State Flood Mitigation Plan Update: 30 Day Public Comment Period Open

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is working to update the Colorado Flood Mitigation Plan which was last updated in 2013. The Plan re-assesses the state’s flood risk and mitigation strategies and includes updates on implementation and progress toward meeting the plan’s goals. Multiple state agencies are included in the plan preparation process through participation on the Flood Technical Assistance Partnership (Flood TAP). The Flood TAP also includes representation from local and federal agencies as well, including multi-agency coordination through the Army Corps of Engineers Silver Jackets program. 

The planning effort paralleled the update of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, a plan that will be seeking FEMA enhanced plan status in order to leverage more mitigation funding for Colorado. The Flood Mitigation Plan will be incorporated into Colorado’s State Hazard Mitigation Plan as a stand-alone appendix and will ultimately be adopted by the governor through that affiliation. CWCB staff intends to bring the finalized, updated plan to the CWCB Board at their September board meeting for adoption.

• To review the plan visit: http://cwcb.state.co.us/Pages/CWCBHome.aspx
• Please send comments to Stephanie DiBetitto at stephanie.dibetitto@state.co.us

Planning for Drought Resilience from FEMA

The DHSEM Mitigation and Recovery Staff forwarded this information from our partners at FEMA to share with our stakeholders.  This information will be applicable to many as DHSEM begins the applicatoin process for FEMA's Pre-Disaster Migitation and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants.  Learn more about Planning for Drought Resilience by following the links below.  To learn about mitigating drought, read the “Planning for Drought Resilience Fact Sheet”. To learn more about these project types, visit “Mitigating Flood and Drought Conditions Under Hazard Mitigation Assistance.”  To learn more about various Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) project types, visit the “Hazard Mitigation Assistance Mitigation Activity Chart.”

About “Mitigation Minute” This series is provided by FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance Division. The “Mitigation Minute” contains a weekly fact about grants and resources provided across the country to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards.

There's More to Flood Insurance than Buying a Policy

Sharing news release from FEMA Region 8.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States. Already there are reports of localized flooding in states across the Rocky Mountain region—and the upcoming snowmelt means there is potential for even more serious flooding.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that provides flood insurance policies that provide millions of Americans their first line of defense against flooding. But those flood insurance policies are only one component of the program and just part of the protection NFIP provides to individuals and the American public at large.

For anyone to be able to purchase an NFIP policy, the only requirement is that they live in a participating community. A participating community can be a town or city or a larger jurisdiction like a township or county that includes unincorporated areas. It is up to the community to opt into the NFIP program for the benefit of its citizens. When joining the program, the community agrees to assess flood risks and to establish floodplain management ordinances. In return for taking these actions, residents are able to purchase federally backed flood insurance policies.

One of the cornerstones of the NFIP is the flood mapping program. FEMA works with states and local communities to conduct studies on flood risks and develop maps that show the level of risk for that area, called a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The FIRM provides useful information that can assist in communities in planning development. The area that has the highest risk of flooding is the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), commonly called the floodplain. The SFHA has a one percent chance of being flooded in any given year. Because of the greater risk, premiums for flood insurance policies for properties in the SFHA are greater than for those for properties outside of it.

Equally important to knowing the risks of flooding is having a game plan to address those risks. This is role of floodplain management. Local communities must comply with minimum national standards established by FEMA, but are free to develop stricter codes and ordinances should they choose to do so. Key elements of floodplain management include building codes for construction in the floodplain and limitations on development in high risk areas. Floodplain management is an ongoing process, with communities continually reassessing their needs as new data becomes available and the flood risk for areas may change.

The NFIP brings all levels of government together with insurers and private citizens to protect against the threat of flooding. Federally sponsored flood maps and locally developed floodplain regulations give property owners the picture of their risk and ensure building practices are in place to minimize that risk. As a property owner, purchasing a flood insurance policy is a measure you can take to further protect yourself. To find out more about your individual risk contact your local floodplain administrator. For more information on flood insurance policies or to find an agent, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.

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FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders and to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

For more information regarding flood preparedness and flood insurance, visit the FEMA Region VIII Flood Insurance Media Kit atwww.fema.gov/r8flood.


Media Contact: FEMA News Desk: 303-235-4908

Colorado Flood and Wildfire Awareness Week

Flood and wildfire season is approaching. You should know your risks and make your plans to improve your outcomes.

The National Weather Service wants everyone in the United States to be part of a Weather-Ready Nation. Colorado has more than its fair share of floods, flash floods, and wildfires. You should be weather alert and weather-ready, knowing how to stay safe when floods and wildfires affect your area.

Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed this week, March 12th through 26th, as Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week. Now is the time to learn about flood and wildfire risks in Colorado, and to develop your plans to improve your outcome.

Floodprone areas have been identified in over 250 cities and towns and in all 64 counties in Colorado. Over 250 thousand people live in floodplains in Colorado. There are estimated to be 65 thousand homes and 15 thousand commercial, industrial, and business structures in identified floodplains. There are likely many more structures located within unmapped flood hazard areas. The value of the property, structures, and contents located in the identified floodplains is estimated to be around 15 billion dollars.

Floods and flash floods have killed over 400 people in Colorado since the turn of the 20th century. The historic weather pattern of September 2013 reminds us all that floods are a major concern across the Centennial State. Floods have caused billions of dollars of damage in Colorado.

On average, 2500 wildfires occur across Colorado each year. Since 2012, 8 people have been killed when wildfires occurred in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

The National Weather Service forecast offices which serve Colorado will issue a series of public information statements during this Colorado Flood Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week...covering the following topics.

• Sunday:  Introduction to the Week
• Monday:  Flood Watches and Warnings
• Tuesday:  River Floods
• Wednesday:  Flash Floods
• Thursday:  Fire Weather Forecasts, Watches and Warnings
• Friday:  Wildfire Safety and Mitigation
• Saturday:  Review of the Week

More information on floods and wildfires is available at your local National Weather Service web sites.

• NWS Denver/Boulder
• NWS Pueblo
• NWS Goodland
• NWS Grand Junction

Purchasing and Maintaining: Flood Insurance is a Great Investment Anytime

New Release shared on behalf of FEMA Region VIII

There’s a hidden threat that strikes countless unprepared Americans each year – flooding. Unlike fire, wind, hail or most other perils, flood damage is not covered by a homeowners’ policy. An uninsured flood loss can undo a lifetime’s worth of effort and create a mountain of bills. Fortunately, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy provides the defense against such losses and can ensure that a flood doesn’t bring financial ruin.

Flooding is an ever present threat; it can happen at any time and in virtually any location. While certain areas may be more prone to flooding – especially those in coastal areas or riverine environments – history has shown that almost no place is immune to flooding. Flooding can have many causes: a quick heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt can cause flash flooding, a blocked culvert or storm sewer drain can create flooding in a city neighborhood, or prolonged wet weather can swell streams and rivers. Even dry conditions can pose a threat, as minimal rainfall in wildfire burn areas or drought stricken regions can create flash flooding when soils are unable absorb even slight precipitation.

Flood insurance is easy to get, the only requirement is that you live in a participating community (which might be a county or other jurisdiction for those living in unincorporated areas). That’s right; you don’t need to live in a floodplain to purchase a policy. In fact, if you live outside a floodplain you may be eligible for a preferred risk policy that has a much lower premium than for a policy in a higher flood risk area. And in most cases you can purchase an NFIP policy with the insurance agent you already deal with for other insurance needs. When that isn’t possible, NFIP can put you in touch with another agent that can get you a flood insurance policy.

One key difference of an NFIP policy from another insurance policy is the 30-day waiting period prior to the policy going into effect. But that doesn’t mean anyone should view a policy like a lottery ticket, something purchased only if flooding appears imminent. A policy should be viewed as protection against a continuing threat rather than a hedge against a singular event such as anticipated spring flooding or following a wildfire.

The average flood insurance premium nationwide is about $700 a year – less than $2 a day for financial protection from what could be devastating effects of a flood to one’s home or business. By purchasing a policy now, or keeping your existing policy, you have peace of mind. As with any insurance, be sure to talk with your agent about the specifics of your policy – how much coverage you need, coverage of contents as well as structure and any other questions you might have.

Find out more about your risk and flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov. To purchase flood insurance or find an agent, call 1-800-427-2419.

FEMA Webinar Opportunity: National Flood Insurance Program

FEMA Webinar Opportunity: National Flood Insurance Program

Audience: State Insurance Commissions and Realtors Boards, elected officials and Emergency Managers.

Subject: October 1, 2016 – Changes to the National Flood Insurance Program – What do the changes mean to your clients?

You’re invited to the join FEMA Region 8 for the third of a Regional Webinar Series focused on the changes that will become effective October 1, 2016, as a result of the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA). Our goal is to inform insurance agents, real estate professionals, floodplain administrators, elected officials, local officials, Tribal Leaders, and other stakeholders of changes to the National Flood Insurance Program and how these changes will affect property owners in their communities.

To sign up for one of the online sessions in August or September, 2016, please click on the following link and follow the instructions:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/region-8-webinar-series-october-1-2016-changes-tickets-26878786173. Registration is limited, so please sign up early and feel free to share with others professionals. The online training link, information on using the Adobe Connect webinar interface, and the conference phone line will be emailed to you prior to the webinar.

You are an important resource to explain changing flood risks and changes to insurance for your clients/residents.

Additional information the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, visit http://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance-reform and to sign up to receive up to date information on the NFIP sign up for “Write Your Own” Bulletins at: https://www.fema.gov/write-your-own-wyo-program

If you have any questions please email them to R8-Mitigation-Outreach@fema.dhs.gov

Just are reminder that the times for the events are Mountain Standard Time (MST).

DHSEM Accepting NOIs for Hazard Mitigation Assistance

The Colorado DHSEM Mitigation Team is now accepting Notice of Intent (NOI) forms for the FY15 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance(link is external) grants, including the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM(link is external))  and Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA).(link is external) These grants represent an opportunity to improve a community’s ability to mitigate natural hazards and reduce potential impacts on citizens, property and local economies. NOIs will be evaluated for eligibility and alignment with HMA program priorities as laid out in the fact sheets linked below. The Mitigation Team will invite jurisdictions to complete a full grant application as appropriate. 

FEMA Program Grant Announcements

• HMA Fact Sheet(link is external)
• Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program(link is external)
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program(link is external)
• Flood Mitigation Assistance Program Fact Sheet(link is external)

Timeline

Similar to last year, the timeline for application development is significantly shorter than in previous years. The compressed timeline suggests that the most competitive projects will be those in alignment with Federal program priorities, previously scoped, in pre-design, and with a well-established cost estimate. 

June 12, 2015	Notice of Intent forms due to DHSEM
June 19, 2015	Notice of Intent reviews complete
July 24, 2015	Benefit-Cost Analysis complete
August 14, 2015	Subapplications completed in eGrants
August 28, 2015	State application completed in eGrants and submitted to FEMA

Please take a thorough look at the program webpages and grants.gov sites as linked above, as well as the FY15 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance(link is external). FEMA in 2015 has also provided an addendum that helps to clarify some of the changes to the Guidance FY15 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance Addendum(link is external)

Please fill out the NOI that represents the intent of your specific project.

Visit the DHSEM website for the NOI forms.

Morgan County Severe Weather May 2015

Media Release from Morgan County PIO Rogelio Segura.  Information update from 6 p.m. on May 12, 2015.

Local officials and emergency personnel continue to monitor water levels and make preparations for possible flooding by the South Platte River. Morgan County Emergency Operations Center has been monitoring and has been operational since Saturday May 9th.

Evacuation triggers and zones have been established. Early warning system Hyper Reach pre-evacuation notifications and face-to-face pre-evacuation notices have been given to residents in the Orchard and Goodrich areas as a precautionary measure should evacuation be necessary once the crest of water in the South Platte from Weld County begins to enter Morgan County . Evacuation points have been pre-established at Weldon Valley School, Fort Morgan High School and Brush Middle School. These evacuation points will not be activated until evacuation notices go out via early warning system Hyper Reach and door to door notifications to evacuate begin by the Morgan County Sheriff Office and supporting agencies.

Current Activities and Conditions

At this time Morgan County is experiencing widespread damage to county roads unlike the 2013 flooding that was localized to areas near the South Platte. The 2015 floods and heavy rainfall have created damage over large portions of Morgan County. County Public Works has been working diligently to identify damaged roads with assistance from supporting agencies throughout the county. Work on the county roads to make them “passable” has been ongoing and headway is being, but travelers are still advised to use caution when driving on county roads. Approximately 26 square miles of Morgan County’s 36 square miles have seen road damage and road closures at this time. For up to date road closures in Morgan County please go to www.co.morgan.co.us.

The heavy rainfall that took place on May 8th and 9th over the Front Range and northeast Colorado created conditions that were not factors in 2013 flooding.

The combination of saturating rains in the first part of May and the May 8th and 9th heavy rain storms left us with more water than the creeks and drainages could handle. Flooding due to rain water started to move east through the county washing over county roads (both dirt and pavement).The southwest and northeast portions of the county were greatly affected and the majority of roads in these areas we impassable by vehicle due to water either running over the roads or water cutting trenches through the road.

The large amounts of rain runoff that fell in Elbert, Adams and Morgan Counties filled creeks that flow into Morgan County from the east county line. These creeks have laid dormant for nearly 40 years other than the occasional heavy rain runoff that is usually absorbed into the ground and nowhere near as much as we have seen over the last week. The Kiowa Creek, Bijou Creek, Antelope Creek and Rock Creek were all running at full capacity and in most cases widespread breaching took place along those creeks as it continued east through the county. Both the Kiowa and Bijou Creeks entered into the South Platte just west of the City of Fort Morgan and contributed to higher water levels in the South Platte which was already running high from waters coming down the South Platte from the front range rainfall and spring runoff from the mountain snow melt. At this time both the Kiowa and Bijou Creeks have receded greatly, but are still flowing into the South Platte as the remainder of flood water is discharged. The Antelope Creek which enters Morgan County from Adams County was also running over capacity and caused heavy damage and dangerous conditions in the southwest portion of the county. These conditions caused the closure of Hwy 52 south of Wiggins to Hudson due to water running over the highway and in some cases through the highway. CDOT has since repaired Hwy 52 and it is now open from Wiggins to Hudson.

The front edge of the flood water crest in the South Platte is expected to enter Morgan County late tonight and pass through our county throughout tomorrow into tomorrow night. This flow is being closely monitored by the Morgan County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff. The EOC will remain open for the duration of this flood event until the water passes through the east side of the county and hazardous conditions to the Morgan County citizens has subsided.

Public Health and Environment

For citizens that utilize well water to supply their residence and that have been affected by flood waters the Northeast Colorado Health Department is offering free well water testing and tetanus shots for those citizens in need.

For information on well testing or public health related questions please go to www.nchd.org and click on the resource tab or call 970-522-3741.

Damage Reports

Morgan County Officials will be posting information for Morgan County residence to report damages you may have received due to this flood event. More information to follow.

Morgan County Emergency Operations Center 24 hour number: 970-542-3510

If you have photos you would like to share with us please send them to 2015flood@co.morgan.co.us

Prepared by NPAC member Ken Jansma on behalf of Morgan County PIO Rogelio Segura.

State EOC Activated at Level Three Response

The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at a level three. The State EOC is activated to monitor and respond to flood impacts of the South Platte and Arkansas Rivers.  A situational awareness briefing is currently underway.

State EOC Objectives

• Establish and maintain situational awareness by staying in contact with local jurisdictions and other response agencies.
• Be prepared to provide resources to local jurisdictions upon request through proper process in an effort to conduct a coordinated State - level response.
• Assist in the development and coordination of State - level messaging and provide support to local Joint Information Centers, as necessary.
• Be prepared to initiate State - level response for incidents or events outside of impacted areas.
• Monitor weather conditions across the State / FEMA Region.

 

Level Three Definition

The State EOC will be initially staffed using available DHSEM personnel for business hours only. Select state agencies (for example: CDPHE, CDPS, DMVA, CDOT) are notified they may be needed to report to the State EOC.
 

Colorado Commemorates Anniversary of September 2013 Floods, Focuses on 100 Percent Long-Term Recovery for Local Communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of Gov. John Hickenlooper

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Colorado commemorates anniversary of September 2013 floods, focuses on 100 percent long-term recovery for local communities

DENVER — Monday, Sept. 8, 2014 —  Gov. John Hickenlooper today marked the first anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2013 floods by praising the resiliency Coloradans have shown in the year since the state’s worst natural disaster, and pledging continued support for long-term recovery.

“The flooding that began nearly a year ago will be forever etched in Colorado history. But what will also endure is the story of how Coloradans responded. Faced with this disaster, the people of our state once again showed their resilience and rugged optimism,” Gov. Hickenlooper said. “It has been a privilege to work with Coloradans during our recovery. Their tireless efforts and commitment are inspiring and keep us moving forward with the same urgency and focus we had just days after the flood.”

The framework for the state’s long-term recovery is in place, the governor said, and the state will continue to support the recovery vision of local communities, by advocating for much-needed financial resources, providing recovery expertise at the state level and maintaining a strong sense of urgency to keep recovery efforts on track.

“We are committed to a 100-percent recovery for local communities. It will take time, but working together with our local, state and federal partners we will continue to build back better and stronger,” Hickenlooper said.

The historic flooding started on Sept. 11, 2013, impacting more than 24 counties and more than 2,000 square miles in Colorado. The floods took 10 lives, and forced the evacuation of more than 18,000 residents, while causing an estimated $3 billion in damage, including $1.7 billion to the state’s infrastructure, $623 million to housing and $555 billion to the state’s economy.

A year later, 21 families remain in temporary housing, state and local highways have reopened and permanent repairs are under way, and long-term recovery efforts are moving forward at the county and municipal levels.Working closely with the congressional delegation, nearly  $1.5 billion in state and federal funding has been allocated for the recovery, including over $300 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery (DR) funds.

Last week, the state submitted an amendment to Colorado’s Action Plan for the second allocation of $199.3 million in CDBG-DR funds. The Substantial Amendment outlines how the critical funds will be used to support local recovery efforts from the floods and recent presidentially declared wildfires, identifying programs for housing, infrastructure, economic revitalization, agriculture, planning and resiliency, and watershed restoration.

“The recovery from the floods has been a collaborative effort since day one: the governor, the congressional delegation, community partners, the General Assembly and non-profits,” said Molly Urbina, Colorado’s Chief Recovery Officer. “However, we still have a significant unmet need. It’s unlikely that everyone will be made whole, but we will continue to aggressively seek funding for long-term recovery effort.”

Urbina, who succeeded IHS Executive Chairman Jerre Stead as chief recovery officer in February, said the state’s vision will remain closely aligned with local communities.

“ Disasters start locally and end locally,” Urbina said. “Local communities each have their own plans for recovery. At the state level, we will support these plans and visions by advocating for funding resources and providing technical expertise. Collaboration is the key as we look to the future.’

Colorado will commemorate the anniversary of the floods and celebrate how Coloradans have united to help communities recover with a statewide day of service, Colorado United Day of Service, on Sept. 13. Coloradans around the state can volunteer for projects at ColoradoUnited.com.

Upper Bear Creek Flood: Huerfano County, Colorado: July 8 at 9:25 a.m.

Information provided by Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management PIO.

A flash flood moved through the East Peak burn scar early Tuesday morning. The call was received at approximately 3:15 a.m.

96 scouts including troop leaders from the Kansas and Colorado area were evacuated to Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg. The Red Cross has been providing meals and shelter for evacuees. County Rd. 340 at the Shangri La entrance is currently closed.

No other evacuations ordered. Elevation: 8,500 ft.

• Cause: Flash Flood
• Jurisdiction: Huerfano County
• Cooperating Agencies: Huerfano County Fire Department, La Veta Fire, Huerfano County Road and Bridge, Red Cross, Huerfano County Office of Emergency Management, Huerfano County EMS
• Management Strategies: Life safety, property protection, debris removal, weather monitoring for re-entry and damage assessment.

Public Assistance Project Status Report

View the most current Public Assistance (PA) Project Status Report with information on projects related to the 2013 Colorado Floods.  All reports are posted to our recovery site at CORecovers.info on the State PA page. 

Public Assistance Project Status Report:  June 18, 2014

News Release: DHSEM Partners with Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association to Remind You to Check Your Insurance Coverage

Call Your Insurance Agent Today to Check Your Insurance Coverage Limits

Contact:  Micki Trost
               Cell Phone:  303-472-4087
               EMAIL:  micki.trost@state.co.us

Denver - Thursday, May 29, 2014 - The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is partnering with the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (RMIIA) to remind Colorado homeowners and renters to contact their insurance agents to review their insurance coverage.  Those insured should:

• Check the value of your insurance policy against rising local building costs each year.  You do not want to be caught under-insured after a disaster.
• Check the limits of your insurance coverage.  Will it cover floods, mudslides, landslides or mudflows?  
• Secure coverage for risks in your area today.  Basic homeowners insurance typically excludes "Difference in Conditions" such as flood, landslide, mudflow and earthquakes and may include a 30-day wait period before coverage goes into effect.

The RMIIA has posted information on their website to get you started in learning more about insurance coverage.  The information is posted at  http://www.rmiia.org/catastrophes_and_statistics/Mudslide.asp.  

Landslide, Mudslide & Mudflow

A massive mudslide endangering homes in Mesa County, Colorado... The tragic Washington State mudslide... These events raise questions about what's covered by insurance and what's not. Here's what you need to know:

• Homeowners, renters and business insurance policies typically exclude flood, mudflow, landslide and earthquake. Also visit:Homeowners Insurance Basics

• Landslides, mudslides and mudflow are considered different perils and require different insurance—separate from a homeowners or business policy. Landslides and mudslides are primarily earth movement, while a mudflow is caused by water picking up soil and turning into mud. With a mudflow, the primary ingredient is water, so flood insurance will typically cover parts of this loss. Click here to read about flood insurance and mudflow.

• The National Flood Insurance Program offers "Flood & Mudflow" coverage up to $250,000 for a homeowner and $500,000 for a business. Renters can buy policies for their personal contents. Flood insurance must be purchased 30 days in advance of a flood. Also visit: www.floodsmart.gov

• A "Difference In Conditions" policy includes coverage for flood, landslide, mudflow and earthquake. Depending on risk factors, such as the slope of your property or proximity to a cliff, a homeowner with a $300,000 house can expect to pay $1,000 or more per year for this coverage.

• A "Difference In Conditions" policy can only be purchased through a surplus-lines carrier as a stand-alone policy. Click here for details.

• Separate earthquake policies or endorsements to homeowners insurance policies exclude landslides that are not caused by an earthquake. Click here to read about earthquake and insurance.

• Prepare in advance: Evacuation Plan, Emergency Kit, Insurance Coverage, Home Inventory

• Insurance is tied to the "cause of loss" or what peril caused the damage. So, any coverage you have under your homeowners or business insurance policy does not apply if the peril is excluded—flood, mudslide, mudflow, earthquake. That means additional living expenses "ALE" or business interruption is NOT covered. Flood insurance also does not cover ALE or business interruption. Also visit: Homeowners Insurance Basics.

Increased Cost of Compliance can help with recovery, deter future damages

As Coloradans learned in September 2013, heavy rains along the Front Range can lead to extensive flooding. And, as many people have learned, recovering from floods can be a difficult task.

Now as the weather warms, state and federal officials are keeping a wary eye on snow melt and the potential for spring rains.

As part of their preparations, officials continue to urge flood insurance policyholders to make sure they understand what provisions are in their coverage. One part of the policy that might be especially important is the Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC).

NFIP policyholders who are rebuilding after 2013 flood may be eligible for up to $30,000 in ICC funds to cover the cost of bringing the home or business into compliance with local floodplain ordinances. ICC coverage is included as a part of the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.

To be eligible for ICC coverage, the community floodplain administrator must determine that a building has been “substantially damaged,” or sustained “repetitive damage.”

A building is considered to be substantially damaged when the total cost of repair equals or exceeds 50 percent of its pre-disaster market value.

A building is considered to have sustained repetitive damage when it has been damaged by floods twice over a period of 10 years, and the cost to repair the damage, on average, equals or exceeds 25 percent of its market value at the time of each flood event. This applies only if the participating community has a repetitive loss provision in their floodplain management ordinance, and an insurance claim payment is made for each of the two flood losses. To find out if your community has a repetitive loss provision, contact local officials or your insurance company.

To make an ICC claim, owners may decide to:

• Elevate: Raise a home to or above the flood elevation level adopted by a community;
• Floodproof: Make a building watertight through a combination of adjustments or additions of features to the building that reduces the potential for flood damage;
• Relocate: Move a home out of harm’s way; or
• Demolish: Tear down a flood-damaged building.
• Claims for ICC benefits are filed separately from contents or building loss claims. A claims representative will be assigned to help prepare the ICC claim.

For more information on flood insurance or ICC coverage, visit floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531. Remember that NFIP policies go into effect 30 days after purchase. The time to buy is now.

News Release: State, Federal Disaster Officials Prepared for Potential Spring Flooding

May 14, 2014
Media Contacts:
State Public Information Officer Micki Trost: 303-472-4087
FEMA Region VIII News Desk: 303-235-4908

STATE, FEDERAL DISASTER OFFICIALS PREPARED FOR POTENTIAL SPRING FLOODING

DENVER—As residents and local officials in communities across the state prepare for the possibility of spring flooding, state and federal emergency management officials are gearing up for what could be another round of severe flooding in Colorado.

In the past weeks, officials have stepped up preparedness measures in anticipation of a potentially busy season, given high snowpack in parts of the state and the prospect of runoff and storms through areas still vulnerable from last September’s floods.

“Colorado residents are reminded to take steps to be prepared and heed the advice of their local officials in the event of an emergency,” Kevin Klein, Director Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) said. “Visit ReadyColorado.com for helpful information on how to be prepared for floods and other hazards.”

The Colorado DHSEM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional headquarters are working closely with the flood recovery teams at the disaster Joint Field Office in Centennial to ensure that all partners are prepared. Among preparedness actions taken, state and/or federal officials have:

• Created an interactive hazard map on READYColorado.com for Colorado community members to learn more about hazards in their area and what to do before, during or after a disaster hits.
• DHSEM hosted a spring runoff forum for emergency responders.
• Conducted a state-federal exercise at the Joint Disaster Field Office on April 18 to review the current flood outlook, discuss interagency coordination and anticipate potential issues and response operations in advance of spring flooding.
• Released new floodplain delineations based on post-flood LiDAR aerial surveys to show potential impacts from flood waters, including impact assessments of structures located within the 100-year floodplain.
• Increased engagement of Debris Task Force Teams using topographical data to compare pre- and post-flood surveys in order to identify potential flooding hazards.
• Coordinated with community and county officials to fund the removal of hazards from more than 100 streams in Boulder, El Paso, Larimer and Weld counties, unblocking key waterways. These efforts are ongoing.
• Developed strategic plans and staffing patterns in order to transition current recovery operations into a new flood response, if needed.
• Developed plans to conduct Preliminary Damage Assessments so teams can move quickly into the field to conduct ground surveys, if needed.
• Increased monitoring of weather conditions in coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), including a Potential High Water Conference with the state and NWS to consider flood risk in northwest Colorado – an area not affected by last September’s flood, but which could experience flooding this spring. Also, the State has completed a system of emergency alerts and safety protocols when flash flooding threatens the area of Hwy. 24, in coordination with NWS.
• Expanded outreach to local communities to provide spring flood mitigation information and the benefits of purchasing and maintaining flood insurance.
• Developed a State-FEMA Situational Awareness Team and reviewed coordination plans for State-FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams.

“FEMA has been working in coordination with our state and federal partners to ensure all are ready to respond in the event that Colorado is hit with another round of severe flooding,” FEMA’s Acting Regional Administrator Tony Russell said. “We have an experienced team that is ready to hit the ground running if needed.”

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Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management supports the needs of local government and partners with them before, during and after a disaster and to enhance preparedness statewide by devoting available resources toward prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery, which will ensure greater resiliency of our communities. For more information: coemergency.com and CORecovers.info



FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.