at geneva.j.brawner.nfg@mail.mil.

 

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: 

 

Announcing FEMA Grants Open!

FEMA is announcing over $1 billion in funding is available through two (2) Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA)grant programs: 1.  Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and 2.  Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC).  These competitive grant programs will open September 30, 2021, to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in strengthening our nation’s ability to reduce disaster losses and protect life and property from future disaster damages.

FMA:  The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program provides funds on an annual basis for measures to reduce or eliminate risk of flood damage to buildings insured under the NFIP.  New in this application cycle, FEMA has set-aside $10 million of the $160 million in FMA grant funds for Project Scoping (previously Advance Assistance). The remainder of the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) grants will continue to focus on other FMA priorities. 

BRIC:  The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program’s guiding principles are to (1) support state and local governments, tribes, and territories through capability- and capacity-building to enable them to identify mitigation actions and implement projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards; (2) encourage and enable innovation while allowing flexibility, consistency, and effectiveness; (3) promote partnerships and enable high-impact investments to reduce risk from natural hazards with a focus on critical services and facilities, public infrastructure, public safety, public health, and communities; (4) provide a significant opportunity to reduce future losses and minimize impacts on the Disaster Relief Fund; and (5) support the adoption and enforcement of building codes, standards, and policies that will protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public, take into account future conditions, and have long-lasting impacts on community risk reduction, including for critical services and facilities and for future disaster costs.  In FY21, $1 billion is available for BRIC grants. 

Link to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFA) for both grants. 

 

Kentucky Preapplication and deadlines

  • Pre-Applications will need to be submitted using the 2021 HMA Pre Application document by Monday, October 18.  
  • Benefit Cost Analysis will need to be to be completed by Thursday, November 18. 
  • Applications will need to be complete and submitted in the FEMA GO system by Friday, December 17. 

 

Training/Webinar Opportunities

Climate Conversations: Extreme Events

Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 3-4 pm ET

As a result of climate change, extreme events such as floods, wildfires, storms, and heat waves are already becoming more dangerous and destructive.  Marshall Shepherd (University of Georgia) will moderate a conversation with Craig Fugate (former FEMA Administrator) and Marissa Aho (Washington State Department of Natural Resources) about the connections between climate change and extreme events, and about how communities and governments at different scales can plan for and become more resilient to the risks from extreme events today and into the future.

The conversation will be webcast on the Climate Conversations webpage on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 3-4 pm ET.  

Climate Conversations: Pathways to Action is a monthly webinar series from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that aims to convene high-level, cross-cutting, nonpartisan conversations about issues relevant to national policy action on climate change.

To register, go to:  https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/09-15-2021/climate-conversations-extreme-events?mc_cid=19764286d0&mc_eid=b9c6130b94

 

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

 

2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities and Flood Mitigation Assistance Webinar Series

Mark your calendars for the 2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program Webinar Series.  The 2021 BRIC and FMA Programs’ Webinar Series will bring FEMA subject-matter experts and partners together to provide technical information, best practices, tools and resources regarding these grant programs.  There will also be a review of the fiscal year 2021 Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) for BRIC and FMA.

The webinars are designed for leaders in states, local communities, tribes and territories, as well as private sector entities, private non-profit organizations, and individuals interested in learning more about the BRIC and FMA grant programs and strategies for how to apply for them.

Join the presentations by using this link and or calling 1-886-448-3399. 

For Complete Schedule – https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/2021-building-resilient-infrastructure-and-communities-and-flood-mitigation-assistance-programs.

 

Purchasing Under FEMA Awards Training 

July- September 2021

FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) is offering a series of virtual trainings on the federal procurement rules applicable to recipients and subrecipients when purchasing in support of a FEMA award or declaration.  The one-hour training sessions will be offered every Wednesday from July through September 2021.

The training will cover a variety of procurement under grant concepts, frequent compliance issues, as well as the revisions to the federal procurement standards  

Topics include:

  • Standard Procurement Under Grant (PUG) Training – Provides an overview of the federal procurement under grant rules for recipients and subrecipients when purchasing under a FEMA grant.
  • Top 10 Procurement Under Grant Mistakes – Introduces the 10 most frequent procurement noncompliance issues as reported by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and lists available resources to help avoid these mistakes.
  • Emergency & Exigency – Educates recipients and subrecipients on the Federal procurement rules applicable when purchasing during exigent or emergency circumstances.
  • Prepare Before a Disaster – Focuses on contracting actions recipients and subrecipients can take to prepare before a disaster strikes.

Target Audience:  This training is appropriate for FEMA award recipients and subrecipients, including state, local, tribal, and territorial government personnel; nonprofit organization staff; eligible private entities; and other non-Federal entities.  This training is also appropriate for FEMA staff.

Procurement Under Grants Training Schedule

To register for any of the trainings listed below, please select “Register Here” for the day of training you would like to attend.  Please note all trainings will cover the same material.  There is no limit to the number of participants in each training.  You can register up until the event starts.

Link to Register for each training.  The online training will be delivered through Adobe Connect.

 Date           Name of Training                                 Time (EDT)

9/22/2021    Top 10 Mistakes                                             2 p.m.

9/29/2021    Standard PUG Training                                11 a.m.

 

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 

  • Sept 22: Methodology 1, Premium calculation variables
  • Sept 29: Methodology 2, Mitigation Credits and other variables
  • Oct 6: Methodology 3, Transition of policies, use cases, and examples
  • Oct 13: Fundamentals
  • 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.

 

CRS Webinars and EMI courses

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

 

Program Updates and Releases

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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’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 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

 

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.

 

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.

 

FEMA Updates the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual

March 2021

The latest update to the National Flood Insurance Program’s “Flood Insurance Manual” is now available at FEMA.gov.  The update is effective April 1.

FEMA regularly updates the manual to enhance the customer experience and evolve the NFIP into a world-class organization.  The Flood Insurance Manual incorporates the minimal program changes announced in October 2020 and the effective April 1 changes. 

Updates include: 

  • The list of eligibility requirements to the Community Rating System.
  • The premium rates for policies written or renewed by April 1.
  • The severe repetitive loss premium and reserve fund assessment percentages for policies written or renewed on or after April 1. 

Two additional updates will be effective as of Jan. 1, 2022:

Base premiums for preferred risk policies and newly mapped rated policies written or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2022. 

  • Premium multiplier tables for policies rated under the newly mapped procedure written or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2022. 

The April 2021 edition also replaces outdated content, clarifies guidance and replaces physical mailing addresses with email addresses.  The manual does not change flood insurance coverage or supersede the terms and conditions of the standard flood insurance policy.

 

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.
  • 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.

 

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