KAMM Updates

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

 

KAMM Membership for 2020!

Membership is based on the calendar year.  $25 for membership!

Join KAMM – link here.

 

 

Save the Date!

Announcing 2020 KAMM Conference

Mitigation Reaches New Heights: KAMM in the Mountains 2020

September 22 – 24, 2020

September 21, 2020 – Preconference Workshops and Activities

Appalachian Wireless Arena, Pikeville

Link to the 2020 Conference page for updates and more information.  

 

2020 KAMM Conference Survey – COVID-19

The KAMM Board and Conference Planning Committee are working to provide the annual conference to as many of our members as possible during our scheduled dates of September 22-24, 2020. 

Please participate and take our survey that will help us make decisions about the conference.   

Link to our survey:  2020 KAMM Conference Survey – COVID-19.

 

FY 2020 Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity

FEMA announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Rehabilitation of High Hazard Potential Dams (HHPD) competitive grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is published in Grants.gov. The program is funded by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.

The HHPD grant program provides technical, planning, design, and construction assistance in the form of grants for rehabilitation of eligible high hazard potential dams.

For FY2020, FEMA received $10 million for this grant cycle.  Eligible high hazard potential dams are defined as non-federal dams:

  • located in a state  with a dam safety program;
  • classified as ‘high hazard potential’ by the dam safety agency in the state where the dam is located;
  • with a current, approved emergency action plan by the state or dam safety agency; and
  • located in a state  which determines either of these criteria – the dam fails to meet minimum dam safety standards of the state; and the dam poses an unacceptable risk to the public.

You are encouraged to apply if you meet all requirements stated within the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) announcement posted on Grants.gov.  Visit Grants.gov to review the grant requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Applicants can apply on Grants.gov by the June 26 deadline.

For more information: 

New CRS Class 8 Prerequisite for Freeboard

In January 2021, the CRS will implement a new Class 8 prerequisite for freeboard for all participating and new CRS communities.  Below are some frequently asked questions about the CRS Class 8 freeboard prerequisite.  A change expected in the Addendum is a new prerequisite for achieving Class 8—enforcement of a freeboard standard for residential buildings.

At verification cycle visits after January 2021, a CRS community will be required to enforce at least 1 foot of freeboard for all new and substantially improved residential buildings in its numbered A and V Zones in order to become (or remain) a CRS Class 8 or better community.  Communities that do not implement freeboard will be limited to a CRS Class 9 rating.  More details on when communities will need to be implementing freeboard for residential buildings is coming soon.

Link to Class 8 Freeboard FAQ.  

 

Public Notice Requirements – State Floodplain Permits

December 1, 2019

The Kentucky state floodplain regulations requires that while issuing a state floodplain permit, the applicant (i.e. the person or persons applying) are required to “…provide notice to all parties who may incur additional flood-related damages…” as part of the application process.  The Division of Water is making 2 changes to how public notices are handled, to ensure that due process is given to anyone interested in proposed floodplain projects.

Read More, link here.  

 

Upcoming Training

 

July FEMA Webinars Series

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

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).

The BRIC program guiding principles are supporting communities through capability- and capacity-building; encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining flexibility; and providing consistency.

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

 

Online Training

Self-Guided Training: Introduction to Lidar Fly-through of point cloud data collected in Seattle, Washington showing how lidar captures elevation information.

June 3, 2020

Training is available through a partnership with the ASFPM and NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (OCM). 

This course, designed for those curious about what lidar is and why it is useful for management decisions, provides quick and flexible access to several topics needed to understand the lidar landscape.  The course features engaging video and audio, optional knowledge checks, a final quiz with certificate, and assistive services for those with disabilities.

ASFPM has approved one self-study course for CEC credit at no cost.  You must complete the final exam to receive your certificate for the course, which you will then turn in for CEC credit.

Introduction to Lidar on NOAA OCM’s Digital Coast Academy.  Link to the course:  https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/training/intro-lidar.html

 

FEMA Offers Virtual Public Assistance Training

May 18, 2020

FEMA is making it easier for state, local government partners to create accounts and apply for Public Assistance.  To help familiarize partners with these changes, there are now remote training tools available, including 17 YouTube videos, daily webinars and 28 independent study courses online.

The videos help guide viewers through how to establish an account, file a Request for Public Assistance, submit streamlined applications and follow other steps in the application process. 

The independent study courses, hosted by the Emergency Management Institute, provide an overview to the program, application process and the Grants Portal platform.

 

Link to online training opportunities.

 

Publications, Program Updates and Releases

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

On April 16, 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.

 

Flood Insurance Rates Increase Take Effect April 1, 2020 

April 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021, Program Changes

On Oct. 1, FEMA announced key changes for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), to begin on April 1, 2020.  Changes include updated increases to conform to the premium rate caps established by the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12) and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (HFIAA).  

Link to the April 1, 2020, and January 1, 2021, Program Changes Announcement. 

Beginning on April 1, 2020, renewal premiums will increase an average of 11.3 percent.  These amounts do not include the HFIAA Surcharge, or the Federal Policy Fee (FPF).  Nearly 80 percent of policyholders already pay a full-risk rate and will therefore not experience this rate increase.  The Severe Repetitive Loss Premium is increasing to 10 percent for all policies covering properties with that designation.

In addition, it was also announced that annual premium increases of 14.9 percent for preferred risk policies and 14.8 percent for newly mapped procedure policies will be effective on Jan. 1, 2021.

Visit FEMA.gov to review the NFIP Flood Insurance Manual.

 

Updated NFIP Elevation Certificate and Instructions

February 21, 2020

Cover photo for the document: National Flood Insurance Program Elevation Certificate and Instructions

FEMA has released a new Elevation Certificate form that is effective immediately, and which has an expiration date of 11/30/2022. 

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Elevation Certificate is an administrative tool used by the NFIP.  It is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances; to determine the proper insurance premium rate; and or support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) to remove a building from the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Link to the Updated Elevation Certificate.

 

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!  

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